Kentucky

Sometimes described as a mixture of both the American north and south and its east and west, Kentucky is a diverse state with a wide array of features, from mountains and forests to beautiful rolling rural fields and small but engaging cities. The Appalachian Mountains fill the state's eastern portion, small historic towns and the horse-raising Bluegrass Country are at its center and the largest city, Louisville, is to the west.

Louisville, along the Ohio River, has become famous worldwide for hosting the Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious horse race in the country. Visitors will enjoy its numerous public parks, lively arts and cultural scene and citywide festivals. As a major shipping port, it still has a French influence from settlers who traveled north from New Orleans. And, along with the nearby city of Bardsville, Louisville is the home of bourbon whiskey, which was invented in the region.

Central Kentucky, Bluegrass Country, is the heart of thoroughbred horse racing and horse breeding in America. The very best breeders raise their stock on these rolling hills, and visitors can tour parks and museums exploring their equine traditions. The most popular destinations are the Kentucky Horse Park, where you can see demonstrations of riding, equipment, and different breeds; the American Saddle Horse Museum; and the Kentucky Horse Center, where tours of stables and practice tracks are given. If you like to ride, a variety of stables in the area let visitors mount a horse for the day and ride along trails. The central city in this area is Lexington, home to the most elite horse trainers, and where the University of Kentucky is located.

The most popular destination for tourists in eastern Kentucky is the Daniel Boone National Forest. Named for the legendary pioneer Daniel Boone, one of the state's earliest settlers and explorers, the park has a massive 670,000 acres of mountains and valleys. There are a multitude of trails and sites for the visitor seeking outdoor adventures.