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Private Jet Charter to Kentucky

Private Jet Rental to Kentucky - Airports, Routes & Prices

Overview

Kentucky Private Jet Charter

Kentucky is a southeastern state with its capital in Frankfort.  Kentucky borders 7 states, with the greatest areas shared with Indiana and Ohio to the north and Tennessee to the south.  Frankfort was chosen state capital in 1792 by virtue of its position in the center of the state, instead of Louisville which is the most populated city. Kentucky has the Appalachian Mountains to its east, the lowlands in the center which include the famed Bluegrass region with its principal city of Lexington, and the Mississippi River bordering its west.  Paramount Business Jets can whisk you to your desired destination in Kentucky with ease and efficiency with its luxury private charter jet services, from the capital of Frankfort or to Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby, or Lexington with its horse farms.

Pioneers like Daniel Boone helped blaze the trail through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky in the late 1700s.  Tobacco and coal were the primary drivers of economic growth.  Kentucky became a state in 1792, the first west of the Appalachian Mountains.  Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky.  Kentucky is home to the Fort Knox military installation and is perhaps most famous for the Kentucky Derby horse race, held each May at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

In addition to horse racing and Thoroughbred horse farms in the Bluegrass region, Kentucky is known for its production of bourbon by companies such as Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, its coal reserves and tobacco manufacturing, bluegrass music, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, college basketball at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, and the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant chain.  The most populated cities are Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green. Kentucky is also home to Mammoth Caves National Park and the majestic Cumberland Falls in the southeastern part of the state. The Newport Aquarium is a prime attraction near Covington, which sits across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio.

If your business or personal travel is taking you to Kentucky for business in Louisville or Lexington, or to see the Kentucky Derby, a Bluegrass Festival, or a University of Kentucky or Louisville College Basketball game, Paramount Business Jets can provide you the private transportation you desire to get you to the Bluegrass State with top service and comfort. 

Passengers boarding a private jet
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Kentucky Private Charter Prices

How much does it cost to rent a jet to Kentucky?

These are the average hourly rates for various private jet categories. Use our private jet quoting system to get quotes for your upcoming trip. Learn more about our private jet rental costs or jet card membership rates for additional savings.
Very Light Jets
2-4
371 KTAS
$2750 - $3500
Light Jets
6-7
492 KTAS
$2900 - $3500
Super Light Jets
7-8
465 KTAS
$4000 - $4300
Midsize Jets
8-9
470 KTAS
$4300 - $4750
Super Midsize Jets
8-10
530 KTAS
$5100 - $6500
Large Jets
10-16
513 KTAS
$6800 - $9500
Ultra Long Range Jets
12-16
516 KTAS
$10000 - $14000
VIP Airliners
16-50
485 KTAS
$16000 - $23000
Turboprop Aircraft
6-8
402 KTAS
$1850 - $2300
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Top Cities in Kentucky

Popular Kentucky Cities Served by Paramount Business Jets

Paramount can provide the private jet rental you need to fly in luxury to Kentucky’s leading cities. Enjoy a visit to Louisville on the banks of the Ohio River, or to the beautiful Bluegrass region where Lexington is found. 

Lexington
Surrounded by the lush fields and horse farms of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, Lexington is the state’s second-largest city and home to the University of Kentucky. The city’s equestrian history is highlighted by a trip to the famed Kentucky Horse Park, where one can learn about horse rearing and breeds at the International Museum of the Horse or go on a trail ride.

Historic sites include the Georgian-style Mary Todd Lincoln House, the Todd family home where a young Mary lived before moving to Springfield, Illinois.  Ashland is the 1811 home and estate of famed senator and Secretary of State Henry Clay, where he lived for nearly half a century.  The Waveland State Historic Site, whose antebellum mansion was built in 1817 for the nephew of Daniel Boone, and the 1814 Federal-style Hunt-Morgan House are also historic homes of interest in the area.

The arts are represented at the Headley-Whitney Museum.  The fall brings college basketball, and the University of Kentucky has been one of the top teams in college basketball history in terms of overall wins.  Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail includes stops at distilleries in the Lexington area.  Other sights of interest include the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, which displays both vintage aircraft and modern planes and the Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky.

