So I planned an entire trip to Louisville and ended up not being able to do it BUT I spent HOURS planning this so I wanted to put it out there if someone is looking for a fun, fully planned weekend get-away!
Hotel Stay:
–The Galt House Hotel (AAA Member Rate)
I chose the Galt House because it is a well-reviewed 4-star hotel within walking distance of MOST of the sites in Louisville. Valet parking at $36/night and $28/night for self parking. It is pet friendly, has a rooftop pool, the potential for a beautiful river-view, and SO many restaurants and bars.
Other (4-star) hotel options:
-Omni Louisville has rentable cabanas for poolside days and PLENTY of bar/dining options that also come highly recommended including Pin and Proof (if memory serves)
-21C Museum Hotel also has highly recommended dining options and an amazing boutique-hotel feel
Itinerary:
- Arrive Friday at dinner time and prepare for a wait for Louisville’s hottest BBQ spot, Feast BBQ ($-$$). Wash down that BBQ with a bourbon slushie! Alternatives include Mama’s BBQ and The Feed-Store BBQ.
- After dinner drinks (make a res) at the hotel bar, Swizzle ($$-$$$). Swizzle is on the 25th floor of the West Tower of the Galt House Hotel. It offers 180 degree river views on a (very slowly) rotating dining room floor. Super cool.
- Saturday Morning wake up and get ready for a day full of bourbon. Louisville is home to almost every mainstream bourbon distillery you can think of. Angel’s Envy and Bulleit were my top choices but if you don’t book out in advance they fill up quick! I settled for Maker’s Mark. Be warned that Maker’s Mark is about an hour drive outside of the city but they have a beautiful and educational walking-tour that showcases their bourbon distillery grounds, a fun tasting AND for a small fee you can hand-dip your own Maker’s Mark bottle!
- Saturday during the day take this time to enjoy 4th Street Live or print out the Bourbon Trail passport and check off locations as you try them!
- Saturday Night make dinner reservations at Le Moo ($$$) for a super cute dinner with a luxury feel and after that take a trip to Hell or High Water ($$-$$$), a GORGEOUS, reservation-only speakeasy!
- Sunday Morning it is off to the races with Brunch at Churchill Downs (home of the Kentucky Derby)! You can brunch (dress code) in the Stakes Room while watching live racing, just make sure to purchase tickets ahead of time!
