If it wasn’t for an interesting job opportunity, Mark and I would never have considered visiting Kentucky. Yet, upon reading what the state has to offer and actually driving through its attractive countryside, we discovered beauty from rolling hills to majestic buildings and from famous events to dark, long caves. We are not alone in our positive findings; we kept hearing about surprising discoveries other campers and visitors made as well.
(Scroll over the image to read captions or click to enlarge.)
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we thought we’d have time to explore the area during our seven-week job commitment, but the night schedule was too exhausting to venture far on our one full day off. That being said, we found a few fun hikes around lakes near Campbellsville and saved the other attractions until the Amazon job was finished. We actually planned to head south as quickly as possible, that December 25th, but unseasonably warm weather made these Kentucky stops possible.
Lakes and Reservoirs
Surprisingly – to us anyway – there are many bodies of fresh water in Kentucky. Here is a selection.
Frankfort, the Capital
Did you know Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky? I didn’t, before arriving in the state. As I’m on a Capitol kick (have I ever not been on one?), we had to stop in for a look and a walk around.
Louisville
Churchill Downs
OK. What’s Louisville (pronounced Loo-a-vul by the locals) famous for?
Louisville pronunciations
Yes, the Kentucky Derby! Among other things like the Louisville Slugger and Bourbon tasting, which we didn’t pursue. Unfortunately, we were months too early to attend the real horse racing, horse betting, and dress-to-be-seen event, but I “splurged” and went on a tour of Churchill Downs. It’s the only other way to see the notorious grounds. I also had a stroll in the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is included in the price. Because the feature movie was not showing, the entrance fee was $13 instead of $16.
The Waterfront
The three of us had a nice walk along the Ohio River on Christmas Day. We’d hoped to cross into Indiana, but the pedestrian bridge didn’t allow pets. We spent the night in a city park and had take-out Chinese for dinner. 😊
Historic Homes
Old Louisville is the third largest historic district in the United States, with many Victorian homes. Our biggest surprise came when we stumbled across Belgravia Court (established 1891) and its beautiful buildings, gas lamps, and courtyards.
Mammoth Cave National Park
This park was on my radar from the moment we arrived in the state, but we didn’t manage a visit until the holiday period. I was curious about how it compares to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. First, we took Maya for a decent walk to wear her out. Then, we joined the Historic Tour.
It being the week between Christmas and New Year, all the tours were fully booked by the time we arrived. Luckily, they added a couple of extra ones based on volunteers and this historic one had been high on Mark’s list. Indeed, it gave us a good impression about the history of this longest cave system in the world and it was entertaining to wriggle our way through areas like “Fat Man’s Misery”.
Yet, I missed seeing gorgeous formations, stalactites, and stalagmites reportedly present in other parts of the park and was thrown off by the size of our group (over 100 people). The price for this two-hour tour is $17 per person. There are many tours to pick from (or reserve).
The three of us thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing Kentucky and we’d love to return to the caves for a different tour and to check out the eastern part of the state.
Have you been to Kentucky? Any highlights or surprises?
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January 22, 2020 at 15:19
Lovely post!
January 22, 2020 at 19:14
Thank you!
January 22, 2020 at 15:52
Hi, Liesbet – Looks like the 3 of you had a great time in Kentucky. I was trapped there in a snowstorm once, so I only saw our hotel and one restaurant. I will definitely need to go back!
January 22, 2020 at 17:55
Hi Donna! I’m sharing something on Twitter…YAY!
January 22, 2020 at 19:20
I guess I better check out your Twitter account. 🙂
January 22, 2020 at 19:16
A snow storm in Kentucky! Yikes! Yes, I think you’ll have to go back. Ideally in summer. 🙂 It’s not a top state for us (we are west coast people), but there are treasures to be found.
January 22, 2020 at 17:01
Mammoth Caves! That would be so great to see.
We’ve camped at Lake Barkley in Kentucky.
And looks like someone destroyed her toy…
January 22, 2020 at 19:18
Aha, another lake in Kentucky. 🙂 Yes, Alex, I think you’ll enjoy a visit to the caves (which also spark the imagination). I think I remember you enjoying my older post about Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico as well.
