Kentucky

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Introduction

Kentucky

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The Commonwealth of Kentucky was founded as a state in 1792 after splitting off from Virginia. The state stretches along the Ohio river to the north and the Appalachian Mountains to the south giving it many distinct areas. Kentucky has many claims to fame. The first being called the Bluegrass State because of its many lawns and pastures. It is also the birthplace of Bluegrass music!

Another claim include horses and horse racing with the apex being the Kentucky Derby. Along with horses is bourbon, which can only be brewed in Kentucky and tobacco growing. If your planing to spend a fair amount time in this beautiful state remember to brush up on your horse and college basketball before sitting down and enjoying a BBQ sandwich.

Geography

Kentucky is a long state that is kind of fat on the eastern edge that gets skinner the further west it goes. On the northern edge is the Ohio River that gently slopes south until meeting the Mississippi River. Interestingly Kentucky is the only state to have a non-contiguous part as an exclave that is complete surrounded by another state, which is Fulton County in the far west corner of the state. This county can only be accessed by Tennessee.

The easter area of Kentucky is dominated by the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains. The rest of the state is a series of plateaus with unique and distinct charms. Many of these areas are dominated by rolling tobacco farms or horse stables that are very pretty.

Cities

• Louisville, the state's largest city.
• Lexington
• Owensboro
• Bowling Green
• Covington
• Hopkinsville
• Frankfort, the state's capital.
• Henderson
• Richmond
• Jeffersontown

Sights and Activities

Fort Knox, Kentucky

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• Barbecue is a pulled pork dish served on its own or in a sandwich. Kentucky is home to some of the best BBQ in the country
• Churchill Downs is the location of the famous Kentucky Derby and can be visited year round.
• Fort Knox is the location of the United States Bullion Depository and is where federal government keeps most of its gold reserve and other precious objects. It holds around 150 million ounces of gold!
• Hiking and Camping can be found in the Appalachian Mountains on the eastern edge of the state.
• Mammoth Cave National Park is more then a giant hole in the ground it is also the sight of an interesting stone age mining operation. The green space around the park is also quite pretty. Just remember it can get cold even during the summer here.

Events and Festivals

The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in North America. This uniquely Kentucky event brings people from the world over but is dominated by southerners. If in the bleachers or the boxes men better have their best suits and women the most marvelous hat ever made. If on the lawn be prepared for extreme drinking and rowdiness. No matter what open your hand and prepare your liver for a Mint Julep.

Other Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

Two Amtrak trains operate to and from Kentucky:

• The Cardinal/Hoosier State between New York and Chicago, stopping in a few places in Kentucky along the border with Ohio.
• The City of New Orleans between Chicago and New Orleans stops in Fulton, Kentucky.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Eat

Drink

Sleep