Hey, y’all! The Commonwealth of Kentucky comes alive as the temperatures begin to rise: our trails see more feet, our lakes see more boats, and people start flocking to the track to watch our legendary thoroughbred racing. That said, don’t discount Kentucky in the winter — it’s still a wonderful place to travel! These are the Top 5 Winter Activities in Kentucky.

Top 5 Winter Activities in Kentucky

Embark on the Bourbon Trail®

There’s nothing better to warm you up than bourbon – in any shape, form, or fashion. In Kentucky, we call that warming in your chest the “Kentucky Hug”. It’s no reason to see a doctor, simply our native spirit’s way of comforting you. If you looking to embark on a bourbon tour of Kentucky, look into the Official Bourbon Trail®. Please remember to drink responsibly; ages 21+. Learn more about Kentucky’s Official Bourbon Trail® here.

Explore Cave Country

Have you visited one of Kentucky’s many caves? The thing about visiting caves is that, well, they’re always cold – thus, the winter is a great time to visit. There’s no better place to start than Mammoth Cave, which is a National Park. While in the region, I also recommend visiting Hidden River Cave and Lost River Cave.

Discover Shaker Village

Central Kentucky is chock-full of delicious restaurants and beautiful horse farms. Nestled in the heart of Mercer County is one of Kentucky’s premiere attractions, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a landmark destination that shares 3,000 acres of discovery in the spirit of the Kentucky Shakers. Home to the third largest Shaker community in the United States between 1805 and 1910, the current property is expertly-maintained, educational, and even has a delicious farm-to-table restaurant on-site, the Trustees’ Table. Learn more here.

Experience Our Culinary Scene

If there’s one thing that Kentucky knows, it’s food. There are many delicious dishes that are quintessentially Kentucky: the Hot Brown, fried fish, soup beans + cornbread, benedictine, burgoo, and Kern’s Kitchen Derby Pie. Try one or try them all (I recommend the latter).

As for restaurants, there are dozens around the state that are top-notch. Try the original Hot Brown at the Brown Hotel in Downtown Louisville; eat Spoonbread at the Historic Boone Tavern of Berea, KY; come hungry to Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers; eat Chef Ouita’s food at Wallace Station in Versailles; and experience Mayan Cuisine in heart of Louisville’s NuLu district at Mayan Cafe.

Visit Our World-Class Museums

There’s nothing more Kentucky than the Kentucky Derby. Learn more about our culture + the greatest two minutes in sports at the Kentucky Derby Museum, located at historic Churchill Downs.

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Baseball is to America as Louisville Slugger is to Kentucky. Learn more about the famed brand at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory in Downtown Louisville.

Prince famously sang about a Little Red Corvette and they are made right here in Kentucky! Learn more about the famed brand at Bowling Green’s Corvette Museum.

Enjoy arts and crafts? Tour the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, one of Kentucky’s prides and joys.

Planning to experience the Top 5 Winter Activities in Kentucky? Share your adventures with #NotableKentucky + tag us!

Kentucky first, forever, and always.

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