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Louisville was one of those trips where we figured out how far we wanted to drive, looked at a map, picked a place, and left. We had a day to figure out where we were going to have our dog DeeDee stay, we had to pack, and in usual fashion, I had to figure out what we were going to do…fast! Despite the rush, our two days in Louisville were a huge success and I am proudly singing praises for this wonderful city to whoever will listen. If Louisville is on your radar, you better get there quick. This city is really taking off!
The Urban Bourbon Trail
One of the main attractions that helped us to decide on Louisville was the bourbon. Not ashamed to admit that. If you love wine, you go to Napa, and if you love Bourbon, as we do, then head straight for Kentucky! The Urban Bourbon Trail is comprised of tons of local eateries and bars that promises to carry over 50 bourbons at their bar, offer bourbon flights and a signature bourbon cocktail, and if they have food, they must use bourbon as an ingredient in at least three dishes. Sounds like a bourbon-lover’s paradise, am I right!?
Urban Bourbon Trail vs. Kentucky Bourbon Trail
What’s the difference between the Urban Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? You’ll receive a passport for either trail, you’ll surly drink lots of bourbon with either trail, so does it matter which you embark on?
YES!
The biggest difference between these two bourbon trails is time. If you have weeks to spend exploring Kentucky, you’ll have no problem completing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. But if you’re short on time, and especially if you’re limited to a weekend, you’re going to want to check out the Urban Bourbon Trail!
Where to stay in Louisville Kentucky
It is important to find the perfect place to stay while you’re in Louisville. There’s a huge bourbon culture, so it’s likely you’ll be grabbing at least a few drinks. Luckily, Louisville’s downtown district is a really great place to stay, and you’re able to easily walk to almost any destination.
We booked our stay through Hotels.com at the Springhill Suites while we were in Louisville and loved it! Very easy to access from the highway, lots of (paid) parking, and easy to walk to everywhere we wanted to go. We left the car and walked all weekend!
Other Great Hotels in Louisville
Omni Louisville
The Omni Louisville is home to the Library Bar. There were tons of locals and tourists alike hanging out in this bar. It was well lit, relatively quiet, and served up some great cocktails. This is not your average hotel bar. If you’re looking for a convenient place to have a good time and the Omni is in your budget, you’ll definitely want to stay here.
The Louisville Marriott
The Louisville Marriott housed one of my favorite restaurants we stopped at all weekend — Porch! I couldn’t tell you if I enjoyed the food or the drinks more, they were both so delicious. They also served up one of the best vegetarian meals I’ve ever eaten — the Veggie Patty Melt. I wish we would have eaten more at this hotel’s restaurant. If we would have stayed here, I bet we would have.
The Seelbach Hilton
This hotel oozes history. The Seelbach was known to have been a favorite destination for prohibition mobsters like Lucky Luciano and Al Capone. F. Scott Fitzgerald frequently visited. There is also a sign in the lobby explaining some haunted history of the hotel. The atmosphere was awesome. Not to mention, it is close to 4th Street Live! if you’re looking for a place to stay with lots to do right outside your door. The Seelbach has been around since 1905, and is now owned by Hilton Hotels.
Things to do in Louisville
Places to Eat
- Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen (Our favorite stop!)
- Porch Kitchen & Bar
- Garage Bar
Places to Drink
- Library Bar at the Omni Hotel
- The Seelbach
- Corner
Places to Explore
- Check out a “Distillery Experience” or Distillery Tour
- Tour the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
- Visit Churchill Downs & the Kentucky Derby Museum
If you’re looking for a more in-depth itinerary for Louisville, check out my Two Days in Louisville itinerary below!
The Perfect Two Days in Louisville Itinerary
Day 1
Getting Started in on your two days in Louisville
- First, you’ve got to stop at the Louisville Visitors Center to pick up your Urban Bourbon Trail Passport. We’re so happy we got that right when we arrived. We started earning our stamps right away and left with some awesome Urban Bourbon Trail swag after visiting 6 different venues on the trail.
- Grab a cup of coffee at Please and Thank You or Heine Brothers. Have the fuel you need to start your day! Please and Thank You is known for their cookies, so if you’re looking for a little early morning indulgence, start there! They’ve also got a few more substantial breakfast options if you’re looking for additional fuel for your adventure.
The Distilleries
- Is it too early to start drinking? NOPE! Check out the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse. They’ve got a tasting, a bottle-your-own experience, and the gift shop where you need one of everything inside. Be sure to check their hours before stopping by.
- Drive or take a Lyft to the Stitzel-Weller Distillery for a look at how the “big guys” get things done. They are in the process of moving to a bigger facility, but the place they’re in now is full of beautiful, historic buildings.
- On your return to Louisville, get dropped off at Garage Bar for some pizza, drinks, and an extra stamp for your passport. This place is in walking distance to your next destination, so drink freely.
- Walk over to Rabbit Hole Distillery and compare their operations to Stitzel-Weller. There are no secrets at Rabbit Hole, you will see every step of the process and can even stick your hand in the pits and take a taste of the mash every step of the way.
Dinner & Drinks
- Grab dinner at Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen. Their Parmesan fries are not to be missed, and they make a mean Mint Julep. This was our favorite stop while we were in Louisville. If there’s only one place you get to, make it this one!
- From Merle’s, there are tons of other places to visit on Whiskey Row. Grab drinks at any of the great bars along this stretch. We loved Corner Restaurant & Bar! Great way to unwind for the night.
Day 2
- Fuel up with coffee and a quick breakfast from whichever place you didn’t visit Day 1!
- Visit the Louisville Slugger Factory Tour first thing in the morning, it can get crowded later in the day. Take some extra time before your tour starts to explore the museum at the start of the tour. You’ll even get the chance to hold a bat that belonged to your favorite player!
- One thing that really surprised me about Louisville is the quality of restaurants they have in all of their hotels. We were absolutely blown away by the food at Porch Kitchen & Bar (especially by their veggie patty melt!)
- On your way out of town, check out Churchill Downs and, if time permits, the Kentucky Derby Museum.
No matter where you explore in Louisville, be sure that the very first place you stop is the Visitor’s Center. Grab your Urban Bourbon Trail passport, maybe pick out a souvenir or browse through their small museum, and then start exploring! Two days in Louisville is going to fly by, be sure to make the most of it!
More to Explore!
If you loved my Two Days in Louisville travel guide, you’re going to love my other city guides! Check some of these out:
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