Welcome to Kentucky NVPI Family Travel Guide
Whether your family is joining us for a few days or a few weeks, we want your time in Kentucky to be as meaningful as possible — for everyone in the family, not just the person in the Neuro-Visual Performance Training program.
This guide is designed to help you plan your days, find a comfortable place to stay, and make the most of the Bluegrass Region.
Versailles, KY — The Bluegrass Experience
Versailles (pronounced "Ver-SALES" by locals) sits in the heart of Woodford County, just 17 miles west of Lexington — about a 20-minute drive. Surrounded by rolling hills, black-fenced horse farms, and the iconic bourbon trail, families will find one of the most activity-rich regions in the state.
In Versailles (closest to the NVPI location)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites — Versailles
365 Commerce Drive, Versailles, KY 40383
A reliable, family-friendly option with free hot breakfast, fitness center, and indoor pool. Closest major chain hotel to the NVPI Versailles location.
Visit Website →The Woodford Hotel
112 North Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383
A boutique hotel with eight beautiful suites in the heart of downtown Versailles. Sleeps 1–4 per suite; whole-building option sleeps up to 24, making it a fit for extended families.
Visit Website →The Kentucky Castle
230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383
A unique luxury stay inside an authentic stone castle with a farm-to-table restaurant, spa, and seasonal outdoor pool. The Farmhouse and Cabin are ideal for larger groups.
Visit Website →Rose Hill Inn & Rabbit Creek B&B
Versailles, KY
Two bed and breakfast options in Versailles receiving strong ratings. Ideal for couples and solo travelers. Search availability on Booking.com or Expedia.
Vacation Rentals (Great for Families & Longer Stays)
Versailles has a strong selection of vacation rentals through Airbnb and VRBO — many on working horse farms and near the bourbon trail. These are often better value for families staying a week or more, as they include full kitchens, outdoor space, and more room to spread out.
Staying in Lexington (~20 min from Versailles)
Lexington has over 130 hotel properties. It is a practical base for families who want more dining and entertainment options at their doorstep, with an easy daily commute to Versailles.
Extended Stay America
Multiple Lexington locations. In-room kitchens, weekly and monthly rates.
WoodSpring Suites — Southeast
Budget-friendly extended stay with in-room kitchens, pet-friendly, free WiFi and parking.
Everhome Suites — Horse Park
757 Newtown Springs Dr. Extended stay suites, ~13 miles from Versailles office.
MainStay Suites — I-75
1938 Stanton Way. Extended stay suites ~14 miles from the NVPI Versailles location.
Comfort Suites Keeneland
3060 Fieldstone Way. ~10 miles from the NVPI Versailles location.
Outdoors & Active
Rail Explorers: Bluegrass Division
175 Beasley Road, Versailles, KY
One of the top-rated outdoor activities in the Lexington region. Ride electric-assisted rail bikes on a 10-mile round trip through thoroughbred horse farms and limestone cliffs, with a dramatic overlook of the Kentucky River. About 2 hours. Tandem bikes from $105 (2 riders); quad bikes from $199 (4 riders).
All ages Book in Advance →Bluegrass Scenic Railroad & Museum
175 Beasley Road, Versailles, KY
Take a nostalgic train ride through 11 miles of rolling countryside. Special themed events throughout the year including the Civil War Train Robbery and seasonal holiday rides. Great for younger kids.
Great for young kids Call: 859-873-2476Eckert's Orchard
Seasonal farm fun including strawberry, peach, apple, and pumpkin picking; live music; playgrounds; bonfires; and corn mazes. Open May through early November.
Great for young kids Visit Website →Horse Country Experiences
Woodford County is thoroughbred horse country. All farm tours are ticketed and must be booked in advance through visithorsecountry.com. Many farms are gentle and welcoming for children.
WinStar Farm
Premier thoroughbred farm with guided stallion barn tours.
Coolmore at Ashford Stud
Home of past Triple Crown winners. International breeding giant.
Three Chimneys Farm
1981 Old Frankfort Pike. Open for tours with its own racetrack.
Lane's End Farm
1500 Midway Road. Equestrian facility that welcomes visitors.
Bourbon Trail
Woodford Reserve Distillery
7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY
One of the most scenic and historic distilleries in Kentucky, set in a National Historic Landmark building. The "Path to Flavor" guided tour runs about 1 hour with a tasting at the end. Kids can attend the tour. Book in advance — tours fill up quickly.
Plan Your Visit →Castle & Key Distillery
A stunning restored distillery with gorgeous grounds, guided tours, and cocktails for adults. Located near Versailles on the Bourbon Trail.
