Catch up on our Kentucky event

Last week, we were transported to the varied state of Kentucky, where we heard about its iconic landmarks, its legendary bluegrass music, love of bourbon, barbecue scene and its underrated outdoor adventures. Both of our speakers drew out the real essence of Kentucky, knitting together plenty of travel inspiration with practical information, including how to bring your own Kentucky trip to life.

First, we heard from Mike Mangeot, Commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Tourism, who helped us get our bearings by explaining the best way to reach Kentucky from the UK, before highlighting some of Kentucky’s icons, including the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the state’s many festivals. Mike then presented some of Kentucky’s most recognisable themes, exploring its bluegrass roots and how you can listen to it across the state today, unpacking its bourbon culture and having our stomachs rumbling at the thought of its barbecue food. Mike then talked about little-known parts of the state like its abundant outdoor adventures in locations like Mammoth Cave National Park and the plethora of sandstone arches in Red River Gorge. Cath Pusey, Product Director at tour operator America As You Like It, wrapped up the evening by taking us on a journey through one of its most popular Kentucky trips, through Northern Kentucky, Lexington, Renfro Valley and beyond.

If you’d like to learn more about America As You Like It’s Sips, Sights and Sounds of Kentucky itinerary, click here.

If you missed the event or had to leave early, then don’t worry. We have the full recording of the event plus the answers to your questions right here…

Your questions answered

How can I weave in visits to smaller distilleries alongside those I’ll visit on the Bourbon Trail?

Mike: The Bourbon Trail now covers the entire state, so it’s very easy to visit some of those smaller distilleries. In fact, especially if you’ve already visited some of the larger distilleries, I would encourage you to go to some of the smaller ones like Duelling Grounds in Franklin. There’s also the B-Line, another bourbon trail in Northern Kentucky that not only encompasses distilleries but restaurants and bars as well.

What’s the best time to visit Kentucky?

Cath: In terms of getting the best value for money and for when it’s not super hot as it can be during July and August, then I’d suggest April and May, especially if you’re into horse racing. Equally, in September and October you can see some lovely autumn colours.

Mike: In February and March we do get winter here and it can get cold, or it can be mild. It’s still a great time to come with horse racing tracks often open and we have the Bourbon Classic Festival in Louisville. But whatever time you visit Kentucky, there are always festivals and events happening.

Are there any major events or attractions opening in the next year?

Mike: We have just finishing hosting the 2024 PGA Championship but we always have lots going on. See here for what we have coming up in the rest of 2024 and into 2025.

What’s the origin of the name Kentucky?

Mike: The name Kentucky is an Indian name and there’s a lot of discussion around it. Some people believe it means ‘dark and bloody ground’ because when settlers came in there were a lot of battles with the Native Americans who were living here. The wife of frontiersman Daniel Boone, Rebecca Boone, was actually kidknapped by Native Americans so the name Kentucky certainly has Native American connections.

Mike Mangeot: If you want iconic Kentucky, go to Keeneland in October, where horse racing meets are held. Spend the weekend in Lexington, try some bourbon at the distilleries, go to some horse farms and see some horse racing. I think that would truly distil (pun intended) Kentucky down in a short period.

Cath Pusey: There are so many amazing opportunities and things to see in Kentucky but I would say Mammoth Cave National Park. That was one of the state’s hidden gems for me on my first visit. It was especially great to be outdoors after a few days tasting bourbon.

Mike’s bourbon cocktail recipe
Suffering Bastard

Ingredients

• 1 ounce Kentucky bourbon
• 1 ounce London dry gin
• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ginger beer, to top
• Garnish: mint sprig

Steps

1. Add the bourbon, gin, lime juice and bitters into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled (about 30 seconds).
2. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice.
3. Top with the ginger beer.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig.