Since 1776, the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky has welcomed people from all over the world come to celebrate this passion and history that the Bluegrass State offers.

When you conjure up an image of a Mint Julep, who would think you can take the Mint Julep Tour, billed as a smooth ride to Kentucky’s famous distilleries? Marker’s Mark, and Clermont, where Jim Beam is distilled in Loretto, you can sign up for a round-trip ticket at  Galt House Hotel & Suites in Louisville, Mint Julep Tours headquarters. The Kentucky countryside, a smooth ride from the meeting spot, takes you along roads to all eight distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail where tourists learn about Kentucky history.

Better still, double your pleasure with the Bluegrass Cooperage, where the aging barrels used by Brown-Forman at their distilleries are made. Hop aboard for the Louisville tour called the Urban Bourbon Trail featuring restaurants and bars serving up Kentucky's signature beverage. mintjuleptours.com

National Corvette Museum at Bowling Green is a huge facility offering visitors games, interactive videos, films and more in the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit museum ever dedicated to a single automotive nameplate. Corvette Café is an on-site 50’s diner with breakfast, lunch and ice cream delights from nearby Chaney’s Dairy Barn. corvettemuseum.com

Behringer-Crawford Museum, home to the famous two-headed calf (a legend from the original collection), includes an extensive collection with artifacts such as the last streetcar of its kind known to exist in the U.S. bcmuseum.org
 

Actors Theatre of Louisville draws theatergoers from around the world (actorstheatre.org) While Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seven times to date. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, you can't be late for this one!

And if you think all bets are on the horses, you could be tastefully out of date, as the International Barbeque Festival  in Owensboro serves sizzling chicken, burgoo and mutton. Food, beverage, sports and history practically sum up Kentucky's flavors and passions.

Credits: Photos and story ideas were provided courtesy of the official state tourism office, available online at kentuckytourism.com.