Nearby: Wild Turkey, Four Roses, and Buffalo Trace (Frankfort, ~14 min away). See the full trail at kybourbontrail.com
Note: Tastings are for adults 21+. Most distilleries welcome families on the walking tour portions.
Historic & Cultural
The Kentucky Castle
Even if you are not staying overnight, the castle grounds, restaurant, and spa are worth a visit.
Jack Jouett House
A historic home and museum telling the story of the "Paul Revere of the South."
Woodford County Historical Society
121 Rose Hill Avenue. A local museum preserving the history of the region.
Woodford Theatre
275 Beasley Drive. Community theatre with live productions and summer youth programs.
Downtown Versailles & Midway
Charming downtown shops, restaurants, and the nearby village of Midway with unique main street boutiques.
Versailles is ideally located for day trips across central Kentucky. All the following destinations are within about an hour's drive.
Lexington, KY — "Horse Capital of the World"
~20 minOne of the most family-friendly cities in Kentucky. A full day here can include any combination of these attractions:
- Kentucky Horse Park — Interactive museums, breed shows, pony rides, wagon rides. Open year-round. kyhorsepark.com
- Explorium of Lexington — Hands-on children's museum. Ideal for kids 12 and under.
- Keeneland Race Course — World-class thoroughbred racing (April & October meets). Tours available year-round.
- Raven Run Nature Sanctuary — Trails and nature exploration.
- Lexington Ice Center — Two rinks for skating.
- Champs Entertainment Center — Laser tag, putt-putt, roller skating.
- Lexington's Children's Theatre — Live productions throughout the year.
- Old Kentucky Chocolates — Tour how candy is made.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
~35 minA National Historic Landmark on 3,000 acres near Harrodsburg. A preserved Shaker settlement from 1805 where families can explore trails, feed animals, watch artisan demonstrations, and eat at the Trustees' Table farm-to-table restaurant. Children can help with farm chores, participate in guided activities, and go on wagon and pony rides. Second Saturdays feature special family programming with 50% off kids meals.
Plan Your Visit →Frankfort, KY — State Capital
~25 minKentucky's capital city offers the Kentucky State Capitol building, the Salato Wildlife Education Center, Buffalo Trace Distillery, and charming downtown dining.
Georgetown, KY
~20 minA small town north of Lexington with several hotel options and easy access to shopping. The Toyota Manufacturing plant offers free public tours on select days.
Somerset, KY — Lake Cumberland Country
Somerset sits at the heart of southern Kentucky's outdoor country, anchored by beautiful Lake Cumberland — one of the largest man-made lakes in the eastern United States. With over 1.5 million visitors per year, Somerset is a well-established destination with strong lodging, dining, and recreation infrastructure.
In Somerset (closest to the NVPI location)
Hampton Inn Somerset
4141 S. US 27, Somerset, KY
Free hot breakfast, outdoor heated pool, fitness center, free WiFi. Minutes from Lake Cumberland.
Book at Hilton →Home2 Suites by Hilton Somerset
1.8 miles from downtown
Free breakfast, free parking, indoor pool.
Book at Hilton →Holiday Inn Express & Suites — Somerset Central
50 Stevie Lynn Drive, Somerset, KY 42503
Free hot breakfast bar, indoor heated pool, fitness center, free WiFi. Phone: 888-465-4329.
Visit Website →Courtyard by Marriott Somerset
2254 S. US 27, Somerset, KY
Adjacent to the Center for Rural Development. On-site restaurant (The Bistro), fitness center, indoor pool. Phone: 606-679-0090.
Comfort Inn Somerset — Lake Cumberland
82 Jolin Drive, Somerset, KY 42503
Complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, rooms with fridge and microwave, suites with fireplace and Jacuzzi. Phone: 800-228-5150.
Quality Inn & Suites — Somerset Downtown
240 North Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42503
Book through your preferred travel site.
On the Lake (Nature Immersion)
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park — Lure Lodge
5465 State Park Road, Jamestown, KY 42629 (~45 miles west of Somerset)
The true lakeside lodge experience — 63 rooms with panoramic lake views, indoor pool open year-round, outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, marina, disc golf, mini golf, kayaking, and fishing. Cabins and cottages also available. An excellent option for families who want an immersive outdoors experience.
Water & Outdoors
Lake Cumberland
The centerpiece of the region. With 1,255 miles of shoreline, the lake offers boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and waterskiing. Boat rentals available through the State Dock at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
All agesSomerSplash Waterpark
A 20-acre waterpark with 50-foot speed slides, one of the largest lazy rivers in Kentucky, splash pads, reservable cabanas, and family-friendly amenities. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Mon–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 1–7pm.
