TRAVELING KENTUCKY
Chapter one
by mary gallagher

Racking your brain trying to solve the dilemma of where to take your multi-generation family for its next vacation? Somewhere with attractions that will appeal to everyone and not break the bank? Look no further than the Bluegrass State, Kentucky!

There is no denying that I never saw a horse, cowboy movie, stable or racetrack I didn't like. When I was really little the local movie theater had a contest to win a real horse. To my parents relief, I wasn't the lucky one that Saturday. My prize was a painted metal one that they probably sell as antiques today. Now, I'll bet they never really gave away a real horse.

Kentucky has urban areas with museums, shopping, fine dining, all types of spectator sports and then on to the countryside for the largest number of state parks in the US, water for boating and fishing, with woodlands and mountains for hiking. Founded in 1785, Kentucky, abounds in history including real legends like Davy Crockett!

On this, my first, trip I've barely scratched the surface. Here, in continuing chapters, are the highlights and features I'd recommend from personal experience. Don't think I'm going soft with so few acerbic comments but everything went quite smoothly including the timing of torrential downpours whenever we were driving from one destination to another. Upon arrival the sun came out.

PRESERVING KENTUCKY HISTORY

The preservation of all aspects of our countries precious history is something that has to be guarded and nurtured by everyone at all times. Architectural history walking tours are one of my favorite aspects of learning.

The Kentucky Historical Society presents the state's heritage in tours, lectures, hands-on workshops and special events. Across the state programs provide opportunities for families to participate in learning about Kentucky's history. Visitors and residents can use the Society's resources to pursue their own interests.

At the Society's three museums in Frankfort, a year-round schedule of educational and entertaining programs is offered. Groups visiting Frankfort are encouraged to call ahead to check the event schedule. 

Several Society programs are designed to help local communities identify, preserve, and present their own history. In cooperation with the Historical Confederation of Kentucky, the Local History Program provides communities with resources to develop their own museums, historical societies, and other local history projects.

The mission of the Kentucky Folklife Program is to identify, document, and conserve the state's diverse cultural traditions, generally referred to as folklife. Each year the Kentucky Folk Life Festival brings more than 25,000 people, including approximately 8,000 students, to Frankfort to learn about and celebrate the state's traditions.

Through Community Partnerships, local organizations research regional traditions, write grants, organize concerts, exhibits, and festivals, and develop cultural heritage tourism programs.

The Kentucky Folklife Program provides a variety of services for folk artists, including the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship with one of the state's master artists.

View Creating Art at Glassworks 
Louisville

The new Glassworks in Louisville, Kentucky was designed to create a community and hub for glass artists everywhere by combining a glass blowing studio, stunning apartment living, working artist studios, the Martha Hewett Gallery, classes and more. 

Glassworks is conveniently located in the Snead Manufacturing building downtown at Ninth & Market in the historic business district. Originally built in 1910 to house an architectural foundry and later home to printers and garment makers the property has been renovated as Glassworks the country's first complete center dedicated to the art of glass. 

COLIN HEANEY,  vitrolith glass

Touring this building reconfirmed my love of mixed use in the utilization of a historic property. One of the contributing factors to the decline of so many downtown districts was the demise of living spaces above a retail and other businesses.

How inspiring to ones creativity living in a situation like this would be. The apartment units were nearly wall-less, some had lofts, and all with full banks of windows overlooking the city. It was easy to imagine myself walking through the glass studios on the way to the elevator to my "new" home overlooking the city. I wonder if they ever got the skid marks from my shoes off the floors after dragging me out. 

Each day visitors have an opportunity to not only appreciate the glass treasures on exhibit, but to learn more about how they are created and crafted. Mention glass art and many people think of church windows but glass art is more than ethereal as it has evolved through the centuries into a celebrated contemporary art. 

The focus of this new project is the the glassblowing studio with its 2000 degree, blazing-hot furnace and the unifying bond that holds the plan together with 23 public working glass studios on the first two floors. The Hewitt Gallery hosts rotating exhibits, the Glassworks Gallery carries an array of gifts and designer items suitable for any budget and here also is the Glassworks cafe. Five floors are devoted to apartments and condos. 

Classes and innovative workshops instructional techniques such as the design of architectural glass, cast glass, blown glass, kiln-formed glass, fused glass, lamp working , sandblasting, glass painting and larninating will be offered to experienced and inexperienced artists.

Tours are available daily.

