Staying Fit
Kentucky is famously known for friendly people, amazing comfort food and, of course, bourbon. In this state branded Bourbon Country, you’ll find more than 20 distilleries, creating 200 popular brands. You can have a blast exploring this region, basing yourself in Louisville, the epicenter of Kentucky’s bourbon industry. Explore distilleries right in town and several others just 50 to 75 miles east and southeast of the city. Plus, indulge in nature, get your fill of good food and take in a few surprising attractions — a fun long-weekend getaway.
Where to stay
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There are loads of options, from chain hotels to Airbnb or Vrbo rentals. Consider the 293-room Brown Hotel (from $200), a local downtown landmark known for creating a staple in the Louisville food scene with its Hot Brown, an open-face turkey-bacon sandwich smothered in a cheesy sauce.
Why Kentucky Bourbon?
The state’s natural elements all contribute to making the finest distilled bourbon. Its blue limestone naturally filters out bitter minerals such as iron from the water, eliminating a pricey step in the bourbon-making process. The water is rich in calcium and magnesium — two key elements for distilling because they feed the yeast and help with the fermentation. In addition, the fertile soil is perfect for growing delicious corn used in the process, and the state’s hot days and cold evenings lead distillers’ wooden barrels to contract and expand as their bourbon ages, adding flavor.
The Baymont by Wyndham Louisville, about 12 miles southeast of downtown near Churchill Downs, is a good choice for the budget-conscious (from $100).
How to dive into bourbon
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center in the Frazier History Museum downtown is a great place to start. Orient yourself to the state’s bourbon scene by browsing its many exhibits, including printed maps, preview videos, diagrams and artifacts. Concierges can assist you with your itinerary (tours and tastings must be booked in advance).
The city also has downtown distilleries within a mile of the welcome center, such as Angel’s Envy Distillery, a small-scale operation, and the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., which has been making whiskey since the late 1880s. Both offer interesting tours and, of course, tastings.