Most North American states are synonymous with their crowning glory. However, while Kentucky is well known for the Kentucky Derby, the southeastern state has more than one string to its bow.

Kentucky offers visitors a 360 experience of food, drink and culture, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and the Appalachian Mountains. From Louisville to Lexington and Pikeville to Paducah, every city is rooted in rich heritage and history.

As the birthplace of Bluegrass music, you’ll find reminders of Kentucky’s musical legacy everywhere you go. From intimate concerts and world-famous festivals to a pilgrimage along the Country Music Highway, the rhythm is sure to follow you.

Art enthusiasts will love Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. Explore the community of painters and sculptors and take home some souvenirs.

Kentucky didn’t just get a reputation for bourbon – Kentucky is bourbon, with an incredible 95 per cent of the world’s supply produced here. Don’t just drink it; learn about its history on a tour or ride a bike through stunning bourbon country.

Soak up all that juice with some Kentucky flavours, like a Hot Brown open-face sandwich or ‘burgoo,’ a rich stew native to the state. Make sure you try a mint julep, the official Derby drink for almost a century.

Prefer your adventures al fresco? The water is a great way to see Kentucky; paddle along the Upper Cumberland River or pontoon boat along beautiful Lake Barkley and its 100+ miles of shoreline. Hike and canoe through Mammouth Cave National Park, home to the world’s longest cave system. Or place your bets at the greatest two minutes in sports – the Kentucky Derby.

Whether you’re sipping on bourbon or finding hidden gems in the Bluegrass state, Kentucky’s been expecting you.

Start planning your trip now at kentuckytourism.com