Experience the ultimate autumn getaway where the wild beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains meets the rich history and rolling hills of Kentucky's Bluegrass region. From the thrilling entertainment of Pigeon Forge to the legendary horse farms, historic distilleries, and iconic landmarks of the Bluegrass State, your perfect Appalachian adventure awaits.
Itinerary
Get away day to Stoney Creek Inn, Sioux City, IA. Dinner options include Famous Dave's (Shares parking lot with hotel) or the Hardrock Casino across the street.
Rest stop at the famous Iowa 80 Truck Stop, the largest in the world. Travel Day to Champaign, IL
The Creation Museum is a 75,000-square-foot facility offering a unique, biblically based alternative to secular natural history museums. It features animatronic dinosaurs, the "7 C's of History" exhibit, botanical gardens, and a planetarium. Overnight in Georgetown, KY.
We will start the day with a visit to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, home of Silver Charm, the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner. The Ark Encounter is next, it's a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark — 510 feet long, built according to biblical dimensions. Overnight in Georgetown, KY.
Claiborne Farm is one of the most iconic Thoroughbred breeding farms in Kentucky's Horse Country, having produced over 80 champions. Visitors can see the stall where Triple Crown winner Secretariat was born, and his grave is located near that of his sire, Bold Ruler. Overnight in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Today we visit Dollywood for shopping and entertainment before seeing the Pirates Voyage Dinner Show. Ole Smoky has been making moonshine in the Smoky Mountains for over a hundred years. Sample some of their Apple Pie Moonshine. Overnight in Pigeon Forge, TN.
The hot rods are in town. Fall Rod Run 2026 is one of the largest car shows in the South. Tonight, we will become part of the longest-running feud in history and help the Hatfields and McCoys try to settle their differences mountain-style. Overnight in Pigeon Forge, TN.
We bid farewell to the mountains and head north into Kentucky. Our first stop is Corbin, KY, to visit the original kitchen where Colonel Harland Sanders developed his famous Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe. From there, we travel to Frankfort, Kentucky's historic state capital. After a scenic drive past the beautiful State Capitol building, we will experience a guided tour of the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery, home to some of the world's most coveted bourbons. Overnight in Frankfort, KY.
Before leaving Frankfort, we will stop at the scenic overlook of Daniel Boone's Grave, offering a beautiful morning view of the Kentucky River. Next, we head to Louisville to tour the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, and marvel at the 120-foot-tall Louisville Slugger at the bat factory. We'll wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at Shack In The Back (famous for their turkey ribs). Overnight in Jeffersonville, IN.
Travel day to Des Moines, IA. Dinner at The Machine Shed. Overnight in Des Moines, IA.
Travel day home.
Additional details will be added at a later date.
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