Golden Triangle of Kentucky, USA
Kentucky Derby, Louisville, USA
Wednesday, 29, Oct 2008 12:00
Formerly part of Virginia, Kentucky has grown into a must see destination in its own right - as famous for its thorough-bred horses as it is for its Bluegrass music and fine bourbons.
At the heart of the state is the Golden Triangle - composed of Lexington, Cincinnati and Louisville - which is home to a host of visitor attractions, based around the Ohio River and the state's rich cultural heritage
Here visitors will find monuments to sporting triumphs past and present, world-class restaurants, museums and galleries and a vibrant cultural milieu.
Below travelbite.co.uk takes a brief tour of what is on offer in the unique American destination.
Sights and Sounds of Kentucky
The state is most famous for the Kentucky Derby. The next race will take place on the first Saturday in May, at Churchill Downs in Louisville - offering visitors a chance to sup Mint Juleps while mingling with the rich and famous on Millionaires' Row.
Although the race lasts just two minutes, it caps the two week Kentucky Derby Festival, which includes over 70 races - including the Fillies for the Lilies race - and usually attracts around 155,000 fans.
The state also recently staged the 37th Ryder Cup between American and Europe, at the Valhalla Golf Club. America emerged victorious from the tournament - beating Europe 16½ - 11½ and ending a European winning streak dating back to 1999 - and focused the eyes of the world on the quality courses the state has to offer.
Over in Louisville the Persimmon Ridge Golf Club, designed by Arthur Hills, offers players a range of challenging terrains for a guest fee of $85 (£40), while in Lexington the Gay Brewer, Jr. Course has a par of 72 of 6,548 yards and also has a fully stocked golf shop, swimming pool and grill/snack bar.
Golden Triangle, Louisville
Once home to Thomas Edison and named in the honour Louis XVI of France, Louisville is much more than home to the Kentucky Derby.
For example, there are 112 parks in the city - totalling more than 11,000 acres with 15 miles of historic parkways - making it more verdant than any other city in America. It is also home to the Mohammad Ali Museum - founded by Mohammad Ali and his wife in 1997 - which celebrates the life of perhaps the world's greatest ever sportsman.
The Slugger Museum also celebrates the factory that has been crafting the official bat of Major League Baseball since 1884. The bat was originally created by Andrew 'Bud' Hillerich in his father's woodworking shop in the city during 1884, with the brand name 'Louisville Slugger' first used in 1893.
Over on the Ohio River - which runs through the city and forms part of the Kentucky/Indiana border - the Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi-style sternwheeler in existence.
Sightseeing tours are available for walk on guests, while the vessel still sails the river - along with sister ship Spirit of Jefferson - visiting the sites so often visited throughout the early nineteen hundreds.
The Actors Theatre of Louisville also hosts the Humana Festival of New American Plays every year in March and April, with the next event scheduled to begin on March 1st 2009.
Golden Triangle, Lexington
Known as the Horse Capital of the World, the city of Lexington is also at the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region.
Numerous equine attractions are on display - including the American Saddlebred Museum, Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland Race Course - all of which celebrate the role of horses in the social, economic and sporting development of the city.
Lexington has also been selected as the host of the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games.
On the cultural side the Lexington Opera House offers something for everyone; including ballet, opera, children's productions, family shows, comedy, music and Broadway tours.
More than 3,000 acres in Fayette County, which surrounds the city, are also designated as park facilities, with the four largest composed of Jacobson Park, Masterson Station Park, Shillito Park and Woodland Park.
Celebrating the musical heritage of the city, the Bluegrass Festival will begin on June 11th 2009.
Where to stay
In Louisville the 21st Century Museum Hotel is the first of its kind, North America's - dedicated solely to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. The location offers 90 rooms and a 9,000 square foot contemporary art museum in the lobby - updated every month.
The hotel restaurant, Proof on the Main, is also among the nation's top best restaurants.
Over in Lexington, the Embassy Suites Hotel and Doubletree Guest Suites both offer straightforward accommodation to visitors.
How to get to Kentucky
The quickest and easiest way to reach the state of Kentucky is with Delta Airlines. The carrier flies direct to Cincinnati Airport from London Gatwick daily.
British Airways also flies to Louisville, with a change necessary in Chicago.
Tour operator America as you Like It also offers tailor tours to the region - including accommodation, car hire and flights.
More information
For more information on visiting the state of Kentucky take a look at the Kentucky Tourism website.
Lexington, Cincinnati and Louisville also all have their own local tourism websites.
Finally, the Cincinnati Airport website also has a host of information available to those interested in visiting the state.
Chris O'Toole