Adults (ages 13-54); $5, seniors (ages 55 and over); $2.50, kids (ages 6-12); children ages 5 and under admitted free. 
Glass Works
815 West Market Street
Louisville, Kentucky
502 584 4510
www.Louisvilleglassworks.com 

Marta Hewett Gallery Exhibition Schedule 
March 3 - May 18, 2002 Open 
May 24 - July 6, 2002 Jack Ink 
July 12 - August 24, 2002 Patrick Martin 
August 30 - October 12, 2002 Anniversary Show 
October 18 - November 30,2002 Baldwin/Guggisberg 
December'6 - January 17, 2003 Holiday Show 
May - July 2003 Dale Chihuly 

Churchill Downs
Louisville

It was a perfect afternoon to live out a dream and visit America's most historic and famous thoroughbred racetrack. Temperatures in the upper 70's, blue skies with a few fluffy white clouds and no humidity. No not Derby day but who cares!

We were in plenty of time to visit the Kentucky Derby Museum and then take a quick track tour. The museum has several interactive features including a film shown on a 360 degree screen. This means you stand or sit on the floor bending your head back while a great video swirls around many feet above. I never get seasick but couldn't watch this one very long until I learned to keep my eyes on just one spot.

Everything about racing, Derby winners, jockeys and whatever you can think of regarding the Derby and its history is here. Churchill Downs and Keeneland are listed as two of Kentucky's thirty National Historic Landmarks by the Park Service.
The tour did not take us to the barns or stables but it was also shortly before the days races were to begin and that may have been an issue. The guide was great and told everyone how to place bets! 

I highly recommend you take the time to visit the museum before or after the days races. If you left a race fan at home, the gift shop carries all kinds of Derby, track and racing mementos.

We splurged and spent $3.50 for clubhouse seats, the grandstand is $2. Quite a bargain to fulfill a lifelong dream. After coming home I signed up for a quarterly newsletter to keep abreast of what's going on at this historical track.

A little history.

Horse racing in Kentucky dates back to 1789 when the first race course was laid out in Lexington. Almost 100 years later, in 1875, Churchill Downs officially opened and began its tradition as "Home of the Kentucky Derby."

Races in Louisville were first held on Market Street in the downtown area. Harness racing was also a significant part of Louisville's early racing history with one of the most prominent tracks, Greeneland, built just east of Churchill Downs in 1868. 

Traveling in England and France in 1872-1873, 26-year-old Col. M. Lewis Clark, devised the idea of a Louisville Jockey Club. Returning to Kentucky, Clark began his racetrack which would serve to showcase the Kentucky breeding industry. The track eventually become known as "Churchill Downs." 

Eighty acres of land, approximately three miles south of downtown were leased. A clubhouse, grandstand, porter's lodge and six stables were eventually constructed on the site. Today the one mile oval track and facilities cover 166 acres. Like old stadiums once in the country, the city of Louisville has grown up around Churchill Downs. 

Clark designed three major stakes races, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Clark Handicap. These events have each been held continuously at Churchill since their debut in 1875. The track formally opened May 17, 1875 with four races scheduled. 

A new grandstand complemented by two spires was constructed atop the roof during fall 1894 - spring 1895. The twin spires, a simple architectural element, would become the symbol of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. 

The first national telecast of the Kentucky Derby aired May 3, 1952 and film patrol was installed in 1954 to provide replays to the racing officials. Churchill Downs has become a leader in simulcast wagering as both a host site and receiver. A safety zealot, I was happy to hear that in 1955 an automatic sprinkler system was installed in the entire grandstand and clubhouse. 

The commitment to quality racing at Churchill Downs has made the Company one of the premier racing centers in North America. 

THE Kentucky Derby Museum
Louisville

The Kentucky Derby Museum features an award-winning, High Definition Kentucky Derby film entitled "The Greatest Race". Displayed on a 360-degree screen, "The Greatest Race" places the viewer in the center of Derby Day action. And in spite of my complaint regarding a lack of seating and extreme neck bending this is a wonderful film bringing you close to all the excitement of the big day.

Exhibits include African Americans in Thoroughbred Racing, "Place Your Bets" illustrates pari-mutuel wagering and the "Warner L. Jones, Jr. Time Machine" permits visitors to select footage of Derby's as far back as 1918. One can even be a jockey and ride in a race. 

Taking a guided walking tour of Churchill Downs and the Museum's paddock area, you'll see the actual Finish Line pole used for many years, and the grave sites of three famous Kentucky Derby winners, Carry Back (1961), Swaps (1955) and Brokers Tip (1933) located outside on the museum grounds. 

