Bordered by the Ohio River to the north and the gently rolling Appalachian Mountains to the east, Kentucky is a land of rugged hills, raging rivers, endless caves, and oh so much good music. The state’s musical innovations span several genres, including bluegrass, blues, and country, spawned from the eastern hills where you can still find local artists and national acts performing in places like Covington, with its independent theaters and music venues. Along with being the birthplace of bourbon, Kentucky also boasts an impressive culinary tradition: its unique hickory smoked barbecue style has spread to the rest of the country and can be traced back to the Welsh settlers of the western wetlands.

For a dose of Kentucky culture, stroll Louisville’s fashionable Frankfort Avenue in with its trendy bars and bohemian vibes, or spend a day in the cute little town of Bardstown, where you can sample the state’s legendary distillate, see an outdoor musical, and visit a whiskey museum. If it’s the outdoors you crave, explore the rugged Daniel Boone National Forest or the sandstone bluffs in the Red River Gorge Geological Area that make up just a small portion of the almost 2 million acres of public land in the state.

Sitting between the warmer climate zone of the south and the colder northern areas of the country, Kentucky finds itself with generally mild temperatures and pleasant weather conditions throughout much of the year. Summers can bring high humidity, and with that often comes dramatic thunderstorms that sweep the landscape. For summer festivities, the famous Kentucky State Fair takes place towards the end of August, and the International Bar-B-Q Festival takes place around mid-May in Owensboro for a taste of the hickory smoked meats and spicy vinegar-based BBQ sauces the region is known for.

The diverse deciduous forests break out in a brilliant display of autumn hues during the fall, which can be a great time to search for cabin rentals in Kentucky, as the temperatures tend to be the mildest during the shoulder seasons. With the winter comes slightly lower temperatures and a reduction in humidity. Regardless of the time of year, the state's levels of rainfall tend to stay relatively stable.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is a 52,830-acre limestone cave system in central western Kentucky with over 400 miles of surveyed tunnel, making it the most extensive known cave system on the planet. Spending as little as half an hour, or up to a full day of exploration, is possible in the underground passageways alone. Above ground, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and horseback riding are all on offer.

Berea

This rural countryside town is known as the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky. Artisans, artists, and creatives have flocked to this UNESCO Creative City for its tradition of supporting the arts since its earliest days as an English settlement. Museums and galleries like the Appalachian Artisan Center, where you can find exhibits, classes, and art for purchase, can be found in Berea’s old town Artisan Village alongside glass studios and other artisanal workshops for patronage.

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Located in Owensboro, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame highlights the musicians and performers who helped bring the iconic style into the limelight. In addition, the museum has several displays and exhibits that detail the history behind the music, as well as lesson opportunities and several live concerts throughout the year.