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.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Wed): explore the different monuments and memorials at Lexington Cemetery, then take in nature's colorful creations at Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, and then take in the exciting artwork at Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea. On your second day here, experience rural life at Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm, learn about winemaking at Equus Run Vineyard & Winery, and then try your luck at Keeneland.

To find maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Lexington day trip site .

Cincinnati to Lexington is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 70°F in October, and nighttime lows around 49°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Bardstown.

Bardstown is a home rule-class city in Nelson County, Kentucky, in the United States. Kick off your visit on the 19th (Fri): take a stroll through Old Louisville, then contemplate the long history of Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle), and then immerse yourself in nature at My Old Kentucky Home. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 20th (Sat): sample the fine beverages at Barton 1792 Distillery, then examine the collection at Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum, then brush up on your military savvy at Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Abbey of Gethsemani.

For reviews, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Bardstown tour planning website .

Drive from Lexington to Bardstown in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. In October, daily temperatures in Bardstown can reach 69°F, while at night they dip to 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to drive to Mammoth Cave National Park.

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

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sun): see the interesting displays at Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum, then examine the collection at Dinosaur World, and then Head underground at Mammoth Cave National Park.

For where to stay, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Mammoth Cave National Park attractions planning tool .

You can drive from Bardstown to Mammoth Cave National Park in 1.5 hours. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST) is minus 1 hour. In October, daytime highs in Mammoth Cave National Park are 71°F, while nighttime lows are 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can drive back home.