If you think about it, there are really only two more free Saturdays between now and May 14th.

How did I arrive at that date? Simple. College football starts on Labor Day weekend, which is two weeks from tomorrow. Football and fall horse racing overlap into college basketball, then there's Keeneland's April meet, and then there's Derby. Add in holidays, and basically, you (or someone in your household) will be at sporting events, family obligations, or sitting on the couch watching sports every weekend until May.

It's a very real conundrum for Kentuckians. It also means that you've got these last two weekends to carefully plan something fun. A lot of times, work and social schedules don't allow much more than a fun few hours in another town. Last weekend, my beau and I spent a few hours following the GPS to the Maker's Mark Distillery. We were only gone for about 4 hours, but a little out-of-town jaunt left us feeling refreshed and recharged! Here are 5 Kentucky Day Trips to consider while you still have free Saturdays!

• Sweet and Sour Mash in Frankfort and Lawrenceburg . The Commonwealth's capital city has a lot of history to offer, but that's not exactly on the agenda for this trip. Instead, catch breakfast or lunch (open 8-3 Saturday; closed Sunday) at Rick's White Light Diner. Their crawfish pie is on my foodie MUST-TRY list. While you're there, check out the complimentary tours at Buffalo Trace. Then, head over to Lawrenceburg's Four Roses Distillery, which is unique among the members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for its distinctive Spanish-style architecture.  Tour the distillery and pick up a bottle or two of their excellent small-batch bourbon. Finish up your trip at  Sweet Mash Southern Goods, a charming, brand-new boutique that features amazing local and Kentucky-themed products. 
• Provisions + Perusing in Lexington National Provisions is my new favorite restaurant in Lexington. I look for any chance to stop by there for a delicious meal from their bistro and a to-go box of macarons from their pâtisserie. (The New York Times has pretty nice things to say about them, too!) Stop in at nearby House by JSD for unique home furnishings, and Morton James and  omar + elsie for luxurious fashions.
• Shop Local in Southeast KY Manchester's brand-new shop The Makery features handmade items, craft supplies, and one-of-a-kind products; head over to nearby London for lunch at local hotspot The Abbey.
• Get Artsy in Downtown Louisville One of my very favorite things about Downtown Louisville is that art is everywhere, not just in galleries. Don't miss Craft(s) in South Fourth, which explores the edgier side of Kentucky's traditional arts and crafts, wander through Revelry in NuLu and wind up in 21C Museum Hotel. Ready for lunch after all that? Go ahead and get the best hamburger in town at 21C's Proof on Main while you're there.
• Enjoy Paducah's hip new spin on its past.Quilts at Paducah's National Quilt Museum bear little resemblance to the ones your grandma made you; instead, they're vibrant works of art. Head over to The Coke Plant which, true to its name, once housed a soda bottling facility, but now showcases local artisans. I have it on good authority that coffee or tea from Piper's in the Coke Plant building is a must-try!

Soooo... What are y'all doing with your two remaining Saturdays?