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.
“This is more than a race,” I thought, standing in the grandstands. “It’s a story stitched into American culture.” The museum’s exhibits pulled me into that story with jockey silks, hats, and moving film clips that recreated the roar of Derby day.
My Highlight:
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.
Travel Tips
- Flight Time from Austin: ~2 hours nonstop
- Where to Stay: The Brown Hotel ($180), Omni Louisville ($220)
- Where to Eat: Derby Café & Bourbon Bar, Harvest ($30), Jack Fry’s ($45), Proof on Main ($35)
- Vibe: Historic, energetic, proud
- Must-see: Kentucky Derby Museum, Churchill Downs tour
- Hidden Gems: Louisville Slugger Museum, Waterfront Park
- Best Time to Visit: April–May for Derby season or fall for crisp weather
- Cost: Museum admission $20 adult, $10 kids; meals $15–$40 per person
- Hours: Museum daily 9am–5pm (seasonal hours may vary)
2. Slowing down at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
We drove just under an hour southwest from Lexington, 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.
I had set a simple intention: walk through the historic village, learn how the Shakers lived, and find a good meal on-site before sunset. The air felt still, the kind of stillness that makes you pause your own pace to match it.
“This is what simplicity looks like,” I thought, as 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.
My Highlight:
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.
Where I Ate: 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.
Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Lexington: ~1 hour southwest
- Where to Stay: On-site inn ($150), Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg ($180), local B&Bs (~$120)
- Where to Eat: Trustees’ Table ($20–$30), Old Owl Tavern ($25)
- Vibe: Historic, contemplative, pastoral
- Must-see: Shaker Meeting House, farm tours, historic craft demonstrations
- Hidden Gems: Riverboat rides on the Kentucky River, nature trails around the property
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blossoms or fall for golden foliage
- Cost: Admission $16 adult, $8 children; meals $12–$30
- Hours: Village open daily 10am–5pm (seasonal variations)
3. Getting close to the deep at the Newport Aquarium
We drove up from Lexington 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.
“This feels 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.
My Highlight:
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.
Where I Ate: 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.
A downside? The popularity 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.
Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Lexington: ~1 hour 15 minutes north
- Where to Stay: Aloft Newport on the Levee ($150), AC Hotel Cincinnati ($190), budget motels nearby (~$100)
- Where to Eat: Hofbräuhaus Newport ($25), Brio Italian Grille ($30), Newport on the Levee food court ($12–$18)
- Vibe: Family-friendly, energetic, riverfront charm
- Must-see: Shark Bridge, Penguin Palooza, Amazon Rainforest exhibit
- Hidden Gems: Newport on the Levee shops, riverfront walking paths
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or mornings to avoid crowds
- Cost: Aquarium admission $27 adult, $19 child; meals $12–$30
- Hours: Daily 10am–6pm (extended hours in summer)
4. Closing Thoughts
Kentucky offered contrasts that felt seamless, thrill rides below the city and hushed moments on sunlit farms, museum marvels beside bourbon-soaked meals, and history tucked into every corner. Whether I was tracing hoofbeats at Churchill Downs or hearing silence settle over Shaker fields, each stop felt intentional, alive, and anchored in pride. I left Kentucky feeling like I’d not only seen a place, I’d been welcomed into it.
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.
