Although Kentucky may be known mostly for its fast horses and smooth bourbon, Ohio’s neighbor to the south boasts so much more, from bustling urban districts to some of this country’s most compelling scenery and everything in between.

Even if you have just one weekend to spend in the Bluegrass State, you’ll be able to plan an agenda filled with hiking, boating, horse racing, whisky sipping and history-seeking adventures. Here are some tips to welcome “y’all.”

Northern Kentucky River Region
A hop, skip and jump away, the Northern Kentucky River Region provides plenty of activities for the entire family. Start out at the Newport Aquarium, on the banks of the Ohio River across from Downtown Cincinnati. This 100,000-square-foot facility features more than 11,000 animals, 16 themed galleries and 1 million gallons of water. Get up close to 600 species of marine life with its specially-designed underwater tunnels. The levee area also includes a movie theater, comedy club, shopping, dining and more. Visit www.newportonthelevee.com.  

Also facing Downtown Cincinnati is Covington, with its Licking River Historic Area and Riverwalk Statue Tour. This 13-block area includes Civil War homes, carriage houses and bronze statues of historic figures. You can tour one of the 1800s-era mansions or catch a horse-carriage ride through the district while your driver provides an overview of the district’s significance in the abolitionist movement. Catch a glimpse of the Floodwall Murals at Limestone Landing, illustrating four centuries of history surrounding the Ohio River.

Watch a fast-paced NASCAR race at the Kentucky Motor Speedway in Fort Mitchell, or a thoroughbred race at Turfway Park in Florence. If you’re into a slower pace, retreat to Big Bone Lick or Kincaid Lake state parks, stop by one of seven covered bridges or wind through the Evergreen Hills Maze in Flemingsburg – with more than 12,000 pines, it is the largest permanent hedge maze in the country. Visit www.nkytourism.com for more ideas.

Bluegrass Region
Rolling hills, fertile soil and majestic pastures color this region of Kentucky, all made possible by limestone from the Ordovician geological age. This mineral-heavy area proves beneficial for breeding quality livestock and champion thoroughbreds.

A majority of Kentucky’s population lives in this region, which thrives on the horse industry. Lexington is called “the city in the park” because of its location at the center of hundreds of horse farms. Stop by the Kentucky Horse Park, with museums, galleries, theaters, working farm exhibits and more than 50 breeds of horses grazing throughout its 1,200 acres. The American Saddlebred Museum is located on the park grounds, showcasing Kentucky’s native breed of horse.

Lexington’s Thoroughbred Park is home to bronze racehorses by sculptor Gwen Reardon. And no visit to the region would be complete without a trip to Keeneland, one of the most beautiful race courses in the world.

Other must-sees in the region include: the legendary Rupp Arena, home to the University of Kentucky Wildcats; Harrodsburg’s Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, the largest restored Shaker community in America; and the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the nation’s first shrine to a First Lady. Visit www.bluegrasskentucky.com.

The Bourbon Trail
The Bourbon Trail includes four historic distilleries – The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses and Wild Turkey – in the Lexington area. Keep heading west toward Bardstown and you’ll stumble upon the Bourbon Capital of the World and the remainder of the trail. With more than 15 bed and breakfasts, hotels and camping options, including My Old Kentucky Home State Park, there’s plenty of incentive to take a sipping tour of the eight working distilleries that show off their traditional signature spirits. Visit www.kybourbontrail.com.  

Cave Country/Western Kentucky
In Southern Kentucky, on the border of Tennessee, sits Cave Country. This county is highlighted by Mammoth Cave National Park, which has more than 365 known miles of cave passageways. The longest cave system in the world is made up of 350 million-year-old rocks and fascinating nocturnal animals.

There are about 10 other caves in this region to explore, but you don’t have to spend all of your time navigating through dark tunnels. Consider visiting: Kentucky Down Under in Horse Cave, Ky., and experience all things Australia; Dinosaur World or Big Mike’s Mystery House, which includes “Big Mo,” a 65 million year old dinosaur skull, in Cave City, Ky.; or the 68,000-square-foot National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky. Visit www.caveslakescorvettes.com.

West of Cave Country, just south of Paducah, is Land Between the Lakes, one of the world’s largest manmade bodies of water where you can camp, hike, bike or even take an eagle tour. Visit www.kentuckylake.com.

Eastern Kentucky
A breathtaking contrast of the great outdoors highlights East and Southeast Kentucky, where the Cumberland Mountains and Cumberland Gap are located. Also, Lake Cumberland entails more than 1,255 miles of shoreline, with boating, fishing, hiking and more.

The Red River Gorge, in the Daniel Boone National Forest, features more than 80 natural arches, historical sites and miles of trails with magnificent views. Resort Park in Elkhorn City is called the “Grand Canyon of the South” because of its 1,000-foot deep canyons. The Country Music Highway, in the easternmost corridor of the state, celebrates the lives of dozens of famous country music stars who grew up in the area. Visit www.tourseky.com.  

Louisville
No trip to Kentucky would be complete without a stop in Louisville, home to Churchill Downs and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby, each May. See the world’s largest baseball bat propped up against the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory in the heart of downtown. While you’re there, stop at Fourth Street Live for a plethora of dining, nightlife and shopping options – from Hard Rock Café to Howl at the Moon and Borders Books and Music to Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge.

Also downtown is “Museum Row,” with the Muhammad Ali Center, which includes innovative exhibits and educational programs. You’ll also find: the Speed Art Museum, with a permanent collection of 12,000 pieces spanning 6,000 years; the Frazier International History Museum, with historical artifacts spanning 1,000 years; and the Louisville Science Center and IMAX Theatre. Also nearby are the Louisville Zoo and Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.

To really get a taste of Louisville’s rich river history, stay downtown at the Seelbach Hotel (built in 1905) or The Brown (birthplace of Kentucky’s famous Hot Brown sandwich). If your taste is more modern, book a room at the contemporary boutique hotel 21C, with 9,000 square feet devoted to its collection of cutting-edge art. Visit www.gotolouisville.com.  

Alicia Kelso is editor of CityScene.