The Best Kentucky Bourbon Trail 3 Day Itinerary
Spring in Kentucky is the best time to plan a trip to Louisville and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It’s when the weather starts to warm up, and you can finally enjoy the outdoors without worrying about snow or rain. My Kentucky Bourbon Trail 3 day itinerary is a perfect mix of drinking, eating, history, and culture. After all, what better way could there be to experience spring in Kentucky?
This itinerary includes visits to some of the best distilleries on the bourbon trail, stops at the best places in and around Louisville, and restaurant suggestions for making the most of your visit.
Whether you’re a Bourbon aficionado, a history buff, or just looking for a new place to visit, the Bluegrass State won’t disappoint you.
And, if you’re not a Bourbon drinker, don’t worry. You’ll still love visiting Louisville.
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Use these resources to book your trip
- Find your perfect hotel in Louisville by exploring these incredible hotel offers.
- If you want to add more to your Bourbon Trail Adventure in Louisville, uncover a world of activities on Viator.com.
- Secure the best rental car deals with Discover Cars.
- For air travel, navigate to Skyscanner.com to book the most economical flights.
How to Get to and Around Kentucky in the Springtime
Plan to begin your trip in Louisville.
Louisville is not only the site of the Kentucky Derby; it’s home to the Louisville Slugger and in the part of the state where you will find some of America’s finest Bourbon distilleries.
The beautiful spring weather makes it the perfect time to visit all these destinations.
Fly into Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. A quick walk from the gates will get you to baggage claim, where you will find most rental car companies.
Renting a car is the best way to see everything in Louisville, especially if you want to visit the distilleries in the surrounding areas.
Once you have your car, you are ready to go exploring!
When driving around Louisville and the surrounding areas, remember that Kentucky roads are not always smooth sailing.
The highways aren’t bad, but some of the smaller roads can be pretty bumpy or poorly maintained.
You will definitely want to use your car’s navigation system or Google Maps to get you where you want to go.
Where to Stay on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Louisville, you have many options.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from in the area, but if you’re looking for something special, I recommend the Hyatt Regency Louisville Downtown.
This hotel is the perfect home base for your three-day itinerary. It’s in the heart of Downtown Louisville and centrally located for exploring Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail in the evenings.
Even though you won’t be in the room much, it is still nice to have a comfortable place to sleep, a luxurious bathroom, and amenities like a living area, a refrigerator, and in-room coffee.
The Hyatt Regency Downtown Louisville is just steps away from all the action of 4th Street Live, where you’ll find tons of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
It’s conveniently located next door to the Louisville Visitors Center, so if you need help planning your trip or just want to pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop on your way out of town, you won’t have far to go. Oh, and if you want to snap a picture with the KFC Colonel, this is where you go!
The hotel has an astonishing lobby, where you’ll feel like you’ve entered a giant art gallery when you walk through its doors.
When it comes time to relax after a long day, you’ll love the heated indoor pool and fitness center.
Take advantage of valet parking or use self-parking in the easy-to-access parking garage.
Hyatt Regency Downtown Louisville
The Hyatt Regency Downtown Louisville is a top-tier hotel right in the center of Louisville and perfect for Kentucky Bourbon Trail visitors.
It’s got a modern Southern vibe, with large, clean rooms and great access to everything in town.
Enjoy some top-notch Bourbon experiences, with food and drink options to give you a taste of the region’s famous distilleries.
Stay here, and you’ll get awesome service and a true Kentucky experience, whether you’re a Bourbon fan or just visiting for fun.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Itinerary – Day One
Now that you know where you are staying, and how to get around, let’s get this Kentucky Bourbon Trail 3 day itinerary started.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail was created by the Kentucky Distillers Association to spotlight the Bourbon distilleries across the state of Kentucky. There is no right or wrong way to visit the distilleries since there is no beginning or end.
Bourbon is not the preferred drink of everybody, but you can still enjoy Kentucky with this itinerary.
It is created with a mix of activities that appeals to both Bourbon-loving enthusiasts and non-drinkers.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Breakfast at Wild Eggs
Begin your first morning in Kentucky at Wild Eggs, a restaurant that serves up twists on traditional classics.
Order build-your-own omelets, avocado toast with bruschetta topping, breakfast burritos, stacks of pancakes, or potato head casserole. It’s all delicious!
You even have the option of ordering from a gluten-free menu if that’s your thing.
Wash it all down with the Kentucky Bourbon Sunrise, a mix of cranberry juice, homemade lemonade, and of course, bourbon.
