Fun Things To Do in Kentucky
Kentucky is known for the three B's: basketball, bluegrass and bourbon, and you can find them all in the state's largest city, Louisville. Within minutes of landing at Louisville International Airport, you can clearly see that Louisville is a unique place with Southern and Midwestern influences.
An Urban Bourbon Trail
France has Champagne, Germany perfected beer, the Japanese have sake - and America prides itself on Kentucky-made bourbon. People across the world will pay top prices for high-quality batches of this liquor, but you can taste it at a fraction of the cost during your stay in Louisville.
You can hop in your rental and head south into Bourbon Country just outside of the city, or create your own urban bourbon trail at Louisvillian institutions like the Old Seelbach Bar, Bourbon's Bistro, or Down One Bourbon Bar. If you want to really dive into the local culture, be sure to order a mint julep, or old fashioned—you won't regret it.
Bardstown Road And The Highlands
There's a lot more to Louisville than just downtown—if you are staying a few days in the city, hop in your Thrifty rental car and spend an afternoon in the foodie haven and arts-centric Highlands neighborhood. This is where you will find the city's largest collection of locally owned shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and sprawling Cherokee Park. If you like to travel like a local, there is the place to do it.
Explore The Waterfront
Downtown Louisville is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the South, and has recently undergone a renovation, bringing in more visitors than ever. Here, you can see six-story tall replica of Babe Ruth's bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum and tour the museum to learn about baseball's most famous accessory and its impact on the city. Waterfront Park is also wonderful place to stretch out and take in the beauty of the roaring Ohio River, while 4th Street Live! Is where you can find Louisville's hottest dining and nightlife options.
"Run For The Roses"
Another event and historic site that is practically synonymous with Louisville is the world—famous Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Dubbed "the most exciting two minutes in sports," the Kentucky Derby is the start of the Triple Crown series and races the country's top thoroughbreds on the first Saturday of every May. Even if you can't make it to the star-studded event, a trip to the Kentucky Derby Museum located on the grounds is well worth a visit. Churchill Downs is also just a few miles from Louisville International Airport, making it very easy to get to once you land.