Blog > Why Should I Invest on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

Why Should I Invest on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

by Tyler Coon

Central Kentucky

Short Term Rentals

Tourist Attractions: Central Kentucky is home to many tourist attractions, including the Bourbon Trail, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Horse Park, Churchill Downs which is where the Kentucky Derby is held and other races throughout the year, and the Keeneland Racecourse.These attractions bring in a steady stream of tourists, creating a demand for short term rentals.

Special Events: Central Kentucky hosts many special events throughout the year, including the Kentucky Derby, golf, horse racing, music festivals, college basketball, and horse shows just to name a few. These events often attract visitors from out of town, who may prefer to stay in a short term rental rather than a hotel.

University Population: Central Kentucky is home to several universities, including the University of Kentucky, Georgetown University, University of Louisville and Transylvania University. The student populations at these institutions may create a demand for short term rentals, particularly during move-in and move-out times.

Beautiful Scenery: Central Kentucky is known for its beautiful countryside, which also attracts visitors. Vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts may prefer to stay in a short term rental rather than a hotel in order to feel more immersed in the natural surroundings.

Housing Prices are affordable: Central Kentucky is one of few markets with continuous housing appreciation growth.

Seasonality

Central Kentucky generally experiences higher demand for short term rentals during March to December and during the Keeneland horse racing season in April and October.

March to December tourism is high because of the bourbon trail, horse racing, weather to enjoy caves, river cruises and more.

From January to February, we still hug a 50% occupancy.

The PGA Golf Championship is here in 2024 and has been hosted here prior.

Tourism

1. Wineries and golf are a big deal in Kentucky.

2. Red River Gorge is known as the Kentucky Grand Canyon. It is a high tourist area.

3. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

4. Destination weddings are becoming more popular- barn weddings/farms.

5. Regulations are much lighter in most areas in Central Kentucky.

6. Many of the small towns look like a Hallmark movie. So movie enthusiasts are likely to come visit.

7. Lots of movie productions are happening in Central Kentucky more often, so artists and production staff would prefer staying in short term rental properties rather than a hotel.

8. La Grange Ky has been recognized and had HGTV time a few times.

9.There are 100s of festivals from spring to fall from music, bourbon and horses.

10. The Louisville International Convention Center brings lots of people for conventions, trade shows. Etc.

11. Thunder over Louisville is the largest firework show in the world - every April. Pre derby event.

12. Kentucky River offers multiple river cruises

13. Ohio river has Belle of Louisville steamboat cruises

14. Kentucky railway museum runs train rides throughout the year.

15. There are 11.5 million barrels of bourbon in barrel houses, but only 4 million residents.

16. Toni has coined the term “Bourbon doesn’t have a season”

17. 70% of travelers to Kentucky are from out of state.

18. 95% of all bourbon in the world comes from Ky

19. Shelbyville, Kentucky is the Saddlebred capital of the world