Warmer weather is right around the corner, and many American males may already be planning their next ultimate mens getaway with the guys. Whether you love tasting some of the world’s best bourbon, dropping a few bucks at the track, or a bit of adventure, Kentucky’s Triple H tourism experience can be a great way to turn up the adrenaline and spend some time with the boys – or even that special lady.

What is the Triple H experience? This adventure doesn’t involve the famed WWE grappler but instead stands for Horses, Horsepower, and Hollers. The unique tour features an itinerary across six key destinations – Bowling Green, Corbin, Franklin, Georgetown, Harlan, and Shelby County. The ultimate men’s getaway has plenty of adventure, history, and local flavor. Adrenaline junkies won’t be disappointed.

Ultimate Men’s Getaway

“I want to be in Kentucky when the end of the world comes because it’s always 20 years behind,” Mark Twain once noted.

Twain may have had that right, but that may be part of the charm. There’s something for every guy on a Triple H tour through the Bluegrass State, and Team Kentucky offers itineraries for weeklong trips and four-day and weekend getaways. Pack those bags, and here’s a quick look at what to expect on the journey through some of the state’s most unique regions.

Bowling Green

Located in the southern part of the state and founded in 1798, Bowling Green is Kentucky’s third-most-populous city, with just over 72,000 residents. The town was highly sought-after during the Civil War because the Louisville and Nashville Railroad ran through it and linked northern and southern markets.

Today’s visitors don’t have to worry about cannons and musket balls. Instead, they can head to the National Corvette Museum for plenty of sleek sports cars and precision engineering—where “adrenaline meets traditions,” as the museum notes.

Gearheads can ramp things up even more with a stop at the museum’s Motorsports Park, exploring the legacy of sports cars and the chance actually to get behind the wheel. Hit the gas and feel the power of a Corvette on the track. Afterward, unwind with a cold beer and hearty Southern cuisine at Gerard’s downtown.

Corbin

Plenty of outdoor adventure awaits in the southern part of the state. A visit to the awe-inspiring Cumberland Falls is a must. Add some hiking and whitewater rafting, kayaking, or canoeing to the itinerary as well. 

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park also allows visitors to check a box for something they might not be able to do anywhere else: witness a moonbow. 

This is a nighttime rainbow, a natural phenomenon caused by moonlight refracting through water droplets. But time the experience right, as these moonbows are only visible at this location and occur two days before, on, or after a full moon. The park has a designated viewing area to take in this spectral experience.

Close out the day with a visit to the Harland Sanders Café for a taste of Kentucky history. See how KFC was born, and grab a bucket of chicken while you’re at it.

Franklin

The ultimate men’s getaway wouldn’t be complete without some bourbon. Head over to Dueling Grounds Distillery, home to the renowned Linkumpinch Bourbon. The small craft distillery is the first stop northbound on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour.

Tour the distillery and sample what’s available, with history oozing out of every sip. As the distillery name implies, the farm grounds were used as actual dueling grounds in the early 1800s. That included legendary Sam Houston, who went on to be the president of the Republic of Texas, engaging in some gunplay of his own that left his opponent shot in the groin. The unfortunate dueling victim lived but no doubt had some difficulty walking afterward.

Franklin visitors may want to grab a Daily Racing Form to make those selections at Kentucky Downs, an all-turf track that also houses the Mint Casino. Maybe that next trifecta will be a winner.

Shelby County

Keep the bourbon bonanza going with a roll through Shelby County, just east of Louisville, home to world-class distilleries like Jeptha Creed and Bulleit. The distilleries offer tastings of some of Kentucky’s finest whiskey, with Jeptha Creed known for locally sourced ingredients and Bulleit for bold, pioneering whiskey.

Favoring some wine or craft beer instead? Head to The Barrel Room for local wines and live music. Talon Winery also offers locally crafted wines while taking in the serene Kentucky landscape. Stroll the grounds, which feature plenty of greenery and extensive vineyards. Sip some of Kentucky’s best and grab a bottle to go. Shelby County combines bourbon, brews, and laid-back fun. 

Harlan

Look for some geographic changes in Harlan, nestled right in the mountains with brilliant views of the Appalachian region. Hit the trails for some amazing hikes, like the four-mile Devil’s Bathtub that features a natural swimming hole – hence the name.

The 7,000-acre Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area also offers a chance to get behind the wheel for 150 miles of off-road trails. Ziplining above the forest canopy is a nice option as well.

Harlan was once known as the “coal mining capital of Kentucky,” and a visit to the city should include stopping by the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum to take in the rich history of the industry. The museum includes a realistically constructed mine that simulates the underground experience. The miner’s life continues at Portal 31 for an educational tour of a real mine, followed by a craft beer at Harlan County Beer Company, the county’s first legal brewery with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 

Georgetown

As a state famous for horse racing, visiting the Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm may be in order. Visitors can check out some of these amazing award-winning steeds and hear their incredible stories – a chance to connect with Kentucky’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage.

Some of those include Kentucky Derby winners like Big Brown, I’ll Have Another, and Silver Charm. This is truly a home of horseracing greatness.

Afterward, Country Boy Brewing offers the perfect place to unwind with brews and conversation. The brewery offers some of the best craft beers in the state, including some tasty suds like Cougar Bait, Shotgun Wedding, and Cliff Jumper.

This is just a sampling of what this amazing state has to offer. As winter turns to spring and summer, a road trip through Kentucky for the ultimate men’s getaway should definitely be on that bucket list.