From urban cores to rural hamlets, Kentucky chefs pride themselves on featuring locally sourced ingredients on their restaurant menus. You can find many of these products at shops and markets around the state to bring home an authentic, farm-to-table taste of Kentucky.

During our growing season (April-November), many communities host farmers markets that are worth a visit. Year-round, market stores offer Kentucky Proud foods – meaning products grown, raised or made in Kentucky. Dozens of our small-farm wineries and craft breweries sell their products on-site and at retail locations around the Commonwealth.

Many Kentucky bourbons are probably available for purchase in your hometown, but they can’t compare to buying the perfect bottle at the distillery of your choice, or discovering a rare, small-batch bourbon you won’t find anywhere else. And don’t leave Kentucky without buying some bourbon balls (yes, bourbon-flavored candy), which were invented at Rebecca Ruth Candy in Frankfort.

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Shepherdsville: Bourbon Casual

Jim Beam Country

 

Shepherdsville, Kentucky, is “Jim Beam Country” – home to the #1 selling bourbon in the world and located just 20 miles south of Louisville on I-65.   

 

The Jim Beam American Stillhouse’s “behind-the-scenes” tour offers an interactive, sensory and creative distillery experience. From its two-story interactive display and gift shop to the pilot plant highlighting the distilling process, the tasting room experience, on-site Kentucky-themed restaurant (The Kitchen Table) and scenic grounds, a day at the Jim Beam Distillery is one of Kentucky’s must-see Unbridled Experiences.

 

 

Wine & Whiskey Trail

 

Within a 9 mile radius, you will find our Wine, Whiskey & Ale Trail along beautiful Kentucky back roads. In addition to the Jim Beam American Stillhouse, the trail includes Four Roses Bourbon Visitor Experience and four award-winning local wineries – Brooks Hill, Forest Edge, Wight-Meyer, MillaNova Winery and Gallant Fox Brewing Co.

 



 

Bernheim Forest & Family Adventures

 

Families and adventure-seekers alike will enjoy hiking, biking and year-round special events at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. The forest is larger than the island of Manhattan and includes lakes, gardens, trails, a children’s play area and a Leeds Certified Visitors’ Center. Other attractions include: Kart Kountry, home to the longest go-kart track in the world; Heritage Hill Golf Club’s award-winning golf course; and a variety of parks and recreational activities and events.

 

 

A Shopping Adventure

 

Shop at Amazon’s 6pm.com Shoes & More Outlet plus visit seasonal outdoor markets including The Most Awesome Flea Market in the World. Shop distillery and winery gift shops, as well as the gift boutique at the Fire Art Glass Gallery. With a stay in Shepherdsville, you are also only minutes from Kentucky’s newest outlet mall, The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass.

 

Ready to explore everything this area has to offer? Shepherdsville also has more than 1,000 affordable hotel rooms conveniently located off I-65 (Exits 117 & 121) only 20 minutes south of Louisville. Plan your Shepherdsville getaway – a casual, well-rounded Kentucky vacation at the gateway to Kentucky Bourbon Experiences which embodies the heart of Kentucky’s Unbridled Spirit!

Author Information

Shar Scanlon

Shar Scanlon is contributing writer for Kentucky Tourism.

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