Almost everyone reaches a certain age and then thinks, “I wish I’d have seen, or went to _____”. The excuses as to why we did not are almost always the same. We were too busy with work, family, watching television, or hanging out with our friends. Sometimes we were just too busy doing nothing. These are places we could have easily visited had we taken the time, especially in the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky is covered in lust forests, rolling hills and all out beautiful country; from the Appalachians to the Ohio Valley. Here are 10 breathtaking places you will want to see before you die.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The River City gets busy on Derby week so it's a great time to visit, as things are only like this once a year. There is a carnival-lie atmosphere downtown with some type of activity each day and evening. We have the Pegasus Parade, Chow Wagons, Balloon Glow, Steamboat Race, Bourbon everywhere, the Oaks, and the Kentucky Derby.
Almost anywhere one travels in the Appalachians there's a view that could stop traffic. Peering down into those mountain ravines across roaring rivers or miles of trees can take your breath away.
Visiting this national park in Corbin sets an adventure into motion, regardless if you're there to hike, camp, or mine. Those looking to make a profit on their vacation can do a little gem mining and someone almost always gets lucky. Camping in view of the water gives visitors a magical feeling as they bond with nature.
There's no ocean in the Bluegrass, but this inside-aquarium lets visitors imagine they're at one. The glass walls come alive as shark, jelly fish, coral, and other vibrantly colored sea life swirls around you.
This takes us back to part of the root of Kentucky, where people still live off the land and maintain the old ways. This Shaker Village show us a look at the past, and offers over 30 miles of amazing scenery on a trail around the town.
This Lexington experience allows a look at the equestrian industry with their renowned “Horses from Around the World” show. Those who would like to ride are also given the opportunity to do so in several different capacities.
This is another one of those Bluegrass spots that is both vast and varied. Visitors can camp, fish, swim, boat, hike, picnic, and more for an unforgettable experience.
This is one of the natural wonders of the world and the largest known cave system on Earth. Here there are a variety of caves that showcase the many different kinds of the soil. It may sound boring but the way these caves formed and moved over the millennia is actually quite fascinating.
There have been songs written about this peaceful rural country in Kentucky, one of which being “Paradise”, by John Prine. The banks of Muhlenberg County along Green River are a little slice of heaven.
This beautiful piece of Kentucky land can be an adventure or a romantic getaway. The scenery around the gorge is legendary in Kentucky.
It is difficult to narrow down all the amazing places in the Bluegrass State that one should experience, but these certainly deserve a look. Each one offers a special kind of serenity, or one of a kind experience you just cannot find anywhere else. Kentucky has a special way of making people feel right at home, so please add your favorite spots in comments.
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
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