Kentucky

Overview of Kentucky

Kentucky is nicknamed the 'Bluegrass State' for the variety of grass that covers much of its surface, producing a small blue flower in springtime. The grass provides good grazing for Kentucky's prized thoroughbred horses, brought up on the rolling hills of this western frontier.

Horses, fried chicken, bourbon, and river steamers are what most people associate with Kentucky, but this largely rural part of the US has plenty of other attractions too, many of them historical and a great deal of them natural.

For instance, Abraham Lincoln's birthplace is a frequented tourist attraction, Thomas Edison lived in Louisville before he invented the light bulb, food connoisseurs Col Sanders and Duncan Hines were both from Kentucky, and the state contains the world's longest cave, Mammoth Cave, which is 405 miles (652km) long.

Kentucky is one of only four states that is designated a commonwealth. In 1792, when the USA incorporated Kentucky as the 15th state, the people chose to be a commonwealth, governed on the common consent of the people.

The state is governed from the capital, Frankfort, on the Kentucky River in central Kentucky, but the largest city in the state, and its commercial capital, is Louisville, a lively town on the Ohio River.

Kentucky, bordered by no less than seven other states, is easily accessible via several interstates and the Louisville International Airport, making it a popular tourist destination with its 50 state parks and hundreds of recreational, natural, historic, and cultural attractions. Tourism is the state's third largest revenue-producing industry, and visitors are enthusiastically welcomed.

Key Facts

Language:

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.

Passport/Visa:

It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Travel to Kentucky

Climate

The Kentucky climate is usually mild, and summers are predominately pleasant, though they can sometimes be hot with high humidity. Snow does fall in winter but it tends to melt quickly. Spring and summer are usually the wettest months, with areas in the southern part of the state experiencing a higher rate of annual precipitation. Temperatures in summer (particularly in July) can reach 80°F (25ºC); while winter lows can hit 36°F (2°C), particularly in January, which is the coldest month.

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges you outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and wifi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:: The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:: UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
Entry requirements for Australians:: Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for South Africans:: South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
1.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar	0.90 EUR Euro	0.69 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling	108.90 JPY Japanese Yen	1.31 CAD Canadian Dollar	0.99 CHF Swiss Franc
1.38 AUD Australian Dollar	25.11 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia	337.71 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge	1,505.84 LBP Lebanese Pound	0.71 LYD Libyan Dinar	6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano
107.88 NPR Nepalese Rupee	0.38 OMR Omani Rial	3.64 QAR Qatari Rial	1.38 SGD Singapore Dollar	8.29 SEK Swedish Krona	6.63 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
9.98 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar	45.83 DOP Dominican Peso	6.72 HRK Croatian Kuna	18.63 MXN Mexican Peso	586.30 XOF West African CFA Franc	3.16 PGK Papua New Guinean kina
1.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar	2.11 FJD Fiji Dollar	22.64 HNL Honduran Lempira	110.53 DZD Algerian Dinar	1,191.31 MMK Myanma Kyat	11.19 BWP Botswana Pula
3.37 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol	693.53 CLP Chilean Peso	478.10 AMD Armenia Dram	24.17 CZK Czech Koruna	19.98 MDL Moldova Lei	124.29 ISK Icelandic Krona
2,938.75 UZS Uzbekistan Sum	3.85 ILS Israeli New Sheqel	0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar	0.30 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar	31.35 UYU Uruguayan Peso	35.52 MUR Mauritian Rupee
28.51 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba	8.34 NOK Norwegian Krone	3.92 PLN Polish Zloty	3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal	146.02 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee	35.62 THB Thai Baht
3.67 AED U.A.E Dirham	3.59 BRL Brazilian Real	4.05 RON Romanian New Leu	7.77 HKD Hong Kong Dollar	587.63 XAF Central African CFA Franc	22,474.70 VND Vietnamese Dong
13.95 ARS Argentine Peso	2.70 XCD East Caribbean Dollar	7.83 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal	9.77 MAD Moroccan Dirham	0.38 BHD Bahrain Dinar	1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.50 AZN Azerbaijan Manat	3,117.81 COP Colombian Peso	68.30 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som	279.76 HUF Hungarian Forint	7.87 TJS Tajikistan Ruble	13,683.10 IDR Indonesian Rupiah
8.88 EGP Egyptian Pound	1,191.10 KRW South Korean Won	5,669.42 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní	4.16 MYR Malaysian Ringgit	538.75 CRC Costa Rican Colón	1.47 NZD New Zealand Dollar
104.74 PKR Pakistani Rupee	66.80 RUB Russian Rouble	15.60 ZAR South African Rand	2.12 TND Tunisian Dinar	2.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar	1.75 BGN Bulgarian Lev
2.95 TRY Turkish Lira	46.62 PHP Philippine Peso	32.62 TWD New Taiwan Dollar	196.50 NGN Nigerian Naira	107.15 XPF CFP Franc	3.91 GHS Ghanaian Cedi
124.92 JMD Jamaican Dollar	1.80 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder	1.38 BND Brunei Dollar	110.56 RSD Serbian Dinar	6.58 CNY Chinese Yuan	19,898.50 BYR Belarussian Ruble
6.65 DKK Danish Krone	3.44 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat	67.26 INR Indian Rupee

