Its claim to fame: the Kentucky Derby, bluegrass and bourbon. Amidst this horse breeding farmland is a state worth seeing. Filled with historical gems, enough crafts to tickle any art lover’s fancy and newly constructed tourist attractions, Kentucky is perfect for families whose interests vary as much as Kentucky’s activities.

Learning About Camp Nelson History

For the history buffs, Kentucky harbors many preserved homes and structures, completely absent of the history-diluting urbanization found in many northern states. One shining example of this is Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park, the supply depot for the Union Army and one of the largest enlistment centers for African-American soldiers during the Civil War. Camp Nelson was unofficially a pivotal stop in the Underground Railroad for more than 10,000 African Americans. Most southern slaves headed straight to Canada for freedom, while others during the Civil War opted for a closer Camp Nelson, which was also a makeshift refugee camp.

Sitting on 525 acres of land in Jessamine County and bounded by the Kentucky River, the rich history of these quiet rolling green hills permeates visitors upon the their initial steps on the grounds. Though the rumored ghosts usually do not make appearances, the historical significance is thick in the air and lends to the ambiance. Visitors can also explore the property through its five miles of interpretive trails, scouting the White House (a meticulously re-stored antebellum house which served as the quarters for officers), several fortifications, museum, and the active Camp Nelson National Cemetery, which holds more than 4,000 Civil War graves.

Old war grounds are not the only sites with civic narratives. The small town of Danville is a crucial stop on the epical tour of Kentucky. Boasting a population of 16,000, Danville is the nucleus of the bluegrass state. This unassuming city was the host of the most monumental events in the state’s history: the ten Constitutional Conventions that resulted in Kentucky’s statehood in 1792. Original structures still standing in Constitution Square are a jail and post office, while the courthouse has been reconstructed true to the period. This is not the last time that this quaint city would garner attention for hosting the beginnings in history.

Also located in this historical gold mine of a city is the McDowell House, the residence of Dr. Ephraim McDowell, who performed the first successful ovarian surgery in the guest bedroom of his home. A National Historic Landmark, the McDowell House is accurately and masterfully restored harboring original paintings of Dr. McDowell’s close family members, as well as furniture and heirlooms donated by McDowell’s many descendents.

As history tells it, Dr. McDowell was summoned several counties away to attend to a woman who was thought to be pregnant. However, after becoming severely overdue and unsuccessfully induced, it turned out that she was not carrying a child in her womb, but a 22-and-a-half pound tumor. Convinced that he could successfully remove the oversized tumor despite the 19th century aversion to surgical procedures, Dr. McDowell insisted that she come to his residence for surgery and recuperation. So on a balmy Christmas morning in 1809, Dr. McDowell performed the first successful removal of an ovarian tumor – without anesthetics or antisepsis. After a 25-day recovery, his patient returned home and went on to live for another 32 years. Dr. Ephraim McDowell is considered world-wide as the "Father of Abdominal Surgery."

Kentucky not only prides itself on its history, but also its craft industry, which is alive and thriving. But for the most authentic experience in artistry and ultimate craft seekers, the top choice is the town of Berea, coined "The Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky," which has 25 working-artisan studios and galleries.

Churchill Weavers Textile Studio

If textiles are your fancy, then you'll love Churchill Weavers. Since 1922, Churchill Weavers has garnered the reputation as one of "the country’s oldest and most prestigious hand weaving studios." Witness weaving perfection in the making via tours of the looming floors or simply peruse the gift shop of handcrafted rugs, shawls, baby blankets and accessories.

But perhaps handmade home décor is what you're looking for; Berea has no shortage of glassblowers and potters, as well as crafters who assemble the items you adorn with these accessories. Red Dog & Company may sound like a food or beverage company, but it houses the handcrafted furniture creations of Mike Angel, a woodworking Kentucky native. Another option for home furnishings is the work of Brian Boggs, who creates primarily wooden tables and chairs. Boggs, a traditionalist at heart with a flair for infusing modern techniques, is involved in the furniture making process from start to finish: everything from choosing the logs to creating the hand woven chair seats.

And for those who choose not to venture off from county to county seeking handmade baubles and artistries, the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is a great way of obtaining a taste of whole state's artisan community under a beautifully constructed and decorated roof. Any creative expression of a Kentuckian is here – music, crafts, books, sculptures, specialty food and more.

Berea is also home to an unassuming college community. The Berea College campus is an ideal accommodating epicenter, as the 140-acre college campus in itself is an instant attraction, but the quiet community is within driving distance of some of Kentucky's most visited historical destinations.

As do many college campuses, Berea College feels like another world, but a differentiating factor in this small student population is that the essentially operate the campus. All Berea College students are required to work on campus while attending school. At what cost? A fully-paid college education, meaning no cumbersome student loans after graduation, that's what. From supporting the town's legendary craft industry with the Log House Craft Gallery which is a showcase for Berea College students craft to administrative duties, Berea College thrives on its hands-on student model.

Historic Boone Tavern Hotel

Perhaps the shining example of the student-operated philosophy a visitor would encounter staying on Berea’s campus is the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel. First opened as a college guest house in 1909, the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel is classic luxury accommodations. Each of the hotels' 58 guest suites has student handmade crafts true to Berea's Appalachian tradition, while students work the front desk, gift shop and restaurant warmly greeting visitors.

This hospitality is not limited to the students of Berea but spreads across the state of Kentucky with each new experience, every new person met, any location discovered or destination uncovered.