Bourbon Trail

My husband and I are planning a three day getaway from Chicago to Louisville in April (we%26#39;ll be driving). We would like to spend a day driving on the Bourbon Trail. Which are the best places to go? And are there other good places to explore on the way? Also, I would appreciate any advice on things to do in Louisville - I think a tour of Churchill Downs, the Slugger Museum and the Ali center seem to be high on the list. Thanks!

Bourbon Trail

What%26#39;s your proposed iternerary and/or route?

Bourbon Trail

There are some great vineyards along the Bourbon Trail. Check out Equus Run (hit it after you go to Woodford Reserve as it%26#39;s nearby)....http://www.equusrunvineyards.com/

Regarding your Bourbon %26#39;which is best%26#39; question. It all depends. Is this your first time to a distillery? Woodford and Makers Mark have great tours. Makers is fun but I honestly felt like we drove FOREVER to get there (it was a pretty drive at least). I%26#39;m glad we went but it%26#39;s a bit of a drive so be prepared. http://www.makersmark.com/Lpa.aspx

Highly recommend Woodford. My husband will be heading back in June for a day with the Master Distiller. woodfordreserve.com/age.aspx鈥?/a>

Other favorites that my husband, the bourbon drinker in the family enjoyed, are....

http://www.heaven-hill.com/

http://www.fourroses.us/

Other things to do....

http://www.speedmuseum.org

Like antiques...pottery?

http://www.joeley.com/

http://louisvilleantiquemall.com/

http://www.louisvillestoneware.com/

Louisville also has GREAT places to eat from the cheap to the pricy. Some of our favs are:

http://www.theirishroverky.com/

http://www.landnwinebarandbistro.com/

http://www.porcinilouisville.com/

http://www.cafeloulou.com/

http://www.lynnsparadisecafe.com/reviews.html

http://www.bourbonsbistro.com/ (They have a gazillion bourbons and offer flights...just in case you didn%26#39;t get your fill while on the trail!)

As you can probably tell my husband and I skirt downtown BUT if you find yourself drawn to the city go to the 21C Museum and Hotel. Check out the exhibits and have a drink in the very swanky and highly rated Proof on Main bar.

Other helpful links:

www.kybourbon.com/english/pages/trail.html

louisvilleoriginals.com/restaurants.asp

weekendwinery.com/Wineries/Wineries_KY.htm

http://brokensidewalk.com/about/

Check out Frankfort Avenue if you have time. So many cool shops and places to eat:

http://www.fatfridayhop.org/map.html

I LOVE Louisville!! Have a great time and I hope that these links help you plan a wonderful trip.

Thank you for all your help. It sounds like Woodford Reserve is the best bet for a bourbon distillery experience. And a visit to a winery is a good add-on for us. We are going to stay at the 21C Museum and Hotel, which seems highly recommended on this site.

Thanks!

You%26#39;ll enjoy 21C. This sounds crazy but make certain that you check out the restrooms. There%26#39;s a 2 way mirror inside...very interesting.

If you ever go back I%26#39;d stay at a B%26amp;B. The Inn at Woodhaven is our favorite but there are several others to choose from.

Have a great time!!