Louisville
Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city.  It is famous for its annual running of the Kentucky Derby in May, as well as being the home of former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali and the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken.  It is also well known for producing Louisville Slugger baseball bats, and the factory can be toured with its museum spotlighting great players who used the bats, like Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, and Babe Ruth.  A 120-foot-tall replica of a bat sits outside the building.

Historic Old Louisville is a great place to stroll, containing one of the country’s largest collections of Victorian-era homes.  The University of Louisville is found here, as well as several Fortune 500 brands like Humana and Yum! Brands.  The city’s top sights include the Kentucky Derby Museum, Muhammad Ali Center, Speed Art Museum, Frazier History Museum, the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, the Historic Locust Grove farmstead from 1792, and the area’s bourbon distilleries. Outdoor places to see include the Louisville Mega Cavern and Louisville Zoo. Or cruise the Ohio River on the Belle of Louisville steamboat.

Top Hotels in Kentucky

Top 10 Most Luxurious Hotels in Kentucky

Pair up your Bluegrass State visit on one of Paramount’s private jets with a stay at one of Kentucky’s most luxurious hotels.

The Grady Hotel, Louisville
The Grady Hotel is set in the heart of Louisville near the Kentucky Center for Performing Arts, Muhammad Ali Center, and the Ohio River.   The historic building was once an apothecary, then home to the Swann-Abram Hat Company, which made hats for Derby clientele.  The walls of the hotel feature local art, including paintings and photographs.  Rooms contain silk robes reminiscent of those worn by famous boxer and native son Muhammed Ali.  Southern hospitality is served up along with small plates and cocktails at the Wild Swann, Grady’s in-house restaurant.  Drinks can be savored fireside or in the hotel’s comfortable library.

Hotel Covington Cincinnati Riverfront, Covington
Hotel Covington sits on the south bank of the Ohio River, across from Cincinnati.  It was constructed from the iconic 1910 Coppin’s Department Store building.  Its signature eatery, Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar, gives recognition to these historic architectural roots.  The building was Kentucky’s first skyscraper, and its preserved decorative elements include high ceilings and large display windows. The Hotel features a 24/7 fitness center, a bar and social room, a garden and terrace, as well as business facilities. 

21c Museum Hotel Louisville 
The 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville is on West Main Street along Museum Row in the heart of downtown.  The hotel was constructed from five historical 19th-century warehouses that once were used by cotton and bourbon merchants.  It is a contemporary art museum along with a hotel, and home to a highly acclaimed restaurant, Proof on Main, which highlights the foods of the Ohio River Valley.  The Bar has over 100 Kentucky Bourbons in supply.  Contemporary artwork fills the public spaces, including a double-size replica of Michelangelo’s David outside the front door, and the museum’s signature red plastic penguins.  The hotel also features a spa and a 24-hour fitness center.

Hotel Distil, Louisville
The Hotel Distil is centered on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row downtown.  The Distil was built using the facades of two mid-19th-century buildings, which were originally barrel houses and bourbon company offices.  The hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center and the Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse, a classic American bar and restaurant.  Here the Barrel Room offers a deluxe private fine dining experience, and the Bitters End Bar provides rooftop cocktails along with a fireplace and a retractable roof.  Every night there is a complimentary toast to the repeal of Prohibition at exactly 7:33 p.m., which when written in the 24-hour clock equivalent as 19:33 represents the year that Prohibition was rescinded.

Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Located within the rolling bluegrass hills of Lexington, the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa is beautifully secluded yet still close to the city’s attractions.  There is a championship golf course onsite, along with a 24-hour fitness center, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a whirlpool tub.  There is a biking trail next to the resort, and bikes are available for rent. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and horseback riding.  The principal restaurant is JW’s Steakhouse, which also features a large selection of Kentucky Bourbon. 

The Brown Hotel, Louisville
The Brown Hotel was built in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Located in the heart of Theater Square in downtown Louisville, The Brown’s elegant Georgian Revival architecture captures attention, and its glamorous lobby has a hand-painted coffered ceiling, mahogany furnishings, and marble floors.  Amenities include a fitness center and rooftop garden, and there is fine dining at the English Grill and bourbon flights in the Lobby Bar.

