You would have to squint pretty hard to make the green grasses of Central Kentucky actually look blue. But the appeal of the state’s Bluegrass region — and neighboring communities in northern Kentucky — is easy to see.
It takes less than 90 minutes to drive from Lexington, the heart of horse country, to the vibrant entertainment areas just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati. Along the way, groups that make the trip will discover distinctive history, get up close and personal with retired racing champions, and explore one of the largest faith-based attractions in the country.
Danville
Most arrivals in central Kentucky, either by air or interstate, will bring travelers to Lexington. But a great place to begin exploring the area is Danville, a small college town about 35 miles south of the city.
For history lovers, Danville is most notable as the birthplace of Kentucky. The commonwealth’s constitution was signed in 1792 in what now is Danville’s Constitution Square. The historic site has information about the Kentucky founding, as well as a collection of preserved historic cabins and other structures. Also nearby is Governor’s Circle, a series of monuments that trace the history of Kentucky’s governors.
After this history lesson, groups will want to remain in the charming downtown area for some free time to eat, shop and peruse Danville’s art scene. The Art Center of the Bluegrass on West Main Street features art exhibits, classes, workshops, pottery painting, a museum store and a café. It’s also home of the Glass National Art Museum, which features the work of the late internationally renowned hot glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell.
Lexington
Visitors to Lexington always remark on the beauty of its surroundings, and much of the scenery comes from the horse farms — rolling green pastures bordered by stone walls and painted wooden fences — that surround the city. Lexington touts itself as the Horse Capital of the World, and groups spending time in the area have multiple opportunities to immerse themselves in its equestrian heritage.
Perhaps the best way to start is with a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park, a 1,200-acre facility with numerous museums and interactive experiences, including the Smithsonian affiliate International Museum of the Horse. Visitors can meet retired racehorses that live at the park, learn about the history of horses around the world at the Parade of Breeds and take horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the property.
For another kind of equestrian experience, plan to spend some time at Keeneland, Lexington’s Thoroughbred racecourse. During April and October, groups can see live racing that features some of the world’s greatest horses and jockeys. But the track is worth visiting during other times of year, too, when groups can take behind-the-scenes tours to learn the ins and outs of racing.
Don’t leave Lexington without giving your group some free time at the Distillery District. This up-and-coming area was the home of the James E. Pepper Distillery, which was founded in 1879. The distillery eventually closed in the mid-20th century, and the site sat empty for 50 years until local entrepreneurs began to bring it back to life. Today, the 25-acre area is home to some of the city’s most popular restaurants, as well breweries, retail shops, a live music venue and even a resurrection of the Pepper bourbon distillery, which is open for tours.
Georgetown
Just six miles from the Kentucky Horse Park, Georgetown is Lexington’s immediate neighbor to the north. Many groups use it as a convenient stopover between Lexington and northern Kentucky, but the area has a number of experiences worth making time for.
Among Georgetown’s most beloved sites is Old Friends Farm, a retirement farm for Thoroughbreds. Started by a local equestrian enthusiast, the farm is now home to more than 100 horses, including several that have won the Kentucky Derby and other high-profile races. Visiting groups can take 90-minute walking tours, during which they will meet racing champions and other horses. They get the opportunity to pet and feed the horses carrots while guides describe their racing accomplishments.
Another local favorite site is Evans’ Orchard and Cider Mill. This 175-acre farm is now owned by the fifth generation of the Evans family and offers a variety of experiences. During the fall, it’s the place to be for hayrides, apple-picking experiences, and freshly pressed cider and cider donuts. Throughout the year, its petting zoo and expansive recreation area make it a great stop for student groups.
Northern Kentucky
From Georgetown, a quick 30-minute trip up Interstate 75 will bring visitors to what has become perhaps Kentucky’s most popular group tour destination: The Ark Encounter.
Designed as a life-size replica of Noah’s Ark, the Ark Encounter is huge: 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high. Inside, exhibits detail the way the ark would have been built to accommodate humans and thousands of animals. They also give a look into the way that Noah and his family would have lived and worked on board the ark. Plan to spend at least a half day at the complex, which also features a small zoo, a zip-line course, virtual-reality experiences and several dining outlets, including Emzara’s Buffet, the largest restaurant in the state.
From there, it’s a short 40-mile trip north to Newport, one of the cities situated directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, and its signature attraction, Newport on the Levee. This entertainment district is home to the Newport Aquarium, which features sea creatures from around the world. It’s also the site of numerous other attractions, including e-sports and gaming facilities, as well as lots of retail and dining options perfect for free-time meals.
Many groups cap off their time in northern Kentucky with a cruise aboard the one of the vessels operated by BB Riverboats. This company has been offering scenic and dining cruises up and down the Ohio River near Cincinnati since 1979. After boarding in Newport, visitors can enjoy buffet meals featuring locally sourced Kentucky specialties while they admire the scenery of the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky skylines. After dinner, take in the view from the open-air upper deck.
