Uncover the heart and soul of Kentucky in Louisville, where rich bourbon traditions, mouthwatering culinary experiences, and an electric festival scene come together to create an unforgettable destination.
Home to 12 distilleries—six of which are within walking distance of each other—Louisville has played a pivotal role in shaping America’s Bourbon heritage. Once deemed the 'Wall Street of Whiskey,' the iconic Whiskey Row has recently been revitalized, offering a fresh wave of bourbon-related experiences that further enhance the city's legendary status. Embarking on a walking and drinking tour of Louisville guarantees an unforgettable sensory Bourbon adventure. Along the way, you'll not only learn about the distillation process but also enjoy a variety of drink samples from the distilleries, with plenty of cocktail bars and speakeasies to explore afterward if you want to extend your experience.
The Frazier History Museum serves as the official welcome centre to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Named after Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first licensed distiller who began crafting whiskey along the Ohio River in 1783, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was the first distillery to open its doors on Louisville’s iconic Whiskey Row since the end of Prohibition. During a visit, guests are fully immersed in over 200 years of Bourbon history, all while sampling a range of the distillery's products.
For a modern twist on Bourbon-making, the chic Angel’s Envy distillery provides a unique look at the art of double-maturation, offering guests an innovative approach to production while celebrating the rich heritage of Kentucky bourbon.
Continue your sensory journey at some of Kentucky's finest dining establishments. Louisville has become the epicentre of Southern cuisine, with innovative chefs adding their own unique and local twists to classic dishes. Menus often change with the seasons, thanks to a thriving farm-to-table tradition, ensuring that only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients make it to your plate.
The NuLu district is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants where chefs push the boundaries, experimenting with the bold flavours of Bourbon. Its rich, smoky notes infuse sauces, spices, and even desserts, creating one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. For those eager to bring a bit of Bourbon flavour home, Bourbon Barrel Foods offers a variety of bourbon-infused products, including Bourbon Soy, curry powder, nuts, and even bourbon-seasoned salt and pepper.
But perhaps the most iconic dish in Louisville is the Hot Brown—an open-faced turkey, bacon, and cheese sauce sandwich that originated at the historic Brown Hotel nearly a century ago in 1926.. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting Bourbon City.
Nestled along the graceful curves of the Ohio River, Louisville is steeped in the echoes of its past. Visitors to the city can expect to find a captivating blend of history and heritage that helped to shape a nation. Watch Louisville’s story unfold as you explore gas-lit lantern streets, Victorian architecture, and beautifully preserved landmarks.
Delve into the city's rich heritage in the historic district of Old Louisville, where stately mansions and tree-lined avenues transport you to a bygone era. Louisville Waterfront Park is a testament to the city's commitment to revitalisation, offering a blend of green open spaces and waterfront vistas.
With the sweet scent of bourbon in the air and ever-welcoming warm Southern hospitality through every door, Louisville invites you to embark on a journey through time, where the threads of history weave seamlessly into the vibrant fabric of its present-day charm.
Turning 100 years old on 10th April 2025, The Great Gatsby is hailed as one of the greatest works of American literature—and it might never have been written without F. Scott Fitzgerald's time in Louisville.
While stationed at Camp Taylor during World War I, a young Fitzgerald often found himself at the Seelbach Hotel for a drink. It’s here that he’s said to have mingled with mobsters and bootleggers, one of whom likely inspired the character of Jay Gatsby.
Louisville makes several appearances in the novel, and is even the birthplace of Daisy Buchanan and childhood friend, Jordan Baker. The Seelbach Hotel, originally built in 1905, is famously described as the venue for Daisy, and husband Tom’s, lavish June wedding, which “had more pomp and circumstance than Louisville ever knew before.”
To mark the 100th anniversary of the novel, Louisville will host a series of events this Spring at some of the city's most historic landmarks, including the unveiling of a new Gatsby Suite at the Seelbach Hotel. Can’t spend the night? Take a tour of the property to hear its storied past or enjoy a Seelbach Cocktail at the bar—a prohibition-era drink with a history as colourful as Gatsby’s own.
For over a century, the Louisville Slugger baseball bat has symbolized excellence, gripped by baseball legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson.
Step into the heart of this iconic craftsmanship at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you can explore an extensive collection of bats used by the game's greats and witness the world’s largest baseball bat—aptly named "The Big Bat." Standing an impressive 120 feet tall and weighing 68,000 pounds, this to-scale replica of Babe Ruth's 34-inch Louisville Slugger is a sight to behold.
The Slugger factory continues to craft the bat of choice for some of today’s top players and MLB teams, producing nearly 4,000 bats daily. Take a guided tour to see how this piece of American history is made, and don't forget to grab a mini-Louisville Slugger as a souvenir to take home your own part of baseball tradition.
Embark on an immersive exploration of Muhammad Ali's life at the Muhammad Ali Center, nestled in Louisville’s vibrant West Main district.
This exceptional museum provides a close-up look at the journey of the Louisville-born man who ascended to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World and a globally recognised icon. Award-winning exhibits, footage of Ali's iconic fights, interactive boxing experiences, and a captivating display of memorabilia contribute to a comprehensive understanding of his extraordinary life.
Beyond his prowess in the ring, Ali's legacy as a global humanitarian and advocate for peace, civil rights, and social justice is celebrated. The centre’s education centre further honours his legacy by offering courses to inspire the next generation of social changemakers.
As an exciting addition to the Ali experience, stayed tuned for the upcoming Ali Musical set to premiere in in the upcoming year. This musical promises to be a captivating celebration of Ali's life, adding yet another dimension to the rich tapestry of experiences Louisville has to offer.
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