5 days in Kentucky Itinerary

Known internationally as the "Horse Capital of the World," Lexington boasts a thriving economy resting largely on its thoroughbred racehorse industry.

On the 7th (Mon), sample the tasty concoctions at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., then examine the collection at Ark Encounter, and then sample the fine beverages at Bourbon 30 Spirits Distillery. Keep things going the next day: sample the fine beverages at Woodford Reserve Distillery, sample the fine beverages at Buffalo Trace Distillery, then brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Bluegrass Distillers, and finally indulge your thirst for a good beer at West Sixth Brewing.

To see reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Lexington visit planner.

Charlotte to Lexington is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Charlotte in December; daily highs in Lexington reach 48°F and lows reach 32°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Louisville.

Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville, is best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby.

On the 9th (Wed), don't miss a visit to Fourth Street Live!, then sample the fine beverages at Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co, then see the interesting displays at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and finally take in the views from The Big Four Bridge. Here are some ideas for day two: learn insider's secrets on a distillery tour, explore the fascinating underground world of Louisville Mega Cavern, and then stop by Art Eatables.

For reviews, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, use the Louisville trip itinerary builder app.

Traveling by car from Lexington to Louisville takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Louisville are 48°F, while nighttime lows are 33°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Mammoth Cave National Park.

Mammoth Caves National Park is the longest cave system in the world so far discovered.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Fri): hike along Fat Man's Misery, then hike along Cedar Sink Trail, and then explore the fascinating underground world of Mammoth Cave.

To find where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Mammoth Cave National Park trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Louisville to Mammoth Cave National Park takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. In December in Mammoth Cave National Park, expect temperatures between 49°F during the day and 32°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.