January 22, 2020 at 17:42
I loved seeing Zesty parked in front of the State Capitol Building! It looks like you and Mark covered a lot of ground. I lived in Virginia for most of my life and never visited Kentucky…how lame. Thanks for sharing, Liesbet.
January 22, 2020 at 19:19
It was Christmas Day when we stopped by the Capitol, so nobody was around! It was peaceful and quiet and the sky was blue. Happy times. We actually didn’t realize this composition, until we got out of the car and saw the backdrop of Zesty. 🙂
January 22, 2020 at 18:05
We love Kentucky. Especially the area around Lexington. So much horse racing history and did I mention the Bourbon Trail and the original KFC. Camping next to the Kentucky Horse Park and riding our bikes along the back roads and paths were always a highlight of many summer vacations.
January 22, 2020 at 19:24
Those back roads in horse country sound lovely, Steven. A good way to soak up the countryside and the atmosphere. We didn’t pass too many pastures with horses, but maybe because it was winter time and I’d think they put their prized animals inside during the cold spells.
We had to save the Bourbon Trail until next time. Not that we are into that drink too much. Although, having a taste of the Maker’s Mark Mint Julip on my impromptu birthday party got me in trouble. 🙂
January 22, 2020 at 18:49
The thing I liked best about Kentucky was the white fences that surrounded a well-kept horse farm. I agree with Steven and Annie. We didn’t camp though or even ride bikes when we traveled through years ago.
January 22, 2020 at 19:27
Interestingly enough, that was exactly the picture I had in my head about Kentucky before showing up. Must be from that movie, Secretariat. I think we never really got into the midst of horse country, as we traveled through Lexington quickly on our way to the campground in Campbellsville and we didn’t do much sightseeing around Louisville either. Another reason to return – well-kept horse pastures surrounded by white picket fences. Now, I’m thinking that would make a good 1000-piece puzzle for some reason…
January 30, 2020 at 10:09
😀
January 22, 2020 at 19:58
Wow, I didn’t know anything about Kentucky and had never thought of going there, but it’s surprisingly beautiful. Those historic homes are incredible.
You certainly see a lot on your adventures.
January 23, 2020 at 08:48
Hello JH! Thank you for coming on the Kentucky tour with us.
When Mark and I were at an RV Park for a job project in Kentucky recently, it became obvious that most campers just drive from established campground to RV Park and stay there for weeks or months at a time, without exploring anything in between. I think this might have to do with the size of their rigs and the fact that they NEED water, electricity, and sewage provided at all times. You can imagine that we are quite happy with our little, mobile Zesty, which fits in most Parking spots, but is a compact house. 🙂
February 5, 2020 at 00:43
Your flexibility has definitely helped build quite the amazing life.
January 22, 2020 at 21:16
Isn’t it great when you find something unexpected – even better when it’s unexpectedly good! Quite a few nice surprises there. But bet 100 people in a group was not one of them! Poor Maya looks quite sad that she was not allowed over the bridge!
January 23, 2020 at 08:51
Haha! No, finding 100 people on the tour with us was NOT a pleasant surprise. It showed how big the underground chambers are. 🙂 It was unfortunate that dogs weren’t allowed on the pedestrian bridge. Ironically, the plaque about the dedication of the bridge had pedestrians walking a dog etched on it!! So, I’m guessing they changed the rules after some negative experiences with pets.
January 23, 2020 at 05:02
I’m glad Kentucky exceeded your expectations, which I know were pretty low from previous comments. Looks like you did it up well, good for you. We enjoyed our quick pass through there but didn’t see as much as you did. The campground we stayed in had a massive drive-through Christmas light display. How about those sprawling horse ranches with mansions as houses? Here’s our post that includes Kentucky and more: https://travelswithharvy2.wordpress.com/2018/04/04/tx-ok-ar-tn-ky-wv-va-md-pa-nj-ny-ct-ri/
January 23, 2020 at 08:54
That Christmas light display sounds awesome. I heard other campers mention something similar to that in the Louisville area. How cool you were there over Christmas as well. For some reason, we seemed to have missed those quintessential Kentucky ranches and mansions! 🙂 We did see a few horse pastures, but I don’t remember any mansions or many horses. A reason to go back?
