Kentucky is a landlocked state of the American South and Midwest, celebrated worldwide for bourbon whiskey, thoroughbred horse racing, and a remarkable cave system beneath its rolling bluegrass hills. From Louisville's vibrant restaurant scene to the Daniel Boone National Forest's sandstone arches, and from the bourbon distilleries of the Bluegrass Region to the cultural traditions of Appalachian Eastern Kentucky, the Bluegrass State offers a deeply American journey through heritage, nature, and culinary culture.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Kentucky bourbon — allocated single barrels and limited releases only available at distillery gift shops; Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve have excellent selections
Kentucky Derby-themed memorabilia — Churchill Downs gift shop at 704 Central Ave, Louisville sells official Derby glassware, prints, and programs
Country ham — Broadbent's (571 US-62, Kuttawa, KY) sells award-winning whole Kentucky country hams; can be shipped domestically
Louisville Slugger mini bat — The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory Shop (800 W Main St) sells personalized mini bats
Kentucky Proud artisan foods — look for the Kentucky Proud label on local jams, sorghum, honey, and apple butter at farmers markets and rural country stores
Horse racing photography prints — Kentucky Horse Park gift shop (4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington) carries equestrian art and books
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Louisville NuLu Farmers Market
Local produce, baked goods, artisan foods, and handcrafts from Kentucky farms
Where: Louisville (NuLu)
Hours: Saturdays 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, May through October
Lexington Farmers Market at Cheapside
Thoroughbred region produce, local honey, bluegrass cheese, and Kentucky artisan goods
Where: Lexington (Downtown)
Hours: Saturdays year-round 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Tuesdays and Thursdays May-October 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
St. James Court Art Show
One of the nation's largest outdoor art fairs with 700+ artists; jewelry, ceramics, painting, and sculpture
Where: Louisville (Old Louisville)
Hours: First weekend of October, Friday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Oxmoor Center
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday noon - 6:00 PM
Mall St. Matthews
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday noon - 6:00 PM
Fayette Mall
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday noon - 6:00 PM