Kentucky Before the Derby: Horses, Bourbon & Inclusive Travel

Tour Dates: April 21-26, 2027
Tour Arrival: Wednesday, April 21, 2027 – Arrive at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Tour Departure: Monday, April 26, 2027 – Depart from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) for Global Media Marketplace in Bentonville, Arkansas
Cities/Towns Visited: Covington, Lexington and Louisville

Experience Kentucky just before Derby through a unique combination of horses, bourbon, culture and inclusive travel. Beginning in Covington, the journey introduces travelers to Northern Kentucky before continuing to Lexington, where the state’s celebrated horse culture comes to life through Keeneland racing and a Kentucky horse farm experience.

The tour then continues to Louisville, pairing iconic Kentucky traditions with a forward-looking approach to accessibility. Visit The Dot Experience, described in the tour materials as the world’s most inclusive museum, designed from the ground up with tactile exhibits, Braille, ASL, visual descriptions and accessible pathways. The Muhammad Ali Center adds another powerful cultural perspective, while experiences along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail connect travelers with one of the state’s most recognized traditions. Together, the itinerary showcases a Kentucky that celebrates its icons while creating more welcoming and accessible experiences for everyone.

Destination Highlights:

Covington – “Gateway to Northern Kentucky”
Two nights in Covington begin the journey in Northern Kentucky, providing an introduction to the state before travelers continue south into Kentucky’s horse country and on to Louisville.

Lexington – “At the Heart of Horse Country”
Lexington puts Kentucky’s equestrian traditions at the center of the experience. Keeneland racing and a visit to a Kentucky horse farm offer opportunities to experience the people, places and traditions behind the state’s internationally recognized horse culture.

Louisville – “Icons & Inclusive Experiences”
Louisville brings together Kentucky culture and a new approach to accessible tourism. The Dot Experience highlights inclusive design through tactile exhibits, Braille, ASL, visual descriptions and accessible pathways, while the Muhammad Ali Center adds the story of one of Kentucky’s most globally recognized figures.

Bourbon

Kentucky’s bourbon tradition provides one of the defining threads of the journey.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail
An experience along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail connects visitors with one of the state’s signature industries and offers an opportunity to explore the traditions and craftsmanship behind Kentucky bourbon.

Horses and Racing

Keeneland
Experience Kentucky racing at Keeneland while also learning about the venue’s accessibility initiatives, bringing together one of the state’s most iconic traditions with the tour’s broader focus on inclusive travel.

Kentucky Horse Farm
A horse farm experience provides a closer look at the equestrian culture that has helped make Kentucky famous around the world.

Arts, Culture and Inclusive Travel

The Dot Experience
The Dot Experience in Louisville is a central part of the itinerary’s inclusive travel story. According to the tour proposal, the museum was designed with tactile exhibits, Braille, ASL, visual descriptions and accessible pathways built into the experience from the beginning.

Muhammad Ali Center
The Muhammad Ali Center adds another cultural dimension to the Louisville portion of the journey, connecting visitors with the legacy of one of Kentucky’s most internationally recognized figures.

Story Ideas

  1. Kentucky Before the Derby: Horses, Bourbon & a New Kind of Welcome
    Explore Kentucky just before Derby through racing, horse country, bourbon and experiences designed with accessibility in mind.
  2. Beyond the Finish Line: Accessibility at Keeneland
    Look at how one of Kentucky’s signature racing experiences is incorporating accessibility initiatives alongside its celebrated equestrian traditions.
  3. Inside The Dot Experience: Rethinking the Museum Experience
    Explore how tactile exhibits, Braille, ASL, visual descriptions and accessible pathways are being integrated into the visitor experience in Louisville.
  4. Horse Country Up Close: From Keeneland to the Farm
    Experience two sides of Kentucky’s equestrian culture through racing at Keeneland and a behind-the-scenes look at a Kentucky horse farm.
  5. Bourbon Before Derby: Tasting a Kentucky Tradition
    Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and explore the craftsmanship and traditions behind one of the state’s most recognizable products.
  6. Louisville Through the Lens of Inclusion
    Pair The Dot Experience with the Muhammad Ali Center to tell a broader story about culture, access and the people shaping Louisville.
  7. From Covington to Louisville: A Different Kentucky Journey
    Travel across three Kentucky destinations to experience horse culture, bourbon traditions, iconic figures and a growing emphasis on inclusive tourism.

Limited spots are available, and these global media fams are offered first-come, first-serve. Don’t delay – contact your recruiter today to begin your exploration of Kentucky.