January 24, 2020 at 17:06
I went back to you link and saw that I already liked it and commented on it in 2018. 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 08:52
Love this places! I’s like to go there. I will try to make it real 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 08:55
Go for it! But, try to avoid winter time. It’s cold!!
January 23, 2020 at 11:24
How mean of them not to allow dogs on the bridge! Not heard that before 🙁 Never been to a race course, though we did live quite close to two.
January 24, 2020 at 17:08
It’s the first pedestrian bridge we ever “came across” that didn’t allow dogs. They did allow bicycles… We’re not into horse racing either, but because of the name the Kentucky Derby has (and we saw the movie Secretariat a while ago), I had to have a look. 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 11:43
No, I haven’t been to Kentucky – it looks interesting. I have never been on any kind of tour with 100 people – yikes!
January 24, 2020 at 17:09
That was certainly too many people in a tour, Anabel, despite the area underground being able to take it.
January 23, 2020 at 16:30
So I mentioned on some other social media platform that I had been to the Kentucky Derby. Honestly I don’t remember much about the actual derby. My then boyfriend was from Louisville and I went with him. A friend came down from Ohio and we ended up staying with my boyfriend’s Uncle. I don’t actually remember seeing my boyfriend much at all that trip. It was all a long time ago and the situation ended being a little odd. I’m sure I bet on some horses but don’t remember any fancy hats but think we may have drank some mint juleps.
I love your neon sign of the different pronunciations of Louisville! I used to live in Greenville, South Carolina and some people from ther pronounced the name of the city something like “grinvul.”
January 24, 2020 at 17:18
Yes, I remember you mentioning before that you’d been to the Kentucky Derby and I was impressed! Interesting story. 🙂 Maybe the fancy hats were only at the grand stands upstairs?
I think locals often pronounce the name of their city differently than tourists, who are not in the know. Often because of their dialect and often to distinguish themselves, like the two Beauforts. It took me a while to learn how to pronounce Ojai in CA for example or Salida in CO, which I kept pronouncing in Spanish.
January 24, 2020 at 06:55
Kentucky is one of (not that many) states I know nothing about except for that one day a year I (sort of) watch the Kentucky Downs horse race. But your tour of the state here as made me realize that I need to visit it. A different country all together. The caves are quite intense to me (having claustrophobia). However, my daughter did ‘make’ me go through a cavern with her children (I had to act brave, right? in front of the Grands). Have you heard of Howes Cavern in New York state? Seemingly in the middle of nowhere. We went in April, when there was still snow in the air so not a lot of tourists. Had a tour with only 8 people. It was miraculous. https://howecaverns.com/ (Had to take a tiny elevator down – the elevator man held my hand for the swift 3 minutes). 🙂 Your photos are terrific.
January 24, 2020 at 20:54
Hi Pam! Wow, what an adventure you had underground. Good for you getting out of your comfort zone that much. What grandchildren do to you, huh? You are racking up examples of their influence on your life. 🙂 And, no, I’d never heard of Howe Caverns. It looks quite commercial based on their website; very different from the National Park caves.
In general, I’m not a fan of caves and caverns, because they don’t really interest me. All that changed after visiting Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico a couple of years ago. Of course, now I think nothing underground will ever be as cool anymore. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience here. Did anyone of your family notice your “hand holding” in the elevator?
January 25, 2020 at 07:29
The first cave I explored was in TX years ago. We went deep deep underground (but walked with a guide, no elevator). I will never forget the sense of nothingness – COMPLETE darkness – when the guide turned off his flashlight. And then when he turned it back on – all the bat guano!
Oh yes, my daughter ENCOURAGED the elevator man to help me in that dive down. They all giggled and though it was “cute,” Sigh (eye roll).
January 26, 2020 at 22:08
With all that bat guano in Texas, that must have been one smelly first cave! 🙂 That elevator moment WAS cute! And, I apologize for you rolling your eyes again right now.
January 27, 2020 at 06:05
🙂 xo
January 24, 2020 at 09:11
I did know Frankfort was the Capital of Kentucky as I went to university in Bowling Green. Loved your sign with the Loo-a-vul pronunciations. Kentucky is a gorgeous state and you’ve evidenced that by how much beauty you were able to see with Mark working the night shift and a mad dash through the state.
