Located just an hour outside of Louisville, the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery offers several tours (from historical landmark to ghost tours), tastings of their finely crafted bourbon, and a well-stocked gift shop. Great for bourbon lovers and history buffs, Buffalo Trace is a rare example of a distillery which operated before, during, and after Prohibition. … Continued
Creative, seasonally-driven menu in the coolest part of town, directly across street from Copper & Kings Distillery (also worth a tour and visit). Great mint juleps but even better cured meats and vegetable-heavy menu. Butchertown Grocery 1076 E. Washington St., Louisville, KY 40206; (502) 5742-8315
Lauded as one of Esquire magazine’s Best New Restaurants, Proof on Main in downtown Louisville’s 21c Museum Hotel serves up locally-sourced, contemporary southern fare in a chic, artistic setting. Feel free to roam around the lobby/gallery, open 24 hrs. to the public; stop into the restaurant for a fantastic Old Fashioned, and some seriously intense, southern-inflected … Continued
This modern incarnation of a 1950’s Bakersfield, CA honky-tonk serves up traditional southern dishes with a little bit of modern flair. Great bourbon list, and if you ask politely, they might even break out the really rare stuff. The Silver Dollar 1761 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206; (502) 259-9540
610 Magnolia offers a seasonal prix-fixe menu of inventive southern cuisine crafted from locally-sourced, organic ingredients. With only one seating nightly, guests have the opportunity to savor the elegant, rustic atmosphere and enjoy a leisurely 4-course dinner crafted by acclaimed chef Edward Lee (a Brooklyn-born Korean American who has made Louisville his adopted home). 610 … Continued
El Camino brings the flavors and energy of SoCal to Louisville. Be sure to check out their artisan tiki cocktails. Former Bayless/Topolobampo chef Brian Enyart consulted on their opening and got the initial menu underway. Outdoor fire pits are key on chilly nights. El Camino 1314 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40204; (502) 454-5417
The 21c is a chic, boutique hotel and contemporary art museum, nestled into historic downtown Louisville. The galleries are open 24-7 to the public, and the restaurant, Proof on Main, is a must-stop even if you’re not staying at the hotel (but you should). 21c Hotel 700 W Main St., Louisville, KY 40202; (502) 217-6300
This downtown Louisville hotel combines 1920’s glamour (F. Scott Fitzgerald used the location as a backdrop for Tom and Daisy’s wedding in the Great Gatsby) with modern luxury. Enjoy the fine dining at its five diamond restaurant, The Oakroom. Seelbach Hilton 500 S 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202; (502) 585-3200
Housed in a former service station in Louisville’s vibrant East Market, Garage Bar serves up ice cold beer, seasonal cocktails, brick oven pizzas and southern specialties with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Garage Bar 700 E Market St., Louisville, KY 40202; (502) 749-7100
LOUISVILLE, KY – First things first. It’s pronounced LOU-uh-vull. And this mid-sized city along the Ohio River – known more for its horse race than anything else – is also the perfect base of operations for a tour of Bourbon Country. You can visit most of the major distilleries within an hour’s drive, and even … Continued