Omni Louisville Hotel
The Omni Louisville Hotel is in the heart of the action downtown.  It has a heated rooftop pool and 24-hour fitness center, the full-service Mokara spa, and a wide choice of restaurants on the property.  These include the Neighborhood Bar & Services, Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Pin & Proof, a Prohibition-style speakeasy with bowling lanes and light bites, and the poolside Water Company.  There is also the Falls City Market and an upscale bourbon retail shop on site.

The Seelbach Hilton, Louisville
The Seelbach Hotel in downtown Louisville has a venerable history, built in 1905 and chosen by F. Scott Fitzgerald for a wedding scene in The Great Gatsby.  The hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.  This elegant hotel has a Beaux-Arts architectural style, a grand lobby with European marble, and a glass dome with 800 panes, and there are murals painted with pioneer scenes from Kentucky history.  Amenities include a fitness center, and fine dining is available at The Oakroom, Kentucky’s only AAA Five Diamond Restaurant. 

The Galt House Hotel, Louisville
The historic Galt House Hotel in Louisville opened in 1835, and is the city’s only waterfront hotel, offering great views of the Ohio River.  Guests can enjoy a rooftop fitness center, an outdoor pool, and the full-service Xhale spa.  The property has two towers which are connected by skywalks to the Kentucky International Convention Center and KFC Yum! Center.  A revolving rooftop restaurant, Swizzle Dinner & Drinks, lets diners take in the river scenery, and there are two founding members of the Urban Bourbon Trail, Down One Bourbon Bar and Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar. 

21c Museum Hotel Lexington
A combination of contemporary art museum and hotel, the 21c Museum Hotel in Lexington is stylish and luxurious.  Located in the heart of downtown, 21c is located within the historic Fayette National Bank Building dating back to 1913, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Rotating art exhibits keep things fresh, and the decorative scheme incorporates the hotel’s iconic blue penguins.  Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, and the fine dining options are topped by Lockbox restaurant, a communal table affair set inside the old bank vault and features the products of the surrounding Bluegrass region.

Kentucky Aircraft

Aircraft Available Locally by Jet Type and Age

Aircraft NameCategoryRangeSeatsAvg. Hourly PriceBaggage Space
Beechjet 400ALight1885nm6 $3,250 53 ft³
Citation BravoLight1744nm7 $3,300 15.54 ft³
Citation BravoLight1744nm7 $3,300 15.54 ft³
Citation BravoLight1744nm7 $3,300 15.54 ft³
Citation CJ2Light1613nm6 $3,350 65 ft³
Citation CJ2Light1613nm6 $3,350 65 ft³
Citation CJ2Light1613nm6 $3,350 65 ft³
Citation CJ2+Light1613nm6 $3,350 65 ft³
Citation CJ3Light1900nm7 $3,750 14.82 ft³
Citation ExcelMidsize1741nm8 $4,300 79.8 ft³
Citation ExcelMidsize1741nm8 $4,300 79.8 ft³
Citation LatitudeMidsize2700nm9 $5,800 127 ft³
Citation LatitudeMidsize2700nm9 $5,800 127 ft³
Citation XLSMidsize1722nm8 $4,300 80 ft³
Citation XLS+Midsize1858nm8 $4,300 81.22 ft³
Citation SovereignSuper Midsize3188nm8 $5,100 134.2 ft³
Citation XSuper Midsize2890nm8 $5,100 82 ft³
Citation XSuper Midsize2890nm8 $5,100 82 ft³
Citation XSuper Midsize2890nm8 $5,100 82 ft³
King Air 350Turboprop Aircraft1805nm8 $2,250 55 ft³
King Air B200Turboprop Aircraft1671nm6 $2,000 55.3 ft³
Pilatus PC-12Turboprop Aircraft1845nm6 $2,100 40 ft³
Piper MatrixTurboprop Aircraft1020nm5 $1,400 33 ft³
Cirrus SR22Piston925nm4 $2,500 32.14 ft³

Kentucky Airports

Charter Jets FAQ

Your Ultimate Kentucky Private Jet Rental Resource

  • Do I have to stop for customs when I fly on a private jet?

