Our weather can be somewhat unpredictable, but in the late spring and early summer it stays pretty nice. During these warm months, outdoor enthusiasts can celebrate in nature and get in touch with their primitive side, but not every Kentuckian is into the primitive style. Many people love the scenic beauty, but find hanging out in a tent all weekend somewhat uncomfortable. Fortunately, there is an abundance of outdoor adventures in Kentucky that allow us to get in touch with the sunshine in a more comfortable, less athletic environment.
Here are 12 outdoor adventures in Kentucky that anyone can enjoy:
12. and 11. Spend a day at the track, like Churchill Downs, or...
The racetrack can be an exciting place, whether you bet or not. Choose from Keeneland at 4201 Versailles Road in Lexington, or Churchill Downs, at 700 Central Avenue in Louisville, and home of the renowned Kentucky Derby. Both offer a variety of food, drinks and Kentucky horse racing. You will see some of the most beautiful horses imaginable. Not to mention, crowd watching can be very entertaining. You never know who you will see, as many celebrities own and race horses in our state.
Hang out at the petting zoo and give the animals some much appreciated love. If you have never been close to a zebra, buffalo, yak, camel, llama, emu and more, it is a unique experience worth having. The animals are friendly and anxious for petting and human companionship. It makes for a nice afternoon filled with positive energy.
9. Visit Old Friends Farm for Retired Thoroughbreds.
8. Take a stroll on the Oak Grove War Memorial Walking Trail.
This trail is a very doable .72 miles on 101 Walter Garrett Lane in Oak Grove. There are markers and monuments all along the trail that honor the veterans of each U.S. war. A beautiful Viceroy Butterfly Garden is along the way, which makes a nice spot to relax and absorb the surrounding beauty. If you happen to have little ones, or enjoy sitting in swings, you will also find a playground near the gardens. There is a War Memorial Disc Golf Course available if you happen to feel sporty.
Bardstown is still a relatively small town, but it comes with lots of interesting history and attractions. One such is the Old Bardstown Village at 310 E Broadway Street. It is a section of preserved cabins ranging in age from 150 to more than 200 years old. Walking among this traditional community allows us to get a glimpse of what life was like over a century ago. This was a time when people churned their own butter and ate what they caught. It is a nice place to absorb a little history and then visit a local café.
6. Take a serene stroll through a historic cemetery.
Cave Hill Cemetery at 701 Baxter Avenue in Louisville was created during the 1800s. It was custom designed to be a pleasant garden of floral and tree representations of our state entwined with a final resting place. Many of these monuments have been standing well over 100 years and are truly monuments of life. A life size child swings in the arms of Jesus, angels raise their arms to the heavens, mothers gaze peacefully upon their children and more, all in bronze, marble, concrete, stone and materials of the times. A walk among these amazing tombs is truly walking among the monuments of time. The Victorian era was a time of elaborate designs and architecture, and this cemetery represents it all.
There are a variety of wonderful vineyards across Kentucky that not only sell wine by the bottle, but by the glass. You can often enjoy tastings and a stroll through the vineyards and the grounds. At Cedar Creek Winery in Somerset you won’t just find a delicious array of wines, but you might see a charming gentleman pickin’ Bluegrass on a banjo. Ruby Moon is also very relaxing with friendly people and tasty wine. Wineries can be a very relaxing way to just get out and enjoy one of Mother Nature’s many gifts… wine.
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4. Enjoy an afternoon at the Zoo or Kentucky Down Under.
The Louisville Zoo on 1100 Trevillian Way in Louisville is great and has a variety of animals and exhibits from Polar Bears and Gorillas to reptiles and a train ride. It is the largest general zoo in the state. Kentucky Down Under at 3700 L and N Turnpike Road in Horse Cave takes us to Australia. This is like taking a trip to the outback without being on a plane for hours. You can pet kangaroos, Emus and see a barrage of Australian wildlife without being in the danger some of the real terrain comes with. Both zoos are well maintained and have friendly and informative staff members.
2. Spend a weekend at Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina at 263 Green Turtle Bay Drive in Grand Rivers.
You can enjoy both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, along with all the comforts of this resort. You can rent a boat or bring your own and take a scenic ride around the area. If you are feeling more like a stroll, the woodlands are beautiful with trails available. There are also plenty of areas to stroll by the water’s edge.
Cumberland Falls is home of the beautiful moonbow, and is one of only two places consistently holding the right conditions for it to appear. The park has both long and short trails highlighting the beauty of the area. You will also find reasonable rental boats, great places to fish, swim or do water sports. You have access to Cumberland River and Lake Cumberland activities, but the serenity of the Falls is always a treat to visit.
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These are the kind of outdoor adventures in Kentucky that any age can enjoy. The parks, including the zoo, allow bicycles if you’d rather not walk. Refreshments are also available at most of these locations, minus the cemetery. This is just a minuscule portion of outdoors activities to enjoy in our beautiful state. What are your favorite places to enjoy an afternoon during pretty weather in Kentucky?
Louisville has several spectacular museums, perfect for tourists and locals alike. Our family loves acting as tourists in our city, often spending an afternoon checking out a museum. In recent months, we’ve visited the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the Kentucky Derby Museum, and the Speed Art Museum. Recently, we visited the Kentucky Science Center to check out its family-friendly exhibits.
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We arrived at the museum on a cloudy morning and were delighted by the giant mirror at its entrance. After seeing our many reflections in the mirror and snapping a few family photos, we headed inside.
The first floor of the museum had exhibits that the entire family enjoyed. There was a giant bubble station where the kids stood inside a gigantic bubble wand. After pulling up on a rope, a bubble formed around them. They squealed and laughed in disbelief that we could create a bubble so large.
There was also a large climbing structure with tunnels and platforms that the kids made their way through. After climbing for a while, we continued to the noodle forest, where colorful pool noodles hung from the ceiling. We could walk through the pool noodles, getting lost in a forest of soft-moving cylinders.
Next to the noodle forest was a collection of building pieces, large and small, where we could create structures to launch balls. We rearranged ramps, hills, and even bells to send balls from one side of the exhibit to the other.
My favorite exhibit was Awesome Air, a series of twisty, interconnected, clear tubes with fast-moving air flowing through them. When we put a colorful scarf into an opening in the knot of tubes, they raced around the structure and shot out of another tube. There were also water tables and a play area for young children on the first floor.
The museum’s second floor had even more exhibits to offer. At a bridge exhibition, we moved a car across a wooden bridge with moveable pieces. Another area lets visitors build with gears, prompting us to bring ideas to life and test their functionality.
We loved our visit to the Kentucky Science Center. There is such a wide variety of engaging exhibits that we could return again and again. I would recommend the museum to Louisville visitors, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. I can’t think of a more enjoyable, family-friendly activity on a rainy, frigid, or sweltering day in the city.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
