Kentucky is famous for its derby and its bourbon. Those in the know may appreciate important independent rock bands of the ’80s and ’90s like Slint and Squirrel Bait. Interesting museums abound. You can brush up on your whiskey history at the Oscar Getz Museum in Bardstown, or roots music at the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Lexington. Louisville has the interesting Frazier International History Museum, which features forensic debate and full-costumed swordplay! Sounds like swash-buckling fun and education. Also in town and of interest to sports fans are the Muhammad Ali Center and the Louisville Slugger Museum. Check out the biggest cave on earth at Mammoth Cave National Park.

Much of the fine cuisine around these parts consists of updates on classics like pork and bread pudding. There is also good pub food and…Kentucky tapas? Uh, okay. You can eat local foods like farmstead egg custard with fiddlehead ferns just outside of Lexington. Farm-to-table and organic aren’t totally alien concepts, and you can find a few health food stores. Vegetarians can enjoy varied offerings such as Malaysian, Creole, Middle Eastern, or even Nigerian cuisine in the more metropolitan parts of the state. Raw and macrobiotic foods can even be found. Those who enjoy high-quality raw vegan chocolate as much as distilled beverages can find some delightful treats.