Kentucky Tourism Council Dedicated to the Kentucky Traveler

Dear Traveler:

Do you know what hidden treasure lies in your backyard? Listen up, just moments away is fun and excitement for the whole family. Yes folks, this is the wonderful Bluegrass State of Kentucky. Looking for something new, exciting, and different from all the other vacations? Read on to see what exciting experiences can be had and what this wonderful state has to offer.

As the slogan “The horse capital of the world” suggests, Kentucky is full of activities and attractions revolving around horses.

In the heart of the Commonwealth and among world famous thoroughbred horse farms and bluegrass knolls lies the Kentucky Horse Park. Still a working horse farm, the park has 30 miles of stone and white plank fencing enclosing its 1,200 acres. Unlike any park in the world there are almost 50 different breeds of horses to go along with the two museums and theaters. At the park kids and adults alike can ride ponies, see polo matches, learn the history of horse racing, and meet some of the most famous race horses in the world. Man-O-War, one of the fastest, has his own memorial at the park documenting his achievements throughout his racing and breeding career. An active farrier (or blacksmith) shop runs everyday with iron-pounding and shoe-shaping for all to see. Collectively these attractions make the park an educational and enjoyable experience for both the horse expert and ones unfamiliar with the animal.

In Lexington lies the most beautiful equine race track in the world, Keeneland. Opening in 1935 Keeneland has a wealth of history to offer anyone who attends. Thoroughbred racing is held in April and October and five times throughout the year horse sales are conducted via auction at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion. The Keeneland horse sales are the most prestigious in the world. Buyers from all over the country come to Lexington to bid on the racing greats of tomorrow. Witnessing these sales is truly a fascinating experience. The general public is welcome at the sales and no tickets are needed, cruise through the barns and watch the live auction ring to see millions of dollars worth of thoroughbreds change hands. Tours, Racing, and the Sales events are available to the general public year around. Once you have seen Keeneland you will never look at any other race track the same.

Starting in April is the Kentucky Derby Festival which has been going on in Louisville for decades. This festival was created to lead up to the Kentucky Derby, arguably the most prestigious horse race in the world, which is held on the first Saturday in May. The festival includes a marathon, parade, boat race, balloon race, chow wagons, and one of the largest fireworks shows ever created. The boat race is held on the Ohio River and matches up two of the oldest paddle boats still on the water: “The Belle of Louisville” and “The Delta Queen.” Traveling every year from Mississippi, The Delta Queen comes to vie for the trophy, which is a set of antlers placed on the bow of the winning vessel. Thunder over Louisville starts the day off with a high flying, acrobatic air show that includes the likes of the Blue Angels. At nightfall the pyro-technicians light up the sky with an hour long display of brilliant fireworks. Attending any or all of the Derby Festival activities is a must for any newcomer to the state.

Want to see some of the most spectacular horse farms and bluegrass countryside on earth? Take a “Kentucky Driving Tour.” The driving tour winds through the rolling hills where the fastest and strongest thoroughbreds graze, train, and are born. A new driving tour this year takes you to a few of the legendary Kentucky Bourbon distilleries in the area. Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and Four Roses distilleries will be on the agenda this year. At the distilleries the tour will stop for a guided tour of the distillery and tasting (we recommend this tour for the adults only). Sponsored by the Kentucky Tourism Council this tour is held three days a week year around. The tour is every bit as spectacular in the winter months as spring or fall.

Kentucky is full of theme parks and amusement attractions as well. Nestled in southern Kentucky is the world’s longest cave system, and in Louisville is Kentucky Kingdom.

The caves at Mammoth Cave National Park have been explored for over 4000 years and to this day some areas still remain a mystery. With 8 different cave systems offering 350 miles of passageways and numerous other activities, this Park is sure to be fun for the whole family. Surrounding Mammoth Cave are many attractions drawing over 1 million visitors a year. Lakes, water slides, campgrounds, restaurants, and shopping are available at the visitors’ finger tips. From fine resorts to camping, the Park can accommodate any and all types of vacationers.

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom is a top notch facility offering roller coasters, games, water slides, and dining for the whole family. Open in late spring through early fall the park draws thrill seekers and ones who just want to relax alike. For the thrill seekers there are roller coasters such as Chang, which twists and turns upside down, and covers 3 acres of park. If relaxation is on the agenda, then the “Lazy River” at the water park will take care of that. The river winds through the park at a gentle speed allowing the riders to float around while relaxing the day away.

History, thrill seeking, and relaxation can all be achieved by visiting any one of these fine Kentucky landmarks. 2006 Kentucky Vacation Guide

The Kentucky Tourism Council has put together a vacation guide detailing all of the fun and exciting things this great state has to offer. The guide is filled with money saving coupons, reservation/ planning information, and reviews on all the activities and attractions. This guide is a must have for anyone putting together a trip to Kentucky. To start planning your visit with the free Kentucky Vacation Guide, simply send back the enclosed reply form in the postage-paid envelope. Please include $3.95 for shipping and handling.

Kentucky welcomes you to come feel the “Unbridled Spirit.”

Sincerely,

Michael King Director, Kentucky Tourism Council