When your belly is full from a delicious breakfast, grab your check, and head downtown.
Wild Eggs – 121 S Floyd St, Louisville, KY 40202
Explore Downtown Louisville
Enjoy a cultural experience like none other this first morning in Louisville, Kentucky.
Step into the past at Museum Row in Downtown Louisville, a five-block stretch of seven different museums.
Make your first stop at The Frazier History Museum because inside is where you will find the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center, the Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Spend some time exploring this museum, the Welcome Center, the Bourbon Exhibitions, the Bourbon tastings, and so much more.
Don’t leave this area without checking out some of the other great attractions, like the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, which is just a few steps away.
To save money, purchase The Main Ticket; you pay one low price and get admission to all of the different attractions in this area, including one of the Distilleries on this afternoon’s itinerary.
You have a year to use it, and it can be used for one admission at one time at any of these five attractions: the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, KMAC Museum, Kentucky Science Center, Frazier History Museum, and Muhammad Ali Center.
The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, are the final two attractions included in The Main Ticket.
Lunch and Drinks at Proof on Main
The Proof on Main restaurant in the 21c Museum Hotel is a must-go spot for lunch. The food is amazing, the service is always great, and the cocktails are even better.
The menu is full of options that use local ingredients, including the Bison Burger, Country Fried Steak, and more. There are several lighter options as well.
The Proof Chef Salad is fresh, healthy, and filling, while the grilled cheese and tomato soup will warm you up from the inside out.
Have one drink at the bar, which has been voted one of America’s Best Bourbon Bars by The Bourbon Review.
You won’t have too far to go when you leave Proof on Main. Head down Main Street toward your next stop, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.
Proof on Main – 702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
Visit the Louisville Distilleries
After your museum visit and lunch, head over to one of Louisville’s many downtown distilleries.
There are several distilleries within walking distance from each other, so you can visit as few or as many as you want.
Choose from Old Forester, Michter’s at Fort Nelson Distillery, Evan Williams, Angel’s Envy, and Rabbit Hole.
Even if you don’t complete a tour at each one, you can still pop in for a visit, look around the gift shop, or have a cocktail at the bar.
I recommend a stop at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Their single barrel is one of our favorites.
Continue your way down Whiskey Row, stopping at the distilleries that interest you and ending with a distillery tour at Rabbit Hole Distillery in NuLu.
You’ll want to book your distillery tours at all eighteen distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in advance.
Kentucky BBQ for Dinner
When you finish at Rabbit Hole, you are two minutes away from Feast BBQ, a great local favorite serving some fantastic southern BBQ.
Feast BBQ is one of the best BBQ restaurants in Louisville.
It’s so popular that you can’t make reservations. Just walk in and order at the front counter.
The atmosphere is casual and fun.
Their smoked pulled pork tacos are my favorite thing on the menu, although the hickory-smoked brisket and loaded tots with pulled pork on top are also amazing.
With fun drinks like the Bourbon Street Hurricane slushy that you can make with or without alcohol, you’ll want to stay a while.
There are two locations, but the location in NuLu is a short drive from downtown.
Feast BBQ is worth a visit if you’re looking for some good Southern comfort food.
Drinks on a Rooftop Bar
If you aren’t totally exhausted or drunk from today’s fun-filled day, end day one of your Kentucky Bourbon Trail 3 day itinerary at one of the many rooftop bars in Louisville that participate in the Urban Bourbon Trail.
The Urban Bourbon Trail is one of the best ways to experience Louisville’s famous bourbon culture.
It’s a cocktail and culinary experience that highlights the best bars and restaurants in the city, each of which has at least 60 different varieties of bourbon.
Download the Urban Bourbon Trail Passport onto your phone for discounts at many of the participating locations.
If you visit at least six of the participating locations and make a purchase, you can claim an Urban Bourbon Trailblazer shirt at the Louisville Visitor’s Center downtown next to the Hyatt.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Itinerary – Day Two
Are you ready for day two of your Kentucky Bourbon Trail three day itinerary?
Breakfast at Biscuit Belly
This morning, head to another awesome NuLu restaurant, Biscuit Belly.
Biscuit Belly is a restaurant that specializes in scratch-made biscuits baked fresh daily. They have new twists on Southern comfort favorites, like “The Gravy Train,” which is a mini biscuit basket and samples of three types of gravy.
The Rockwell Supreme with fried chicken breast, cheese, an over-easy egg, and bacon is yummy!
Be sure to try the bonuts with bourbon cream cheese frosting. You can get a free order by signing up for their loyalty program.