Exchange Rate for
Euro to U.S. Dollar

1 EUR = 1.12 USD

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 CAD = 0.76 USD

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

1 GBP = 1.44 USD

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 AUD = 0.72 USD

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 NZD = 0.68 USD

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar

1 ZAR = 0.06 USD

Airports in Kentucky

Louisville International Airport (SDF)
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
http://www.flylouisville.com

Location: Louisville The airport is located six miles (10km) from central Louisville.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 502 368 6524

Getting to the city: TARC buses travel to Louisville city centre at regular intervals. Details on routes and schedules are available at the information desk. Many area hotels provide courtesy shuttles for guests.

Car rental: Car hire companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Enterprise, National and Thrifty. Car hire desks are in the baggage claim area.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the traffic island on the left of the taxi stand.

Facilities: There are a number of ATMs, shops, cafes and restaurants in the terminal. There is also a bank, bureau de change and shoeshine service. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs are advised to inform their airline in advance.

Parking: Short-term parking is on Level 2 to 4 of the garage, and costs $2 for the first hour, and $2 for each hour thereafter up to a daily maximum of $13, and a weekly rate of $78. The surface lot has long-term parking, charged at $9 per day and $54 per week. The express shuttle lot offers long-term parking at $6 a day or $36 a week, and has a two-hour grace period with no charge.

Blue Grass Airport (LEX)
Lexington Blue Grass Airport
http://www.bluegrassairport.com

Location: Lexington The airport is located six miles (10km) outside Lexington, Kentucky.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: 859 425 3100

Getting to the city: There is an express bus service into downtown Lexington, offered by LexTran. The bus operates Monday through Friday from 6am to 6pm from the curb side pick-up area.

Car rental: The rental car offices are located in the baggage claim area on the first level of the terminal building. Rental companies include Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Avis.

Airport Taxis: There are taxis available outside the terminal building, by the exit of the baggage claim area.

Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs, an information centre, shops and restaurants.

Parking: Parking is available in short-term and long-term lots.

Louisville

Louisville is world-renowned for being home to America's most exciting two minutes of sport each year: the Kentucky Derby. It graces the famed Churchill Downs racetrack annually in early May, bringing with it a dazzling display of thoroughbred racehorses and a deafening soundtrack of thundering hooves.

However, it's not all this lively city on the banks of the Ohio River has to offer. Louisville also offers scores of fine restaurants and a diverse arts community, boasting some of America's most beautiful parks and renowned art and science museums.

It's definitely a city of good caste, with more than 2,500 restaurants serving an astounding variety of cuisines, ranging from sleepy cafés and coffee houses to ethnic restaurants and gourmet palaces.

The city is big on the national sporting map, too, being the home of the famed Louisville Slugger, and baseball fans flock to the downtown museum dedicated to the 'Official Bat of Major League Baseball'.

This, together with some exciting attractions like an indoor forest, a restored old sternwheeler river boat, an excellent zoo and a thrilling amusement park, makes Louisville a perfect family holiday destination, set in the very heart of America.

Getting around in Louisville

Louisville is regarded as one of the most accessible cities in the United States, having excellent road and rail links in addition to its international airport. Once in the city, it is best to make use of the frequent and efficient bus and trolley services.

Taxis are also easy to find, and some hotels run their own complimentary shuttle services between the airport, the downtown area and other landmarks. Louisville has a strong cycling tradition and there are several on-road bike lanes downtown. Many visitors prefer to hire a car, which makes getting around the city and the surrounding areas easy.

Climate in Louisville

Louisville's humid subtropical climate is temperate and seasonal. Summers (June to August) are hot with cool evenings, so bring along a light jacket or coat. Spring and summer are the wettest seasons, although rainfall is fairly constant all year round.

Snow usually falls in winter, allowing for winter sports. Winter temperatures (December to February) range from 27°F (-3°C) to 43°F (6°C); and average summer temperatures vary between 66°F (19°C) and 89°F (32°C).

