The Birthplace of Bluegrass Music

If there are two things most people associate with Kentucky, it's horse racing (and Thoroughbred horses in general), and Bluegrass music.  It's true that Kentucky is the original birthplace of Bluegrass music, and many modern day country music stars still have their beginnings in Kentucky.  In fact, U.S. Highway 23 is known as the "Country Music Highway," because it's where you'll find the birthplaces of stars like The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Dwight Yoakam, Ricky Skaggs and Billy Ray Cyrus, to name a few.  The sweet sounds of banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin define Kentucky Bluegrass Music, and there are a variety of places to listen to it, and festivals celebrating it, across Kentucky.  

If you're looking to dive a little deeper in the historic heart of Bluegrass Kentucky, book a stay at any number of our Kentucky Bed and Breakfasts this summer, and take yourself on a music journey you'll won't forget.

Kentucky Bluegrass Music

Now that the Kentucky Derby is over, it's time we set our sights on summer, and all of the great things there are to do during the summer in Kentucky.  One of our favorite pastimes during the summer months, apart from enjoying the great outdoors, is listening to the sweet sounds of Kentucky Bluegrass music.  There are a variety of opportunities to enjoy Bluegrass around the state, so the next time you're in Kentucky, make sure you look up the one closest to you.  Here are a few of our favorite ways and places to enjoy Kentucky's traditional Bluegrass music:

  • The International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro is a great place the start. This incredible museum is dedicated to preserving and encouraging the growth of bluegrass music.

  • Enjoy the International Bluegrass Music Museum's River of Music Party (ROMP) to celebrate Kentucky's very own burgeoning Bluegrass industry.

  • From June 8 – 11, enjoy the Festival of the Bluegrass in Lexington.

  • Enjoy the Bluegrass Summer Concert Series at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Concerts occur on the first Friday of each month at the Laurel Cove Amphitheater.


  • Visit Bill Monroe's Birthplace in Rosine.

  • Take in live Bluegrass music and dancing every Friday night at the Rosine Barn Jamboree

No matter how or where you choose to listen to music, we know it will capture your imagination and become intertwined forever with your memories of your time in Kentucky.  Enjoy the finest in Kentucky's hospitality this summer at one of our member Inns.  Book your summer vacation to Kentucky today, and start filling in your itinerary with all of the exciting things to see and do here.  We look forward to sharing Kentucky with you!