Arrive in Berea, KY where you check into the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel for a three-night stay.  Situated where the Bluegrass meets the rolling hills of Appalachia, this hotel has a historic past now stretching into its second century.  It is operated by the students of Berea College who study the arts and crafts of the region.

A four-course dinner is included tonight in the Dining Room.  The Boone Tavern Dining Room embraces southern hospitality and is now making history again! For the first time in 105 years, Boone Tavern is serving fine wines, Kentucky crafted and domestic beers and spirits to include the famous Kentucky bourbons.  The Berea Restaurant’s cuisine celebrates quintessential Kentucky and Boone Tavern tradition through innovative preparations and flavors while providing a complete dining experience for guests wanting more.

Tonight after dinner, you will be entertained with a private performance by the Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble (as available).  The students here at Berea College have been showcasing their talent with fun, lively performances for many years.  They have toured throughout the eastern US, Ireland and Japan, this evening they provide your group with a unique Kentucky musical experience. (D)

This morning travel to nearby Stearns, KY where you ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railroad with an included “Coal Miner’s Lunch Bag”.  This train travels deep into the rugged Appalachians.

Enjoy a 16-mile round trip into the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.  This trip is full of spectacular scenic vistas, lush vegetation and mountain streams as it descends 600 feet into the gorge.

The afternoon features a guided tour of Cumberland Falls State Park.  Meet the Park’s Step-on Guide for a tour of the park including a short walk to the Falls.  The Falls are the largest in the state, one of the largest in the region, and often called the ” Niagara of the South.”

Returning to Berea and the Boone Tavern, enjoy another evening of dinner and local entertainment. (B,L,D)

Travel today to Lexington, KY and start with a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park.  Most places can only tell you stories about legends, but at the Kentucky Horse Park, they may just trot right by you.  This park is hands-on, so you can touch the horses, smell the hay and see first-hand the majesty of the horse.  This is a place for all of your senses!  Be sure to enjoy the Hall of Champions Show, the Museum of the Horse, American Saddlebred Museum, Horse Drawn Tour, the Big Barn and more.

Included with your visit to the Kentucky Horse Park is a Bluegrass Luncheon.

The afternoon features a ride on the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad.  Travel west through typical Kentucky countryside.  You will pass cattle and fields of corn, soybean, and tobacco and two Thoroughbred horse farms where you may see mares and foals in the fields.  The train then descends through deep limestone cuts to the palisades of the Kentucky River where you may disembark and photograph Young’s High bridge built in 1889 and see the Wild Turkey Distillery.

Then visit the Bluegrass Distillers for a Tour & Tasting.  This expert led tour begins with an informative and interactive complimentary tasting of their current Bourbons.  You will learn the rules for making Bourbon, and some interesting Kentucky Bourbon History.  Then your tour is led through the production area to view the Grain Mashing, Fermentation, Distilling, and Barreling of our Bourbons

Dinner is included this evening at Columbia Steak House.  One of central Kentucky’s oldest restaurants, Lexingtonians have gathered at this traditional steakhouse since 1948.  Not in the mood for a steak?  Try the hot brown, crispy fried banana peppers or famous lamb fries.

Return to the Boone Tavern Hotel for the evening. (B,L,D)

This morning, visit the Kentucky Artisan Center, where everything is made in Kentucky.  The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea features a wide range of Kentucky’s outstanding artisan products in its on-site gallery exhibit and shopping areas. whether on display in a themed exhibit or in a shop setting, you’ll find great artisan works and information about artisans themselves and the materials they use to create their work.  At the Center, you’ll find superbly crafted glass, pottery, woodworking, metal work, paper, jewelry, specialty foods, music and books-works by over 650 Kentucky artisans living all across the Commonwealth.  Depart for home after your visit. (B)