And, if you want breakfast cocktails and a variety of coffee, you’ll be in heaven.
They also serve lunch and dinner, so if you want to stay longer in this neighborhood, you can.
Coffee & Cookies: Please & Thank You
Welcome to the world of deliciousness!
Although you just ate breakfast, after the first day of your Kentucky Bourbon Trail you may need a bit more caffeine this morning.
You will want to turn the corner and arrive at Please & Thank You. This chocolate chip cookie cafe and coffee bar have been a staple in Louisville, since 2011.
The cozy cafe offers a warm welcome and an unbeatable menu of cookies, pastries, and drinks.
They’re open seven days a week and have four locations around town, so you can get your basic fix whenever and wherever you need it.
If you love mocha, try the ganache latte. It’s made with an espresso, the Please & Thank You dark chocolate, and topped off with marshmallows. Yes, please, and thank you! Seriously, the best coffee all trip.
If a mocha is a bit much after a big breakfast, grab “The Basic,” a hot coffee and chocolate chip cookie combination that’s so good it will make your heart melt. One taste, and you will know why it’s claimed to be Kentucky’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Grab yourself a coffee and a cookie for later. You are headed to the Cave Hill Cemetery.
Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum
Visiting a cemetery on vacation may not be your idea for fun, but you should quickly drive through the Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, especially if you visit Kentucky in the spring when the trees are blooming.
This cemetery dates back to the mid-1800s. It is a jaw-droppingly beautifully maintained area.
You know it is a large cemetery when you have to download an app to navigate a visit.
Yellow and Green lined roads lead the way to two of the most famous people buried here, Muhammad Ali, one of America’s greatest sports heroes, and Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Head over there to pay your respects or just see where one of history’s greatest boxers lies buried; either way, it will be an experience.
Visit the Lexington Region Distilleries
Leave the cemetery and head toward horse country.
Your next stop is one of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries in the east region.
Choose from the Woodford Reserve Distillery, Wilderness Trail, Four Roses Distillery, Bulleit Distillery, Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace Distillery, or Town Branch. They are all located in this area.
Feel free to mix and match these distilleries to create your ideal day on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
I highly recommend you make a reservation to tour one or two of these outstanding distilleries. Any more than that and you will be pressed for time, but luckily any one of them makes an excellent choice for your next stop.
Woodford Reserve Distillery
Nestled in the picturesque heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, Woodford Reserve Distillery is a beautiful distillery. The large showroom is welcoming and the employees are informative and friendly.
Its intimate tours showcase the meticulous process of bourbon production and the rich history behind every bottle.
This distillery makes a great last stop. Visit the bar for a bourbon drink and enjoy the wide open space filled with Adirondack chairs overlooking the Kentucky landscape.
Wilderness Trail
Set in the historic town of Danville, Wilderness Trail is a relatively newer addition to the Bourbon Trail. They specialize in high-rye and wheated bourbon. If you want to discover the next generation of Kentucky bourbon, this is a must-visit.
Four Roses Distillery
With its unique Spanish Mission-style architecture and a storied history that dates back to the 19th century, Four Roses Distillery stands out not just for its aesthetics but also for its approach to bourbon.
This detailed tour of their yeast strains and mingling process is not only educational but really shows makes Four Roses unique.
The tour size at Four Roses is larger than other distilleries but you are given headsets so you don’t miss a thing. I recommend the guided tasting for a full experience.
Bulleit Distillery
Bulleit Distillery is a fascinating stop on the Bourbon Trail and is one of my favorite distilleries, largely in part due to its state-of-the-art visitor center.
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey is one elusive distillery because it is impossible to find. This may be due to the construction happening during our visit.
But, despite finding the sign below, we could not locate the Visitor Center. It was disappointing since the distillery was on our list of places to visit.
Hopefully, if you head out on the Bourbon Trail, you will have better luck than us!
Buffalo Trace Distillery
As one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the few distilleries that offers complimentary tours.
So, if you plan to visit, then you absolutely must plan ahead. The tours are often full, although you can put your name on a waitlist.
We did not visit Buffalo Trace this time since no tours were available, but we plan to return soon since this is one of our favorite bourbons.
Town Branch
Town Branch is another distillery in the Lexington area that we were not able to visit just because time is limited each day due to distillery hours of operation and tour times.
See Thoroughbreds at Keeneland
Since the distilleries close early, you may still have time to visit Keeneland, one of the most famous horse racing tracks in the world. It is located six miles west of Lexington, Kentucky, and is open to the public every day.
