Kentucky Directory
If it’s some Southern hospitality you’re after, Kentucky should be your first stop. At Churchill Downs in Louisville you can take in one of the most famous events in horseracing – The Kentucky Derby. On the first Saturday in May each year, thousands of well-dressed people converge on the racetrack to celebrate in style. The traditional drink of the event, Mint Julep (consisting of bourbon, mint and sugar syrup) is served throughout the day in souvenir glasses with all of the previous derby winners names printed on the glass. Typically, over 80,000 mint juleps are served throughout the day.
One of Kentucky’s most popular exports is bourbon. 95% of the world’s supply of bourbon comes directly from the distilleries of Kentucky – Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses are all produced in the distilleries. Fine bourbons from the state are as synonymous to Kentucky as wine is to California’s Napa Valley.
It has often been said that the past is a window to the future, and Kentucky's rich cultural roots continue to grow and flourish in the emergance of strong multiculturalism. Kentucky is home to the Jewish Heritage Festival and Asian Institute in Louisville as well as the Festival Latino in Lexington.
While in Kentucky, experience traditional Scottish and English folk ballads sung in Appalachia and the Mantle Rock Native American Education and Cultural Center in Marion. Kentuckians support and embrace their multicultural heritage.
