Kentucky -- the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln that also played a pivotal role in the Civil War -- is so steeped in history, even its liquor comes with a back story. Step back in time with a visit to Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail, a region that’s been manufacturing the hard beverage since the late 18th century. Separated in distances ranging from eight to 70 miles, the trail’s eight distilleries are based everywhere from big cities to pristine countryside covered in green rolling hills and wide-open horse farms. Take behind-the-scenes tours of various distilleries and see how the bourbon is made. You’ll also enjoy samples at the end of the tours, limited to guests 21 and over. For added convenience, choose a hotel close to Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries.
The famed Jim Beam Distillery is in Clermont, 30 minutes south of Louisville. Enjoy a relaxing stay at Country Inn and Suites by Carlson, Louisville South in Shepherdsville. Take a dip in the heated indoor pool, indulge in a free hot breakfast buffet each morning and borrow a book from the lobby’s lending library. Upscale accommodations include large suites outfitted with whirlpool tubs. Sleep Inn and Suites is also in Shepherdsville. All of its guest rooms include microwaves and refrigerators. Free hot breakfast is served in the morning, and the hotel is within walking distance of a host of sit-down restaurants. Make use of the coin-operated laundry facilities during your stay. Both hotels are 10 minutes north of the Jim Beam Distillery.
Pay a visit to the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, 30 minutes west of Lexington. Best Western Lawrenceburg Inn is 10 minutes southwest of the distillery. Take a dip in the outdoor pool after enjoying a complimentary hot breakfast. The hotel provides adjoining rooms and in-room refrigerators, upon request. Pets are welcome at America's Best Value Inn Lexington, just 20 minutes east of the Wild Turkey Distillery, but nightly fees are required. The hotel provides shuttle service to Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport with a one-way, per-person charge. The Brook Golf Club, a public 18-hole golf course, is less than five minutes from the hotel.
The iconic Maker’s Mark label has its distillery in the central Kentucky town of Loretto. Based in the neighboring city of Lebanon, Hampton Inn Lebanon is 15 minutes southeast of the distillery. The hotel permits pets weighing 50 pounds or less but requires a nonrefundable deposit. Complimentary hot breakfast is served in the morning and to-go bags are available for early risers. Springfield Inn is 20 minutes northeast of the distillery. The hotel provides basic accommodations, including free continental breakfast in the morning and coin-operated guest laundry facilities. Lounge on the outdoor sundeck or cool off with a dip in the outdoor pool.
Take in the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience at the label’s downtown Louisville distillery. The quirky 21c Museum Hotel is less than a five-minute walk away, one block west of the distillery. Not only are the walls lined with edgy artwork, but the boutique hotel has its own on-site gallery that highlights pieces by local and international artists. Unusual accommodations include a room with a multicolored geometric sculpture that serves as its domed ceiling and a rooftop apartment with a private garden terrace and views of the surrounding skyline. Also in downtown Louisville, Galt House Hotel is just two blocks away from the distillery. The high-end hotel includes a massive glass conservatory that spans Fourth Street and is home to a cocktail lounge and bird aviary. Enjoy a workout from the rooftop fitness center and pool with views of the Ohio River. Take in the sights as well from the rooftop Rivue Restaurant and Lounge, or grab a drink from the hotel’s bourbon bar, which offers more than 150 Kentucky-based bourbons.
