1. Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Recommended For: History buffs, architecture lovers, educators, cultural travelers, and anyone interested in American heritage.
What I Love: ♥ "Ashland brings history into sharp focus—its grandeur, contradictions, and legacy. Touring the estate is more than admiring architecture—it's about reckoning with the full story of Henry Clay and the people who lived and labored there."
- Tour the Federal-style mansion with Italianate touches and learn about Henry Clay’s life and political impact.
- Reflect on the estate’s complex past through the 'Traces: Slavery at Ashland' tour highlighting the enslaved community’s experiences.
- Enjoy seasonal events like the festive Candlelight Tour and year-round educational programs on site.
Cost: Guided tour prices vary; general grounds access may be free—check the website for current rates and event info.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for blooming gardens; December for the holiday-themed Candlelight Tour.
Local tips: Book specialty tours in advance, especially during holidays or peak weekends. Allow time to explore the gardens and walking trails.
Distance: Located just minutes from downtown Lexington in the historic Bluegrass region.
How to Get to Ashland: From downtown Lexington, head southeast via Richmond Road and turn onto Sycamore Road. On-site parking is available near the visitor center.
Address: 120 Sycamore Rd, Lexington, KY 40502
Phone: 859-266-8581
2. Louisville Mega Cavern
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Recommended For: Families, thrill-seekers, science and history fans, and holiday light lovers.
What I Love: ♥ "An underground zip line? Yes, really. Add a glowing holiday light show, science tidbits, and tram rides—all tucked beneath the city. It’s unexpected, bold, and so much fun."
- Zip through the world’s only fully underground zip line course—Mega Zips is a thrill you won’t forget.
- Ride the Mega Tram on a guided tour through 17 miles of tunnels filled with history and geology.
- Celebrate the season with Lights Under Louisville—a 30-minute underground holiday light spectacular.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by activity—zip line, tram tour, and holiday lights each have separate pricing. Check the website for bundles and seasonal rates.
Best time to visit: Year-round for tram and zip tours; late fall and winter for Lights Under Louisville.
Local tips: Wear closed-toe shoes for the zip course, and book holiday light show tickets early—it sells out fast!
Distance: About 15 minutes from downtown Louisville; easily accessible from I-264.
How to Get to the Louisville Mega Cavern: From I-264, take Exit 14 (Poplar Level Road), then head south to Taylor Avenue. The entrance is clearly marked with signage and parking on-site.
Address: 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213
Phone: 502-855-6342
3. Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Recommended For: Baseball fans, families, history lovers, and anyone curious about American craftsmanship and culture.
What I Love: ♥ "From swinging Mickey Mantle’s bat to standing beneath the world’s largest slugger—it’s baseball nostalgia at its finest. And the factory tour? Total home run."
- Tour the working Louisville Slugger Factory and see how iconic baseball bats are crafted from start to finish.
- Explore interactive exhibits and memorabilia that trace the brand’s legacy in Major League Baseball.
- Snap a photo with the World’s Largest Baseball Bat and hold real bats used by legendary players.
Cost: Admission fees vary by age; includes factory tour and museum access—check the website for current pricing.
Best time to visit: Year-round—indoor activities make it a great stop any season, especially for rainy days or summer getaways.
Local tips: Book tickets online to skip the line; kids love the bat-making demo and everyone gets a free mini bat with admission.
Distance: Centrally located on Museum Row in downtown Louisville—walking distance from restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
How to Get to the Louisville Slugger Museum: From I-64, take Exit 4 and head north on 9th Street, then turn right onto Main Street. Look for the giant bat out front—you can’t miss it.
Address: 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 877-775-8443
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Kentucky Derby Museum
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Recommended For: Horse racing fans, families, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the “most exciting two minutes in sports.”
What I Love: ♥ "The roar of the crowd, the pounding hooves—you feel it all in the 360° theater. This museum doesn’t just tell the story of the Derby—it puts you right in the heart of it."
- Watch the Kentucky Derby come alive in a 360-degree theater that immerses you in race-day energy.