Amazing that the pedestrian bridge across the Ohio river didn’t allow pets! Back in the day when I loved in the South, ‘pets’ were workers that slept outside.
Am so glad that you made it to Mammoth Cave but sorry to hear that tour group sizes have swelled to over 100. We used to have the place practically to ourselves. Good memories of that place. Perhaps it was just busy because of the holiday season.
I hope you’ll go back and explore the state more deeply. I have a few friends living in Lexington that grew up in the Appalachian part of the state and I am sure they’d love to show you around.
January 24, 2020 at 21:03
Hello Lisa!
I had no idea (or did I forget?) you went to university in Kentucky and lived in the South. How did that work out as a future Chicago gal?? 🙂
The dogs not being treated as pets is something you still see a lot in less developed countries. I have no difficulty imagining this scenario in the south many years ago. Especially being confronted (again) today during a plantation visit how the south treated and disrespected their slaves. I know that’s much longer ago, but we’re talking about people here… Let alone dogs.
Mammoth Caves was definitely very busy because of the holiday season, but I was told by a ranger the same situations occur during the summer season. Popular place! I’ll remember about those fiends you have in Lexington. Thanks for the offer of putting us in touch whenever another drive-through happens.
January 27, 2020 at 14:31
I was a Chicago girl before and after my 3-year stint in Kentucky. But I loved my time in the state and the friends I made there. Good time.
January 29, 2020 at 10:47
Being surrounded by friends makes any place a better place. 🙂
January 24, 2020 at 15:30
Beautiful shots of the areas of Kentucky, Liesbet, and glad you had some nice weather to visit! I would love to attend the Kentucky Derby some day!
January 24, 2020 at 21:05
The Kentucky Derby must be quite a scene to attend, Terri. I have no idea about the entrance fees, though. I’ve met a few people who have been and apparently, there are two different “events” happening. Besides the horse racing and scene, there is a party of sorts behind the tracks. That would be interesting as well!
January 26, 2020 at 06:56
Not a place I’ve visited, so thanks for the tour, Liesbet. 100 people on a group tour sounds a lot. Such a shame that pets are not allowed on that pedestrian bridge. I wonder why?
January 26, 2020 at 22:11
Hi Hugh! As is often the case when they don’t allow pets (anymore) in an area, I suspect it has to do with pet owners not behaving correctly or politely, either by not picking up their dog’s poop or walking aggressive dogs or maybe even biking with pets and creating a dangerous situation? I don’t know, but I wish there could be a distinction between good dogs (dog owners) and bad dogs (dog owners) when it comes to enforcing rules. 🙂
January 27, 2020 at 05:29
It’s a tough one, Liesbet, although I’m pleased that the responsible dog owners seems to outnumber the bad ones.However, those bad owners give all dog owners such bad names. I wonder if there were ever dog-poop bins on the bridge? I’ve witnesses a number of accidents involving owners who seem to think that riding a bike while walking their dog on a leach is a safe thing to do.
January 29, 2020 at 10:31
Not sure about the dog poop bins on that bridge in the past, Hugh. In the States it’s hit or miss with that amenity. Some places we visit, especially parks and more progressive towns, have poop bag dispensers with the garbage can attached. Sometimes, we don’t find any of those conveniences in an entire state. We always, always, already carry a plastic bag with us, just in case. It’s been a habit from since we had our other dogs and certainly from our pet sit stints. 🙂
January 26, 2020 at 09:36
I’m going to be a cheerleader and say that every one of our 50 states has some amazing things to see! I’ve now been to 49, and even the states that had no grand reputations had lots of fun stuff to see and do. As for Kentucky, we used to drive south through it from Chicago to North Carolina every summer when our kids went to camp, and the Louisville Slugger museum was a stop many a time (all three of our kids played baseball, and my husband still does)! I also adored the blue grass/white-fenced horse fields near Lexington, through which I’ve also driven many times going from the southern home to Pennsylvania. Glad you got in a little fun after that tiring spell for Mark’s job!
