Kentucky

Overview:

Aptly nicknamed for the native grass that has fed thoroughbreds and other livestock for decades, the 'Bluegrass State' of Kentucky is special for many reasons.

One of the first things we think of when this 15th state of the Union is mentioned is that little 'ol race held annually at the end of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville where mounted horses run one and a quarter miles counterclockwise around a track and 150,000 spectators, give or take, sip Mint Juleps and cheer for their favorite horse.

The names Kentucky and Derby may be synonymous to many but that is a disservice to the rest of the state. The Appalachian Mountains and Daniel Boone country as well as the still productive coal mines are mainstays in the eastern part of the state. The massive Mammouth Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and numerous resort and park lakes in the south draw large numbers of visitors. The moving waters of the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers not to mention Bluegrass Music and BBQ are the main themes of the eastern part of the state.The north central section of Kentucky particularly around Lexington is where the majority of the horse farms can be found but we would be remiss if we didn't mention this area is also the birthplace of bourbon.