Top 10 Places
to Visit in Kentucky
Safe to say, we have a lot of love for the Bluegrass state since we have both called it home for the majority of our lives. While Kentucky does not often top the lists of vacation sites, the charm here is undeniable. There is something for everyone - foodies and bourbon connoiseurs, horse and animal lovers, rock climbers, and those who enjoy a balance of city and country life.
Plan a visit to our home state and see for yourself why it’s well-known for it’s lush green Bluegrass, rolling horse country, smoky sweet bourbon, and slower pace of life.
These are listed in no particular order. I think all ten are amazing representations of the beautiful landscape Kentucky has to offer!
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1.Red River Gorge
I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret, Phil proposed to me on a hike at RRG! This National Geological Area is filled with sandstone arches, incredible rock formations, and beautiful overlooks perfect for year-round hiking, camping, and climbing. There is no entrance fee, though there is a minimal fee for backcountry camping ($5/day or $7/3 days - you can pick up this pass at any gas station in Slade). RRG is located approximately 1 hour east of Lexington.
What to Do: Stop in and grab a slice of pizza and an Ale8One soda from Miguel’s Pizza. Hike 1.5mi (or ride the skylight up) to Natural Bridge State Park. Then, find a backcountry trail if you’re interested in continuing the hike! Two of our personal favorites are Double Arch (4.4mi - note that a large portion of this is on a gravel road which is less exciting, but the view is beautiful & the hike is easy) and Gray’s Arch (2.3mi; where we got engaged!).
2. Bourbon Trail
I may be biased, but Kentucky’s bourbon trail is a top-tier distillery hopping experience. While there are distilleries throughout the state, the majority of the well-known distilleries are nestled in a geographical triangle between Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown. While some distilleries are smack dab in the middle of downtown areas, others showcase historic buildings nestled into Kentucky’s iconic rolling Bluegrass hills. Some offer free tours and tastings and others offer more involved tastings at a nominal fee. If you like bourbon, history, or bourbon balls, you will not be disappointed by visiting KY’s bourbon distilleries!
What to Do: Our favorite distilleries are Buffalo Trace in Frankfort (the tours are free & it is located just outside KY’s capitol city; the tours do book up well in advance, but they offer complimentary tastings on-site even if you miss the official tour), Woodford Reserve (beautiful property, excellent bourbon, and $32 for a 70 minute tour & guided tasting), & Jim Beam (beautiful property, excellent restaurant; tours & tastings are $20+ depending on the experience).
3. Breaks Interstate Park
Admittedly, this hidden gem is difficult to visit. It is located deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, right on the border of Kentucky & Virginia. In fact, Breaks is a “bi-state park” shared by both states! Viewpoints over Breaks canyon offer sweeping views of the horseshoe-shaped river canyon draped in emerald trees. It has even been referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South”. Due to its rural location (~3 hours from Lexington), Breaks is not well-traveled, making it the perfect relaxing retreat in the mountains.
What to Do: Visit the Clinchfield Overlook (technically in Virginia, but looking over Kentucky), a 0.2 mi out & back trail to the primary overlook. Then, head over to mountain bike the 12 mile trail through the park! Please note, there is a $3/vehicle day-use fee.
4. Covington
Located directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, OH, the Cov is a foodie’s dream! In fact, our weekend guide to Cincinnati was not complete without highlighting a few delicious stops on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. Not only does Covington have some fantastic restaurants, it also houses the Kentucky end of the Roebling Bridge, the inspiration for the famous Brooklyn Bridge in NYC. The Ohio River suspension bridge was designed and built by John R. Roebling who later went on to design the Brooklyn Bridge!
What to Do: Walk along the riverfront and admire the beautiful Roebling Bridge. For lunch, grab a shaved Brussels and lemon pizza at The Gruff (just trust me) and a novelty ice cream from Eishaus in the shape of the iconic Cincinnati Chili 3-way (ice cream “noodles”, chocolate sauce “chili”, and yellow chocolate “shredded cheese”). Walk along Mainstrasse Village and admire the historic architecture built by German immigrants to the area, complete with the working glockenspiel at the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower. For dinner, grab tacos at Frida 602 or a nice meal at The Baker’s Table. If you aren’t too full, enjoy a specialty cocktail from Second Story bar where the aesthetic is top-tier and the drinks are just as good. Round out the night with a cannoli from the Cannoli guy himself at Del Gardo’s!