    Passengers on all international private charter flights will have to stop at customs. In certain countries, you may have to go through customs at a specific port of entry; for example, you must stop in Tahiti to perform customs checks en route to Bora Bora. You’ll also need to stop at the first port of entry when entering the U.S. from Mexico.

  • How much rest does the crew need before they can depart again?

    Crew members are required to have a 10-hour rest period within each 24-hour cycle. The maximum duty day is 14 hours and must be followed by a 10-hour rest period at their hotel. When scheduling a flight, operators usually account for 12 hours of rest instead of 10. These extra two hours allow the crew time to get to their hotel, rest for the required time, and return to the airport.

  • How long does a fuel stop for a private jet flight take?

    The average fuel stop takes 45–60 minutes. To speed up fuel stops, the operator, or pilots may call ahead, so a fuel truck is waiting for the aircraft on arrival. For smaller jets, a fuel stop can take as little as 30 minutes.

  • Will my private jet charter use the same airport as a commercial airline?

    No. When you charter a private jet, you generally fly into a private airport. However, you could access the same airports as a commercial airline if you request to do so or if there are no private airport options. However, using a large mainstream airport like Los Angeles International or London Heathrow is often a bad choice for private jets, as flying to a smaller regional private airport is much faster and often makes for a more luxurious experience.

  • Is the age of an aircraft a safety factor?

    Aircraft age is not a safety factor. However, if the aircraft is older and hasn’t been refurbished properly, it may cause flyers some inconvenience, such as overheating, faulty air conditioning, or faulty plumbing in the lavatory.

  • How much luggage am I allowed to bring on a private jet?

    As a rule of thumb, each seat on a light or midsize jet equates to one passenger and one item of luggage. Each item of luggage is considered to be the standard 23 kilograms, or about 50 lbs. Large jets are designed for long-range trips, which typically involve longer stays, so you can carry more than one item of luggage per person.

  • Are there aircraft that are wheelchair accessible?

    There are many aircraft that are wheelchair accessible. Most of them are large jets or above and have a straight aisle. If the jet has a zigzag aisle – like the Falcon 900 – it will be difficult to maneuver the wheelchair onboard the aircraft. You’ll also need the right type of wheelchair; many motorized wheelchairs won’t fit and can’t be collapsed. If this is the case, you’ll need a smaller, temporary wheelchair. Some aircraft operators have smaller wheelchairs that can be used. Please speak with your Paramount private jet expert to review your aircraft options.

  • Can I fly with large sums of cash?

    Yes, you can. This is a common occurrence for many private jet clients. You can fly with up to $5 million in cash as long as you declare that cash when coming through customs. For domestic trips, there’s no limit and no need to declare it.

  • Which private jets come with flight attendants?

    In the United States, large jets and above are required to have flight attendants onboard; in Europe, flight attendants are used on midsize jets and above. Flight attendants require their own seats. Larger jets and above have a jump seat near the cockpit for the flight attendant to use, meaning the attendant generally stays out of the cabin.

  • Which airports offer ramp access, allowing the client to drive their car right up to their private jet?

    Private jet clients can often have a limo drive them right up to the private jet, or even drive their own car to the plane. That said, different airports have different policies, and some may not offer ramp access. Please speak with your Paramount Aviation Advisor to review your options for a given trip.

  • Do private jets come with Wi-Fi?

    Many private jets do have Wi-Fi, and it’s increasingly available free of charge on U.S. domestic flights. On international flights, prices range from $3.00-$8.50 USD per megabyte used. This means that opening up social media sites that are rich in images and videos could quickly cost you $20 – and downloading a feature-length movie could cost thousands!

  • When is on-demand private jet charter better than buying a block of hours?

    Private jet charter can be a lot cheaper than buying a block of hours for a one-way flight, as you can access floating fleets or an empty leg to reduce the cost. With a block of hours, the price covers a round trip. If you only fly one-way, you are effectively paying double.

  • What is a carbon-neutral flight?

