The Explore All 50 States Project
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When I think of Kentucky I think of horses, banjo music and bourbon and we found all those things and more on our visit to "the Bluegrass state". As we crossed the border from Indiana, Kentucky seemed just like I envisioned it, lush and green with acres of rolling pastureland spread majestically as far as the eye could see and those signature white horse fences. There is no doubt about it, Kentucky is horse … [Read more...]
Sadly, the Kentucky History Center was certainly not one of the better history museums we’ve seen. It appeared that the folks who put the museum together did try to create an engaging experience but t seemed as if this museum was wrestling with its past, not knowing exactly how to show things like slavery and the Civil War. The exhibits seemed almost cartoonish, just scratching the surface over the most painful … [Read more...]
The grounds of The Kentucky State Capitol Building are just lovely, and when we were there they were covered with acorns. As we walked up, we could tell there was something going on, and as we got closer we discovered it was a celebration of the anniversary of women getting the right to vote. There were lots of ladies dressed in white with purple sashes surrounding a podium festooned with balloons next to banners of … [Read more...]
Until I'd been to the Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory, I don't think I've ever tasted anything quite as addictive as one of their Kentucky Colonels, also known as a Bourbon Ball. We took the opportunity to tour the little factory that turns out these magical confections that marry Kentucky bourbon and chocolate into an absolute taste sensation. The factory will remind you of that candy-wrapping scene in "I Love … [Read more...]
The seven of us were pretty familiar with regular horse racing, but none of us had ever seen harness racing and I figured it would be fun to learn about the racing experience by watching some Harness Racing at The Red Mile. I wasn't sure how it would go over, bringing a bunch of kids to the track. In my mind, I rationalized that this was Kentucky horse country, not New Jersey with shady characters smoking cigars … [Read more...]
As you have already figured out by now, Kentucky is horse country and one of the best places to learn all about horses is the Kentucky Horse Park. There was so much to see and learn here about these magnificent animals. First stop was the museum to learn about the history of horses in cultures around the world, from Europe to Asia and the Middle East and the US we learned how horses were used and cared for. The … [Read more...]
You simply cannot visit Louisville without visiting Churchill Downs, home to the most famous horse race in the country—the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Derby Museum. I don't know why, but this is just one of those storied places where I had to pinch myself to make sure I was really here. Out front the kids posed with a gorgeous sculpture of Barbaro the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner who later shattered his leg 2 … [Read more...]
Louisville is also famous for its glass factories (just like Toledo, Ohio) and right around the corner from the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory we decided to check out another fun and interactive activity at The Louisville Glassworks. Inside we took a look at the displays to learn a little bit about the different ways glass can be transformed into interesting shapes and colors before taking a seat in front … [Read more...]
Wow, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory was beyond fantastic and best of all it's a real factory turning out an all-American product. Did you know that most big league ball players have their own bats made to their specifications? We found that out and so much more. We spent some time in the exhibit area while waiting for our tour to start, reading about interesting facts about the Louisville slugger bats … [Read more...]
I think folks assume Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky are just full of bland, blue collar working-class towns, and might not necessarily plan a road trip here, but let me tell you, they are very exciting places to visit chock full of really fun and interesting things to explore and do. Yvonne, Jacob and Abigail were along for the ride once again and could not wait to explore as we hit the road. Our theme for … [Read more...]
