Considering a travel nursing assignment in Kentucky? With rich history, an incredible music scene, outdoor recreation, and beautiful landscapes, the Bluegrass State is a fantastic place for travel nurses. Learn more about this Southern state in our Kentucky travel guide below.
If you’re the type of person who likes to be prepared before visiting somewhere new, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few key things to know about living and working in Kentucky, from weather to transportation and more.
The climate in Kentucky is fairly pleasant year-round, with moderate winters and warm summers. With the Appalachian Mountains nearby, the region also sees a decent amount of humidity.
Before heading to your travel nursing assignment in Kentucky, be sure to pack clothes that fit the season so that you can make the most of the state’s abundant outdoor recreation.
Whether you’re planning to drive yourself, use public transit, or need airport access during your travel assignment in Kentucky, the Bluegrass State has plenty of transportation options available.
Wherever you take your travel assignment in the Bluegrass State, the five regions of Kentucky each have their own vibe and fun things to do.
Locals and travelers alike consider the summer months to be the peak travel season in Kentucky, thanks to the Bluegrass State’s warmer weather. However, you can find things to do during downtime on your travel nursing assignment at any time of year.
Summer may be hotter, but it’s still a fantastic time to visit Kentucky, as you’ll find an abundance of festivals and events during this time of year. Waterfront activities are popular during these months, as well as outdoor recreation in general.
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer milder temperatures, making them a great time for residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, biking, and more.
Meanwhile, winter offers its own fun things to do in the Bluegrass State, like visiting ice rinks or taking in the winter scenery at state parks, which often host holiday festivals.
Whether you’re researching where you’ll stay during your travel nursing assignment or looking into places you want to visit during your days off, here are a few of the most popular cities to visit in Kentucky.
From its well-known bourbon and budding arts scene to its delicious restaurants and local sports, Louisville is one of the most popular cities to visit in Kentucky. It’s also the largest city in the state.
A major economic hub for the state, Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky. It’s considered the “Horse Capital of the World,” with hundreds of Thoroughbred farms in the surrounding area.
Once the capital of Kentucky and a major battleground during the Civil War, Bowling Green today is a quaint college town, hosting the Western Kentucky University campus.
Found along the Kentucky River is the state’s capital city, Frankfort. The city is home to scenic parks, unique arts and cultural attractions, and world-class bourbon.
Henderson is a nature lover’s retreat on the banks of the Ohio River, offering all kinds of outdoor recreation. It’s also a hidden gem for barbecue fans who want to discover Kentucky’s “BBQ Belt.”
No matter where your Kentucky travel nursing assignment takes you, there’s something to do anywhere you go across the Bluegrass State. Here are some of the best things to do in Kentucky for travel nurses visiting the state.
The Kentucky Derby is one of America’s most iconic and longest continually running sporting events. Hosted at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, the Derby is one of the best attractions in Kentucky.
Although the race itself is only two thrilling minutes of racing on the first Saturday in May, attendees can enjoy two full weeks of fun during the Kentucky Derby Festival, which precedes the main event. You can also head to the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn about the history of the race, attend exciting events like the KDM Hat Show, or try delicious bourbon cocktails at the Derby Café & Bourbon Bar.
Although it’s home to the longest known cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave National Park near Glasgow has much more to offer than just caves. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region, has diverse plant and animal life, as well as a wide number of things to see and do.
Take one of the park’s many cave tours and see unique geologic formations. Go horseback riding along 60 miles of trail, with options for multiple skill levels. Take a canoe down the Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway, a National Water Trail. Or wind down after a day of exploring the park with stargazing during a ranger-led Night Sky Program or on your own at any time.
Horse racing isn’t Kentucky’s only connection to sports. The Bluegrass State is also known for its contributions to baseball, and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville is a great way to explore the city’s history with America’s national pastime.
Go on a factory tour to see how the bats are made. Get tickets for the All-Star Experience for a behind-the-scenes tour showcasing areas of the museum that aren’t accessible to the public. Or see featured exhibits like Johnny Bench Artifacts, Black Ballplayers, and West Main’s Marvel when you explore the museum on your own or as part of a tour.
With everything from lakes to caves, there are plenty of unique options for outdoor recreation in Kentucky. No matter what you enjoy doing in the great outdoors, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Bluegrass State.
See streams, meadows, and woodlands from over 10 miles of hiking trails or go birding to see the 200 species of birds that call the sanctuary home throughout the year at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary near Lexington. Go on a walking tour or get adventurous with a flashlight tour in the winding caves of Carter Caves State Resort Park near Olive Hill. Take a kayak out onto the water or explore other activities like the 3D archery course or disc golf course at Lake Cumberland near Jamestown. Or see fossils at the visitors center, hike any of the five different trails, or camp under the stars Big Bone Lick State Park near Louisville.
From performing arts to visual arts and beyond, you can find vibrant arts and culture in Kentucky wherever you go!
Get tickets to see incredible ballet performances of shows like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty at the Kentucky Ballet in Lexington. Watch live music from opera to bluegrass on stage at the Grand Theatre in Frankfort. Attend dance or music performances or explore visual arts in the galleries at Preston Arts Center in Henderson. Or marvel at incredible contemporary art, attend poetry slams, or hear artists speak about their work at KMAC Contemporary Art Museum in Louisville.
No matter what time of year you visit Kentucky, there are a variety of events and festivals to experience in any season.
Taste over 250 craft beers or hit up the bourbon barrel beer bar before heading to the silent disco at Tailspin Ale Fest in Louisville. Sample local flavors with some of the best barbecue in Kentucky or jam out to live music at Barbecue Festival in Lexington. Honor the cultural and ethnic diversity of the city through traditional dance, authentic global cuisines, and shopping at the bazaar at Bowling Green International Festival in Bowling Green. Or listen to incredible performers honor the iconic Bluegrass genre with over 40 performances across two stages at the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival in Frankfort.
Kentucky is a culinary paradise, and it has a lot more to offer than just barbecue alone.
Savor Baby Back Ribs, the Pulled Pork Platter, or other barbecue favorites at Big Blue Smokehouse in Hazard. Experience fine dining on the terrace with surf and turf dishes like Pan Roasted Baja Bass or Belly-On Pork Tomahawk at Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse in Louisville. Savor delicious menu items like Baked Rigatoni Romano or Penne Fresco at Bella Notte in Lexington. Or watch live belly dancing over Mediterranean meals like Moussaka and Pasticcio at Anna’s Greek Restaurant in Bowling Green.
Kentucky is also known for its drinks—particularly its bourbon. Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to find some of the best bourbon in the state, or check out great spots like Bourbon on Main in Frankfort. You can also book a tour then sample bourbon distilled on-site at Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville.
Is Kentucky the perfect travel nursing destination for you? With travel jobs available through TRS Healthcare in cities like Louisville, Lexington, Hazard, and more, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to expand your nursing skills and explore the Bluegrass State!
Healthcare facilities where we have travel assignments in Kentucky include (but are not limited to):
View current travel nurse job openings in Kentucky, or apply with TRS Healthcare now to start your next travel assignment!