The Keeneland horse track is an absolute must-see if you are a horse lover.
Springtime in Kentucky is a fabulous time to explore this National Historic Landmark and catch a glimpse of some beautiful thoroughbreds at their peak.
You can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, or if you’re lucky, catch a race!
It’s definitely worth checking out the beautiful grounds while it’s in the midst of its spring season.
Sunset Dinner at the Captain’s Quarters
By now, you have worked up an appetite and must be ready to eat. Head back toward Louisville, specifically Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille, for dinner.
The Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille is a gorgeous restaurant with breathtaking views of the Ohio River.
They serve regional and international cuisine, along with seafood dishes.
l highly recommend starting with the pork nachos, but beware, this appetizer is gigantic. Make sure to save room for the Kentucky Hot Brown and chicken chopped salad.
The restaurant’s three-level outdoor patios allow all diners to enjoy the spectacular views. If you are lucky, you may even spot the peaceful rowing teams practicing in the Ohio River.
That’s not something you would see in Texas.
Even though it is spring in Kentucky, as the sun sets, it does get chilly sitting outside. Bring a jacket to ward off the chill.
Time your visit to correspond with the sunset, and you have a picture-perfect way to end day two in Kentucky.
Light Show at Waterfront Park
As you return to your downtown hotel, head toward Louisville’s Waterfront Park.
The spotlight of this non-profit public park is the Big Four Bridge which makes a perfect spot to finish off the evening.
The Big Four Bridge, constructed in 1895 as a railroad bridge, closed in 1969 and was reopened in 2013 as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
The half-mile-long bridge connects Louisville, Kentucky, to Jeffersonville, Indiana. The trip between the two states takes just under two miles once you include the ramps.
And if you’re interested in seeing something really cool?
Stick around after sunset for the LED lighting show that illuminates the bridge structure. It’s a great way to end day two of your Kentucky Bourbon Trail three day itinerary.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail – Day 3
Believe it or not, it is your final day in Kentucky!
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed amazing spring weather and two full days of your Kentucky Bourbon Trail itinerary.
Today, hop in the car and head toward Bardstown, The Bourbon Capital of the World.
Breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast
Start your day with food in your system. A protein-filled breakfast will help soak up some of the alcohol you will taste throughout the day.
Begin at Big Bad Breakfast, a restaurant created by a James Beard award-winning chef.
Big Bad Breakfast is a popular chain across the South, including Florida’s 30A, but there are no locations in Texas. So when we are in Louisville, we have to eat here.
You may be happy to know that Big Bad Breakfast offers happy hour each weekday morning with $5 cocktails. Because we knew we would taste a lot of bourbons today, we chose to stick with coffee. However, the drinks looked amazing.
They know how to cook a mean egg—and if their “Lard Have Mercy!” slogan printed on their menu doesn’t convince you of that, then their food will!
Finally, don’t leave without trying one of their famous loaded egg skillets like the Big Bad Breakfast skillet with bacon, sausage, ham, potatoes, and cheese.
Make a Stop at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs
There is no way you can visit Louisville without visiting Churchill Downs, the site of the Kentucky Derby, and the Kentucky Derby Museum.
You won’t have much time to spend here if you want to visit more than one distillery today, but it is on the way to Bardstown, so you should at least consider a stop.
The Kentucky Derby Museum has an awesome 360-degree theater with a short film that is incredible.
The museum also has several interactive exhibits, one of which is where you can place a bet on a simulated race. I don’t want to brag, but I did win $7!
Our visit in the spring wasn’t near Derby Days, but if you are lucky to be there for the hoopla, you will be in for a treat; just be ready for the crowds.
The Kentucky Derby brings thousands of visitors to the city.
Discover the excitement of America’s greatest race at the Kentucky Derby Museum! Enjoy the interactive exhibits, explore the grounds on a historic walking tour of the Churchill Downs Racetrack, and experience the exceptional 360° 4K film, “The Greatest Race.”
Have a meal or snack at the Derby Café and dive deep into a 147-year tradition that brims with prestige and nail-biting horse racing.
Visit the Bardstown Region Distilleries
Heaven Hill Distillery, Lux Row, Maker’s Mark, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Jim Beam are all distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that are in the Bardstown area.
You will also find several Craft Distilleries like Willett in this area.
Heaven Hill Distillery
Heaven Hill Distillery has a big lineup of bourbons.
This complex is huge and very informative. I would reserve at least two hours here to explore, tour, and sample.
I highly recommend the bottle-your-own bourbon experience here if it is your first visit.