- Explore interactive exhibits that trace a racehorse’s journey from foal to champion, plus insights on trainers and jockeys.
- Visit the Champion’s Cemetery, final resting place of legends like Sunny’s Halo and Dust Commander.
Cost: Admission prices vary by age and tour package—general museum entry and combo tickets with Churchill Downs available.
Best time to visit: Spring and Derby season (late April–early May) for peak buzz; quieter in winter for crowd-free touring.
Local tips: Don’t miss the guided walking tour of Churchill Downs—it’s included with admission and full of insider stories.
Distance: Located at Churchill Downs, about 10 minutes south of downtown Louisville.
How to Get to the Kentucky Derby Museum: From I-65, take Exit 132 for Eastern Parkway, head west, then turn onto Central Avenue. Follow signs for Churchill Downs and museum parking.
Address: Churchill Downs, 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: 502-637-1111
5. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg, KY
Location: Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Recommended For: History lovers, families, nature enthusiasts, educators, and fans of heritage tourism.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s like stepping into another century. Shaker craftsmanship, wide-open farmland, and stories of simplicity and innovation—it all unfolds in this beautifully preserved village."
- Wander through 2,800 acres of preserved farmland and explore 34 original Shaker buildings from the 1800s.
- Learn how the Shakers lived through guided tours, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
- Experience seasonal festivals, wagon rides, and workshops that celebrate traditional crafts and culture.
Cost: Admission prices vary by activity and season; check the website for day passes, events, and overnight stays.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for festivals, garden walks, and outdoor demonstrations; winter for cozy fireside events.
Local tips: Visit the onsite restaurant for farm-to-table fare, and don’t miss a peaceful stroll along the village’s walking trails and nature preserves.
Distance: About 45 minutes southwest of Lexington, KY.
How to Get to Shaker Village: From Lexington, take US-68 west toward Harrodsburg. The entrance is clearly marked along Lexington Road.
Address: 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Phone: 859-734-5411
6. Newport Aquarium
Location: Newport, Kentucky
Recommended For: Families, marine life lovers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for hands-on, educational fun.
What I Love: ♥ "Walking through underwater tunnels with sharks above and jellyfish glowing beside you? It’s like diving into another world—without getting wet. Kids, adults, even grandparents light up in this place."
- Walk through five immersive tunnels that bring you face-to-fin with sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish.
- Explore themed zones like Gator Alley, Amazon Rainforest, and Penguin Palooza—each packed with interactive fun.
- Meet Sunshine, the rare shark ray, and discover the largest jellyfish gallery in the Midwest.
Cost: General admission fees vary by age; online ticketing available with occasional discounts and combo offers.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak crowds—especially during school breaks or holidays.
Local tips: Buy tickets in advance, bring snacks for the nearby riverside plaza, and don’t miss the animal encounters schedule posted at the entrance.
Distance: Just across the river from downtown Cincinnati—about 10 minutes by car or a scenic walk across the bridge.
How to Get to the Newport Aquarium: From I-471, take Exit 5 and follow signs to Newport on the Levee. Parking is available in the garage adjacent to the aquarium.
Address: 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071
Phone: 859-261-7444
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
7. National Corvette Museum
Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Recommended For: Car enthusiasts, families, motorsport fans, and anyone who loves American-made innovation and design.
What I Love: ♥ "From sleek prototypes to classic icons, this museum is Corvette heaven. The adjacent track? Just icing on the engine—where else can you admire a mint '63 Sting Ray and then hop in for a lap?"
- See more than 80 Corvettes—from classic models to rare prototypes—spanning the full history of the brand.
- Tour exclusive exhibits and one-of-a-kind vehicles not found anywhere else in the world.
- Drive or spectate at the NCM Motorsports Park, home to events like the Michelin NCM Bash and MiM Nascar in the South.
Cost: General admission and motorsport experiences are priced separately—check the museum’s website for current rates and combo packages.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for racing events and pleasant weather; anytime for indoor exhibits and tours.
Local tips: Arrive early to catch a full day of exhibits and track action—plus, the Corvette Café is a fun pit stop for lunch!