5. Lexington & Horse Country
Home sweet home for us! Lexington is Kentucky’s second biggest city, located directly in the middle of central Kentucky, surrounded by thousands of acres of rolling horse farms. This backdrop lends Lexington a slower pace of life, while its physical location makes it a gathering hub for Kentuckians across the state. The I-75 and I-64 corridors run directly through Lexington, making it an easy stop on most visits to the state. Our weekend trip & foodie guide for Lexington will make your visit to the city 10/1o!
What to Do: Go for a walk at McConnell’s Spring Park to see the hot springs and the 250-yr-old Bur Oak. Grab a coffee at Leestown Coffee House (my favorite coffee shop) and pick up lunch at Bourbon n Toulouse (Lexington’s beloved Cajun restaurant). In the afternoon, catch a movie at the historic Kentucky Theatre on Main Street or the KY Horse Park on the outskirts of town. For dinner, head over to the historic distillery district and grab tacos at Desperados Cantina, ice cream at Crank & Boom, & a drink at The Burl Arcade. If you want to unwind and avoid the crowds, grab dinner at County Club (our favorite Lexington restaurant) and a drink next-door at West Sixth Brewing.
6. Mammoth Cave National Park
The longest known cave system in the world, that was first discovered by people over 5,000 years ago, is located in Kentucky! Mammoth Cave NP offers a variety of cave tours, as well as several activities for visitors on the surface. The area has earned its Dark Sky designation, making it a great spot for stargazing alongside miles of hiking along river trails and limestone formations.
What to Do: Pack a lunch and head to Mammoth Cave for a morning & afternoon of cave exploration & hiking! After your day in the park, head 30 minutes south to Bowling Green (KY’s 3rd largest town!) for an afternoon coffee at Spencer’s (I dream about their dirty chai…) and dinner at Hickory & Oak or Novo Dolce.
7. Louisville
Kentucky’s biggest city is well-known for it’s biggest event of the year, the Kentucky Derby in early May. While you can visit Churchill Downs year-round, there are plenty of other activities in Louisville to keep you busy! The city is sprawling and separated by neighborhood, making it easy to find something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Do: Walk through Historic Old Louisville to admire the restored Victorian mansions in St. James’ Court, then pop on over to Logan Street Market for your choice of lunch (I would highly recommend the pastrami smoked salmon from Cold Smoke Bagels or anything from Full Arepa KY!). Spend the afternoon near the river at Waterfront Park or visiting the Muhammad Ali and Louisville Slugger museums. For dinner, take a trip down Bardstown Rd. and choose from a selection of haunts. Our favorites are Havana Rumba (Cuban cuisine) and Nostalgic (90s themed dishes/drinks that are perfect for millennials).
8. Lake Cumberland
If you love a day on the lake, Lake Cumberland is your spot. It is a large reservoir with over 1,200 miles of shoreline and also offers the largest fleet of rental houseboats in the country! There are all sorts of rental options available from kayaks to pontoons to stand-up paddle boards.
What to Do: Spend a day on the lake, of course! If you don’t want to go out on the lake, but you want waterside views, you can visit Pulaski County Park in Somerset, the largest town near Lake Cumberland (& Phil’s hometown!). While you’re there, grab a coffee at Baxter’s!
9. Small Towns in the Ohio River Valley
While not a common tourist suggestion, small towns on the banks of the Ohio River contain some of Kentucky’s best small-town charm with gorgeous river views. Visit Augusta, the home of George Clooney that was named the “Most Picturesque Small Town in KY”. Then take a trip next door to Maysville, where the downtown area is bustling and the river views are sweeping.
What to Do: Walk along the river through Augusta and grab lunch at the Beehive Tavern. Then drive to Maysville (~25 minutes away) and walk through the downtown arts district.
10. Land Between the Lakes
In far western Kentucky, there is a 170,000 acre peninsula only accessible via bridge or boat since it is surrounded by the largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico! Visitors can view elk, bison, osprey, bald eagles, and other wildlife in this magical outdoor playground. Located only 30 minutes away from the town of Paducah, visitors can enjoy a nice evening on the town after a day spent on the lake or trails!
What to Do: Enjoy the trails at Land Between the Lakes, drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie for wildlife viewing, and fish on the banks of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Then, head in to Paducah for the evening and enjoy dinner at Freight House or a sandwich for the road from Midtown Market!