The Derby Café, located on the Museum grounds, is open for lunch weekdays.

Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central Ave.
Louisville, Kentucky 40208
502-636-4400, fax 502-636-4554
For current exhibits 502.637.1111 
www.derbymuseum.org/

THE SEELBACH HILTON
 Louisville

Kentucky’s premier destination experience and Louisville’s only Four Star, Four Diamond Hotel with Kentucky’s first and only Five Diamond restaurant. The Oak Room. Listed on The National Register of Historic Places, the Seelbach Hotel is filled with a rich history of gangsters, writers and United States presidents who have stayed under its roof. Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald came to sip Kentucky bourbon and smoke expensive cigars and Al Capone the fabled Chicago gangster visited dozens of times every year. 

Louisville attracted European immigrants after the Civil War, including Louis and Otto Seelbach, brothers from Bavaria. Louis ran a series of restaurants and small inns, but longed to build a majestic establishment in the style and tradition of the grand hotels of Europe. 

In 1905, the brothers opened their 196-room, 10-story hotel several blocks south of Main Street. It was a big hit, particularly during Kentucky Derby celebrations. After only two years a new wing was added, expanding the hotel to 350 rooms. 

The grand lobby retains soaring ceilings, supported by columns of marble imported from Switzerland, Italy and Vermont. Giant murals ring the high walls, each depicting scenes from Kentucky history, including several images of Daniel Boone. Mahogany, bronze and leather give the hotel the feel of an exclusive club.

The Rathskellar features stunning Moorish influenced arches, covered with thousands of hand-painted tiles from the Rookwood Pottery factory in Cincinnati. The pillars are ringed with pelican frescos (a good luck symbol), and the ceiling above the bar is covered with hand-tooled leather featuring intricate designs from the zodiac. 

The architecture is so precise that sound is reflected like a polished parabola. The Rathskeller is now coupled with technologically advanced conference and banquet capabilities.

The mighty Ohio River, 10 blocks to the north, used to spill its banks every decade or so, ruining much of below-ground Louisville. By the 1960s, seawalls and bulkheads managed to keep the river away, but nothing at the time could stop the economic erosion that threatened downtown. 

During the next decade, several benefactors sank millions of dollars into the hotels restoration. Today Louisville’s historic downtown is experiencing a wonderful renewal including the new Glass Works, the Louisville Slugger Bat Museum, restaurants, galleries and small theaters. 

I love staying in the heart of downtowns especially those with nearby areas that haven’t become totally gentrified. Here are my favorite “unique” shopping spots and Louisville has been no exception. Just a few blocks down from the Seelbach before you reach the equally historic Brown Hotel are some of the best places to buy the huge wild earrings I’m famous for. Each time I’m in Louisville, I race over hoping they haven’t been razed.

The Seelbach is just 3 blocks from the Convention Center, walking distance to the river front and arts district or ride the little trolleys that run a circular route around downtown.

The Old Seelbach Bar boasts of having one of the largest collections of Kentucky bourbon in the country, Although I have never had time to stop in during my stays at the hotel, a lively crowd has always been in attendance.

At many historic hotels you’ll find members of the staff who’ve been around for years and the Seelbach is no exception. Most of the fellows working as car valets are young enthusiastic college kids while the bellmen and waitstaff are old pros. They readily provide service and easily rise to the challenge of assisting guests whatever their problems. We had a rather unusual vehicle emergency and the entire staff worked to resolve it. The people you meet always provide great memories of any trip and the staff at the Seelbach is no exception.

The landmark Oak Room, also beautifully restored with hand-carved solid oak paneling, offers classic and seasonal entrees on an eclectic menu. Our dinner for three was exceptional with superb ingredients and the most professional service. The Oak Room is well deserving of its many awards. 

The 321 Guest rooms are luxuriously appointed with 18th century reproduction furnishings and marble baths. The ornate bathroom sinks continue to amaze and remind me of another age in Paris. Executive class mini suites have a sitting area and work space, mahogany four poster beds (high off the ground as is the fashion!) and armoires. All my rooms have been quite quiet, very clean, fully functioning and truly non-smoking.

The Seelbach Cafe offers casual dining in a comfortable environment and one can catch an espresso and pastry at the casual “The Corner” on the corner.

The Seelbach Hilton Louisville 
500 Fourth Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40202-2518
(502) 585-3200
1 800 445 8667 (Hilton Worldwide)


CINCINNATI / NORTHERN KENTUCKY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CVG)

In spite of my usual tendency to blank out and run on automatic in airports, flying into this modern easy to navigate facility was a great start to the trip and less than two hours from home. Kentucky is centrally located to 12 states and for many able to tolerate a long day in the car, only a days drive away. 