Sightseeing in Louisville

While Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby are the main entries on the traditional bucketlist, visitors will discover all manner of attractions in this pretty southern city. Louisville has a long history, most prevalent in the old architecture built throughout.

It is home to the third largest National Preservation District, and largest Victorian district, in the United States. Scenic areas worth exploring include St James Court and Belgravia Court, Main and Market Streets, the Cherokee Triangle, and Butchertown.

Downtown has highlights within walking distance, including the art galleries of Market Street, the Speed Art Musem, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Kentucky Science Center, Frazier Historical Arms Museum, Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, Kentucky Derby Museum, and the Muhammad Ali Center. Many of these are located in a cluster on Main Street.

Besides the iconic horse race, the Kentucky Derby Festival presents air shows, balloon and steamboat races, and marathons. The St James Court Art show is a fun local event too, held in a genteel neighbourhood of stately Victorian homes.

Louisville Attractions

Muhammad Ali Center

Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 9:30am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm. Closed Monday. Last admission at 4:15pm.

Admission: $14 adults, $9 children 6-12; children under five are free. Discounts for students, pensioners and groups.

Fans of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali can see and experience all aspects of the life of the man dubbed 'The Greatest' at this huge multi-media, interactive exhibition centre, which features theatres and interactive stations.

Ali's story, including his boxing career, global humanitarianism, and societal and religious convictions, is presented in thematic displays, according to the six core values he has encompassed: confidence, conviction, dedication, respect, spirituality and giving.

The inspirational centre also includes displays of memorabilia, a retail store, and cafe.

Address: 144 N. Sixth Street

Telephone: 502 584 9254

Website: www.alicenter.org

Kentucky Derby Museum

Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm (opens 8am from 15 March to November), Sunday 11am-5pm.

Admission: $16 adults and $10 children aged 5-14. Other concessions available.

Even those who aren't horse racing fans can experience the thrill of the sport at the museum and through tours offered at Churchill Downs. Established in 1874, it's one of the world's oldest and most famous tracks, hosting the annual renowned Kentucky Derby.

The Museum contains exhibits that bring the pageantry and excitement of the Derby to life, including high-tech computerised hands-on displays and video graphics. A video entitled 'The Greatest Race' shows on a 360-degree screen every half hour from 9am to 4:30pm and from 12:30pm on Sundays.

Museum tour guides take groups of visitors to see the Churchill Downs' stable and infield areas, as well as through the historic Edwardian grandstand, finish line, and winners' circle.

Address: 704 Central Avenue

Telephone: 502 637 1111

Website: www.derbymuseum.org

Belle of Louisville

Admission: $43.99 adults, $31.99 children 4-14; other concessions available.

The Belle of Louisville is America's oldest still-serving sternwheeler riverboat, plying the Ohio River from Louisville's waterfront to give visitors memorable sunset cruises, sightseeing excursions and Saturday night party cruises.

Powered by two steam engines and boasting 32 whistles, the historic boat was commissioned in 1914 and was originally named the Idlewild. She served as a packet boat for many years, carrying passengers and freight on America's inland waters.

In 1962 she was purchased by the Jefferson County authorities and refurbished, being declared a National Historic Landmark. Now, public sightseeing cruises depart from the 4th Street Wharf in Louisville.

Address: 401 West River Road

Telephone: 502 574 2992

Website: www.belleoflouisville.org

Thomas Edison House

Thomas Edison, inventor of the incandescent electric light bulb, lived in the house on East Washington Street in 1866 when he was only 19 years old and had yet to receive acclaim for his many inventions.

When Edison lived in Louisville, he worked for the Western Union as a telegraph operator on Second and West Main Street, a few blocks from the house. Today, the simple cottage, built around 1850, has been restored as a museum housing interesting artefacts.

These artefacts in Thomas Edison House include things such as cylinder and disc phonographs, a kinetoscope, the first home motion picture projector, numerous versions of the light bulb and other creations patented by the famous inventor.

Address: 729-31 East Washington Street

Telephone: 502 585 5247

Website: www.edisonhouse.org

Cathedral of the Assumption

Opening time: The Archdiocesan History Center is open 10:30am-2pm on Sundays.

The Cathedral of the Assumption is the fourth oldest public building in Louisville as well as the third oldest Catholic Cathedral in the United States in continuous use. Designed in the neo-Gothic style by William Keeley and Isaiah Rogers, the Cathedral was completed in 1852.

The steeple rises 287 feet (84m) above the Louisville skyline, and upon its completion, was North America's tallest spire. The chancel window is one of the oldest surviving examples of hand-painted stained glass in the country.

