A Weekend Escape: Exploring Kentucky’s Literary Legacy

Sometimes, you just need to get away. And since you’re in Georgia, Kentucky is close enough for a road trip but far enough to feel like an adventure. It’s got bourbon, bluegrass, and—surprisingly—a deep literary history that book lovers will eat up. Whether you want to sip cocktails like Gatsby, stand in the newsroom of a groundbreaking journalist, or wander the landscapes that inspired famous writers, Kentucky has stories to tell.

Step Into Gatsby’s World at the Seelbach Hotel (Louisville)

F. Scott Fitzgerald spent time at the Seelbach Hotel in 1918, and the place left a mark on him. If you’ve read The Great Gatsby, you’ll recognize hints of its glamour and grit.

Now, in honor of the novel’s 100th anniversary, the hotel has unveiled a newly designed Gatsby Suite. The bedroom is all old-money elegance, with gold peacock lamps, a Victorian settee, and a vintage phone draped in pearls. Step into the Gatsby Lounge, and it’s new-money flash—plush velvet chairs, an Art Deco bar, and a three-tiered crystal chandelier. It’s like stepping into the pages of the book, minus the heartbreak and shady business deals.

Visit the Home of Racing Legends at Claiborne Farm (Paris)

Laura Hillenbrand’s Seabiscuit: An American Legend brought one of horse racing’s greatest underdogs into the spotlight. If you love that story, a visit to Claiborne Farm is a must. It’s where Seabiscuit was born and raised before becoming a household name.

The farm has been home to some of the biggest names in racing—Secretariat, Bold Ruler, and others. A guided tour lets you walk through history and maybe even feed a champion stallion a carrot. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

Stand in the Footsteps of a Journalism Trailblazer at the SEEK Museum (Russellville)

Alice Allison Dunnigan broke barriers as the first African American woman White House correspondent. Her story is told at the SEEK Museum, where a bronze statue of her stands tall, and her pioneering memoir, A Black Woman’s Experience: From Schoolhouse to White House, is on display. This stop is a reminder that powerful stories aren’t just found in fiction.

Solve a Mystery at the Frazier History Museum (Louisville)

Sue Grafton made a name for herself with her Kinsey Millhone alphabet series (A is for Alibi through Y is for Yesterday). If you love a good mystery, the Frazier History Museum has an exhibit dedicated to her work, featuring personal memorabilia, awards, and manuscripts. True crime fans and detective novel lovers alike will appreciate this stop.

Explore a River Life at the Behringer-Crawford Museum (Covington)

Harlan Hubbard wrote about a simple, self-sufficient life along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in Shantyboat and Payne Hollow: Life on the Fringe of Society. His sketches and writings are on display at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, where visitors can get a glimpse into his philosophy of living off the land. It’s equal parts inspiring and humbling.

Find Peace at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park (Greenup)

Jesse Stuart captured Kentucky’s rural spirit in his poetry and prose. His homeplace is preserved at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, where visitors can explore his personal library, see his memorabilia, and walk the same scenic trails that influenced his writing. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to soak in nature and get inspired, this is it.