January 26, 2020 at 22:15
I agree with your cheerleader comment, Lexie. There IS something to see in every state, especially when you find yourself “stuck” there for a little while or give yourself time to discover these places instead of just driving through as quickly as possible. I think we “missed” most of those quintessential horse pastures, because we didn’t explore the Lexington area. We will have to go back!
So, what’s your 50th state, the one you haven’t been to? I think I have two left of the 48, plus Hawaii. One day… 🙂
January 27, 2020 at 09:25
I’m only missing Alaska!
January 29, 2020 at 10:34
What are you waiting for, Lexie? 🙂 I know it’s a long drive. If I were you, I’d look into a little multiple-day ferry trip or low-key cruise around the Kenai Peninsula and through the Aleutians. I’d love to do that one day.
January 26, 2020 at 20:58
I had.NO idea Kentucky had so many lakes and was beautiful
– the derby photos are great and the post really gives us a feel-
Love the Louisville sign – many ways to say it….
January 26, 2020 at 22:20
Hi Yvette! Thank you for swinging by and leaving a comment. I’ve seen you around the blogosphere before, but we haven’t connected. I really like it when a state, or any destination really, brings us unexpected joy and discoveries.
January 26, 2020 at 22:35
We have done so little travel in the US other than the west coast. Fun to see all that Kentucky has to offer. I had no idea about the longest cave system. That is quite the name ‘ Fat Man’s Misery’. Definitely conjures up some challenging situations for some. I had a big chuckle at the Christmas toy that didn’t have a chance.
January 29, 2020 at 10:21
I thought you’d get a giggle out of that name “Fat Man’s Misery”, Sue. I should have added a photo of that sign to this blog. It was the narrowest – and most fun – part of the tour, where we squeezed through a narrow passageway, all one hundred of us. Back in the day, you’d have to do it on your belly and with a lantern. Scary stuff. 🙂
January 26, 2020 at 23:14
Wonderful photos – Kentucky is a beautiful state.
January 29, 2020 at 10:22
Thanks for reading and commenting, Sheryl. Kentucky is pretty nice. I assume you’ve visited as well?
January 27, 2020 at 00:57
I’ve never been to Kentucky, and didn’t realize Frankfort was its capital. It looks like a wonderful place to explore!
(The photo of Maya and her Christmas toy made me chuckle. I hope she didn’t swallow too much stuffing.) 🙂
January 29, 2020 at 10:27
You surely know and understand dogs, Diane. Maya luckily spits out all the stuffing after she rips it out piece by piece (which is fun to watch), but she does eat the fabric of the toy. First I need to recover the plastic squeaky part as we don’t want her swallowing that. Then, I let her chew and rip pieces off and as she’s ready to swallow them I retrieve them from her mouth, or sometimes throat. Not a fun job. For me anyway. 🙂
I really hope to study the US states (location and names) and their capitals one day. It’s something I should now as a new American.
January 27, 2020 at 07:48
It’s always fun when a place surprises! I lived in Cincinnati for three years and worked at a Head
start school in Louisville which was just across the river. Reading your post it seems we missed out on exploring Kentucky more as it certainly looks and sounds beautiful. Who knew? Clearly not us… young and in our 20’s I was attending the University of Cincinnati and it is where I got my Masters degree. I loved living in Cincinnati. Oh we used to also sometimes cross the bridge to go and have a meal on one of the boats that was docked on the other side. Thanks for showing that there is so much more to see and do in Kentuckky!
Maya with her christmas gift.. haha, reminds me so much of our Aussie Mango, who chewed up many a stuffed animal back in the day.
Peta
January 29, 2020 at 10:42
Hi Peta!
Who knew you had ties with Louisville, KY and lived and studied in Cincinnati? I’ve never been there and I think it’s the first time in my life I’ve spelled the name of this city. Tricky! 🙂
One day, I hope to cross that pedestrian bridge as well. Maybe they’ll change the rules about pets one day. A lot more people would use it to go for walks with their dogs and maybe buy something on the other side…
The more you tell me about Mango, the more I see similarities between him and our Maya. I do hope you and Ben get to meet her one day.
January 27, 2020 at 09:50
Hello! This is definitely a trip that impressed me! Surprisingly and for me bud there are many bodies of fresh water in Kentucky. I want to be there!
