Weekend Trip to Louisville, KY
If you, like me, thought Louisville was just on the other side of the Ohio River across from Cincinnati – It is not. It is almost 2 hours Southwest of Cincinnati. It is not bad drive at all, just farther than I originally thought. Home of the Louisville Slugger and gateway to Kentucky Bourbon you will discover a laid back, hometown city.
A Hotel Suggestion: A bit North of downtown Louisville, in a suburb area. Less expensive, less crowded, near restaurants and shopping. However, not as convenient or within walking distance of sight seeing attractions.
Drury Inn & Suites Louisville North
9597 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY 40241, 502-425-5500
Old Forester Distillery
119 West Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 502-779-2222
www.oldforester.com
We did an Saturday late afternoon tour. Like most bourbon tours, it is informative and ends with a small sampling of the distillery’s products. Old Forester was full of history and interesting facts on the early beginnings of the brand and the connection to the Kentucky Derby. Most tours end by 6p-7p so plan ahead and buy your tickets online where possible.
Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill
3900 Summit Plaza Dr, Louisville, KY 40241
Back at the hotel we changed and walk over to this Nice, Lodge like restaurant for a late dinner. The menu was extensive offering steaks & seafood & plenty of drinks and an expansive wine list. With the fireplaces and low lighting this could be a romantic choice for a dinner for two.
A Great Place for breakfast. Unique Hometown favorite for breakfast and brunch. You need to try the Highland not Brown, their take on the Kentucky Hot Brown , I added an Egg to mine… a filling, delicious breakfast. And you must get the Good Morning Mimosa, no get the Bucket of Mimosa’s 🙂
https://www.cavehillheritagefoundation.org/
After a filling Breakfast, go for a walk in this beautiful, sprawling, historical cemetery. I am a bit of a cemetery buff, every since I was a little girl we visited cemeteries and paid tribute to our family members and friends who had passed on. They intrigue me, not in a séance sort of way, in a nostalgic way. Here you will find the graves of Mohammad Ali, Colonel Sanders, Harry Collins, early war memorials, and other notable Louisville area famous people.
https://www.angelsenvy.com
Heading downtown you will find a very pretty artesian distillery, Angel’s Envy. While this may not be a well known or very old distillery, this premium whiskey is worth a try. Besides, I think it has a cool name. 😉
When in Louisville,,,, the iconic Churchill Downs is a must stop. Check out the website and race schedule or simply go for a tour. It is something you will always remember. Having watched the races on TV and attended Derby themed parties, it is something to see. I was in awe and I thought how much my Great Uncle Elmer would have loved it. I not only got an opportunity to see the facility, but watch and bet on a few races. Go see it!
One of my groups favorite Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is Maker’s Mark. We were within an hours drive of this distillery and went for a visit and tour. The grounds are really nice and well cared for, with a gift shop, shuttle bus service to and from your car, we not only enjoyed the tour but the drive thru the country side was lovely. This distillery is a National Historic Landmark, the folks are very nice, and the tasting was a perfect way to end our trip to Louisville.
I hope you get an chance to visit Louisville. There are so many cool things I can map out and plan for you to do. The Louisville Slugger museum, and a game at the adjoining AAA ball field, in downtown Louisville. A night walk to the Three River’s Bridge lights, a tour at your favorite brand of bourbon, distillery. Enjoy your journey, and ‘Get out there, and See Something’