The Best Kentucky Bourbon Trail 3 Day Itinerary
My husband and I had one goal for our trip to Kentucky: sip some of the best bourbon in the world and see the legendary horse farms of the Bluegrass State. We planned our visit to Louisville in the spring, rented a car, and set out to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
This is what we did, where we stayed, and how we’d do it again if we had the chance.
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.
And, if you’re not a Bourbon drinker, don’t worry. You’ll still love visiting Louisville.
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How to Get to and Around Kentucky in the Springtime
Plan to fly into Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky.
Renting a car is the best way to see the Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries, so reserve a car from the airport.
Driving Tips in Kentucky
The Kentucky roads are rough on the car. Make sure you have rental car insurance.
The highways aren’t bad, but some less traveled roads leading to the distilleries can be pretty bumpy or poorly maintained.
I recommend a physical map or downloading directions since the wi-fi reception isn’t great in many of the more rural areas.
Resources for your Kentucky 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.
Where to Stay on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
There are plenty of hotels in Louisville, but I can recommend where we stayed, 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.
Hyatt Regency Downtown Louisville
What I loved about this hotel:
- A modern hotel with a Southern vibe – large, clean rooms and great access to everything in town
- Tons of shops and restaurants within walking distance
- Conveniently located next door to the Louisville Visitors Center
- Steps away from all the action of 4th Street Live
- Heated indoor pool and fitness center
- Valet parking or self-parking in the easy-to-access parking garage
Day 1: Louisville & Kentucky Urban Bourbon Trail
We started our first morning in Louisville with breakfast at Wild Eggs, a local favorite. The portions are generous, the coffee is strong, and it is the fuel you’ll need for a day of bourbon and history.
Explore Downtown Louisville
Make your first stop at The Frazier History Museum. It is home to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center and is the Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Spend time exploring this museum, the Welcome Center, the Bourbon Exhibitions, the Bourbon tastings, and so much more.
It’s a great introduction to the history of bourbon and Kentucky’s role in its production.
Along this same stretch, you’ll find the Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Science Center, and the Muhammad Ali Center, all within walking distance. If you have extra time, it’s worth exploring at least one of these.
We visited the Louisville Slugger Museum and absolutely loved it!
The factory tour is fascinating, the gift shop is a home run, and the museum itself is packed with baseball history.
Save Money with the Main Ticket
To save money, purchase The Main Ticket.
You pay one low price and get admission to all of the attractions in this area, including 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.
You have a year to use your Main Ticket, 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.
Lunch and Drinks at Proof on Main
Lunch should be at Proof on Main, located in the 21c Museum Hotel.
This spot is not only known for its fantastic farm-to-table menu but also for its extensive bourbon collection.
It is recognized as one of America’s best bourbon bars by The Bourbon Review, making it a perfect stop for both food and a midday bourbon sip.
Evan Williams
After lunch, it is time for bourbon.
We headed to The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, a fantastic first stop.
The tour is well-paced, the guides are knowledgeable, and the tasting room is beautifully set up. Their single barrel, which is only served here, is still one of our favorites.
Several other distilleries are nearby, including Old Forester, Michter’s at Fort Nelson, Angel’s Envy, and Rabbit Hole. You could easily spend an entire day just hopping from one to another.
Kentucky BBQ for Dinner
For dinner, we ate at Feast BBQ, a great local favorite serving some fantastic southern BBQ and bourbon slushies (yes, that’s a thing).
Feast BBQ is 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 (short for New Louisville) is a short drive from downtown.
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 highlighting the best bars and restaurants in the city, each serving 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.
Day 2: Distilleries & Lexington
Are you ready for day two of your Kentucky Bourbon Trail three day itinerary?
We kicked off day two with breakfast at another NuLu restaurant, Biscuit Belly.
Biscuit Belly is home to the best Southern-style biscuits.
Think flaky, buttery goodness piled high with sausage gravy, fried chicken, or eggs.
Before heading out of town, we made a quick stop at Cave Hill Cemetery, where Muhammad Ali and Colonel Sanders are buried.
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 Lexington, Kentucky’s horse country.
Your next stop is one of the beautiful Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries in the east region. The drive from Louisville to Lexington is about an hour, and this region is packed with some of the most famous distilleries in Kentucky.
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.
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 day two itinerary.
Feel free to mix and match these distilleries to create your ideal day on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
We stopped at:
- Four Roses – A Spanish-style distillery with a great guided tour and tasting.
