The Perfect Weekend Getaway in Kentucky’s Bourbon, Horses, & History Region

By Ben Mackin 

Published: July 23, 2024 

The list of reasons to tour the Bluegrass State is endless. From the beautiful natural views to the vibrant culture and unique history; there is something memorable for everyone to do and see in Kentucky. Come experience all the bourbon, horses and history Kentucky has to offer.  

Thursday: 

When you get into the River City, why not kick off your visit by heading to historic Churchill Downs. Every year, the mile-long course and the barns next to it house, train and race more than 1,400 horses and welcome more than a quarter of a million visitors.  

Whether you are there on a race day or not, there are plenty of things to do and see around the historic track. Tours of the grandstands, track and barns gives you an insider’s look at the world of thoroughbred horseracing.    

You can arrange for a tour through the Kentucky Derby Museum, which happens to sit right next door to Churchill Downs. Either before or after the tour make sure to spend some time strolling through the museum and learn about the fascinating history of the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” 

After the museum, head downtown and check in at one of Kentucky’s premier hotels, Hotel Geniveve. Located in the heart of Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood, Hotel Geniveve is a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern luxury. 

For dinner, get reservations at Le Moo. This redefined fine dining restaurant was named the finest steakhouse in Louisville by Food Network and Thrillist.   

If you still have some energy to burn after dinner, Louisville has a lively music and bar scene that will keep you out all night, if that is what you’re into. Establishments like Play Louisville, Corridor Bar and Big Bar are great places to let loose and dance with your friends. However, for those looking for a more lowkey experience, the Hell or High-Water Speakeasy is the perfect spot for conversation and a nightcap.  

Friday:  

After getting your strength back with a hardy biscuit sandwich and large coffee from Biscuit Belly, it’s time to take a short road trip on the Bourbon Trail. 

The first stop is Jeptha Creed Distillery located in nearby Shelbyville. Owned and operated by a mother-daughter team, this distillery has managed to make quite a name for itself in a short amount of time with quality bourbon and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are interested in a classic tour that takes you through the distillation process or you want to kick back with a cocktail and listen to music, Jeptha Creed has just the right vibe for you.  

For lunch, you cannot pass up the Little Mount Bakery, part of the Little Mount Lavender Company in Simpsonville. In addition to various lavender infused baked goods, the bakery features a full bar where you can enjoy refreshing lavender cocktails and a savory charcuterie board, not to mention a seasonal lunch and dinner menu. 

Next up is a tour of the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood. Yew Dell is a nationally recognized center of gardening, sustainable horticulture and preservation that offers extensive display gardens, a diverse slate of educational programs, family-oriented community events, ongoing research into new and better garden plants. 

After touring the gardens you’ll be thirsty again. Lucky for you Hermitage Farm in nearby Goshen offers a Bourbon Tasting Experience that will give you a whole new perspective on the “Spirit of Kentucky.” After the tasting, you’ll want to grab dinner at the farm’s Barn8 restaurant and take advantage of seasonal selections created from produce grown on the farm, as well as other locally sourced and farm-raised products. 

Before heading back to the hotel, be sure to check out the farm’s famed artwalk,  which is designed to stimulate the eyes and ears. Live video projections and coordinated soundscape accompany visitors for their journey along the thousand-foot boardwalk.  

Saturday: 

Once again grab some breakfast. Today add some spice to your desayuno with a Mexican breakfast at Con Huevos! 

Afterward, hop in the car and set off for the Bourbon Capital of the World, or as it’s otherwise known, Bardstown.  

Located about an hour outside Louisville, Bardstown was named as the most charming small town in the state by AFAR magazine.  Explore the shops in the downtown area. Boutiques like Peacock on Third, At Mary’s and Artists Barrels will make it difficult to leave without one or two shopping bags.  

If shopping is not your jam, check out the Bardstown Museum Row, which is home to the Civil War Museum and the Women’s Museum of the Civil War. 

For lunch, grab a brew and a sandwich at the Scout & Scholar Brewing Co. This local brewery is a fantastic place to sit and chat with friends and strangers a like. In addition to the beer brewed in-house S&S also offers several private select barrel pick bourbons that are expertly paired with beer and food.  

When you finish lunch, head south to Loretto. There you will find the world-famous Makers Mark Distillery.  With more than seven decades of distilling experience and an 1,100-acre facility, Makers Mark has several different kinds of tours to choose from, all of them will give you a new outlook on how bourbon is made and how it contributes to Kentucky culture.  

For dinner, drive north to the picturesque hamlet of Bloomfield for dinner at Ernie’s Tavern in Olde Bloomfield Meeting Hall.  Set in the historic Stoker and Finn Building which has been a fixture of the community since it was built 1895. Bought and renovated by Linda and Jerry Bruckheimer in 1998, the Olde Bloomfield Meeting Hall boasts a four-lane bowling alley, billiards, pinball, video games and ice cream.  

Don’t leave town without hitting up Nettie Jarvis Antiques. This one-of-a-kind shop specializes in everything from vintage furniture to unique decor pieces. It is a one-stop destination for all things antique.  

Sunday: 

What better way to wind down from your weekend adventure than with a leisurely Sunday brunch? J. Graham’s Cafe, located in historic Brown Hotel, is just the place for such an activity. Enjoy a decadent spread made fresh and locally sourced. Fun fact, the famous Hot Brown dish, a famous open-faced sandwich made with turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce, Texas toast, tomatoes, and cheese, was invented at the Brown Hotel in 1926 by Chef Fred K. Schmidt.  

After breakfast, make your way home and start planning your next trip to Kentucky!