Kentucky

Kentucky has much more to offer than just the bluegrass that gives it the slogan "the Bluegrass State." From quality bourbon to world-class horse racing Kentucky has made a name for itself as a stand-out state. The rich landscape varies from mountainous to prairie, with more in between, and the things to do vary just as much. From horse racing to water parks, to seeing a Picasso or visiting a haunted Sanatorium, Kentucky is a lot more than meets the eye.

Kentucky joined the union as the 15th state in 1792. Originally part of Virginia, Kentucky was made its own state after residents petitioned Virginia for the separation. Kentucky has since found prosperity in tobacco farming and coal mining, which are still major exports today. Kentucky is also known for the world-class race horses that are raised on the fields of bluegrass, from which the state gets its nickname.

Visitors to Louisville, Kentucky will want to check out the Kentucky Derby Museum where they can find out more about the origins of horse racing and see how a champion horse goes from birth to the winner's circle. Visitors particularly interested in horse culture should also check out Kentucky Horse Park which features an entire museum dedicated to the history of the horse and its relationship to humans. Another key spot to visit to see some horse racing is Churchill Downs, the racetrack where the Kentucky Derby is raced. The Kentucky Derby is known as being the most exciting two minutes of the year, since that is how long it takes for the race to complete.

While visiting Louisville, don't miss out on the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where gawking passersby can see a a six story baseball bat is propped against the building. Any fan of baseball won't want to miss out on this stop! The Louisville Zoo also features some great interactive and family friendly fun. With rave reviews from visitors and locals alike, the Zoo is family-friendly and encourages children to learn through experience with the help of zookeepers. For an afternoon of refinement, don't miss out on the art culture at Speed Art Museum which features artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso, Rubens and other contemporary art exhibits.

For a heart-pumping thrill, do the 8 hour tour at Waverly Hills Sanatorium, one of the most haunted places on earth! Alternatively, visit Kentucky Kingdom Six Flags for some classically thrilling roller coasters and some wet and fun water park rides. After an exhausting day, make sure to eat at Jack Fry's for some Southern soul food with class. Jack Fry's has great ratings for top notch service and food. Wick's Pizza Parlor also offers some satisfying eats – their big pizzas have lots of toppings piled high!

For a Lexington, Kentucky vacation get some history at the Mary Todd Lincoln House, where Lincoln's wife lived with her family before moving to Illinois where she met her husband. For arts and culture the Lexington Opera House has a lot to offer and frequently features great Broadway shows. If you're taking a family vacation to Lexington try the Explorium, a hands-on children's museum where kids get a "touch and play" experience in nine "discovery zones."

For a little taste of Kentucky mixed with Heaven, don't miss Old Kentucky Chocolates where their Bourbon Chocolates and Bourbon Cherries are made with 100 proof Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon. Yum! After indulging in dessert first, visit Ramsey's Diner for some cheap soul food under $10. Bourbon n' Toulouse is another great southern soul food restaurant with a kick of Cajun and Creole cooking at an affordable price.

Everywhere there is pure and natural Kentucky beauty, but for a real experience visitors can spelunk in Mammoth Cave, the world's longest cave system, right in Kentucky! Some of the most amazing and beautiful underground caverns exist in the Mammoth Cave National Park. Underwater coves, moss covered stone, icicle-like stalactites and more make a visit to the park absolutely worthwhile. And guided tours make the whole ordeal safe even for young kids. Kentucky also features deer, turkey, and elk hunting to rival anywhere else in the U.S.

Kentucky vacationers will find themselves overwhelmed with fun shopping, eating, exploring, and sight-seeing. And of course, a bottle of Jim Beam at every turn!

Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Ramada Limited Lousiville Airport - Starting at $56 a night the Ramada is near Cardinal Stadium and the Churchill Downs racetrack.
Bluegrass Extended Stay Hotel - Starting at $55 a night is near lots of great Lexington hotspots. This hotel features free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities for anyone staying for an extended period.

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Hilton Garden Inn Lexington - Starting at $79 a night this Hilton hotel may be in the suburbs but it's close to many great attractions like the Mary Todd Lincoln House and the University of Kentucky. The hotel features a restaurant and coffee shop, room service, an indoor pool and even a fitness facility! A great mid-range hotel.
Drury Inn & Suites Louisville - Starting at $90 a night this fabulous hotel is near to many great points of interest and features an outdoor and indoor pool and a fitness facility. A complimentary hot and cold breakfast is served.

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

Double Tree Suites by Hilton - Starting at $92 a night and near to many great Lexington tourist attractions including the University of Kentucky Art Museum. This hotel features a restaurant and bar, with room service, a spa tub and more!
The Brown Hotel - Starting at $159 a night. For the most luxurious stay in Louisville visitors should stay at The Brown. Featuring 2 restaurants, a bar, 24 hour room service, a fitness facility and more this hotel is absolutely stunning!