Distance: Just off I-65 in Bowling Green, about 1.5 hours north of Nashville and under 2 hours south of Louisville.
How to Get to the National Corvette Museum: Take I-65 to Exit 28; follow Corvette Drive directly to the museum and motorsports park complex.
Address: 350 Corvette Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: 270-781-7973
8. Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm
Location: Georgetown, Kentucky
Recommended For: Horse lovers, families, racing fans, and anyone interested in animal welfare and heartfelt storytelling.
What I Love: ♥ "Meeting retired champions face-to-face is unforgettable. From Derby legends to a movie star horse, every hoofprint here tells a story—and the guided tours bring it all to life with heart and humor."
- Visit retired thoroughbreds in a peaceful sanctuary that doubles as a living museum of racing history.
- Meet legendary horses like Popcorn Deelites from the film Seabiscuit and Kentucky Derby winners in their golden years.
- Join a guided walking tour to hear personal stories of triumph, retirement, and care behind each horse’s journey.
Cost: Tours are ticketed and affordable; check the website for seasonal hours and tour schedules.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for comfortable walking weather and active pasture time for the horses.
Local tips: Book your tour ahead—it often sells out. Bring a camera and wear comfortable shoes for the walk through the farm.
Distance: About 30 minutes north of Lexington, KY, and just off I-75.
How to Get to Old Friends: From I-75, take Exit 115 for Newtown Pike toward Georgetown. Follow signs for Paynes Depot Road—the farm is clearly marked and visitor-friendly.
Address: 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: 502-863-1775
9. Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Recommended For: Architecture buffs, history lovers, design enthusiasts, and fans of Gilded Age elegance.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s a castle tucked into a city block—gargoyles, stained glass, and ornate woodwork galore. Stepping inside feels like opening a time capsule to Louisville’s golden age."
- Tour a stunning 1893 mansion built in Richardsonian-Romanesque style with towers, gargoyles, and grand fireplaces.
- Admire original furnishings, stained-glass windows, parquet floors, and lavish wood carvings from the turn of the century.
- Stroll the manicured garden outside and soak in the ambiance of the historic St. James Court neighborhood.
Cost: Guided tour admission varies by age group; check the museum’s website for current hours and rates.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for garden views and special events; December for holiday-themed tours and decorations.
Local tips: Combine your visit with a walk around historic Old Louisville; the house is part of a charming tree-lined court known for its Victorian homes.
Distance: Just 10 minutes south of downtown Louisville, easily accessible by car or public transit.
How to Get to the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum: From downtown, head south on 4th Street, then west on Magnolia Ave. The house is at the corner of Magnolia and St. James Court.
Address: 1402 St. James Court, Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: 502-636-5023
10. Mammoth Cave Adventures
Location: Cave City, Kentucky
Recommended For: Adventure seekers, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to combine thrills with scenic beauty.
What I Love: ♥ "Ziplining through the treetops, swinging from a giant hickory tree, and then unwinding on a trail ride—it’s high-flying fun with just the right amount of calm between the adrenaline."
- Zip across Kentucky’s first canopy tour with soaring views over Mammoth Cave National Park.
- Swing like Tarzan from an 80-foot tall Hickory tree for the ultimate free-fall thrill ride.
- Ride horseback through peaceful forest trails and soak in the park’s natural beauty at a slower pace.
Cost: Prices vary by activity—ziplining, horseback riding, and tower drops are ticketed separately. Combo packages available.
Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for the full adventure lineup and mild weather; summer for lush scenery and longer daylight hours.
Local tips: Wear closed-toe shoes, and book zipline and horseback rides in advance—weekends fill up fast. Great for groups or family outings!
Distance: About 1.5 hours south of Louisville and 1 hour north of Nashville—just minutes from Mammoth Cave National Park’s main entrance.
How to Get to Mammoth Cave Adventures: From I-65, take Exit 53 and follow signs through Cave City. Turn onto Roy Hunter Road for direct access to the adventure park.
Address: 1994 Roy Hunter Road, Cave City, KY 42127
Phone: 270-773-6087
Plan Your Trip