9) Kentucky
Known for traditional horse racing and having one of the best race tracks in the world, Kentucky draws just 20.5 million visitors a year. Perhaps the low number is due in part to its location as a landlocked state straddling both the south and the Midwest. But hot summers and no ocean don’t mean bad times. In fact, quite the opposite. During the summer scorch, the Louisville Waterfront Park on the Ohio River sees a lot of action, playing host to the state’s best festivals and concerts. Kentucky is also known for bourbon, and for good reason. There are 20 distilleries in the state. Bourbon tasting is an absolute must – check out Buffalo State and Woodford Reserve distilleries. And for those who like a little outdoor adventure, Mammoth Cave National Park has some cool bike and horseback riding trails in addition to cave exploration and camping.
