Budget Travel editors have been enjoying the Bluegrass State’s music, cultural heritage and traditions for years. Here are our top picks for living like a local on your next visit.
When it comes to a room with a view, a wide range of cultural offerings including folk art and bluegrass music, and a centuries-old culinary heritage, we love everything Kentucky has to offer. Think of it as a preview of your next big vacation.
Cultural Heritage
When one says the words “culture” and “Kentucky,” Louisville naturally comes to mind, with its famous Louisville Ballet and Louisville Drama Theater, both of which draw enthusiastic audiences with their world-class performances. But in Kentucky, the culture is as diverse and welcoming as the state itself. As for folk arts, travelers should plan a stop in Berea, the “Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky,” with its pottery, weaving, art galleries and even exceptional handcrafted musical instruments. Another must-see is bustling Paducah, designated a City of Crafts and Folk Arts by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Speaking of crafts, no trip to Kentucky would be complete without learning the art of distilling the signature local bourbon, not to mention a traditional old-fashioned cocktail invented in Louisville. Visit some (or all!) of Kentucky’s thirteen major distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® Road Trip. Or delve into Louisville’s special distilling scene on the Urban Bourbon Trail® or discover small distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®. Regardless of your bourbon experience, you’ll come home with a sense of history, craftsmanship and almost certainly a love for Kentucky’s famous drink.
Kentucky’s history doesn’t stop at art and ghosts, of course. After all, Abraham Lincoln was born here and you can visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville. The state is also home to important forts and battlefields from the American Civil War, sites dedicated to the history and culture of Africa and India, and opportunities to learn more about Kentucky’s importance to the coal industry, past and present. No matter where you are on your Kentucky trip, you’re never far from bustling small towns where American history borders innovative imagination and creativity.
Horse lovers will enjoy spending time exploring the equestrian side of Kentucky. Make a “pilgrimage” to Keeneland, Lexington or Churchill Downs, Louisville, or visit one of the state’s many horse farms that are open to visitors. The Kentucky Horse Park may be the best place to immerse yourself in the world of horses, where you can visit the Hall of Champions, tour the International Horse Museum, and attend various events and shows.
While Kentucky is nicknamed the “Bluegrass State” because of the lush, thick grass that grows in its north-central regions, the name “bluegrass” also refers to the music, of course, and it’s a state where you’ll find vibrant music traditions everywhere you go. Bluegrass music is an incredible musical melting pot of European folk, gospel and jazz traditions. You can appreciate the music and its history at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, visit the birthplace of the “Father of Bluegrass,” Bill Monroe, who gave the music its name and helped build the Country Music Highway along U.S.
Route 23 in eastern Kentucky, visit the birthplaces of several great music figures, including Loretta Lynn, the Judds and Ricky Scaggs; be sure to also visit the Country Music Highway Museum in Paintsville and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Renfro Valley.
Speaking of music, Kentucky’s nightlife goes way beyond bluegrass and country music. If you’re looking for up-and-coming musical performers, check out a college town like Lexington. For theater, classical music and jazz, spend a night in the city of Louisville, Paducah or Bowling Green.
Food
You know Kentucky will feed them well, and the recent season of Top Chef, “Better in the Bluegrass,” confirms that with the popular TV cooking competition taking place right here in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky food varies from region to region, and in our experience, it makes sense to take a culinary tour of as many regions as possible.