Recently having had eye surgery, it had was pre-arranged for a volunteer from the Airport Ambassadors to meet me. Walking off the plane I met Eda Lou who escorted me to the baggage claim area with a quick stop at the Ambassadors booth. Here I met several volunteers including Edna's husband, Bob, a retired airport employee.

If you are ever the least concerned about a parent, child, group or handicapped person arriving or departing from this airport please use their capable support. Many airports have a Travelers Aid station providing assistance at no cost but not all allow their volunteers to leave the booth. I could probably have eventually found everything on my own but what a pleasant welcome with someone glad to see me and well acquainted with the area. 

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl. Airport
www.cvgairport.com


HOLIDAY INN 
Cincinnati Airport 
Erlanger

Just a few miles from the airport and minutes from downtown Cincinnati, is the full-service conference center Holiday Inn hotel. Ranked in the top 1% of all Holiday Inn hotels worldwide with many awards, this older property was spacious, clean, attractive (no plastic plants) and quite quiet.

The hotel serves an interesting international clientele in part due to the Japanese auto plants in Kentucky. The breakfast menu included Japanese selections.

Van driver Dennis Dial (they even have their own business cards) was also the bellman that day and later showed me around the lobby area pointing out shops. the restaurant, pool, exercise room and business center. 

That night, I visited the (free to guests) 24 hour business center which included computers, Internet access and photo copy machine use. A night person like myself really appreciates this round the clock availability of services. Several people were catching up on e mail and composing documents for their morning meetings. We engaged in a lively conversation on world events while I made copies.

The 24 hour fitness center was well equipped and spacious. A large indoor pool entertained some kids earlier in the day. Food service includes a restaurant facing onto the lobby with moderately priced entrees, buffets and room service.

Without a doubt the service oriented staff and location are the reigning attractions at this Holiday Inn. 

Nearby places of interest: 
Casinos-Argosy, Grand Victoria, Bel Terra (17 MI)
Red's Cinergy Field/Bengal's Paul Brown Stadium (8 MI)
Firstar Center, Cyclones Hockey (8 MI) 
Turfway Park, Horse Racing (2 MI) 
Aronoff Center for Performing Arts (8 MI) 
Northern KY Convention Center (7 MI) 
Newport Aquarium (packages available) (6 MI) 
Cincinnati Zoo (packages available) (10 MI) 
River Bend Music Center/Coney Island/River Downs (11 MI) 
Toyota North American Headquarters and TMS (0.50 MI) 
Perfect North Skiing (packages available) (9 MI) 
Kentucky Speedway (30 MI). 

Holiday Inn - Cincinnati Airport
1717 Airport Exchange Blvd
Erlanger, KY 41018
Phone 859-371-2233
FAX: 859-371-5002
www.basshotels.com/holiday-inn

KENTUCKY SPEEDWAY 
Sparta

We had a little time to run out and tour the new Kentucky Speedway. Unfortunately they had probably heard about my driving skills and the track was off limits! Three types of driving classes are available for the aspiring serious or just fun driver and for a smaller fee you can ride around the track a few times with a professional driver.

I would never call myself a racing expert but I have toured the Indianapolis Speedway, attended races at Brainerd International, the Grand Prix of Monterey and a few stock car events here and there. 

Slightly over one year new, the speedway is set on 1,000 acres of rolling countryside they must call car racing heaven. The owners have tried to accommodate every feature of the best speedways around the country. Parking spaces are on the backside of the 1.5 mile track for 50 RV's, other campsites nearby, excellent handicapped parking and wheel chair accessible viewing of the track. Lots and lots of restrooms particularly women's! At this point capacity is 65,000 and expansion is a foregone conclusion. The next step, I'm told, is securing a Winston Cup date. Well and upgrading the surrounding municipal road systems. We were out in the country!

Some cars were practicing for the weekend races and a few fans were up by the fence. I asked one fellow if he had been there for a race and he had and couldn't say enough good things about the track, the sight lines and the fact that he could bring his little girl for $10.

Tips for attending the Kentucky Speedway

Bring a picnic basket and tailgate before the race. Kentucky law does not allow coolers inside. Your children and your own ears will appreciate ear plugs. If you are sitting in a lower seat, wear a hat and bring a towel to wipe off the bits of tire debris! 

