Kentucky Vacation Along the Bourbon Trail

The Frazier History Museum – those interested in Kentucky bourbon should begin their Louisville trip at the Frazier History Museum. Not only is this a spectacular place to learn about Kentucky's history, it's the hub for the Bourbon Trail Welcome Center. Here, you'll learn all about the distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to help plan your perfect sippin’ trip.

Evan Williams Distillery – although not as large as Jim Beam, the Evan Williams Distillery ranks as the second-biggest bourbon brand in Kentucky. Guests who visit the Evan Williams Distillery can take a one-hour tour to see how manufacturers make this centuries-old bourbon. Plus, even if you're not interested in touring the Evan Williams' factory, you can stop by for a cool drink at the company's ON3 BAR.

Distillery Tour & Tasting Options – Louisville has 11 distilleries to choose from, many of them located near downtown. Options include: Angel’s Envy, Brough Brothers, Copper & Kings, Evan Williams, Kentucky Artisan, Kentucky Peerless, Michter’s, Old Forrester, Prohibition Craft Spirits, Rabbit Hole, and Stitzel-Weller (Bulleit). Find your favorite and taste away!

Whiskey Row – this historic downtown area once housed dozens of bourbon and tobacco warehouses and offices, with many store fronts in Revivalist and Chicago-style architecture. Today, the restored area has shops, hotels, restaurants, bars and one urban distillery (Old Forester Distillery). A fun way to spend a few hours.

Urban Bourbon Trail – offers a “curated collection of local bars and restaurants” and was “created to complement a day of touring distilleries." Staff at each of the stops have a wide knowledge of whiskies, some of the city’s largest collections of Bourbon and in most cases even Bourbon-infused cuisine.” The Urban Bourbon Trail passport offers deals and discounts.

Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs – Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby are perhaps Louisville’s most famous attractions. Check out the Kentucky Derby Museum (located in the famous Churchill Downs racing complex), which houses many artifacts dedicated to Louisville's historic horse race. Through the use of multimedia exhibits, the Kentucky Derby Museum also helps visitors experience what it's like to train and ride a thoroughbred horse. Additionally, Churchill Downs offers horse races several days a week throughout the year.

Non-Bourbon Activities – for those wanting to explore more than the Bourbon Trail, check out the Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Mohammad Ali Center, Louisville Zoo, Kentucky Science Center, and the Louisville Mega Cavern.

Bardstown Welcome Center – there are roughly a dozen high-quality bourbon distilleries in Bardstown you can explore on your trip. The best way to discover all the distilleries is to start at the Bardstown Welcome Center. Not only is this center a hub for tourist information, but it's also a fantastic photo op in the town's former Courthouse building.

11 Distilleries – in and near Bardstown there are 11 distilleries: Bardstown Bourbon Co., Barton 1792, Heaven Hill, James B. Beam, Lux Row, Log Still, Four Roses, Maker’s Mark, Preservation, Old SteelHouse, and Willett. See one or see them all!

Heaven Hill Distillery – founded in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery is one of the most decorated bourbon makers in Bardstown. Interestingly, Heaven Hill also owns many of Kentucky's iconic whiskey brands, including Evan Williams. Those visiting the Heaven Hill Distillery will enjoy an immersive multimedia tour culminating in an unforgettable bourbon tasting.

Jim Beam Distillery – just outside Bardstown, you'll find the massive Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont. As the biggest bourbon manufacturer in the state, Jim Beam offers a less intimate tour than craft bourbon makers. However, due to Jim Beam's size, it has more tours and amenities for guests to take advantage of, including an on-site restaurant.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park – even if you're not in Bardstown in time to see "The Stephen Foster Story" musical, you could tour the famed My Old Kentucky Home State Park that Foster (supposedly) made famous. Many argue this former plantation ground inspired Foster's immortal song "My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night!" Whether or not that's true, this state park is a beautiful place for outdoor recreation and plenty of photo ops.

Distilleries – Frankfort has a handful of nearby distilleries, including Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key, Glenn’s Creek, and Three Boys Farm.

Tour the State Capitol and Governor's Mansion – this historic buildings – which resemble the U.S. Capitol and White House – are a great way to learn Kentucky's rich history.

Castle & Key Distillery – just south of central Frankfort, the Castle & Key Distillery has a unique backstory. Initially built in the late 1800s, this facility was one of the first to use grandiose architecture to attract thirsty tourists. Although the Castle & Key Distillery fell into disrepair during Prohibition, dedicated distillers brought it back to life in the late 2010s. Today, tourists can enjoy this popular attraction's scintillating spirits and awe-inspiring architecture.

Buffalo Trace Distillery – listed as a US National Landmark, the Buffalo Trace Distillery has been creating sensational bourbon since at least 1775. Today, this staple Kentucky distillery offers multiple tours and tastings to guests, including a guided visit to the barrel chambers, botanical gardens, and even a hard hat tour.

Breweries & Wineries – if you want a break from Bourbon, Frankfort has several breweries and one winery.

Rebecca Ruth's Candy Tours & Museum – Kentuckians don't just drink their bourbon – they also eat it! On your trip through the Bourbon Trail, you'll notice many bourbon-related dishes in restaurants. Locals also love mixing rich chocolate and bourbon in a dessert called "bourbon balls." Frankfort's Rebecca Ruth's Candy Museum has been creating classic Kentucky candies for over 100 years. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn the history of Kentucky's most famous sweets and build a goodie box in the museum's store.

Distillery Tours & Tastings – Lexington has roughly eight distilleries in and around it, including: Barrel House, Bluegrass, Bourbon 30 Spirits, Fresh Bourbon, Hartfield & Co., Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., Wild Turkey, and Wilderness Trail.

Woodford Reserve – with a history dating back to the early 1800s, Woodford Reserve has a reputation for making super high-end bourbon. Throughout its long history, the master distillers at Woodford pioneered and patented novel techniques for fermenting Kentucky's finest liquor. You can learn more about Woodford Reserve's legacy on one of the many tours offered at this facility.

James E. Pepper Distillery – the bourbon produced at the James E. Pepper Distillery has a history that stretches back to the nation's founding. Visitors can learn about this historic bourbon brand's legacy on a tour of the restored factory.

Kentucky Horse Park – since Lexington is known as the "Horse Capital of the World," how could you pass on a visit to its Kentucky Horse Park? Founded in the 1970s, this popular attraction is a fully operational farm that gives visitors a glimpse into Lexington's horse breeding culture. On a trip through the "Equine Theme Park," you can learn more about Lexington's role in horse racing history and pet (or ride!) a thoroughbred horse.

Keeneland Racecourse – first opened in the 1930s, Keeneland Racecourse is the main horse racetrack in Lexington. Although this tradition-rich track isn't as famous as Churchill Downs, it hosts many races throughout the racing season. Indeed, the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes race is often considered the "runup" to the Kentucky Derby. Even if a race isn't going on, you can tour the Keeneland Racecourse during the off-season.