Kentucky travelers choose from 37 Best Western hotels.

Western Kentucky

From the seat of Warren County - Bowling Green - to Cave City, set just outside of Mammoth Cave, Western Kentucky is a shinning example of southern hospitality. Make your way west in the Bluegrass State and visit cities like Murray, set just west of Kentucky Lake, and home to Murray State University, and Franklin, a charming city home to Kentucky Downs Race Course. Guests of any one of the Best Western hotels in western Kentucky enjoy the fun and diversity that spring and summer yield. Horseracing, local sports teams and universities – it’s all part of why so many travelers choose to visit western Kentucky.

Whether you’re headed south into Franklin, or west into Murray – be sure to make a stop in Bowling Green. A friendly and refreshing city, Bowling Green offers visitors a taste of classic southern accommodations, while maintaining modern amenities that make your stay truly pleasant. Be sure to visit the Barren River Imaginative Museum of Science – April 14, check out the Usborne Books Book Fair, and on April 21, celebrate Earth Day at the Barren River Imaginative Museum of Science.

Bowling Green is also the home of Holley Performance Products World Headquarters – a real treat for gear heads and auto collectors alike. Check out some local art at the Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University, found in downtown Bowling Green, just minutes east of Lampkin Park.

Sports fans visiting Bowling Green during the spring and summer are in for some sensational college baseball action. Head to Nick Denes Field on May 18 and watch as the WKU Hilltoppers take on conference foe Middle Tennessee State.

In the area west of Kentucky, north of Murray and set just along the Ohio River, travelers find Paducah. Although Kentucky is famous for it’s horse racing, don’t forget about auto racing – head to the Paducah International Raceway for some ferocious dirt track racing, featuring UMP Modifieds, UMP Stock Cars, and more. Head to the Paducah International Raceway on May 29, for a Night of NASCAR Stars with three-time Cup Champ Tony Stewart – a reoccurring event. June 1, PIR hosts the beginning of the Tri-State Challenge, and every Friday night at PIR is Friday Night Racing.

Easily accessed from I-24, and south of Madisonville, is Hopkinsville. Play 18 holes at the Western Hills Golf Course, or check out the Pennyroyal Area Museum. Other guests of the Best Western Hopkinsville hotel enjoy a look into the humble beginnings of the area with a tour of the City of Hopkinsville Museum.

Murray, an enterprising city, is home to Murray State University. Take a stroll around the campus during the spring and summer, and if you’re looking for more college baseball action, look no further – visit Reagan Field on May 4 when the MSU Racers begin a three-game weekend series against the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

Cumberland Falls

Eastern Kentucky is home to lively and historic cities like Lexington, and Winchester, but also features smaller, less assuming cities like Ashland, and Corbin. Spring and summer in eastern Kentucky yield pristine views of rolling pastures, and the Horse Capital of the World becomes a travelers dream – Lexington is also home to the University of Kentucky Wildcats, and the Kentucky Horse Park. Head into Florence and check out Turfway Park Race Course, or explore the Florence Nature Park. South of Lexington is Corbin, home to the Daniel Boone National Forest – take full advantage of the sterling spring weather with a hike through the forest.

Affectionately known as the “Thoroughbred City,” Lexington is the second largest city in Kentucky. Many guests of the Best Western Lexington hotels enjoy an ease of access in and around the city along I-75. The bird watchers in your group will no doubt plan for an afternoon at the University of Kentucky Arboretum.

Kentucky’s known for horses and horse racing – Lexington does not disappoint. While visiting Lexington in the spring and summer, be sure to visit Keeneland. A wonderful experience for horse racing fans and equestrian lovers alike, visit Keeneland and take in a race or two, place a bet, or enjoy some fine eastern Kentucky cuisine – all a part of an authentic Kentucky experience. Plan for April 27, for a day of racing and music – enjoy the Elkhorn Stakes, then prepare for the Markey Concert on the Lawn.

For a bit of art and culture, be sure to visit the Kentucky Horse Park for the International Museum of the Horse, a collaborative effort with the American Museum of Natural History, it’s open for public viewing through April 6.

As the home of the Kentucky Wildcats, sports fans area also in for a treat while visiting Lexington – head to Cliff Hagan Stadium on April 20 as the UK Wildcats baseball slug it out versus the LSU Tigers.

East of Lexington is Winchester. A charming and friendly little city, Winchester is home to the Daniel Boone National Forest – enjoy a fun horseback ride, and the Bluegrass Heritage Museum. Play 18 holes at the Cassell Creek Golf Course, or hit a bucket of balls at the Meadowpark Driving Range.

Home to Campbellsville University, the city of Campbellsville is set southwest of Winchester. A delightful city in eastern Kentucky, guests of the Best Western Campbellsville hotel often find themselves at the gorgeous Spurlington Lake for some fishing and boating, or at the Ruby Canyon-Black Ridge Recreation Management Area – take advantage of the fine outdoors on your spring and summer travels.

Kentucky Derby
Louisville, KY

The Louisville area celebrates spring and the arrival of summer like no other state – with horse racing. Home to the Kentucky Derby, May 4 and 5, Louisville is a hub of activity, culture, arts, and local sights and attractions that are must-see. Make your way into the greater Louisville area and check out Frankfort, home to Kentucky State University. The capital of Kentucky, Frankfort is home to the Old State Capitol Building, and the always-riveting Kentucky Military History Museum. Make your way into Bardstown, an hour southwest of Frankfort, and check out My Old Kentucky Home State Park.

An hour west of the state capital is Louisville. The largest city in the Kentucky, Louisville is a wide-ranging city, with sights and attractions fit for everyone from the weary traveler to the family looking for a summer adventure. Affectionately known as the "Derby City," Louisville is home to the legendary Kentucky Derby, held annually on the first Saturday in May. The 2012 Kentucky Derby will be no different – 138th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 4 and 5 2012 at Churchill Downs.

Louisville is also home to one of the more successful sports universities in the country – the University of Louisville Cardinals. Baseball fans traveling through Louisville this spring and summer are in for a real treat, as the UL Cardinals baseball team fights for a spot in the College World Series. Head to Jim Patterson Stadium on April 27, when the Cardinals begin a three-game series against the University of Connecticut Huskies. After a fine display of college baseball action, head to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory – an absolute must see for baseball fans, young and old. Louisville spring and summer visitors flock to the Muhammad Ali Center, located in downtown Louisville.

Make your way into Frankfort, the state capital. Visit the Starway Family Fun Park for excellent spring and summer fun – miniature golf, games and food await. Be sure to play a round of 18 holes at Duckers Lake Golf Course, or check out Woodford Reserve Distillery.

Held on three separate days (April 7, 14, 21), the Woodford Reserve Distillery will host the Woodford Reserve Brunch with Keeneland Handicapper – this is a limited seating event, so act swiftly.

Carrollton, home to the Butler-Turpin Historic House, is a pleasant border city in the Louisville are. Play a round of golf at the General Butler Golf Course, or try some fishing along the Ohio River, which runs along the northern border of Carrollton.

On May 12, head to General Butler State Resort Park for the 30th Kentucky Scottish Weekend, featuring a British car show, Celtic music, bag pipes, and games for the kids.