Kentucky

Souvenirs from Kentucky

Often called 'the Bluegrass State', Kentucky offers anything from outdoor exciting adventures and breathtaking natural treasures to a culture born from and shaped by the great American conflicts. Across the state, splendid landscapes of lakes, huge parks and fields offer sceneries of breathtaking beauty. The lakes of Kentucky are simple perfect for entertainment but its rivers and waters are where adventures really start. Most of all worlds' Bourbon is bottled in Kentucky plus the state is home to Lexington, which locals proudly call the 'Horse Capital of the World'. Special tours include the Bourbon distilleries whereas Civil War historical sites and high standard international museums offer an exquisite cultural experience. Remember to celebrate Kentucky's spirit with fridge magnets, keychains, souvenir plates and T-shirts available online.

Kentucky, the State of Adventure

The area of Kentucky comprises four different regions of distinctive character, heritage and scenery making it one of the most diverse USA state with surprising caves, amazing trails, splendid old villages and a rich urban life. Whichever way you choose to go on or whatever the activity you decide to engage into, Kentucky is simply surprising. The impressive Country Music Highway or the great Kentucky Horse Park, the numerous splendid state parks or the wilderness of its waters and woods are all popular attractions. At the Mammoth Cave National Park, spectacular caves will take anyone's breath away. For family holidays a ride with one of the best wooden roller coaster around the globe will definitely be unforgettable; in the Kentucky Horse Park visitors can admire professionals and their award winning horses.

Kentucky, a Celebration of American Diversity

First home to legendary President Lincoln, Kentucky has many stories to tell when it comes to revealing America's hidden past. It is a mesmerizing place of legend and overwhelming heritage where the old forts from the bloody days of the Civil War, the African American rhythms and Native American symbols all magically blend. Colourful festivals and events, rich museums and collections of old times and nevertheless a strong artistic tradition celebrate Kentucky's cultural diversity. Don't miss Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park within the Lincoln Heritage Trail for a glimpse into local history. Surprisingly fascinating, Kentucky prides itself with its heritage towns from small old coal mining settlements to Lincoln's Hodgenville, former fort Harrodsburg and charming Paducah located on the beautiful Ohio River and living proof of the major role water played in the history of the place.

The Treasured Lands of the Tribes

Before the first Europeans settled in Kentucky, its rich lands had been long disputed between competing Native American tribes such as the Shawnee, the Cherokee and the Chickasaw but in the 18th century, the regions were surveyed soon after the first Fort was erected by James Harrods. Kentucky is also the historical site of the famous Battle of Blue Licks at the end of the 18th century and the state was initially included in Virginia only to be part of the Union as its 15th state in 1792. At the beginning of the Civil War, Kentucky officials declared its neutrality but due to its strategic location and its significant supply of troops for both the Northern and Southern armies, Kentucky was eventually the scene of bloody battles and violent raids such as the Perryville conflict when 15,000 people were killed. After the end of the Civil War, major shifts reshaped the local economy with tobacco becoming increasingly important and nowadays a network of great state parks and modern infrastructure supports a flourishing tourism.