We were looking for a little some- thing different to do for two days. That’s it….Louisville! Threw some clothes in the car and my man, grabbed two friends, and off we went!
In a quick one and a half hours, we made it. The perfect distance for 36 hours in Louisville.
First stop was Old Carter Whiskey Co.
I met Sherri Carter (Dobay) at Bourbon Classic a few years ago. We became instant friends and I knew we would meet again someday! She has taken Old Carter Whiskey Co. to new heights! Seriously, the experience was wonderful. Her bourbons are a different level. If you’ve never had them, you MUST give them a try. Sherri gave us a tour of her private Old Carter Social Club. A “members only” club that is impeccably furnished with a wood and chandelier vibe. New releases can be purchased through the private club membership….it’s exclusive and worth it. The Old Carter Social Club was created to offer members exclusive access to special Club releases, as well as provide a swanky, private downtown Louisville location to sit and enjoy complimentary tastings with the Old Carter team. Members may bring up to five guests for a tasting. The program is by appointment only, ensuring one-on-one hospitality. Sherri is also an artist which definitely adds to her depth of knowledge in the arts and knowledge of bourbon making. If you would like to become a member, e-mail her at sherri@oldcarterwhiskeyco.com to be added to the waitlist for club membership.
Next stop: Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row experience, a newer distiller located in the heart of downtown Louisville. I noticed a man in a cowboy hat with a big smile on his face and walked right over to him and introduced myself. Yep, it was one of the owners, Jason Brauner. Jason is passionate about his bourbons (and his restaurant, Bourbon’s Bistro!). This was a fun and informative tour and tasting and a bit of a different facility than so many of the others! Bourbons with a bit of spice would be my description, similar to describing Jason, the owner! Upon his recommendation and enthusiasm, we headed over to Bourbon’s Bistro for dinner. Home cooking “farm to table” with a twist! It was so good!
My number one choice for accommodations in Louisville is always the Seelbach Hilton, located downtown. Rich in history, grand, and the Rookwood rathskeller in the lower level is just spectacular old style with updates for accommodations. A grand hotel in the best location!
Sunday morning was our version of Derby day! We headed over to the Kentucky Derby Museum located at Churchill Downs. I have never been in all my trips to Louisville, and what have I been missing! We ALL loved
it! Following the tour was a 360° in the round film that made you feel as if you were standing amongst all of the stunning race horses. Staring in awe at the rolling green hills, watching the horses gallop and frolic (ponies too!), all-around history in the making. Kentucky Derby magic. As this year is the 150th anniversary of the Run for the Roses, the spirit was in the air. After the film, we were escorted into the stands at the track. A vibe. A pulse. Our wonderful tour guide fully embodied the passion of the Kentucky Derby and the grandness of Churchill Downs. We did make a quick stop at the gift shop and purchased several fun items, including sweatshirts, hats, and cool posters from the past commemorating previous races.
This was a stop that is absolutely a must if you’re heading to Louisville!
Next, we headed to Louisville Mega Cavern which is a 100 acre limestone cavern capable of shrugging off a 260-mph tornado and boasts a constant 58-degree temperature. The cavern under the Louisville Zoo has remained
virtually dormant since the last load of limestone was mined nearly 20 years ago to build bridges and roads across the Midwest.
We did the Mega Tram. The Historic Tram Tour will take you on an underground adventure rich in history, geology, mining, recycling, green building technology, and is just simply HUGE in scale!
Next time we will definitely do the Mega Zips Course which is zip lines weaving through the cavern!
One more stop to go….the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. We did the Progressive Walking tour and taste. It was a stunning day and the perfect backdrop to see the grounds, Rickhouses, and facilities! Stitzel-Weller is located in Shively, a suburb of Louisville.
The facility initially served as the home of the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience as part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Now home to Diageo brands Blade and Bow, I.W. Harper and Orphan Barrel, Stitzel–Weller Distillery serves as a monument to the fathers of bourbon and an important part of Kentucky’s bourbon history. Five brass keys once hung on the door of the legendary Distillery. Discover what these keys represent for Blade and Bow Bourbon and the history of whiskey when you visit.
I treasure my weekend getaways, Louisville is always such a great time with adventure, dining and tasting! Thank you “Go to Louisville” for planning the perfect trip!