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Six must-see locations for Kentucky's visitors

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

The articles focus on destinations and experiences that give visitors reasons to explore Kentucky. They highlight historical sites, outdoor attractions and unique Kentucky traditions.

You can visit Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park to see horse museums and equestrian events. Walk through Maysville’s historic districts and learn about its role in bourbon history. Take a trip on the Bourbon Trail, stopping at distilleries like Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace.

Read the stories below.

Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley is photographed in Building C at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky., on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Buffalo Trace is completing a 10-year, $1.2 billion expansion that has increased capacity from 200,000 barrels a year to more than 500,000. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 1: 3 ICONIC KENTUCKY BOURBON DISTILLERIES THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR JOY RIDE BUCKET LIST

From horses to world-class views, there are many highlights on the winding byways from Lexington to distilleries on the bourbon trail. Here are some not to miss. | Published March 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton Patti Nickell

Horses graze in a field before sunrise at Mill Ridge Farm in Fayette County, Ky., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 2: COUNTRY LIVING NAMES KENTUCKY CITY WITH RICH BOURBON HISTORY A 2025 AMERICAN HIDDEN GEM

The magazine credits the city as the “birthplace” of bourbon, and no, it isn’t Bardstown. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

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NO. 3: WHY IS LEXINGTON’S KENTUCKY HORSE PARK CONSIDERED THE BEST OF ITS KIND IN AMERICA?

For more than 45 years, the Kentucky Horse Park has captured the beauty, history and stories of Kentucky’s finest thoroughbreds. Its exhibits and respect for the horse has garnered international attention. | Published January 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

A lookout near East Pinnacle in the Berea College Forest is photographed at dawn. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 4: SMITHSONIAN SAYS KENTUCKY HAS ONE OF THE 15 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN 2025

If you’re searching for the perfect weekend day trip in Kentucky this fall, Berea may be tough to beat. | Published August 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.