One thing that is hard to find is shade! Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and seat cushions. On the opposite end prepare for rain but umbrellas are not allowed in the grandstands. Binoculars, camera with telephoto lens is helpful, a radio scanner and headset allow you to listen to the drivers during the race. They can also be rented at the speedway. If you have a pit or garage pass, your shoulders and legs must be covered - no shorts or open-toed shoes allowed.

Prohibited items: Coolers, umbrellas, glass containers, weapons, noise makers, horns, helium balloons and beach balls, illegal drugs, fireworks, folding chairs and alcoholic beverages

Kentucky Speedway
Sparta, KY
Tickets 1-888-652-RACE
cincinnati.com/kyspeedway

JO AN RESTAURANT
Erlanger

On recommendations from a local resident who had traveled extensively in the far east, we ventured to Jo An, a Japanese restaurant, a short distance from the Holiday Inn. I don't eat raw sashimi but thoroughly enjoy most Japanese food. 

The menu covers five pages including sashimi, noodle dishes, soup, desserts, salads, and cooked salads. A superb selection. We ordered an assorted platter to start and our waitress pointed out the "cooked" or California rolls for people like myself. 

Various courses like shrimp tempura run in the $5-6 range. One makes up a selection of plates for an excellent "tasting". This gave those less experienced or adventuresome an opportunity to try a variety of items they would never have ordered as main course. We had two vegetarians in the group - one very strict and they both were stuffed and happy at the meals end. 

The restaurant has received several dining awards and another good sign was the majority of customers in the full dining room were Japanese. In my mind a testament to authenticity. A large list of quality saki made another companion quite happy.

JoAn Restaurant
3940 Olympic Blvd
Erlanger, KY 41018
859 746 2634 
859 746 3666 fax 


COVINGTON, KENTUCKY

Early the next morning we were off to explore Covington located directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. First stop was the Northern Kentucky Visitors Center, where the very capable staff can provide you with numerous brochures, maps, directions and all sorts of local and state information. 

Our able guide, Susan Michels, who works with tour groups and could not be stumped with by any question, took us on a riding and walking tour of the 13 block historic Riverside Drive neighborhood. The area features fun shops, restaurants and walking paths along the river. The carriage houses, civil war homes and bountiful gardens will make you want to hunt up a Realtor. 

Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.nkycvb.com

BB RIVER BOATS
Covington

A tasty buffet was served on our riverboat lunch cruise out of Covington Landing. The food was fairly common buffet fair but quite fresh and tasty. The other travelers at our table went back three times before dessert! 

Frequently when I've taken this type of river or waterfront tours there isn't any commentary and we're just floating along but BB featured a great banjo player with a historical dialogue as part of his performance.

BB River Boats
Covington Landing 
Covington, KY 
859-261-8500 or 1-800-261-8586 
859-292-2452 Fax 
www.bbriverboats.com/


WORLD PEACE BELL 
Newport

Near the Newport Aquarium, we drove by the Peace  Bell. On July 5th, 1999, the World Peace Bell, towed by the Belle of Cincinnati, began a journey up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Newport, Kentucky. The Belle of Cincinnati stopped at 14 cities along the way for public ceremonies. The people of each town were invited on board to view, touch and to ring the bell for peace. 

The bell weighs 66,000 pounds and measures 12 feet high by 12 feet wide. The World Peace Bell will be showcased in a stunning glass pavilion at the base of the Millennium Monument (soon to be the world's tallest monument). Each day at noon the bell rings with its message of freedom and peace particularly significant in these times. 

World Peace Bell
4th & York Sts. 
Newport, KY 41071 
859-655-9500 
www.cinci.rr.com/mm/


NEWPORT AQUARIUM
Newport

The 100,000-square-foot Newport Aquarium opened in May 1999 two minutes from downtown Cincinnati on the banks of the Ohio River as part of the riverfront re-development. Open 365 days a year, the Newport Aquarium has done a few things differently with their 1 million gallons of Fresh and Salt Water on 2.5 levels.

Like some of the little kids I was enthralled with the 200 Feet of clear, underwater tunnels featuring sharks and other fish swimming over my head. Can't remember how many fish bellies I've had the opportunity to study before.

There are three sections of see-through flooring where among all the fish even alligators swim beneath your feet.

To hold the over 11,000 marine animals, the Newport Aquarium has sixty exhibits and themed galleries including World's Rivers, Shore Gallery, Bizarre and Beautiful, Dangerous and Deadly, Jellyfish Gallery, Surrounded by Sharks, Underwater Safari and Kingdom of Penguins. 