Great for young kids Visit Website →Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery
50 Kendall Rd, Jamestown, KY 42629
An educational and hands-on attraction where families can learn about fish conservation, feed trout in outdoor raceways, and explore interactive exhibits. Free admission.
Great for young kids FreeGeneral Burnside Island State Park
Beautiful island park with hiking and picnicking. In winter months, home to the Christmas Island holiday light display (November–December).
Free entryDicey Aviation — Scenic Flights
Scenic flight tours over Lake Cumberland and Cumberland Falls from Somerset Regional Airport. A bird's-eye view of the landscape. Phone: 606-744-9870.
Family Entertainment
Somerset Falls
Miniature golf, VR, air hockey, ski ball, and clubhouse patio.
Briar Bowl Lanes
Bowling alley in Somerset.
Fishers Fun Park 2
Impressive playground with reading trail, slides, climbing walls, and shaded areas.
Skating on the Square
Seasonal outdoor ice skating in downtown Somerset.
Somernites Cruise
Every 4th Saturday, April through October. One of the state's largest classic car shows. Hundreds of cars cruise through town starting at noon. Free admission, very family-friendly.
Live Music & Culture
Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
2440 Richmond Street, Mount Vernon, KY 40456 (~20 miles north of Somerset)
Known as "Kentucky's Country Music Capital," celebrating 87 years of entertainment in 2026. Two unique show theaters on 90 acres with concerts, live country music shows, and family-friendly events throughout the year.
Tickets & Schedule →Somerset is surrounded by exceptional natural and historic destinations, all within about an hour's drive.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
~50 minSometimes called the "Niagara of the South," Cumberland Falls is a 125-foot-wide curtain of water falling 60 feet into the Cumberland River gorge. The park features 17 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding (riders age 6+), an Olympic-size pool, playgrounds, campgrounds, tennis courts, and the famous moonbow — a rainbow visible at night during a full moon, one of only two such phenomena in the Western Hemisphere. On-site lodging at DuPont Lodge.
Plan Your Visit →Big South Fork Scenic Railway
~1 hourBoard a historic train in Stearns, KY for a 16-mile journey through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, with a stop in the restored coal mining town of Blue Heron. Wonderful for train-loving kids and history buffs. Located at 66 Henderson St, Stearns, KY. Phone: 800-462-5664.
Mill Springs Mill
~45 minThe world's largest overshot waterwheel in operation, on the shores of Lake Cumberland in Monticello, KY. Built in 1877 and restored. Nearby Mill Springs Battlefield was the site of one of the first significant Civil War battles in 1862.
Mammoth Cave National Park
~1.5 hoursThe world's longest known cave system with more than 400 miles of explored passageways. Ranger-led tours run year-round at multiple difficulty levels — from easy walking tours to more adventurous crawling tours. Above ground: biking, fishing, and canoeing on the Green and Nolin rivers. Reservations strongly encouraged as tours sell out.
Plan Your Visit →Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
~1 hourThe same beloved 3,000-acre living history village accessible from the Versailles location. A National Historic Landmark with trails, farm animals, artisan demonstrations, and farm-to-table dining.
Plan Your Visit →76 Falls
~30 minA local hidden gem — a beautiful waterfall accessible via a short hike, popular with locals and families.
Making the Most of Your Time in Kentucky
The programs run structured daily schedules. That means the rest of the family will have blocks of time — usually mornings and afternoons — to explore on their own.
Young Children (Under 8)
Eckert's Orchard, Rail Explorers (quad bikes), SomerSplash Waterpark, horse farm visits, Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery, Bluegrass Scenic Railroad.
Tweens and Teens
Rail Explorers, Cumberland Falls hiking, Big South Fork Railway, Kentucky Horse Park events, laser tag at Champs, ice skating, Mammoth Cave tours.
Adults
Bourbon trail distilleries, Shaker Village, Keeneland, live music at Renfro Valley, spa at The Kentucky Castle, scenic drives through horse country.
On a Budget
Scenic drives through horse farms cost nothing. General Burnside Island State Park, the Somernites Cruise, Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery, and hiking at Cumberland Falls are all free or low-cost. Kentucky's state parks system is an exceptional value.
Extended Stays (2+ Weeks)
A vacation rental with a full kitchen will save significantly on meals and give your family space to decompress after long program days. Weekly and monthly rates on Airbnb and VRBO are typically available at substantial discounts.
Getting Around
Both Versailles and Somerset are car-dependent areas. Families will need a rental car or personal vehicle to reach most attractions. Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is the closest major airport to the Versailles location.
Official Tourism Resources
Bookmark these links for planning your family's Kentucky experience.