Things to Do in Kentucky
I love how Kentucky embraces both its deep-rooted traditions and its modern spirit. The state is a tapestry of rolling bluegrass hills, misty mountains, bourbon heritage, horse farms, and soulful music. From my visits and road trips through the region, here are some of my favorite places and experiences I think are truly worth your time.
1. Stepping into a legacy at the Kentucky Derby Museum
We flew from Austin into Louisville ($179), a quick two-hour flight, and rented a car to reach the city. By the time we pulled up near Churchill Downs, I felt the weight of its history before I even stepped inside.
I had one main goal: walk the grounds of the Kentucky Derby Museum, learn about the traditions of the race, and see the track that so many horses had thundered across. Louisville had a confident pulse, part Southern charm, part sporting grandeur.
The museum’s exhibits pulled me into that story with jockey silks, hats, and moving film clips that recreated the roar of Derby day.
The museum’s 360° theater presentation left me almost breathless. Horses thundered past in sound and vision, and for a moment I felt the rumble beneath my feet. My son leaned forward, wide-eyed, as if he could almost reach into the track itself. General admission was $20 for adults, $10 for kids, and worth every dollar.
A downside? The museum’s popularity meant weekend crowds. At times, the line for the walking tour moved slowly, and I wished for more quiet moments to take in the history without jostling shoulders. I thought Homewood Suites by Hilton Louisville Airport was a good choice for a hotel that night.
2. Slowing down at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
We drove just under an hour southwest from Lexington where we were locally based on a day trip, winding past rolling hills and horse farms until the landscape opened into something quieter. The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill came into view with white fences, stone buildings, and a calm that seemed to stretch backward in time.
The air felt still, the kind of stillness that makes you pause your own pace to match it. I stepped into one of the meeting houses with its wide-plank floors and hand-crafted chairs lined in rows. The spaces were plain, yet beautiful, filled with light and purpose.
The farm tour stayed with me most. We met heritage breeds of sheep and cattle, walked among garden beds, and my son held a fresh egg still warm from the coop. Admission was $16 for adults, $8 for children, and the guides made the past feel alive in a way that spoke to all ages.
I enjoyed lunch at the Trustees’ Table, the village restaurant. I ordered fried chicken with mashed potatoes and spoon bread. The chicken was crisp and golden, the bread soft with a buttery sweetness that filled the room with warmth. Dessert was a slice of lemon pie, bright, tart, and refreshing after the heavier meal.
A downside? The pace that I loved also meant the schedule was limited. Some tours ran only a few times each day, so missing one meant waiting around. Planning ahead made all the difference.
3. Getting close to the deep at the Newport Aquarium
We drove up from Lexington on a day trip in just over an hour, crossing the Ohio River as the skyline of Cincinnati peeked in the background. Newport sat right at the river’s edge, and the aquarium felt like its anchor, bright banners waving, families streaming toward the glass doors.
My plan was simple: spend the day exploring the aquarium, enjoy the riverfront, and then find a spot for dinner nearby. The energy here was lively, the water reflecting the hum of voices and the arc of bridges overhead that completely won me over.
“This is like stepping underwater without getting wet,” I thought as I walked into the first tunnel. Sharks and rays swam above me, their shadows gliding across my shoulders. The blue light wrapped around everything, slowing time down.
The penguin exhibit captured me the most. I stood there longer than I expected, watching them dive and dart with precision. My son laughed out loud when one waddled up to the glass and tilted its head, almost curious about us. Admission was $27 for adults and $19 for children, and it felt worth the price for how immersive it was.
We walked a short distance to Hofbräuhaus Newport, a German-style restaurant buzzing with energy. I had schnitzel with warm potato salad, crispy, tender, and full of flavor. The smell of fresh pretzels filled the room, and I couldn’t resist sharing one with my family. Dessert was apple strudel with a hint of cinnamon that lingered like a memory of autumn.
The popularity of this attraction meant it was crowded. At times, the walkways inside the aquarium felt narrow, and I had to pause while groups shuffled past. Early morning or late afternoon would have been more peaceful.
Conclusion
If you base yourself in Lexington like we did, you will have access to a number of really cool things to do in just one long weekend.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
