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Bourbon & Bluegrass – Kentucky's Whiskey Trail

Bourbon & Bluegrass – Kentucky's Whiskey Trail

Louisville Bardstown Frankfort Lexington
Trip length4-7 days
Route distance130 mi
Stops4
Customize this tripFree account · edit dates, stops & pace

Trip overview

There are dozens of reasons Louisville, Bardstown, Frankfort, and Lexington are famous; these Kentucky towns have plenty of great attractions and events, but bourbon making is perhaps the most significant. This trip includes four important stops on Kentucky's renowned Bourbon Trail, where roughly 95% of the world's bourbon is produced. As you drive down Kentucky's picturesque winding roads and hills, you'll run across the highest concentration of bourbon distilleries anywhere. These towns are near enough to each other that you could stay in one and take daytrips to the others, but we think spending a day or two at each town will enhance your trip. Anyone who's "thirsty" for a fantastic vacation will be satisfied on this Bourbon Trail trek.
Note: Since touring bourbon distilleries involves sampling alcohol, Kentucky has many private transportation options. Dozens of private bourbon bus companies offer transportation to the most iconic distilleries along this trail. Check out Bourbon Trail transportation on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail's official website.

Who will love this trip
Any adults interested in tasting and learning about bourbon, live entertainment, and lively bars will enjoy this trip.

Your route

Route map: Bourbon & Bluegrass – Kentucky's Whiskey Trail
1Louisville2Bardstown3Frankfort4Lexington
1
Stop 1 1-2 day stay

Louisville, KY

Louisville, KY

Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Louisville is a city steeped in "spirits" history and is aptly nicknamed Bourbon City. This metro area, with over 1.2 million people, is the official beginning point for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and there are plenty of distilleries to explore, including many on Bourbon Row in downtown Louisville. Even if you're not in town for the Kentucky Derby (held on the first Saturday in May each year), there are plenty of places to sip straight bourbon (or a few mint juleps!) in Louisville. Plus, as Kentucky's largest city, Louisville has an array of great dining, live entertainment, and festivals.

Top things to do

Louisville is most closely associated with the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, but there are dozens of iconic distilleries to tour in the city.

1
The Frazier History MuseumThose 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.
2
Evan Williams DistilleryAlthough 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.
3
Distillery Tour & Tasting OptionsLouisville 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!
4
Whiskey RowThis 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.
5
Urban Bourbon TrailOffers 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.
6
Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill DownsChurchill 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.
7
Non-Bourbon ActivitiesFor 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.

Louisville, KY activities

Distillery ToursHorseback RidingHorse Barn ToursMuseumsAmusement ParksZoosCave Tours

RV campgrounds near Louisville, KY

Since Louisville welcomes millions each year to the Kentucky Derby, it has many private RV parks, some near Churchill Downs. Visitors can also find public RV-friendly parks a short drive from Louisville at General Butler State Resort Park, Charlestown State Park, Taylorsville Lake State Park, and Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area. Use AdventureGenie to help you find the ideal camping spot for exploring Louisville and starting your Bourbon Trail adventure!

Next stop: Bardstown
2
Stop 2 1-2 day stay

Bardstown, KY

Bardstown, KY

About 40 miles south of Louisville is Bardstown, which is synonymous with Kentucky bourbon. Indeed, this city's history and economy are so intertwined with whiskey that it's often called the "Bourbon Capital of the World." Once you arrive in Bardstown, you'll find nearly a dozen of the finest artisan bourbon distilleries offering superb samples. Beyond Bardstown's reputation in the bourbon industry, this city has a rich architectural, musical, and cultural heritage. There are plenty of historical buildings and fascinating museums to excite photographers and history buffs.

Top things to do

Here are a few of the most popular things to do in Bardstown:

1
Bardstown Welcome CenterThere 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.
2
11 DistilleriesIn 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!
3
Heaven Hill DistilleryFounded 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.
4
Jim Beam DistilleryJust 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.
5
My Old Kentucky Home State ParkEven 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.

Bardstown, KY activities

Walking ToursTheaterCarriage RidesDistillery ToursMuseumsHistoric Homes & ChurchesPublic Gardens

RV campgrounds near Bardstown, KY

Bardstown has several public and private campgrounds, including My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Let AdventureGenie help you find a campground to explore Bardstown and its nearby distilleries.

Next stop: Frankfort
3
Stop 3 1-2 day stay

Frankfort, KY

Frankfort, KY

Many towns in Kentucky are the "capital" of something, but only Frankfort is actually the state capital. Visitors to Frankfort will find plenty of historic distilleries to tour, especially the stately Castle & Key Distillery. Those interested in nature or outdoor recreation will find no shortage of parks, sculpture gardens, and habitats to explore on their Frankfort visit.

Top things to do

Frankfort is a lively town with many things to do. Here are some of the most popular:

1
DistilleriesFrankfort has a handful of nearby distilleries, including Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key, Glenn’s Creek, and Three Boys Farm.
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Tour the State Capitol and Governor's MansionThis historic buildings – which resemble the U.S. Capitol and White House – are a great way to learn Kentucky's rich history.
3
Castle & Key DistilleryJust 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.
4
Buffalo Trace DistilleryListed 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.
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Breweries & WineriesIf you want a break from Bourbon, Frankfort has several breweries and one winery.
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Rebecca Ruth's Candy Tours & MuseumKentuckians 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.

Frankfort, KY activities

Distillery ToursGolfHikingMuseumHistoric Homes

RV campgrounds near Frankfort, KY

There are many private RV parks in or surrounding Frankfort. AdventureGenie can help you find the perfect Frankfort RV park for your Bourbon Trail adventure.

Next stop: Lexington
4
Stop 4 1-2 day stay

Lexington, KY

Lexington, KY

Lexington is second to Louisville in terms of population, but it's another first-rate small city for bourbon lovers. Sure, this city is officially the "capital" for thoroughbred horses, but it also has over a dozen bourbon distilleries. From major players like Woodford Reserve and the James E. Pepper Distillery, to smaller artisan bourbon manufacturers, Lexington is an essential stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Lexington's storied past and modern-day amenities make it a perfect place to finish your Kentucky bourbon adventure.

Top things to do

You don't need to be a horse or horse-racing enthusiast to enjoy a trip to Lexington. Here are a few top-rated attractions in Kentucky's second-largest city:

1
Distillery Tours & TastingsLexington 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.
2
Woodford ReserveWith 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.
3
James E. Pepper DistilleryThe 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.
4
Kentucky Horse ParkSince 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.
5
Keeneland RacecourseFirst 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.

Lexington, KY activities

Horse RacingNature WalksHistoric HomesDistillery ToursMuseums

RV campgrounds near Lexington, KY

Many of the biggest RV parks in Lexington are in and near the Kentucky Horse Park. AdventureGenie can help you find the best Lexington RV-friendly park.

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