State Overview

•  Visit the USA Travel Trade: https://traveltrade.visittheusa.com/state/kentucky
• Kentucky Tourism Media Library: https://www.kentuckytourism.com/media
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•  Order a Visitor’s Guide: https://www.kentuckytourism.com/trip-planning
• Visit the USA Consumer: https://www.visittheusa.com/state/kentucky
• Kentucky Tourism: https://www.kentuckytourism.com/

Use the official tourism bureau links for client-ready lists you can sort by interest.

• Viator Tours: They offer a branded link back to you, so sign up with them and share your personal link. 
• Project Expedition Tours: They offer a branded link back to you, so sign up with them and share your personal link. 
• Mammoth Cave National Park https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
• Underground boat tour at Lost River Cave an hour north of Nashville in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Open  ear round | https://www.lostrivercave.org/
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• Explore each of Kentucky’s travel regions| https://www.kentuckytourism.com/trip-planning/cities-and-regions
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 Who Should Go:

• History Buffs: Explore the rich history of Bardstown, which played a significant role in the American Revolution and the Civil War. Visit the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, the Bardstown Bourbon Trail, and the My Old Kentucky Home Museum.

• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Enjoy the beautiful Kentucky countryside, hike the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, or explore the nearby Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest.

• Family Travelers: Bardstown offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including My Old Kentucky Home State Park, and the Bardstown Farmers' Market.

• Wine Lovers: Discover the growing wine scene in the nearby Bardstown Wine Trail, where you can sample local wines and enjoy scenic views.

• Foodies: Indulge in the local cuisine, featuring bourbon-infused dishes, barbecue, and unique culinary experiences.

How to Sell It:

• Highlight the Historic Significance: Emphasize Bardstown's role in American history, from the Revolution to the Civil War.

• Showcase the Natural Beauty: Promote the scenic countryside, the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, and the nearby Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest.

• Promote Family-Friendly Activities: Highlight the city's abundance of kid-friendly attractions and activities, making it a great destination for families.

• Offer Personalized Experiences: Suggest guided tours, wine tastings, and other personalized experiences to cater to the interests of your clients.

• Seasons: Spring and fall are the peak seasons for visiting Bardstown, offering pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. However, the city also has its charm in the summer and winter, with opportunities for outdoor activities and festivals.

• Destination USA Travel Trade: https://traveltrade.visittheusa.com/destination/bardstown
• Kentucky Tourism Bardstown: https://www.kentuckytourism.com/explore/bardstown-6980
• Request a visitor's guide: https://www.visitbardstown.com/visitors-guide/
• City of Bardstown: https://www.cityofbardstown.org/visitors/about_bardstown/index.php
• Visit Bardstown: https://visitbardstown.com/
• Destination USA Consumer Site: https://www.visittheusa.com/destination/bardstown
• Bardstown Main Street: https://bardstownmainstreet.com/

• Bardstown Christmas: https://visitbardstown.com/bardstown-events/christmas/
• Kentucky Tourism Guide To Best Food & Drink In Bardstown: https://www.kentuckytourism.com/trip-planning/travel-inspiration/articles/2023/07/25/your-guide-to-the-best-food-drink-in-bardstown
• Bardstown Main Street Food: https://bardstownmainstreet.com/category/businesses/food/
• Bourbon Manor Best Restaurants In Bardstown: https://bourbonmanor.com/blog/best-restaurants-bardstown/
• Things To Do: https://visitbardstown.com/things-to-do/

Suppliers listed here are exclusive to this destination. See the main Supplier Search  for regional and national partners.

Tour Radar CONSUMER link to suppliers who service the area. They may be available by booking direct, or book through Tour Radar for the commission listed on the agent site: https://travelagents.tourradar.com/t/340890

Vacation Is Easy: FB suggested from an advisor who is using them for an Ark Encounter (KY) group trip. This appears to be a TA who personally sells travel and will add up to 20%. They only take checks and you have to make sure they have the info on where to send the check for your part if you are under a host agency.  https://vacationiseasy.com/

Search the Community and/or Facebook group by destination name for more recommendations and recent discussion threads.

•  Louisville Tourism Travel Agent https://www.gotolouisville.com/travel-professionals/travel-advisors/
•  Destination USA Travel Trade: https://traveltrade.visittheusa.com/destination/louisville
• FAQ & General Information : https://www.gotolouisville.com/
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•  Visitor's Center Location & Services for clients | https://www.gotolouisville.com/travel-tools/visitor-information/
•  Visitor's Guide: https://www.gotolouisville.com/travel-tools/visitor-guide/
•  Destination USA Consumer Site: https://www.visittheusa.com/destination/louisville

Who Should Go:

• Bourbon & Whiskey Enthusiasts – Home to the world-famous Bourbon Trail, Louisville is a must-visit for anyone who loves Kentucky bourbon.

• Sports Fans – The Kentucky Derby and Louisville Slugger Museum make this city a haven for horse racing and baseball lovers.

• Foodies – A thriving culinary scene featuring iconic dishes like the Hot Brown and a growing farm-to-table movement.

• History & Culture Buffs – Rich in Civil War history, historic districts, and the legacy of Muhammad Ali.

• Music & Festival Lovers – Host to major events like Forecastle Festival and a vibrant local music scene.

