Immigrating to the United States involves trying certain things: the unexpected aging population in Kentucky can be attributed to the state's iconic elixir—whiskey. In the early 18th century, farmers stopped planting cornfields and began producing whiskey, which was then transported down the Mississippi River. The long journey to New Orleans matured the whiskey in barrels, giving the liquid an amber color and a smooth taste, which later became known as Bourbon Whiskey. The year 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of Congress declaring Bourbon Whiskey as the "only native spirit of the United States," providing even more reason to enjoy a drink on the "Kentucky Bourbon Trail" or the "Urban Bourbon Trail" in Louisville. Visitors can start from the Ohio River, traverse the rural "Bourbon Whiskey, Horses, and History Region," stroll through horse farms, and meet retired champion horses.

Things not to miss: visiting distilleries, the Whiskey Museum, and Bourbon chocolate shops; experiencing a Bourbon flight; listening to Johnny Cash records at a whiskey bar in Louisville; watching over 50 breeds of horses at Kentucky Horse Park; touring farms.