The Cathedral of the Assumption is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an active, urban parish with 1,500 registered families. Audio tours are available and docents conduct guided tours by appointment only.

Address: 433 South Fifth Street

Telephone: 502 582 2971

Website: www.cathedraloftheassumption.org

Kentucky Science Center

Opening time: Sunday to Thursday 9:30am-5pm; Friday and Saturday 9:30am-9pm. Closed Derby Day, Thanksgiving, and December 24-25.

Admission: Exhibits: adults $17, and $13 for children aged 2-12; movie passes and combination tickets available.

The Kentucky Science Center in historic West Main Street, founded in 1871 as a natural history collection, has experienced more than a century of growth to become Kentucky's largest hands-on science centre, visited by more than 550,000 people each year.

A highlight of the centre is a permanent exhibit known as The World Around Us, featuring interactive stations that challenge visitors of all ages to make use of their creativity and problem-solving skills.

The centre also has a four-story digital movie theatre, a gift shop and restaurant. The Science Center isn't just for kids, providing lectures and events for adults after hours.

Address: 727 West Main Street

Telephone: 502 561 6100

Website: www.kysciencecenter.org

Louisville Glassworks

Louisville Glassworks is America's first complete centre dedicated to the art of glass, from architectural glassworks to the finest glass jewellery and ornaments. Located in Louisville on the corner of 9th and Market Streets in the historic Snead Manufacturing Building, visitors can watch glassblowers, flameworkers, cutters and designers at work, creating glass art in the open air and studios.

Renowned resident glassmakers are Mark Payton and Brook White, but Louisville Glassworks also plays host to visiting glass-smiths. Visitors have the opportunity to work one-to-one with an artist to create their own glass art. This is by appointment only. Guided tours are also available.

Address: 815 West Market Street

Telephone: 502 992 3270

Website: www.louisvilleglassworks.com

Kentucky Horse Park

Opening time: 9am-5pm

Admission: Admission rates vary in accordance with the season, but adults will generally pay between $12 - $20 and children (6-12) $6 - $10.

The only theme park in the world dedicated to man's relationship with the horse, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington covers 1,200 acres in Kentucky's famous Bluegrass region. Visits begin with a film, followed by exploring the vast and comprehensive International Museum of the Horse.

Guests can also wander through a self-guided farm tour watching the farrier at work and admiring the tack shop, before attending a half-hour parade in the show ring, which highlights the characteristics of some of the park's 40 different breeds of horses.

In the Hall of Champions, legendary thoroughbreds are presented for viewing, and visitors can also enjoy a carriage or horseback ride around the park's extensive show facilities. The presentations are held only between March and October.

Address: 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington

Telephone: 859 233 4303

Website: www.kyhorsepark.com

Woodford Reserve Distillery

Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am-3pm, Sunday 1pm-3pm.

Admission: Distillery tours: $20

Besides horses, Kentucky is famous for its bourbon history. Numerous distilleries are open to the public. But the oldest still operating is the Woodford Reserve Distillery, nestled between lush horse farms in Woodford County on McCracken Pike.

Bourbon was first distilled here in 1812, when it was known as the Labrot & Graham Distillery. The site of the beautiful limestone buildings is a National Historic Landmark, restored to its original condition.

It's the only bourbon distillery still using copper pot stills, the traditional method of distillation. A visitor's centre provides displays and videos on the history of bourbon and guests can watch how bourbon is distilled in the traditional manner. The distillery offers several tours and tastings.

Address: 7855 McCracken Pike, Versailles

Telephone: 859 879 1812

Website: www.woodfordreserve.com

Fort Knox

Opening time: Museum: Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4:30pm. Closed Sundays and major holidays.

Admission: Free

This US Army fort, located an hour south of Louisville, is world-famous as the home of America's largest stockpile of gold bullion. However, the repository is closed to visitors. A popular attraction is the General George Patton Museum of Leadership.

It has exhibitions of US Army artefacts going back to 1775. Adjacent to the museum is Keyes Park, offering pleasant picnic areas and a playground for children to run around in. The museum store sells a whole array of gifts and mementos.

Address: 4554 Fayette Avenue, Fort Knox

Telephone: 502 624 3391

Website: www.generalpatton.org

Frankfort

The capital city of Kentucky, history-rich Frankfort is situated about 50 miles (80km) east of Louisville, about 50 minutes drive from Louisville International Airport. It boasts a vast array of architectural styles, famous landmarks, museums and enjoyable shopping precincts.

Among the interesting attractions in the city is the Old State Capitol, a Greek Revival building dating from 1830 with a unique self-supporting staircase held together by precision and pressure.

