Beautiful geography, a pleasant climate, and numerous year-round attractions make Kentucky a "must-see" for visitors from around the country. Kentucky may be famous for Churchill Downs and horse racing, but that's not all upon which it hangs its hat. The Bluegrass State has so much going for it that it's possible to find something new and exciting to do every day of the week. No matter what their interests, visitors to Kentucky will have no shortage of activities and places from which to choose.
While the largest cities in Kentucky are the capital city of Lexington and Louisville, home of Churchill Downs, these are not the only two cities visitors should pay attention to – many smaller cities and towns in western, eastern, and central Kentucky boast noteworthy places that should be seen and experienced. Moreover, with a diversity of experiences at their fingertips, there is truly something for everyone in the Bluegrass State.
Geography and Climate
Kentucky sits directly south of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio; west of West Virginia and Virginia; north of Tennessee; and briefly borders Missouri on its western edge. Known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky is divided geographically into five regions: the Bluegrass Region, the Cumberland Plateau, the Western Coal Field, the Pennyroyal Region, and the Jackson Purchase Region. Each of these regions bears its own distinct attractions and culture.
With its location straddling the South and the Midwest, Kentucky can get chilly during the winters. Average lows can drop down to the low 20s during the winter, while the summer high temperatures average around 87 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, the weather is quite pleasant, though it may get a little humid. Rain falls heaviest in the spring, and the commonwealth's southern regions may get up to 10 inches more rain than in the north.
History
Kentucky was first a hunting ground for the Shawnee and Cherokee tribes. Though explored through the 18th century, due to violence stemming from the American Revolution, less than 200 settlers remained in Kentucky by 1776. Towards the end of the war, however, the population began to rise. As the number of settlers increased, serious discussion began to take place regarding whether Kentucky should remain a part of Virginia, as it was currently. Between 1784 and 1792, ten Constitutional Conventions were held to entertain suggestions for the future of Kentucky. On June 1st of 1792, however, the United States admitted Kentucky into the Union as the 15th state.
Attitudes in Kentucky were complicated by the Civil War. Though a border state, and a slave state to boot, the majority of Kentuckians supported the cause of the Union. This divide led to multiple attempts at overthrowing the Unionist legislature. Kentucky was ostensibly a neutral state, but three invasions by Confederate Armies led to the commonwealth being placed under permanent control by Union soldiers for the duration of the war.
After hostilities ended, Reconstructionism highlighted a contentious period in Kentucky's history. Kentucky rejected the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, and the Democratic candidates elected in 1865 helped repeal the Expatriation Act of 1862, restoring citizenship to Confederates.
Though the Great Depression was difficult for Kentuckians, the New Deal had a positive impact on the lives of its citizens. As well, the creation of the Kentucky Dam was of especial importance to those living in Western Kentucky.
Today, Kentucky still depends on its tobacco crops, but to a far less extent than in previous decades. And, while agriculture in general is still important to the commonwealth, more residents reside in urban than in rural areas.
History buffs can visit a number of historic sites. Quite a few Civil War sites exist, including forts, battlefields, cemeteries, and historic homes. Also notable are places associated with President Abraham Lincoln, who was born in Kentucky and spent his early childhood there. In the Hodgenville area, stop by the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home, and the Lincoln Museum. A number of other Lincoln-related sites can be found throughout the Bluegrass State.
Outdoor Adventures
Because Kentucky is still a largely rural area, one of the best reasons to visit is to enjoy the great outdoors. Full of rolling meadows, mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers, the Bluegrass State offers many different types of fun recreation. It also supports one of the best state park systems in the country, with 17 state resort parks and 24 state recreational parks.
Two of the commonwealth's most-visited natural areas are located within Daniel Boone National Forest. The Red River Gorge draws visitors to see its stunning natural stone arches, cliffs, and rock formations. Rock climbing is a popular pursuit here. The dramatic, towering Natural Arch, located in a different part of the forest, is the favorite of these stone structures. A sacred place to the Cherokee, it's also an archaeological site.
Kentucky also boasts three more unique attractions. Breaks Interstate Park, shared by Kentucky and Virginia, contains the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River. At Cumberland Falls State Park, nights with a full moon bring moonbows – rainbows caused by light refracting and reflecting from the moon. It's the only place in the Western Hemisphere to see this natural phenomenon. Travelers who want to see the moonbows should check the park's Web site for a list of dates when they'll be visible. Then there's Mammoth Cave National Park, which has attracted adventurers since 1816 to explore its 336 miles of caves – the longest recorded cave system in the world.
Aside from rock climbing and spelunking, travelers will find many other ways to get out and about. With Kentucky's horse culture, it's no surprise that horseback riding is a popular activity which can be enjoyed in many places around the commonwealth. Hiking and biking are other active ways to experience nature in Kentucky. If you prefer water to land, you can go swimming, boating, canoeing, rafting, or fishing.
Sports
For those with a college-athletics bent, Division I-A sports are not to be missed. The premier programs in the commonwealth are found in Lexington with the University of Kentucky Wildcats, and in Louisville with the Louisville Cardinals. Both programs boast national contenders in football and basketball. Not to be missed are the Eastern Kentucky University Colonels, located in Richmond, and the Western Kentucky University Hill Toppers, located in Bowling Green. Conferences the schools participate in are, respectively, the SEC, the Big East, the Ohio Valley Conference, and the Sun Belt Conference.
If you've got baseball on the brain, you may want to check out the Louisville Bats, the Triple-A team for the Cincinnati Reds. The Bats play their games at Louisville Slugger Field, the host of the 2008 Triple-A All-Star game. There's also the Lexington Legends, the Class-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League of the Houston Astros.
Of course, when it comes to the commonwealth's sports, perhaps no place is more exciting than Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. Run every May, the Kentucky Derby entices thousands from around the country to make the trip to Louisville to share in the fun. Not to be overlooked, however, is Lexington's Keeneland Racing, a track that also routinely hosts thoroughbred races. Both tracks run races in both the spring and the fall; all races are open to the public with a minimal admissions fee.
Entertainment
Travelers seeking cultural pursuits and other entertainment will find plenty to keep them busy. Generally, Louisville and Lexington offer the widest variety, from prestigious theater companies to art museums. Of course, Kentucky is famous for its bluegrass music, which originated in the commonwealth's rural areas and is still quite popular. Crafts fans may wish to make a pilgrimage to Berea, known throughout the country as a top spot for arts and crafts, particularly those made in the Appalachian tradition.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown should be a point of interest for visitors to the commonwealth. The inspiration for Stephen Foster's song of the same name, the park produces two plays: Stephen Foster – The Musical and Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
As well, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is definitely not to be missed. Held every summer in Louisville, its free Shakespeare in Central Park performances continue to be a major attraction, as they have been since their inception in 1960. The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival also runs several theater programs throughout the year, including tours, a youth academy, and workshops.
For fans of living the nightlife, Louisville's Fourth Street Live is the place to be on weekends. Boasting a number of nightclubs and dance floors, Fourth Street Live is a prime location for bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well where folks go to just have a good time. In addition to the bars, Fourth Street Live also has a Hard Rock Cafe, Lucky Strike Lanes, and Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge.
The physical beauty of Kentucky is undeniable. Rolling hills, tall grass – nature's gift to the heartland. But Kentucky is more than just pretty scenery. There are plenty of adventures to be had, as well as many activities and attractions to enjoyed, while visiting the Bluegrass State.
