SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) “Horsepower” is a multifaceted word in Kentucky. Hearing that term coupled with the Bluegrass State, folks might first think of horseracing. However, it can also describe the various ways to get around and experience Kentucky—car, train or boat—along with the many opportunities to learn more about these modes of transportation.
Bowling Green is home to both the National Corvette Museum and the only Corvette-manufacturing facility in the world. This place is a gearhead’s dream, featuring world-class exhibits dedicated to every aspect of the Chevrolet Corvette throughout its 75-year history. Just across the road from the museum is the NCM Motorsports Park, where visitors can test-drive a Corvette or Camaro or participate in a driving course to hone their skills behind the wheel.
North of Lexington in Georgetown, is the largest Toyota-manufacturing plant outside of Japan. In addition to producing nearly 2,000 vehicles per day, the plant offers free tours, allowing the public to witness the entire assembly process, as the vehicles go from stamped sheet-metal to quality cars ready to roll off the assembly line.
Online travel guides like Kentucky Horses, Horsepower and Hollers (kytripleh.com) and Kentucky Horsepower (kentuckyhp.com) are great tools for trip planning, offering detailed itineraries, road maps, collectible passports and so much more.
Those who love the sights and sounds of trains can pick up a passport for the Bluegrass Train Experience. This trail includes 13 train attractions throughout the commonwealth, each one with its own unique sticker to help travelers keep track of their visit. Attractions include the La Grange Railroad Museum in Oldham County and the Historic Railpark and L&N Depot in Bowling Green, which feature real trains and rail cars that once traveled the entire continent.
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway in McCreary County offers a unique train ride experience, taking passengers through the gorgeous foothills of Appalachia and transporting them back in time as they visit the Blue Heron Mining Community. Once an active mine, Blue Heron now serves as an open-air museum dedicated to telling the stories of the people who lived and worked there.
Despite being landlocked, Kentucky offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. In fact, there are more than 1,600 miles of navigable inland waterways, which means an aquatic adventure is never far away.
For a relaxing day on the river, BB Riverboats in Newport and the Belle of Louisville in Louisville each offer a wide variety of sightseeing and dining cruises. Both highlight gorgeous views of the Ohio River, while teaching guests about the history and culture of Kentucky.
Lovers of both bourbon and boats shouldn’t pass up the Bourbon Boat in Frankfort. With nine different tours to choose from, guests can learn all about “America’s Native Spirit” as they cruise along the Kentucky River.
For more information getting around the Bluegrass State, visit www.kentuckytourism.com.
When it comes to seeing Kentucky, there is no wrong way to do it.
