Horse racing in Kentucky is a proud tradition dating back to 1789, when the first track was laid down in Lexington. But it wasn’t until 1875 that the famous Churchill Downs track was officially opened in Louisville. The annual Kentucky Derby happens at Churchill Downs and is the biggest event in the state, but the track also hosts races and other events year-round. While you’re visiting, check out the Kentucky Derby Museum, which traces the history and traditions of the world-famous racing event.

For more than 100 years, the Louisville Slugger Factory has been cranking out bats for Little Leaguers and professional baseball players alike. Baseball fans will enjoy seeing how their bats are made alongside exhibits showing how the game has changed over the last two centuries. You can’t miss the seven-storey baseball bat that leans against the side of the building at street level. Admission includes a souvenir mini-bat.

Bourbon was invented in Kentucky more than 200 years ago and has since become a local tradition and one of the state’s key industries. Get out of the city and take a trip along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to tour the state’s six top distilleries: Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve. Each distillery offers a tour of the facilities and a tasting at the end of the tour. If you can make it to all of them, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association rewards you with a commemorative T-Shirt. Be advised, you must be at least 21 to drink alcohol in the United States and local laws may limit purchasing alcohol in large quantities or on Sundays.