Kentucky

His and Hers Issue: Spring/Summer 2012 Author(s): Stacey Higgins Well known for its bourbon distilleries, Kentucky is taking on a new libation with a passionate fervor — wineries are now popping up alongside the historic whiskey makers of the state. In Bullitt County , just south of Louisville, there’s a new Wine & Bourbon Trail that marries the region’s greatest assets: bourbon, wine and nature. The trail makes for an ideal couples getaway. At Jim Beam American Outpost & Homestead in Clermont, visitors will learn about one of the country’s oldest bourbon pro...

Tooting Their Own Horns Issue: Spring/Summer 2012 Author(s): Becky Linhardt Seventy-six trombones? Probably more as the Great American Brass Band Festival celebrates the big, full sound of trumpets, trombones, horns and more with marching bands, New Orleans jazz, and all kinds of music, old and new, written for brass instruments — and most of the performances are free. So pack up the family, some lawn chairs, a blanket to spread on the lawn, a picnic basket of summertime goodies and head to Danville, Kentucky . The June event, which Centre College music professor Vince DiMartin...

Just Zipping By Issue: Spring/Summer 2012 Author(s): Becky Linhardt Screams of terror and delight echo through Louisville, Kentucky’s Mega Cavern when participants clip onto the zipline and launch themselves over the dimly lit depths of the only underground zipline course in the United States. This means no treetops or sunlight, but also no worry about having your zip canceled because of weather. Would-be “Indiana Jones” adventurers must sign a waiver and wear proper clothing: athletic shoes are a must and long jeans and jackets are advised, even in the summer. The temp...

Family Feud Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): J. Eric Eckard It should come as no surprise that the bloodiest war on U.S. soil also sparked one of the nation’s most famous family feuds. Many historians trace the roots of the feud between the Hatfields and McCoys to 1865. Returning home from the Civil War, Union soldier Asa Harmon McCoy was killed by a band of Southern sympathizers, whose ranks were filled with Hatfields. But after years of fighting that led to 13 deaths, a pall cast over the Tug Valley between West Virginia and Kentucky, and the “mountain folk” j...

A Well-Preserved Past Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Christina Ipavec It’s no longer 1861 — far from it, actually — but that doesn’t mean visitors to Fort Duffield in West Point, Kentucky, can’t still be drafted into the Civil War. Situated among Fort Duffield Park’s 172 acres, the abandoned fort still stands tall, welcoming visitors to experience the past through walking tours and living-history programs that are offered twice a year on Memorial Day and Labor Day. Fort Duffield stood untouched on private property for 80 years when it belonged to Fort Knox — the army-trai...

Bear-ing the Cold Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Becky Linhardt “Mom, there’s a bear in the back of this truck!” Expect squeals of delight as young children get an unusual view of the bears at the new Bear Habitat and Town of Glacier Run at the Louisville Zoo in Louisville, Kentucky. This is not your average bear exhibit — momma bear, Inga, was tagged three times as a nuisance bear in Montana, and by law, was to be euthanized. But luckily, she and her cubs were offered a home at the zoo. Since the grizzlies and zoo-born polar bear Arki were familiar with human ...

Mind Matters Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Sandie Young Sitting at a school desk can be a drag, but here’s the good news — kids can get a hands-on education at the Explorium of Lexington in Lexington, Kentucky , an institution dedicated to inspiring young minds. A popular children’s museum, the Explorium attracts about 85,000 people each year, and offers several interactive exhibits that teach a wide variety of subjects, including culture, geography, nutrition, the human brain, physics and much more. For a crash course in health, head over to the Building Bet...

My Little Ponies Issue: Spring/Summer 2011 Author(s): Jill Sell Whether they live in a city or suburb or on a farm, many little girls dream of owning a horse with a silky mane and flying tail. That’s not always possible, of course, but a trip to BreyerFest in Lexington, Kentucky , is a nice compromise. BreyerFest, held July 15–17, is a festival for model horse collectors and horse lovers. The combined horse show, circus, county fair and shopping spree chose FairyTails as this year’s theme. Sponsored by Reeves International, makers of the famous Breyer model horses, t...