• Outdoor & Adventure Travelers – Parks, scenic riverfront areas, and underground zip-lining make for unique outdoor experiences.

How to Sell It:

• “The Gateway to the Bourbon Trail” – Distilleries, speakeasies, and bourbon bars create a one-of-a-kind whiskey experience.

• “A City with Derby Spirit Year-Round” – Even outside the Kentucky Derby, horse racing culture is deeply ingrained in the city.

• “A Perfect Blend of Southern & Midwestern Charm” – Friendly locals, a relaxed atmosphere, and great hospitality.

• “A Culinary Hidden Gem” – From bourbon-infused dishes to upscale dining, the city has an exciting food scene.

• “A Great Weekend Destination” – Compact, walkable, and full of unique attractions, perfect for a short but memorable getaway.

Logistics:

Closest Airports:

• Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) – 10 minutes from downtown, with direct flights to major U.S. cities.

Driving Distances:

• Cincinnati, OH – 1.5 hours

• Indianapolis, IN – 2 hours

• Nashville, TN – 2.5 hours

• St. Louis, MO – 4 hours

• Chicago, IL – 5 hours

Weather by Season:

• Spring (March-May): 40s-70s, mild temperatures, and peak season for horse racing.

• Summer (June-August): 60s-90s, warm and humid, ideal for bourbon tastings and riverfront activities.

• Fall (September-November): 40s-70s, stunning foliage, great time for outdoor festivals.

• Winter (December-February): 20s-50s, colder with occasional snow, but still plenty of indoor attractions.

Do Clients Need a Car?

• Not for downtown stays. Many attractions are walkable, but a car is helpful for visiting distilleries outside the city.

Nearby Areas for Day Trips or Split Stays:

• Bardstown, KY (45 minutes) – Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” with multiple distilleries and historic charm.

• Lexington, KY (1.5 hours) – The heart of Kentucky horse country, with scenic horse farms and more bourbon distilleries.

• Mammoth Cave National Park (1.5 hours) – The world’s longest cave system, offering guided tours and underground exploration.

• Cincinnati, OH (1.5 hours) – A vibrant riverfront city with sports, breweries, and a strong arts scene.

• Hoosier National Forest, IN (1 hour) – A great spot for hiking, camping, and scenic drives through southern Indiana.

Highlights & POIs:

• Churchill Downs & Kentucky Derby Museum – The legendary racetrack hosts the Kentucky Derby and year-round horse racing.

• Louisville Mega Cavern – A massive underground adventure park featuring zip-lining, tram tours, and bike trails.

• Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – The birthplace of the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bat, offering interactive exhibits.

• Muhammad Ali Center – A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, featuring exhibits on his boxing career and activism.

• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience – A downtown bourbon distillery offering tastings and an immersive history of whiskey-making.

• Big Four Bridge – A pedestrian bridge connecting Louisville to Indiana, perfect for scenic walks and riverfront views.

• Frazier History Museum – Home to the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and exhibits on Kentucky history.

• NuLu (New Louisville) District – A trendy area known for its art galleries, boutique shopping, and craft breweries.

• Waterfront Park – A scenic green space along the Ohio River, great for biking, walking, and festivals.

• Old Forester Distilling Co. – One of the oldest bourbon distilleries, offering tours and tastings in a historic setting.

Use the official tourism bureau links for client-ready lists you can sort by interest.

•  LGBTQ+ https://www.gotolouisville.com/things-to-do/history/lgbtq/
•  FAMILY FRIENDLY https://www.gotolouisville.com/things-to-do/family-fun/
• BUDGET FRIENDLY https://www.gotolouisville.com/blog/10-things-for-under-10-in-louisville/
• RAINY DAY/BAD WEATHER https://www.gotolouisville.com/blog/indoor-and-family-friendly-activities/
• Urban Bourbon Trail: https://www.gotolouisville.com/restaurants/ubt/
• FOOD LIST/DRINKS- tourism bureau and sortable https://www.gotolouisville.com/restaurants/

• Viator Tours: They offer a branded link back to you, so sign up with them and share your personal link. https://www.viator.com/Louisville/d25791-ttd
• Project Expedition Tours: They offer a branded link back to you, so sign up with them and share your personal link. https://www.projectexpedition.com/location/united-states/kentucky/louisville/
• Trolley or Bourbon Tours, Louisville Fun Tours: http://www.louisvillefuntours.com/
•  Belle of Louisville Riverboats: https://www.gotolouisville.com/directory/belle-of-louisville-riverboats/
• Kentucky Derby Museum: https://reservations.gotolouisville.com/attraction/single/6849/1585
• Frazier Kentucky History Museum, and the Underground Railroad: https://www.fraziermuseum.org/the-journey
• High Pointe Farm and Training Center, farm tours and bourbon tastings: https://highpointellc.com/home

• Neighborhoods: https://www.gotolouisville.com/neighborhoods/
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Suppliers listed here are exclusive to this destination. See the main Supplier Search  for regional and national partners.

• Tour Radar CONSUMER link to suppliers who service the area. They may be available by booking direct, or book through Tour Radar for the commission listed on the agent site: https://www.tourradar.com/search?q=louisville

Search the Community and/or Facebook group by destination name for more recommendations and recent discussion threads.

• Galt House (central location, several bourbon tours pick up from this hotel as well so it's easy for clients): https://galthouse.com/