Lux Row
Lux Row merges old and new bourbon making. They have a stunning 18,000-square-foot distillery. It’s ideal for folks interested in contemporary bourbon craftsmanship.
Maker’s Mark Distillery Visit
Maker’s Mark is a must-see distillery! Make sure you get there early to see their beautiful grounds. I guarantee it will be one of the highlights of your trip. I could have spent a half day here alone.
Maker’s Mark offers ten different types of tours that are well-paced and informative.
When you take a tour, you will visit all distillery areas, including the bottling area, the label maker house, and the limestone cave where Maker’s Mark 46 whisky is stored.
And yes, I spelled whisky without an e because that is how Maker’s Mark spells it on their bottles.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Maker’s Mark is generous with their bourbon tastings.
Most known for their famous wax-sealed bottles, you can even dip your own bottle in wax at the gift shop. This distillery visit is perfect for bourbon connoisseurs and beginners alike!
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Don’t miss out on Bardstown Bourbon Company. This modern distillery pairs bourbon with fine dining. It’s a treat for both the palate and the eyes!
Willett
Craft distilleries, such as Willett, are also included on the Bourbon Trail.
The craft distilleries introduce you to the intricacies of bourbon making. They offer intimate tours, detailing the process in small-batch bourbon.
These tours are well-suited for bourbon lovers who want to understand the finer details of bourbon making.
Remember, it’s all about pacing yourself and diving into the traditions and experiences that these Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries offer.
Lunch at The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distillery
Visiting Jim Beam is a lesson in bourbon history. They’re one of the oldest and most recognized bourbon producers. Swing by to learn about the creation of bourbon from grain to bottle.
If you’re looking for a Kentucky dining experience with a twist, look no further than The Kitchen Table at the Jim Beam Distillery campus.
This full-service dining experience is located right on the grounds of this historic distillery.
You’ll find traditional favorites like Kentucky Burgoo, smoked brisket, and bourbon balls for dessert. But there are also some unique dishes on the menu that feature fresh food from local farms.
And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a full menu of bourbons and cocktails.
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
You can’t visit Kentucky in the spring without spending time outdoors.
And if you’re going to be outdoors, you might as well do it at Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, located just up the road from the Jim Beam Distillery.
There are so many must-sees at Bernheim, including the Canopy Tree Walk, which takes you through the treetops on an elevated walkway.
You’ll also want to check out the public art pieces like the Forest Giants, which are life-sized sculptures made of recycled pieces.
The artist, Thomas Dambo, has art installations worldwide, including the giant troll, Isaak Hearthstone, in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the over 40 miles of hiking trails. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon outdoors before returning to Louisville.
Dinner and Drinks at a Historic Hotel
The historic Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville is the perfect place to end your last evening with a relaxing drink and a great meal.
Valet park your car and head inside this famous hotel, which has been around since 1922.
You’ll love listening to the piano player while you order a drink at the bar and wait for a table.
Since you are in Kentucky, you must try the Hot Brown, which originated here.
Save room for drinks and dessert. The Derby Pie and an Old Fashioned are both classics that taste just as good as they look!
Fourth Street Live
Nobody would blame you if you were ready to call it a night, but if you’re not ready to end your trip just yet, head over to Fourth Street Live.
Fourth Street Live is Louisville’s downtown entertainment district. It is an open-air, live music venue similar to Fremont Street in Las Vegas.
It’s filled with restaurants, bars, and nightlife, including Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar, and PBR Louisville, a country bar with mechanical bull riding, live music, and dancing.
If you’re looking for an exciting place to get the final kicks of your trip, this is it.
Can You Stay Another Day?
Do you have time to extend your stay?
Consider adding the Hermitage Farms Tour and Bourbon Tasting to your itinerary.
You’ll take a short drive up to Goshen, Kentucky to Hermitage Farms, home of Derby winner Day Star.
Your afternoon includes a tour of the gardens and farm, a picnic lunch, a wagon ride, and a bourbon tasting in the horse barns.
Say Goodbye to Kentucky
After three full days in Kentucky, it’s time to say goodbye for now.
As you plan a trip to Kentucky this spring, I hope you will use this Kentucky Bourbon Trail three day itinerary as inspiration to plan your perfect Bourbon Trail trip.
The Bourbon Trail is worth the trip. It’s a great place to spend a few days, with plenty of distilleries, museums, restaurants, and fun things to do.
So, what are you waiting for? Use this guide to plan your trip, and get ready for a bourbon-filled adventure.
