State Capitol |
The State of KentuckyKentucky State is situated in the east central United States of America and is designated both as a Southern State and a Commonwealth, one of only four such states in the U.S. |
The Bluegrass State
Kentucky is nicknamed the "Bluegrass State" on account of the native bluegrass plant which grows abundantly throughout its most fertile areas, where the lush pastures allow for the breeding of the highest quality thoroughbred racehorses, which are world famous.
The name was also adopted for a style of local music which became massively popular throughout the world - Bluegrass Music
State Counties
The State of Kentucky covers an area of nearly 40,000 square miles and is divided into 120 counties of which the largest in terms of population are Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton, Boone and Warren. Although the capital city is Frankfort, Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and the 16th largest in the U.S.
Kentucky Attractions
Visitors to Bowling Green can take a tour of the Lost River Cave and Valley, take in Beech Bend Amusement/Theme Park and Splash Lagoon. Car enthusiasts will love the National Corvette Museum, and smaller kids will have great fun at Hopscotch's Playplace, an activity game/entertainment center. Attractions also include the Kentucky History Museum and Library, the Historic Railpark and Train Museum, and Race World motor racing theme park, among others.
Things to do in Lexington include a visit to the Jean Farris Winery for wine tasting and gourmet food, a tour of Mary Todd Lincoln House, or the Henry Clay Estate with its 18 room mansion and gardens in a 600 acre estate.
Kids of all ages will love the Explorium, a museum where they can touch and play with everything and inspire their imagination and curiosity.
Horse enthusiasts can see their favourite breeds at Kentucky Horse Park with its two museums, theaters, and almost 50 different breeds of horses.
In the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary you can trail through the meadows creeks and forests of this 350 acre historic nature reserve.
The Kentucky History Center is a new museum in Frankfort, the capital city, where you can also take a tour round the Old State Capitol.
Children will love to tour the Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory, see how the chocolate and candy have been made for 90 years and sample the delights.
See the unforgettable Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial with its amazing giant sundial, or the Salato Wildlife Center, or tour the local bourbon distillery Buffalo Trace.
The more adventurous can rent canoes, kayaks and rafts and paddle through the beautiful creeks and scenery at Canoe Kentucky, or go fishing or boating on one of the many Kentucky Lakes
There are many interesting and exciting attractions throughout Kentucky. This has been just a taster. Enjoy your visit!
Kentucky Travel
Kentucky boasts 184 airports, airfields and heliports, although international travellers and visitors to the state will probably arrive at one of the three main airports of Lousiville International Airport (SDF), Lexington's Blue Grass Airport (LEX), 75 miles east of Louisville in Fayette County, or The Cincinatti/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).
Travel within the state is largely by car in the absense of any substantial train or bus networks.
World Equestrian Games
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games take place between 25th September and 10th October at Kentucky Horse Park. This is the first time the games have come to the United States since they were first held in 1990.
The World Equestrian Games take place every four years, two years before the Olympic Games. They are governed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and include the eight disciplines of Dressage, Driving, Endurance, Eventing, Jumping, Para Dressage, Reining and Vaulting.
The Kentucky Derby
The 136th Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 1st 2010.
This world famous horse race has been run on the first Saturday in May since 1875 and every year attracts more than 140,000 horse racing enthusiasts along with many high-profile celebrities and the rich and famous of the high-society crowd.
In addition to Saturday's Derby, the Kentucky Oaks is run on the Friday of this fabulous horse racing weekend programme, where the atmosphere in the infield is of one long party.
Horse race fans flood into Louisville around Derby weekend and flights, hotels, car hire and racing package tickets for travel, accommodation and entertainment sell out early.