    Every aircraft burns jet fuel and emits a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This can be offset via one of several carbon offset programs that allow private jet clients to purchase a certain number of carbon credits to offset the emissions from their flights. A carbon-neutral flight is one that offsets the carbon emissions it uses via a formal process.

  • Can I have a flexible departure time for my private jet flight?

    Yes, it is possible to have a flexible departure when flying privately. Operators typically offer a 30-minute to two-hour window, but you can request a longer window as long as it doesn’t interfere with the maximum crew duty day or their next scheduled flight. Please confirm with your Paramount Aviation Advisor at the time of booking your jet.

  • When should I hire a Boeing Business Jet?

    Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) have unique amenities that extend far beyond sheer size and are often equipped with 1-2 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms (one more of those bathrooms may even offer stand-up showers.) These airliner-based executive aircraft also feature tall or ‘stand-up’ cabins that are also longer and wider than more typical corporate aircraft.

  • How soon can I have a private jet ready from the time I call in the request?

    Generally speaking, with as little as 4 hours of notice. However, we have had wheels up in as little as 32 minutes from the time our client called us to book the flight and had them in the air. It depends on a few factors, such as how long it takes for the pilots to arrive at the airport (generally, there is a 2-hour call-out time for the pilots), and whether the aircraft is ready to go at the airport with no repositioning needed. Our Jet Card members enjoy faster booking since they have funds on account and can confirm a flight with a simple email.

  • Can I access my luggage while in flight?

    On most private jets, you will be able to access your luggage during the flight. That’s because luggage and passengers are situated on the same level. This is in contrast to commercial airlines, where checked luggage is stored in a cargo hold. On large private jets, luggage is often stored in a compartment behind the lavatory, which means easy access to your bags.

  • When are private jet charter landing and takeoff slots applicable?

    A landing or takeoff slot is simply a small window of time in which your aircraft is scheduled to fly in or out of the airport. You will need a landing and takeoff slot if you fly to a high-density airport in the United States or one that is hosting a special event with a significant number of aircraft arriving and departing. If you’re flying internationally, you will need a landing and takeoff slot for all major European cities. Please check with your Paramount Aviation Advisor at the time of booking for a specific route.

  • What kind of in-flight catering is available on a private jet?

    Other than the standard snacks and drinks, you can order local cuisine options for your catering on board. In short, anything that doesn’t need to be cooked can be ordered; hot food must be precooked and then warmed on board.

  • Can I bring pets with me on private jet flights?

    Of course! Just let us know in advance. The majority of the operators and aircraft owners allow pets onboard. In some cases, a small cleaning fee may apply. That said, there are specific requirements that must be met when traveling with your pet, including making sure that all documentation and vaccination records for your pet(s) are correct and up-to-date. Dogs and cats must also be at least eight weeks old and weaned when traveling within the U.S.

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Top Sights

Top 10 Sights in Kentucky

Hiring a private jet service from Paramount is a great way to travel in comfort and style to Kentucky’s vibrant cities and beautiful natural sights.  From Lexington and the scenic Bluegrass region to Louisville and the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky offers a bounty of incredible scenery and fascinating history.  Here are some of the very best places to see.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Cumberland Falls is in its namesake State Resort Park in Corbin in the Daniel Boone National Forest located in southern Kentucky near the Tennessee border.  The majestic Falls are 125 feet wide and drop 68 feet into the Cumberland River.  They have been called the Niagara of the South, and under a full moon, the Falls create the only moonbows in the Western Hemisphere, as the moonlight is refracted off the water droplets.  The Park also offers 17 miles of hiking trails, as well as opportunities to go on horseback rides, take a white-water rafting trip, or go camping or fishing.

Ashland Estate, Lexington
Ashland is a 19th-century plantation home built by Henry Clay, who was a senator from Kentucky and subsequently Secretary of State under President John Quincy Adams.  The Lexington estate is a registered historic landmark, and the elegant home has ornate furnishings and gives insight into Clay’s life and times.  Constructed in 1811, the house was constructed by African American slaves, whose story is also told on a visit here.  Clay was also a farmer and livestock breeder and grew hemp as a cash crop on his grounds. Clay lived at Ashland for nearly a half-century.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
Another of Kentucky’s beautiful natural attractions is at Natural Bridge State Resort Park near Slade, east of Lexington in the Daniel Boone National Forest.  The striking Natural Bridge, a sandstone arch that was created millions of years ago, is 65 feet high and 78 feet long.  A skylift brings visitors to the top of the ridge, and you can walk across the bridge itself, which is 30 feet wide.  Other recreational opportunities in the park include hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing. 

