Exploring the Trail 

Get your Kentucky Hug, the warm feeling you get after drinking bourbon. Here’s how you can make the most of your Kentucky Bourbon Trail visit.

1. Start with the Classics

Kick off your adventure with world-renowned distilleries such as Jim Beam and Four Roses Bourbon. These tours provide a deep dive into the storied history of bourbon-making, offering hands-on experiences like making your own red-dipped wax-sealed bottle of bourbon at Maker’s Mark. 

For bourbon aficionados seeking a deeper dive, the hour-long Yellowstone Select Experience at Limestone Branch Distillery in central Kentucky is a must-try immersive distillery tour. Delve into the brand's rich history, witness the production process firsthand, and participate in a guided bourbon tasting session that highlights the unique characteristics of their premium Yellowstone Select blend.

2. Savor the Small Batch

Explore the craft distillery stops! Distilleries like Rabbit Hole and Bardstown Bourbon boast cutting-edge techniques paired with small, artisanal batches, giving you a taste of modern innovation in a timeless industry. 

If you're a bourbon enthusiast, a visit to Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, KY is an absolute must! This family-owned and operated distillery offers a unique and intimate experience. You can tour their small-batch production facility, learn about their handcrafted spirits, including their unique Ocean Bourbon voyage aging process, and sample their award-winning bourbons, whiskeys, and gins.

Artisan Distillery uses locally sourced grains and water to create their spirits, giving them a truly unique Kentucky flavor.  Artisan Distillery is a true gem for bourbon lovers, offering a taste of Kentucky's rich distilling tradition. 

3. Pair It with Local Cuisine

It’s not just about the bourbon—Kentucky cuisine is an integral part of your visit. From classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and hot browns to bourbon-infused desserts, your taste buds will be just as satisfied as your spirit.

Barn8 at Hermitage Farm offers a unique dining experience that combines the rustic charm of a historic horse barn with modern culinary artistry. The restaurant is located within a beautifully renovated 19th-century barn, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu showcases farm-to-table cuisine, utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Hermitage Farm and other local producers. Guests can enjoy creative dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list, all while surrounded by the rich history and beautiful scenery of the farm.

4. Capture the Views

Whether you drive along winding country roads or stop for photos in horse country, the rolling hills and bluegrass farms create picture-perfect memories. Many distilleries feature scenic grounds you can explore while sipping your bourbon. 

The Castle & Key Distillery grounds are a sight to behold. Nestled amidst rolling hills in the heart of Kentucky's Bourbon Country, the restored 19th-century distillery boasts a picturesque blend of historic architecture and modern innovation. Visitors can wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, explore the original distillery buildings, and soak in the rich history that permeates the property. The grounds offer a serene and enchanting setting, making it the perfect place to experience the magic of Kentucky bourbon.

5. Unwind with Activities at the Inn 

After a day on the trail, afternoons at Pillow and Paddock Bed and Breakfast can feel just as indulgent. Think badminton on the lawn, corn hole by the creek, or a friendly game of ping pong in the shade of the covered porch. 

Once the evening sets in, gather around the fire pit, a warm cocktail in hand, as you swap stories of your day’s discoveries with fellow guests. For a touch of nostalgia, end the night with a movie in the 1920s-style theater or unwind with jazz in the charming speakeasy lounge. 

Day 1 - Classic Kentucky Distilleries

Morning:

• 9:00 AM: Start your day with a hearty and delicious breakfast at Pillow and Paddock. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and soak in the charm of the inn.
• 10:00 AM: Depart for Buffalo Trace Distillery. Over 200 years of distilling excellence has resulted in some of the most award-winning bourbons in the industry
• 10:59 AM: Arrive at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Take a tour of the historic distillery, learn about their bourbon-making process, and enjoy a tasting of their 5 award-winning bourbons, including coveted Blantons (collect the whole set!), Eagle Rare and their flagship bourbon, Buffalo Trace.

Afternoon:

• 12:30 PM: Have a quick and satisfying lunch at a nearby restaurant. Consider grabbing a bite at a local eatery in Frankfort like Bourbon on Main, a cozy pub in a historic red brick building, offering hearty American fare, beer, bourbon flight options, cocktails & outdoor tables overlooking the river.
• 2:00 PM: Depart for Four Roses Distillery.
• 2:45 PM: Arrive at Four Roses Distillery. Take a tour of the distillery and learn about their unique "Small Batch Bourbon" philosophy. Enjoy a tasting featuring bourbons from their five different yeast strains.

Evening:

• 4:30 PM: Depart for Woodford Reserve Distillery.
• 5:30 PM: Arrive at Woodford Reserve Distillery. Take a tour of the beautiful distillery grounds and learn about their meticulous bourbon-making process. Enjoy a tasting of their award-winning Woodford Reserve bourbons.
• 7:00 PM: Return to Pillow and Paddock. Relax by the fire pit, enjoy a cocktail at the Speakeasy, or unwind in the hot tub.
• 8:00 PM: Savor a delectable, scratch-made Southern dinner at One Nineteen West Main, a local gem in La Grange. Be sure to try their signature Kentucky Bacon Pie™ – a truly unique culinary experience you won't find anywhere else!
• 9:30 PM: Retreat to Pillow and Paddock for a truly restful night.
  

Day 3 - Only in Oldham County: Local Artisan Experiences

Morning:

• 9:00 AM: Enjoy a leisurely, scratch-made breakfast at Pillow and Paddock.
• 10:00 AM: Depart for Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood.
• 10:30 AM: Arrive at Kentucky Artisan Distillery. Take a tour of this small-batch distillery, learn about their unique production methods, and enjoy a tasting of their handcrafted spirits.
• 11:45 AM: Depart for Yew Dell Botanical Gardens.

Afternoon:

• 12:00 PM: Arrive at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. Explore the beautiful gardens, discover unique plant collections, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Don’t miss the enchanted Fairy Garden.
• 1:30 PM: Enjoy a light lunch at Yew Dell's cafe (if available) or order a picnic from Pillow and Paddock to enjoy on the grounds.
• 2:30 PM: Depart for 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens.
• 2:45 PM: Arrive at 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens. Enjoy a tasting of their craft beers in a unique garden setting. Relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
• 4:00 PM: Depart for the historic charm of Main Street La Grange.

Evening:

• 4:15 PM: Arrive in Historic Main Street La Grange. Explore the unique shops and boutiques. Watch the trains run directly down main street.
• 6:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant on Main Street. Consider Ernesto’s Mexican Cuisine and keep an eye out for the train!
• 7:30 PM: Return to Pillow and Paddock. Relax, enjoy a drink at the Speakeasy, or unwind in the hot tub.