Cumberland Falls

Eastern Kentucky; The river region in the north, Kentucky bluegrass country with Lexington at it's heart, Appalachian country in the extreme east and the wilds of Daniel Boone country in the south. The region showcases the diversity of Kentucky's geography, from pristine outdoors surrounding the Cumberland River, the awe-inspiring Red River Gorge and Appalachian Mountains and the beautiful pastures of scenic horse farms. Eastern Kentucky adventure seekers enjoy Kentucky's grand outdoors - fishing, kayaking, rock climbing and backpacking. A relaxed pace may include; viewing Cumberland Falls, the Niagara of the south, exploring a charming small town or visiting the Newport Aquarium.

No visit to Eastern Kentucky is complete without a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The 2010 World Equestrian Games are hosted at the horse park for the first time in the United States. From September 25th to October 10th you can witness the best equestrians in the world representing over 130 countries. The World Equestrian Games feature he championships for eighteen events, including dressage, jumping and vaulting.

Travelers to Lexington have a choice of over eight Best Western Hotels near the city. The Best Western Regency in Lexington is convenient for those that want to be within close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park and other popular venues. The Best Western Holiday Plaza in Richmond and the Best Western Lawrenceburg Inn are set in the atmosphere of small towns, close to outdoor recreation and still convenient to Lexington.

Levi Jackson State Park hosts the Laurel County Homecoming Festival in August. For over 75 years residents and visitors have gathered at the Homecoming Festival for fun and entertainment. The 2010 festival will feature four days of events and activities for the entire family. Contests, a cornhole tournament, parade, pageant and more. Treasure hunt at the flea market and arts and crafts booths, and enjoy all the local delicacies served up at the food booths.

London, the county seat of Laurel County, hosts the 2010 World Chicken Festival in September. This year's 21st Annual event features plenty of scrumptious fried chicken cooked in the world's largest skillet. Kids will love the midway and carnival rides along with the Kiddie World Stage with performers gear for children. There are three additional stages with bluegrass and popular live entertainment for all ages.

There are Best Western Hotels in Corbin, Manchester, Barbourville and Somerset for visitors to Laurel County. The Best Western Corbin Inn is conveniently just of I-75 to the south. The Best Western of Manchester is also close to the Daniel Boone National Forest. With affordable rates, plan to stay and enjoy your favorite Southeastern Kentucky sites.

Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky, anchored by cities like Paducah, Hopkinsville and Bowling Green, offers visitors unsurpassed natural beauty, eclectic local arts and crafts and delicious regional cuisine. Filled with lakes, rivers and swamps, western Kentucky is an outdoor enthusiasts wonderland. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area opened the 2010 season March 1st, and welcomes visitors to all its facilities and outdoor activities. Mammoth Cave National Park in south central Kentucky, the longest cave system in the world, is accessible to everyone and includes a lot more than just caves. With outstanding and unique recreation and parks, Western Kentucky is a great place to plan a getaway, vacation or stop on your way through the region.

Central City is getting a jump on spring and summer vacations. The tourism council is sponsoring the 1st Annual Dulcimers on the Green Festival mid-April. Showcasing six guest dulcimer artist who will perform and teach during the two day festival. Bring the family, learn to play, or simply enjoy the music from this unique string instrument. The Best Western Venture Inn is located in Central City, with a convenient location and with affordable rates, this is a nice early season getaway.

Kentucky's 400 Mile Sale, is a shoppers and treasure hunters dream come true. Paducah is the western end of June's 400 mile yard, antique and garage sale. What could be better than a 400 mile open air shopping extravaganza? Fill the car with gas, but leave room for some stuff, and take off through 60 Kentucky communities along scenic byway and historic highway 68. Take your time, Best Western Hotels in Paducah, Hopkinsville, Bowling Green, Cambellsville and beyond make convenient stops. Many Best Western Hotels are pet-friendly, so you can bring the dog along too.

Bowling Green hosts the 2010 Kentucky State HOG Rally June 10th through 12th. The 2010 theme is “An American Classic”, and features a kick off party at the Lost River Cave, where the notorious outlaw Jesse James hid after a local bank robbery. Plans include well know rock and biker blues entertainment, a parade and bike show. Enjoy the beautiful Kentucky countryside in escorted or self guided rides along byways like the Bourbon Trail or through parks like Mammoth Cave. Remember Best Western Hotels including Bowling Green's Best Western Motor Inn are biker friendly and offer special Harley Davidson rider rates.

Summer in Western Kentucky has no end of fun activities and events. The Western Kentucky State Fair, in Hopkinsville will be the first week in July. The fairgrounds will be full of arts, crafts, local agriculture, livestock and award winning goodies. Events include pageants, tractor pulls and top notch entertainment. Kids will love the midway games and carnival rides and food vendors – a great family event for everyone. Plan now for a great 2010 summer.

Kentucky Derby
Louisville, KY

Louisville, Kentucky's largest city,  home to the Kentucky Derby, the first and most well know race of Thoroughbred horse racing's Triple Crown. Churchill Downs racetrack in south Louisville is home to the derby. The Louisville metro area encompasses Jefferson County and beyond into Southern Indiana. The greater Louisville area is referred to by some as Kentuckiana with the city reaching well into Indiana. On the Ohio River, Louisville remains one of the largest inland ports in the US. The Falls of the Ohio, now a National Wildlife Conservation Area, was key in the early growth and development of the city.

The 106th Kentucky State Fair is August 2010 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in downtown Louisville. Showcasing the best of Kentucky's livestock and agriculture, bring the family to enjoy the exhibits, entertainment and fun. The 2010 Main Stage concerts include Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, and Sugarland among other chart-toppers. Entertainment includes kids celebrations and shows, dock jumping and herding dogs, Lumberjills and roving entertainers. Kids will love the Thrillway rides and games. The Best Western Airport East/Expo Center near the Exposition Center is also convenient to downtown Louisville and other attractions like the Louisville Zoo and Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.

Louisville celebrates it's diversity at WorldFest 2010, over Labor Day weekend. The 7th Annual WorldFest is free and is held along the waterfront Belvedere. Take an international “staycation” and enjoy over 30 ethnic food vendors featuring cuisines from around the globe. A World of Performances, a World Fest highlight, showcasing Latin and reggae music and dance performances from Asia and South America. Worldfest's World of Children is a kids area with crafts and games specific to children.

The Great Outhouse Blowout in Lebanon Kentucky may be a one-of-a-kind event. The September event features a 100 yard outhouse drag race, Parade of Privies and an Outhouse Bachelor Contest. Held to honor and preserve Kentucky's rural heritage this a unique and fun event. Bring family and friends out to enjoy the day.

Called the Bourbon Capital of the World, you don't want to miss Kentucky's 2010 Bourbon Festival. Bardstown is home to the September festival with surrounding communities joining in the six days of events and fun. Well known distillers like Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey and Jim Beam are among the Kentucky distilleries participating in the events. Activities for the whole family are included from bourbon barrel relays, family fun area, food booths and even the Spirit 5K Run and Walk.

The Best Western General Nelson in Bardstown is ideal for festival-goers. Convenient to the festival events and several local distilleries including Makers Mark. If you would like to stay further out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the Best Western Campbellsville Inn and the Best Western South in Shepardsville make great stops.