Pleasant Hill Shaker Village
Kentucky has the largest restored Shaker community in the U.S. The Shakers were a sect of the Quaker religion, and the Shakers are often remembered for their furniture design.  The Pleasant Hill Shaker Village, located east of Lexington, began in 1805 and lasted until 1910.  Thirty-four of the original 250 pre-Civil War buildings have been restored, and the community is a living village with history exhibits and craft demonstrations.  There are also 40 miles of hiking trails that crisscross the area’s pastures and gardens. 

Louisville
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city, built along the banks of the Ohio River.  Its biggest claim to fame is the annual running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, but there is much more to the city.  Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammed Ali was a native of Louisville, and his Center provides a look at his life and career.  Historic Old Louisville is the best place for a walk, with one of the largest collections of Victorian homes in the U.S.  One of the most interesting sights here is the stately 1895 Conrad-Caldwell House Museum.

The Louisville Slugger Museum & factory lets visitors see how the famous bats are produced and learn about some of the famous players who used them.  One such bat was used by Joe DiMaggio during his record 56-game hitting streak.  A 120-foot-tall bat sits outside of the museum entrance.  Other top sights include the Speed Art Museum (Kentucky’s largest), the Frazier History Museum, and the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft.  Cruise the Ohio on the Belle of Louisville Riverboat and visit the Louisville Mega Cavern and Louisville Zoo. 

Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the longest-recorded cave system in the world.  Located about 40 miles east of Bowling Green, Mammoth Cave offers tours of its subterranean features, with the Classic Historic Tour offering a trip through the tunnels and huge rooms to learn about the Cave’s history and see the awe-inspiring natural formations.  Outdoor activities include horseback riding, hiking, camping, biking, and scenic drives. 

Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington
Think Lexington, and you think horses. This Bluegrass city’s primary sight is the Kentucky Horse Farm, where visitors can learn about the history of the horse, its role in world culture, and various famous breeds like the Arabian.  There are four museums on site including The International Museum of the Horse and the American Saddlebred Museum.  The Hall of Champions presents Thoroughbred horse legends, while there is also a blacksmith shop and the opportunity to take a horseback ride through the beautiful grounds. 

Newport Aquarium, Newport
The Newport Aquarium is along the Ohio River across from Cincinnati.  Here there are fascinating displays of worldwide marine life.  There is an acrylic tunnel visitors walk through while being surrounded by sharks, as well as exhibits on coral reefs, the Amazon River, a shark bridge that is suspended inches above the shark tank, an alligator display, and an exhibit entitled Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels that shows how sea creatures have made sunken ships their home.

Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville
The main cultural event of the year in Louisville is the running of the Kentucky Derby at the famed Churchill Downs racecourse.  This is a grand outing with attendees dressing their finest, the highest of haute couture hats on display, and mint juleps the drink of choice.  The Kentucky Derby Museum tells the history of the famous race and its famous horses and jockeys.  The first race was held in 1875.  There are also tours given of the Churchill Downs racecourse itself.

Lexington and Bluegrass Country
Lexington is horse country, situated in the lovely Bluegrass region of the state.  Home to the University of Kentucky, Lexington showcases its horse heritage at the Kentucky Horse Park, but also contains much more interest for visitors, including stops along the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Historic sites include the Georgian-style family home of Mary Todd Lincoln House, where she lived as a young woman.  In addition to Henry Clay’s Ashland, other historic homes include the Waveland State Historic Site, whose antebellum mansion was built in 1817 for the nephew of Daniel Boone, and the 1814 Federal-style Hunt-Morgan House. Other sights of interest include the Headley-Whitney Museum for its collection of art, the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, which displays both vintage aircraft and modern planes, and the Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky.