When you think of a fairytale you may think of castles and magic, maybe a princess and some talking animals. Fairytales are meant to be enchanting and idyllic and typically not anything close to everyday life. When you need to experience a little bit of this whimsical magic, there are places to visit in Kentucky that can provide that escape. You may not come across a real princess or actual talking animals, but you will visit castles, flowing waterfalls, and witness majestic animals that call the Bluegrass home. Grab your imagination and head out on this road trip to some of the most magical places in Kentucky.
If you need to make any adjustments to this map or need specific addresses, check out the trip itinerary via Google Maps.
Ready to embark on this magical adventure in Kentucky? Let's go!
1. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Your first stop takes you to the beautiful Bernheim Forest. This has long been a magical place to go for a walk any time of year, but with the addition of these whimsical giants last year, Bernheim is downright enchanting. Be sure to check for the current status of the Arboretum before you visit. See more of these incredible works of art when you read our feature article about Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
2. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
You'll stay in the Louisville area with the next stop at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood. It doesn't get much more magical than this castle garden that's filled with beautiful plant life that lines winding paths. This is the type of place you'd totally expect to see animals singing and dancing with each other. Here's more on why Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is such a magical place in Kentucky.
3. Cove Spring Park
Next up, we'll take our horse-drawn carriage - or car - and head to Frankfort and Cove Spring Park. This beautiful park offers many scenic trails, places to sit and relax, and unexpected spots with waterfalls flowing and flowers growing. You'll want to take your time at this magical little destination. See more of Cove Spring Park in our feature article.
4. Castle & Key Distillery
You won't have to go far to visit the next stop - Castle & Key Distillery. This historic property was restored and it's absolutely stunning. It has a truly magical atmosphere and even if you don't want to try their creations, the property alone is worthy of a visit. Here's more on why Castle & Key Distillery truly is one of the most magical places in Kentucky!
5. The Kentucky Castle
Of course we had to include the closest thing to a real castle in the Bluegrass - The Kentucky Castle. This boutique hotel, restaurant, event space, and spa is one of the most unique places in Kentucky and it should definitely be seen in real life. You can schedule a tour or participate in an event, dine at the restaurant, book a spa appointment, or even stay a night at the hotel. Truly, The Kentucky Castle is real-life Bluegrass royalty!
6. The Kentucky Horse Park
The final stop of your fairytale road trip brings you to the Kentucky Horse Park. Here you can visit horses beautiful enough to pull Cinderella's carriage and walk around the most stunning grounds. The scenery, animals, and history are all magical features of this favorite Kentucky destination. Here's more on why The Kentucky Horse Park is a blue-ribbon winner!
There are many other magical places in Kentucky, so many in fact, that you could probably create a fairytale road trip for each corner of our state. But to start, head out on this trip and experience some of the most enchanting places in the Bluegrass. Have you been to any of these magical spots? What else would you add to the road trip? Let us know in the comments!
And if you'd like to experience a magical adventure in Kentucky, check out this unique nighttime float trip to a waterfall.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
