How Kentucky will ensure clients make memories of a lifetime

HORSING AROUND

You can’t mention Kentucky without talking about its horses. The state’s farming history also means a rich equestrian heritage and, indeed, the region is home to Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World, as well as Shelbyville, the Saddlebred Capital of the World. 

Arrange visits to famed horse farms – there are 450 in the Lexington region alone – so clients can see first-hand what it takes to breed, raise and train these regal creatures for the racetrack, while guided tours will dig deeper into Kentuckians’ love of horses. 

The state also knows how to put on a show exceptionally well and hosts numerous events throughout the year, the most famous and thrilling of which is the Kentucky Derby, held at the famous Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville. It has taken place every year since its inauguration in 1875, making it the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the US.

Also suggest a visit to Keeneland, another iconic racetrack which is also home to the thoroughbred industry’s leading auction house.

IN TUNE

Music is another reason for putting Kentucky on your clients’ maps. As the birthplace of bluegrass, there will be myriad festivals and live gigs at which visitors can sway and tap their feet, perhaps with a local lager or even a glass of bourbon in hand. 

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro helps guests truly understand Kentucky’s impact on the American music scene through its limited-time exhibitions and permanent features of the instruments, as well as the people who have made it so hugely popular today.

Guests can also catch jam sessions and concerts here, including the three-day ROMP Fest in June – a celebration of all things bluegrass and roots that also features organic vendors, yoga, art installations and professionally led children’s activities, making it fun for all the family. 

FEAST FOR THE SOUL

When it comes to food and drink, Kentucky really sets the bar high. Little wonder, as the state is also the birthplace of bourbon, America’s answer to whisky. In fact, 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced here!

Clients can sample a multitude of bars, restaurants and distilleries along Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail or, for the ultimate experience, explore Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, to see where iconic brands such as Jim Beam and Bulleit are made and even enjoy a bourbon-themed meal at Bourbons Bistro in Louisville. 

There’s also the opportunity to visit Bardstown, previously voted the Most Beautiful Small Town in America, and from there it’s off to Anderson County – where they’ve been making bourbon for two centuries – for a tour of distilleries including the famous Wild Turkey brand.

When bellies start rumbling, be sure to suggest Bluegrass specialties, including Hot Browns (an American hot sandwich originally created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville in 1926), bourbon balls, beer cheese and West Kentucky barbecue. 

There are also a number of culinary trails to sample, which provide an immersive way to experience the best the state has to offer for foodie visitors. 

With so much to see, do and taste in Kentucky, whatever customers set their hearts on there’s no doubt the Bluegrass State has the key ingredients for travellers to make memories of a lifetime.