Other architectural sites include the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Zeigler house, dating from 1910, and the Switzer Covered Bridge, a beautifully restored Howe Trussed bridge dating back to 1855 that offers a lovely place for a picnic.

Besides numerous historic houses and buildings, Frankfort boasts a fascinating History Center, historic sites, war memorials and scenic wildlife reserves. Daniel Boone, the famous frontiersman, is buried in Frankfort Cemetery, overlooking the city.

The Buffalo Trace Distillery has been operating for over two centuries, and offers guided tours. The city also offers many active pursuits, including golf, horseback riding, canoeing, and hiking.

Website: www.visitfrankfort.com

Mammoth Cave

Opening time: Visitors Center: November to March 8:30am-4:30pm; March to June 8am-6pm. Various different tours on offer daily.

Admission: Mammoth Cave Passage Tour: $8 adults, $6 children 6-12. Other tours range from $14-60. Concessions available.

The Mammoth Cave National Park near Edmonson in south-central Kentucky boasts the longest cave in the world, with 405 miles (652km) of cavers and passages having so far been explored. According to experts, there's 'no end in sight'.

Officially dedicated as a national park in 1941, its cave system and scenic valleys of the Green and Nolin Rivers remain preserved.

The park offers camping, cave tours, hiking trails, hotel accommodation, canoeing, and horseback riding. There are a variety of expeditions on offer, with varying levels of difficulty and sightseeing options, run to different schedules.

Visitors should request a brochure and book in advance, as tours cannot be booked on the day.

Telephone: 270 758 2180

Website: www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm

Churchill Downs

The home of the most famous horse race in America, Churchill Downs is full of tradition and amazing stories. It opened in 1875, and has hosted the Kentucky Derby ever since. The track also hosts the Breeders' Cup.

Races are run from May to July, and October to November, and visitors to Churchill Downs can see live races in addition to learning about past winners in the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is open year round.

Address: 700 Central Avenue

Telephone: 502 636 4400

Website: www.churchilldowns.com

Events in Louisville

Kentucky Derby
Saturday May 02, 2020 (2 May 2020)

Where: Churchill Downs.

Known as the 'Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports', the Kentucky Derby is the highlight of the American horse racing calendar and the first leg of the famous Triple Crown, the other races being the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. It is one of the oldest races in the US, and is held every year at Churchill Downs, Louisville.

Visitors to the Derby will be able to enjoy traditions like mint juleps, large extravagent hats and bold, trendy outfits, all the while gawking at the famous faces in Millionaire's Row. Advance tickets are available from the Churchill Downs website, as the event always sells out.

http://www.kentuckyderby.com

Blues & Barbecue Festival
Friday June 12, 2020 to Monday June 15, 2020 (TBC 2020)

Where: Louisville Water Tower Park

The Blues & Barbecue Festival, an annual event, focuses on the enjoyment of both the very best of the blues and great food too. While quality New Orleans and Memphis-style blues musicians take to the stage, hundreds of expert barbecue stands are on site. These feature a number of barbecue styles from what they claim are the best smokehouses in town. Visitors are guaranteed great barbecue-style food and spectacular Blues musical performances. This event is one for the whole family and includes an entertainment area for the little ones, so everyone is kept entertained and having a good time.

http://www.louisvillebluesandbbqfestival.com

Airports in Louisville

Louisville International Airport (SDF)
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
http://www.flylouisville.com

Location: Louisville The airport is located six miles (10km) from central Louisville.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 502 368 6524

Car rental: Car hire companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Enterprise, National and Thrifty. Car hire desks are in the baggage claim area.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the traffic island on the left of the taxi stand.

Kentucky Attractions

Overview

Kentucky has something to offer all its visitors, giving them a lot more than just fried chicken to write home about! With around 50 state parks, the Bluegrass State's natural attractions draw those with a penchant for the outdoors from all over the globe.

Its largest city, Louisville, is home to the famous Kentucky Derby, the renowned horse race held at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday of every May. Whether it's the famed and popular Derby or the 405-mile expanse of the Kentucky caves at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky makes for a popular tourist destination for anyone with an affinity for the open air.

Visitors also celebrate Kentucky's other recreational activities such as its forests, a restored old sternwheeler river boat, a wonderful zoo and an exciting amusement park. All of these are sure to keep children and adults entertained and having fun.

Kentucky's incredible food is also a popular drawcard for visitors, with its restaurants serving an array of cuisines. Whatever your taste, you'll find something to enjoy at any one of its gourmet restaurants.

Kentucky's bourbon is world-famous. Visitors looking to taste it first-hand usually visit the Woodford Reserve Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries still in the state. For those in search of a little history, a lot of open air and great food, Kentucky is certainly worth the trip.