Kentucky is known as the “Blue Grass” state for its vast prairies of grass tinted with bluish buds in the spring season. Kentucky is known for its thoroughbred horses, horse racing (the world famous Kentucky Derby), bourbon distilleries, blue grass and blue grass music and tobacco.
The largest city in Kentucky is Louisville although its capital is Frankfort. The Louisville International airport is the entryway to most travelers coming from all over the world. The state has a humid subtropical climate with mild summers and mild to cold winters.
With “unbridled spirit”, Kentucky has won a place in the hearts of horse race enthusiasts. This state is home to the famous Kentucky Derby, one of the world’s foremost horse races. For those who are not into thoroughbred horses, there are many other activities which will keep them entertained. Spend a day or two at the 700,000 acres of Appalachian mountains in Daniel Boone’s Recreation area.
Every year, Kentucky hosts the largest Beatles festival in the world “Abbey Road On the River”. More than fifty or the world’s best Beatles bands and over twenty thousand fans join in for the five day celebration in May.
Kentucky has over 63,000 acres of water which affords the visitor a gamut of activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, rafting, swimming or spelunking through the thousands of caves in Mammoth Cave National Park. This is the world’s longest and most complex cave system and its vast chambers and subterranean labyrinths allow the casual visitor to enter a magical world of adventure.
Take a lazy, two hour long cruise on the Ohio River in “The Belle of Louisville”, a paddle wheeler boat. A guide narrates the history of the area and describes the landmarks on the route while the visitors enjoy a local meal (lunch or dinner).
Art enthusiasts may enjoy seeing a performance at the Actors Theatre (316 W Main St - KY 40202). Broadway style performances are conducted including My Fair Lady, Dracula, etc. There is also a yearly Humana festival, usually held in the month of March which showcases brand new plays.
Churchill Downs is home of the legendary Kentucky Derby horse race event. From April through July, visitors can view the beautiful, well trained thoroughbred horses that are getting ready for the race. This center also has the world’s largest Equine Museum that showcases an interactive exhibit that allows viewers to understand the race from a jockey’s viewpoint.
Ever heard of Kentucky Fried Chicken? If you want to know more about this phenomenon and how it started, check out the Colonel Sanders Museum (301 S 4rth St – KY 40202). The “finger-lickin” good chicken is believed to be treated with a secret blend of eleven herbs and spices. On display is the original “Pressure Cooker” that was used to make this mouth-watering delicacy.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there is the Shawnee Park (230 Southwestern Pkwy – KY 40212) which celebrates the joys of nature with its 316 acres of ball fields, tennis courts and a golf course. For families, there are playgrounds, picnic tables and even a softball field. At the Library of Graham in the park grounds, check out any of the 45,000 books on display.
