Do NOT Do These 11 Touristy Things In Kentucky. Do This Instead.

Every state has attractions known as tourist traps, but sometimes the less obvious places can be more interesting. There are things you can do that allow you to get more of a local feel, instead of appearing like the out of town stranger. Fortunately, there are plenty of inviting forms of entertainment that will allow you to avoid the major tourist attractions in Kentucky, and here are 11 of them.

Freedom Fest

Try the 4th of July Celebration at the Freedom Fest in Murray on July 4th annually. They have a parade, street fair, fireworks and more in honor of the state’s tradition. The fireworks are provided by the renowned Briggs and Stratton, (AKA, it is an AMAZING collaborative display of color and music.)

Bats

Check out America’s favorite pastime at a Louisville Bats game at the Louisville Slugger Field on 401 E. Main Street. The word affiliated with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" will echo in your mind, if you were ever a fan. This was the sport of our great grandparent’s era, and those before them. It is like watching a little bit of American history in modern times.

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Keeneland

Check out an afternoon at the Keeneland track, located at 4201 Versailles Road in Lexington, later in the season. You will find things to still be exciting, but in a more laid back way. You can appreciate the beauty of the landscape and the horses without fighting extreme overcrowding for a much more pleasant experience.

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NSRA

Check out the 47th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals at the Kentucky Expo Center off Phillips Lane in Louisville. The event takes place August 4th through the 7th this year and is sure to tickle the fancy of ALL car enthusiasts, not just Corvette lovers. Mind you, there will likely be some beautiful vintage Vettes present, but this gathering produces a beautiful variety and representation of almost every manufacturer.

Lost River Cave

Try Lost River Cave at 2818 Nashville Road in Bowling Green. This unique cave system is only 7 miles long, but offers a more personal experience than the large group tours. It includes and underground boat tour and a seasonal butterfly habitat. You can also take one of several scenic trails, go kayaking or just appreciate nature’s serenity.

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Old Friends

Visit the Old Friends Farm at 1841 Paynes Depot Road in Georgetown. This is where many a Kentucky Derby winner retires, creates offspring, and grazes peacefully on a daily basis. You can see some amazing equestrians and learn about their treatment and life. Not to mention the area is incredibly beautiful and is a true representation of the Bluegrass State.

Through the Woods

Try visiting a few of our local wineries instead. There are a variety of different wineries all across our state, including Talon Winery and Vineyards at 7086 Tates reek Road in Lexington, Forest Edge Winery at 1910 Clermont Road in Clermont, or Redman’s Farm and Winery at 12449 Decoursey Pike in Morning View. Each one offers a special blend all their own from farm fresh fruits. It is said a brandy wine was the preferred brew in Kentucky but bourbon was cheaper and easier to create, thus the increased renowned.

Kentucky Splash Park

Visit Kentucky Splash Waterpark and Campground at 1050 KY-92 in Williamsburg. This is a beautiful place to spend a weekend… or a day during the warmer months in Kentucky. There aren’t all the rides you experience at KK, but you get the cooling sensation one can only experience at water parks instead. This is a great place for people of all ages to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

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Bluegrass Museum

Check out the International Bluegrass Music Museum on 117 Daviess Street in Owensboro. It is in the RiverPark Center which is close by beautiful downtown Owensboro and contains a bit of everything Bluegrass Music. It includes handmade instruments, music, images, musicians and more to show you one of the deepest of our Kentucky roots.

BB Riverboats

Try taking a tour on one of the unique vintage models at BB Riverboats at 101 Riverboat Row in Newport. They have several different styles of paddleboats, all of which offer a dinner cruise. You can take a relaxing trip down the river while enjoying food prepared by skilled chefs, along with mouthwatering desserts.

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Check out Nolin Lake State Park at 2998 Briar Creek Road in Mammoth Cave or General Burnside State Park at 8801 US 27 in Burnside. Both offer a barrage of camping and picnic areas, beautiful waterfront spots to enjoy and plenty of open space for boating, fishing, and water sports.

These are just a few alternatives to the major tourist attractions in Kentucky, but we have even more to offer. I was going to add Cumberland Falls to the list, but that moonbow is just to amazing to miss. I highly recommend checking it out if you are in the area. What less traveled attractions would you recommend instead of the more known places?