My favorite were probably the Jellyfish. This display was unique, in its darkened room with special lighting, all the custom built tanks have gilt picture frames like grand paintings, the center of the room features a large chandelier and round Victorian settee. An appropriate elegance for these beautiful fluid jewel like creatures. The variety was astonishing with every size from tiny to very scary large ones. 

When we were by the 50 Sharks in their special 380,000-gallon shark tank, the sharks were all around and swimming fast. A very small boy held by his dad said in a loud voice "Ohhh dad, I'm really afraid" and then he giggled burying his head in his dads shoulder.

The aquarium has a very impressive gift shop with a wide range of prices and the usual type of cafeteria found in these institutions. All around the outside of the building are various eateries, stores and other attractions.

In addition to their unique display features is the rule - NO strollers! You check your stroller and receive a back pack to carry kids. This was a tremendous feature for someone like me who tends to fall over gigantic things in the light much less strollers, now the size of Volkswagens, in the dark!
Like many aquariums the Newport features a great penguin display that includes 12 King Penguins. A cheerful crowd hangs around to view their antics. It was especially fun to watch the ones that lined up, patiently waiting their turn to jump into the water and then changed their mind at the last minute - shrugging their shoulders and went to the back of the line to start over! 

Newport Aquarium
One Aquarium Way
Located at Newport on the Levee
Newport, KY 41071 
(859) 491.FINS 
(859) 261.5888 Fax 
www.newportaquarium.com

Break the same old vacation routine and do yourself a real favor with alternatives to the humdrum, not that again, typical vacation. Start with the cornucopia of opportunities available in the Bluegrass State, Kentucky!

Courtesy: KentuckyTourism.com

Here are a few ideas.

* The Beach Scene:
Open for swimmers on Memorial Day, destinations such as Barren River, Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky Dam Lake, Lake Barkley and Rough River provide sunny getaways right now. www.kystateparks.com 

* Nature and Wildlife:
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources owns or operates more than 70 Wildlife Management Areas across the state, all of which rest on conserved public wildlife land suitable for outdoor sporting adventures, including fishing. www.kdfwr.state.ky.us

Courtesy: KentuckyTourism.com

* Stay on Real Family Farm:
If you've ever imagined yourself gathering eggs - yes they are warm right from under the squawking chicken, picking your own produce - try corn, lots of bugs in those fields or milking a cow, then you'll enjoy a spring break down on the farm. The little asides are my own comments from some family farm experiences over the years. Chasing escaped hogs, plugging your ears when the "chosen" chicken meets his end for tonight's dinner but my, now adult, kids say it was some of the best times they can remember.
Agri-tourism, a novel trend in travel, offers an educational and fun experience on such Kentucky farms as:
Buffalo Crossings, Shelbyville
502-647-0377 or www.bluegrassbison.com
The Homeplace, Golden Pond at Land Between the Lakes 
270-924-2000 or www.lbl.org
Kentucky Living History Farm, Lexington
859-293-9367 or www.kentuckylivinghistoryfarm.com
The Mountain Homeplace, Staffordsville
606-297-1850 or www.mountainhomeplace.com
Sunrock Farm, Wilder
859-781-5502 or www.sunrockfarm.org

* Hanging Out: 
Visit Kentucky's new outdoor climbing adventure park, Via Ferrata Torrent Falls. Located in eastern Kentucky's Red River Gorge, the outdoor attraction is the first of its kind in the nation. The park opens this spring to offer activities suitable for all rock-climbing levels. 
606-668-6441 or www.viaferratatorrentfalls.com.

* Gardens:
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, Clermont
502-955-8512 or www.bernheim.org 
Broadmoor Gardens, Irvington
270-547-4200 or www.BroadmoorGardens.com
Farmington, Louisville
502-452-9920
The Garden at Ashland, Henry Clay's Estate, Lexington
859-266-8581 or www.henryclay.org 
Locust Grove, Louisville
502- 897-9845 or www.locustgrove.org
My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown
502-348-3502 or www.kystateparks.com

* Kentucky Arts & Crafts:
A spring exhibition, "Garden Party", features a variety of hand-crafted functional and whimsical garden-related art. The free exhibit will be on view at the Kentucky Art & Craft Gallery in Louisville, March 9 - May 25. Louisville is a hotbed of culture with its live theater, museums and galleries. 
Contact Jennifer Montgomery
502-589-0155 or www.kentuckycrafts.org 
 www.kentuckytourism.com