- Woodford Reserve – A beautiful setting and a must for any bourbon lover.
- Bulleit – A modern, industrial-style distillery with fun cocktail tastings.
We had hoped to visit Buffalo Trace, but their tours were sold out (pro tip: book in advance!). Wild Turkey was also on our list, but we never quite found it—blame it on the scenic roads and the bourbon.
Four Roses Distillery
Our first distillery was Four Roses. The distillery is large and has a newly updated Visitor’s Center.
We loved its unique Spanish Mission-style architecture and its history that dates back to the 19th century.
Our tour was a detailed tour of their yeast strains and mingling process. It is not only educational but really shows what 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 adding 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, huge gift shop, and massive lounge.
We didn’t take a guided tour here, but we enjoyed the visit.
Woodford Reserve Distillery
This distillery is probably one of the most picturesque and is in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region. The large showroom is welcoming and we felt the employees here were informative and friendly.
This distillery makes a great last stop because you can visit the bar for a bourbon drink and enjoy the wide open space filled with Adirondack chairs overlooking the Kentucky landscape.
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey was on our list of distilleries to visit, but we never quite found it.
Despite finding the sign below, we could not locate the Visitor Center. Blame it on the scenic roads, the bourbon, or the construction, we spent way too much time and left disappointed.
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.
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.
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.
We had planned to check out Keeneland but ran out of time looking for Wild Turkey.
You can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, or if you’re lucky, catch a race at this National Historic Landmark!
Sunset Dinner at the Captain’s Quarters
For dinner tonight, head back toward Louisville, specifically Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille, for dinner.
After ordering, we braved the cool evening air to sit outside, where we watched the rowers on the Ohio River, and caught the beginning of the sunset.
We enjoyed dinner on one of the three patios.
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.
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.
Day 3: Churchill Downs & Bardstown Distilleries
Believe it or not, it is your final day in Kentucky, and we are going to fit a lot in one day!
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed amazing weather and two full days of your Kentucky Bourbon Trail itinerary.
For day three, explore the Kentucky Derby Museum, Churchill Downs and the Bardstown area Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries.
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.
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.
Kentucky Derby Museum and 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
After soaking in some horse racing history, we hit the road toward Bardstown, The Bourbon Capital of the World and one of the most famous bourbon regions in Kentucky.
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.
Our stops included:
- Heaven Hill Distillery – A must for bourbon lovers, featuring some of the best tastings on the trail.
- Lux Row Distillers – A newer distillery with a beautiful setting and fantastic pours.
- Maker’s Mark – One of the most iconic distilleries, where you can even dip your own bottle in their signature red wax.
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.
We didn’t take a tour here, but we did order a flight to enjoy on the outdoor patio.
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 whiskey 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 bourbon bottle in wax at the gift shop.
Lunch at The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distillery
Lunch was a late but worthwhile stop at The Kitchen Table at Jim Beam, which offered delicious food and another great bourbon selection.
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 without spending some 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.
I wanted to check out 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.
There are so many must-sees at Bernheim, including the Canopy Tree Walk, which takes you through the treetops on an elevated walkway.
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
We wrapped up our trip in style by having dinner at the historic Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville.
It’s the perfect ending to a great trip. 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 sandwich, 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.
My Sample 3 Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary
Day 1: Louisville & Urban Bourbon Trail
- Breakfast at Wild Eggs
- Visit the Frazier History Museum (official Bourbon Trail starting point)
- Tour Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
- Explore other downtown distilleries (Old Forester, Angel’s Envy, Rabbit Hole)
- Lunch at Proof on Main
- Dinner at Feast BBQ
- Bar hop along the Urban Bourbon Trail
Day 2: Lexington & Bourbon Distilleries
- Breakfast at Biscuit Belly
- Stop at Cave Hill Cemetery
- Drive to Lexington, visit distilleries:
- Four Roses
- Woodford Reserve
- Bulleit
- Try to visit Buffalo Trace or Wild Turkey (book in advance!)
- Dinner at Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille
- End the night at Waterfront Park & Big Four Bridge
Day 3: Derby History & Bardstown Bourbon
- Breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast
- Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs
- Visit Bardstown distilleries:
- Heaven Hill
- Lux Row
- Maker’s Mark
- Late lunch at The Kitchen Table at Jim Beam
- If time allows, visit Bernheim Arboretum
- Dinner at The Brown Hotel
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.