January 29, 2020 at 10:46
Hi Tori! Thank you for visiting Roaming About and leaving a comment. I’m glad you liked this little virtual tour through Kentucky. Feel free to browse the site for more amazing places in the United States. Our personal favorites are the natural sites in Arizona and Utah. Lots of blog posts about those. 🙂 We LOVE being out west and miss it!
January 27, 2020 at 18:29
Thanks for the mini tour Liesbet, Little taster of places I haven’t been. 🙂
January 29, 2020 at 10:47
My pleasure, Debby. I hope to share a little bit of Florida with you the coming month. 🙂
January 29, 2020 at 11:11
That will be nice. I’ll be having my own slice of sunshine then FINALLY! 🙂
January 30, 2020 at 13:41
Oh, I’m sure it’ll be much nicer and warmer where you’re going, Debby! Here, not that I complain, the high has been hovering around 16 degrees Celsius. Except last week when I needed to wear my winter coat and wool hat. 🙁 We could drive south for warmer weather but have to stay put in St. Augustine for the time being. It should start warming up in Northern Florida, though. Enjoy your Mexican getaway!!!!
January 31, 2020 at 09:03
Thanks my friend! I plan on enjoying every single minute! 🙂
January 31, 2020 at 11:53
🙂
January 27, 2020 at 23:55
Liesbet, I haven’t seen the word, “bucolic” used in a long time. Perfect word for this pastoral, farm setting. I have been on various cave tours. Some more fun and interesting than others. I think I might be a little anxious about a long cave system, depending on how long. I did not really know anything about Kentucky except for the Kentucky Derby until I read your post. Thank you!
January 29, 2020 at 10:59
Haha! Good eye, Erica. I like the word “bucolic”, but you’re right, I rarely see it used anywhere as well. And, you’re like me when it comes to Kentucky. The only thing I ever knew about it was the Derby. I didn’t even know it was renown for its bourbon. 🙂 And I also agree with your cave tour comment, as those are certainly hit or miss as well. That’s why I’m often not interested in them. Except at raved about National Parks.
January 30, 2020 at 18:36
I have never been to Kentucky – I hear there is a nice canyon area. I would also be interested to see the horse farms and such! It’s on the list – only 10 more states to go. Thanks for sharing your experience!
January 31, 2020 at 11:43
Alright, Pam! Ten more states is very doable! I think Mark and I have three left, but they’re not the same three. 🙂 I never saw the canyon area in Kentucky, or a conglomeration of horse farms, so we will have to hit that area whenever driving through again. Thank you for your visit here and your comment.
February 4, 2020 at 08:11
Hi Liesbet,
I’ve never been to Kentucky but you’ve made it look tempting. When we are traveling on our big rv adventure next year we had planning to stop in NC and Tennessee but not Kentucky. Hmm, the caves look so neat…
February 6, 2020 at 09:20
Hi Nancy!
If you’re heading west on your big RV adventure (which I think you are), you might as well take a little “dip” into Kentucky. The caves are not too far north of the border with Tennessee. National Parks are our favorite stops in this country. Don’t miss out on Nashville, though. 🙂
February 21, 2020 at 14:56
Liesbet, I love exploring caves, but I agree that 100 people is far too many for a tour.
I laughed reading about the pronunciations of Louisville. So true that locals have a certain way of pronouncing the name of their town or city. Some Canadian examples are “tranna” for Toronto, “kal-gree” for Calgary, and “see-shelt” for Sechelt. Plus there are abbreviations of names: Van for Vancouver, Rupert for Prince Rupert, George for Prince George, Burns for Burns Lake. Nobody who lives in BC ever calls it British Columbia. Also, there are nicknames, like Saskabush for Saskatchewan and The Loop for Kamloops. It’s interesting.
Jude
February 22, 2020 at 22:00
Hi Jude! I really love those examples of pronunciations and abbreviations of Canadian towns and regions you elaborated on here in your comment. I was not aware of any, except BC. I had to snicker at Saskabush – I drove through that province many years ago, but had no idea! Do locals call Vancouver Island “VI” or is there a better name?
February 26, 2020 at 03:08
We just call it “The Island”
February 26, 2020 at 11:49
Aha! That makes sense. Except to people who live on other islands on the Canadian west coast. 🙂