Planning A Perfect Trip To The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

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As a family, we love a good road trip! On this particular road trip, we made our way through Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and finally back home to Connecticut. We couldn’t be in Kentucky without doing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. I want to help you plan a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Kentucky is where Bourbon was born. Here’s what you need to know about planning a trip to the Bourbon Trail, whether you are a Bourbon fanatic or a traveler just looking for new experience. 

4 Cities and Stops You Want To Include On Your Trip

Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, and Frankfort are the four stops you will want to dive into when planning your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Louisville is a more urban area with more of a bar scene vibe. Bardstown will grace you with it’s small town charm and historic distilleries. It’s also know as the “Bourbon Capital of the World”, so I would say it’s a must on your Bourbon Trail itinerary. Then you have Lexington, which if you are a horse racing fan, this is a destination you won’t forget. Lastly, in Frankfort you will find Buffalo Trace and if you are a Bourbon lover, nothing else needs to be said about that!

Before you set out for your adventure be sure to purchase a Bourbon Trail Passport! The passport is a 150-page Guide booklet that contains information on distillery experiences throughout Kentucky. Participants can collect stamps and “unlock exclusive benefits” at participating distilleries.

Distilleries To Visit

Here are six of the “big” name distilleries to have on your list. I suggest you pick a few of your favorite well-known distilleries and sprinkle in a few smaller distilleries.

1. Maker’s Marker: Loretto
2. Woodford Reserve: Versailles
3. Jim Bean: Clermont
4. Wild Turkey: Lawrenceburg
5. Four Roses: Lawrenceburg
6. Buffalo Trace: Frankfort: Fun fact, Buffalo Trace is not on the official Bourbon Trail but it’s a must-visit! Trust me, you won’t be sorry!

Here are some smaller distilleries, often the smaller distilleries are where you find some great experiences to book!

1. Buzzard’s Roost Distillery & Tasting Room: Louisville
2. Barrel House Distilling Co.: Lexington
3. Chicken Cock Whiskey Cira 1856: Bardstown
4. Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm: Midway

You can create your own itinerary map on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail website. This site is full of great information, so be sure to take the time and explore what it has to offer. Also, Viator offers some fantastic food and bourbon tours to enhance your Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience.

Is The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Kid Friendly?

Absolutely! When I was planning a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, I was nervous about bringing the kids. I am not a huge fan of bringing my kids to wineries, breweries, and distilleries, I enjoy that time as an adult, and would rather not take them (personal preference, NO JUDGEMENT to those that do). The grounds of all the distilleries we went to were great to just walk around and explore outside. I never felt uncomfortable having my children with me. I would say that Buffalo Trace was the most kid friendly and Maker’s Mark wasn’t far behind. With being said BE SURE TO CHECK OUT EACH DISTILLERIES SITE to be sure they welcome ages under 21! 

General Tips & Suggestions:

While exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you can also experience other attractions that Kentucky offers. You can take scenic drives through the horse farms and bluegrass hills of Kentucky, and enjoy some classic Kentucky dishes along the way. Don’t miss out on Bourbon-infused dishes, BBQ, and Hot Browns!

Be sure to remember these tips when planning your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

1. Check each distillery’s website to see if they require reservations, except walk-ins, and if they are 21+ only if you are traveling with minors.
2. Spread your visits across multiple days. Don’t try to visit too many distilleries in one day. They add up in price, and you want to drink responsibly.
3. Plan extra in your budget to bring home some fantastic bottles of your favorite finds.
4. Check to see what local events are happening while you are visiting. You might get lucky and get to experience some great food & Bourbon tastings and maybe even some limited edition releases. 

Where To Stay

Here are a few places to consider resting your head after a splendid day exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Louisville: Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection: This hotel is on Whiskey Row in Louisville and is home to Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse. It’s the only oak-fired steakhouse on Whiskey Row and a huge bonus is the rooftop dining offered in the summer-time. 

Photo Courtesy of Expedia

Lexington: The Manchester: Located in the historic distillery district, this hotel boasts Granddam, a restaurant inspired by grandmothers and bluegrass. You also can get your rooftop bar fix in while enjoying some small bits and sipping cocktails at LostPalm. 

Photo Courtesy of Expedia

Now It’s Time To Pack!

For Bourbon lovers, planning a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a bucket-list experience. You will enjoy the southern hospitality that Kentucky has to offer, with a side of outstanding Bourbon and marvelous culinary treats!



If planning a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail seems overwhelming and you want to save yourself time and limit your stress, fill out this travel inquiry form and I would be happy to design your trip for you! 

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