Currently this is the working plan:

Fly in to Louisville (Slugger & Ali museums), then onto visit 2 bourbon distilleries (Makers Mark and maybe Buffalo Trace?), likely drive down to Cumberland Falls and then down to Asheville NC. The plan is to visit the Biltmore mansion, gardens and winery. Plan on kayaking on the river, checking out the local breweries and restaurants Probably spend a few days here. Also interested in the Great Smokey Mts NP and Mingo Falls.

We've got 10-14 days. We're not interested in fishing, but love good attractions, history, hiking, food, etc. I appreciate any good ideas or suggestions!

Behind the Scenes tour of Churchill Downs
Tour of a horse farm
Consider Woodford Reserve tour (though website indicates currently on hold)
Drink at the Grove Park Inn

Mammoth Cave, IMHO, is a worthwhile trip.

Mammoth Cave is the largest system in the world, great idea to see it, just check on the Covid concerns. Buffalo Trace is an excellent tour, they've done some archeological digs in the last few years and you can see the old distillery system. The tours are interesting and there's a variety. Woodford Reserve is smaller and very nice. Personally I'd prefer these two over Makers Mark, but that's up to you. KY state parks have very good accommodations at the lodges and some cabins. They've been under Covid rules as well so check them out. There aren't really restaurants around the parks (Cumberland Falls eg), but the parks have pretty good traditional food and now service liquor (Ky bourbons of course). Right now the restaurants all only do take out orders, this may be changing so check it out. The falls are lovely, check on schedules for the moon bow (only other place to see this is Victoria Falls), usually get booked up pretty well when it's "on".

Churchill tours are also good. Horse farm tours are throughout the Lexington/bluegrass area. Just driving around and towards Woodford Reserve is beautiful, you might consider the KY Horse Park, they've a museum and sometimes events. Lexington and Louisville have become fine foodie places with quite a few craft breweries, chef owned restaurants as well, and of course bourbon tastings and bars offering extensive choices of bourbons. From Cumberland Falls you can drive through the Smokies to Ashville, lovely trip.

Covid rules are changing, KY governor has done well, though there have been rules for parks, restaurants, bars, etc. Have/wear masks. As we move along and increasing #s get vaccinated, things are opening more so check regularly.

And enjoy!

Thanks to all 3 of you! Mammoth Cave is a bit out of the way but totally worth it if this is a unique experience. I am a tad worried with the covid restrictions as most caves are tight to say the least. We have done Luray Caverns in VA and the Oregon Caves in southern OR, what do you think - is Mammoth Cave a unique experience?

Hmm, I might have to rethink and add a horse farm tour, I was reluctant to just because I am against about everything involved with horse racing - from the drugs to the posh owners to the small riders and weights to the way the thoroughbreds are treated. Big fan of Milch's show Luck, but boy did that not end well. If either the Churchhill tour or a horse farm tour focuses on the animals, I'd be very interested.

I'll check out Woodford Reserve, they are damn good too!

rncheryl, you mentioned a drink at Grove Park Inn - do you recommend a meal or simply a nice cocktail?

Re: Grove Park Inn, I will be staying there for the first time in June. So maybe go for a drink and see what the restaurant is serving?
If you decide to go to Mammoth Cave, be sure to book your guided tour in advance.

It's been decades (1976?) since I was on the Belle of Louisville which is the oldest steam paddle wheel boat in the US that is operable. They take it out on two hour cruises on the Ohio River.

Thanks, Tom, that's a neat idea - an actual 100+ year steamboat! I hope she's in operation when we're there this June!

If you click on my name, and scroll my trip reports, I have one called "Arty Asheville". Hope it is of interest/help.

Also, in KY, my DH and I loved Shakertown and Berea. Not sure if they'd be out of your way. The Speed Museum in Louisville has world class art. Speed is for the name of the donor....not about fast cars!

MMM, the wine tasting looks good - only $8, we'll see if prices are higher now. Coming from Oregon (home of some of the most amazing Pinot Noirs in the world), I'm a little skeptical - I remember attending the Virginia wine fest and lets just say, bless Jefferson's heart for introducing a lot of varieties but VA is just not the right environment. I have a client in Fredericksbug who swears by Biltmore wine - he buys a case every time he's close by!

We'll be close to both Shakertown and Berea - if they are nice it'll be worth a stop, thx.

I'm not a big fan of the Biltmore wines (if that is what you are referring to) but they did get a wine renaissance begun in NC when they started thiers many years ago.
Whey not stay at the Grove Park for a bit of old Smokey Mountain grandeur.

​​​​​​​There is also a behind the scenes tour of the Biltmore House that our daughter says is wonderful

LOL about the wine. The geographical requirements for good wine are pretty specific. Biltmore has become a huge draw...it may be bordering on 'too touristy'. Again, LOL.

Looking forward to your trip report.

Ha - thanks to everyone for the help with planning - we're set to receive the vaccine next week so we should be good to go in June. When I get back I will post a nice recap of my trip! In the meantime I'll check this thread from time to time, any ideas are appreciated!

Well, there is this about wine. No doubt about the pinot noirs of Willamette Valley but maybe not so much for other varieties. Pinot is REALLY persnickety.

FWIW, Just went back to check on the Vanderbilt wine tasting. Most were from Napa in the tasting my friend and I shared.

That's rich - really, most were from California?! Maybe I'll stick with bourbon in KY and NC!

Really. Well I'm sure you CAN taste the Biltmore wines also. Not sure I understand that. I assume you might have chosen to taste the Napa wines and not Biltmore although at other NC winery tastings we haven't been offered any but their wines. I have not been to Biltmore for one however.

https://www.biltmore.com/visit/winery/