Top 10 things to do in Kentucky
With golf's most prestigious international competition taking place in Kentucky this September, Kentucky’s favourite premium bourbon Woodford Reserve has put together this handy guide to the home of thoroughbred horses, award-winning bourbon whiskey and the best fried chicken in the US!10 things to do in Kentucky…
1. Woodford Reserve Distillery – no trip to Kentucky would be complete without hitting the bourbon trail, starting with the region’s award winning small-batch Woodford Reserve. Book in advance for a tour with Master Distiller, Chris Morris, where you’ll see first hand how this hand-crafted bourbon is made.
Find out everything you need to know from fermenting, to maturation, right through to how the barrels are prepared to give Woodford Reserve its distinctive taste, aroma and colour. For those who have a spare £25k, take advantage of Personal Selection, a once in a lifetime chance to blend your own personalised batch of Woodford Reserve bourbon.
2. Thoroughbred Horse-Farm Tour – get a close-up look at some of the world's premier Thoroughbred horse farms on this specialist tour. Book in advance with Scott Goodlett, operator of Tours of Tradition.
3. Muhammad Ali Museum – fittingly located in Ali’s hometown, the museum walks you through the life of an athlete from childhood to present day, capturing the boxer's accomplishments both inside and outside the ring.
4. Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs – visit Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, by booking an exclusive tour with the official Kentucky Museum. Tours operate throughout the year, and a special ‘Backstretch Breakfast Tour’ is available for those visiting during September.
5. Oscar Getz Bourbon Museum – based in Bardstown, the Oscar Getz Bourbon Museum is located in a beautiful old brick building, built in 1826, and is home to a host of fascinating whiskey memorabilia from copper pot stills to whiskey bottles dating back to the early 1800’s.
6. Lexington – considered the horse capital of the world, Lexington has lots to offer the out of town visitor. Visit the site of the 2010 World Equestrian Games, or check out the many restaurants and shops. Also worth a stop is Bardstown.
7. Seelbach Hotel – visit this prestigious hotel and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time - The Old Seelbach Bar at the Seelbach Hotel on South Fourth Street in Louisville is Al Capone's old drinking den! Also check out The Oakroom, Kentucky’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant (we recommend you book in advance).
8. 4th Street Live, Louisville – for a night out with the local Kentuckians, you’ll find everything you need on 4th Street Live. From bars and restaurants to Bowling Lanes and free concerts out doors, 4th Street Live is the best hot spot in downtown Louisville.
9. 21C Museum Hotel – check out Kentucky’s newest and most stylish boutique hotel, with cutting edge artworks by 21st Century living artists, many of which are part of the owner’s private collection and were specially commissioned for the hotel.
10. Proof on Main – opened in 2006, this contemporary restaurant is located within 21C, and was recently voted ‘Best New Restaurant’ by American Esquire. Chef Michael Paley's food is rooted in Italian tradition with modern American influences, and ingredients are sourced locally where possible.
For more information, log on to Woodfordreserve.com and Kentuckytourism.com.