Emily & John
Things To Do
The Bourbon Trail
If you are in town on Thursday or early enough on Friday, you can visit distilleries on the Bourbon Trail, which are less than an hour away. It includes historic distilleries such as Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Knob Creek, etc.
Bulleit Bourbon Tour at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery
This is one of the most convenient and impressive stops along the Bourbon Trail, located just 5 miles from downtown Louisville. Stitzel-Weller is well known for their Bulleit Bourbon, but is even more famous for employing Pappy Van Winkle and formerly distilling his flagship product.
Churchill Downs
Known as the home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs Racetrack conducts Thoroughbred horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. The racetrack occupies 147 acres, featuring a one-mile dirt, oval racetrack and a seven furlong turf race course. Thoroughbred racing, the Kentucky Derby, and the Kentucky Oaks have run continuously at Churchill Downs Racetrack since 1875. In addition, Churchill Downs Racetrack has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championship eight times. Over the course of three centuries, the track has completed several massive renovation projects to modernize its venerable grandstand and clubhouse and to accommodate its more than 165,000 guests on Kentucky Derby Day. The Twin Spires that sit atop the grandstands remain the most recognizable architectural feature of Churchill Downs and serve as a symbol of the racetrack.
Louisville Stoneware & Co.
Louisville Stoneware, previously known as Louisville Pottery, is located in the Highlands section of Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1815, making it one of the oldest stoneware companies in the United States, it creates fanciful stoneware that is nationally renowned.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
The story of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat started with a game of hooky in 1884. John Andrew "Bud" Hellerich was the son of a German immigrant who started a woodworking shop upon his arrival to Louisville in 1856. As Bud grew up, he learned the family trade while also playing amateur baseball. In an effort to help out his team, he began to make custom bats and slowly began to refine the process. His craftsmanship was put to the test after he offered to make a new bat for major leaguer Pete Browning of the Louisville Eclipse. According to legend, Browning, a.k.a "The Louisville Slugger", got three hits in his first game with the bat. To this day, Hillerich & Bradsby Co. make the most trusted bat in baseball.
Whiskey Row Distilleries
Bourbon has experienced an incredible revitalization in recent years and nowhere is that more apparent than on downtown Louisville's Whiskey Row. Take a stroll along Main Street to discover distilleries from historic brands to energetic upstarts; it's hard to find a shop, restaurant or even a hotel that hasn't been inspired by the bourbon culture. Below you will find some of the top distilleries open for tours and tastings located near our Hotel downtown. Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse 4th Street Live (a couple of blocks from the hotel) you can learn about the process of bourbon- making and bottle your own Jim Beam without driving out of the city to Clermont, Kentucky. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience 528 West Main Street Part of the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail, it is located on downtown Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row. Guided tours featuring an full-scale historic video experience, bourbon-making explanation, and tastings.
The Frazier History Museum
Open: Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m - 5 p.m. The Frazier History Museum is where the world meets Kentucky. Located on Museum Row in the Bourbon District of downtown Louisville, the Frazier documents and reinterprets stories from history using artifacts, gallery talks, and live daily interpretations by a talented staff of costumed actors known as teaching artists. With the opening of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Welcome Center and The Spirit of Kentucky® exhibit, the Frazier became the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, a project launched in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
The Highlands
Contains a high density of nightclubs, eclectic businesses and many upscale restaurants. It is centered along a three-mile stretch of Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue. Suggested eateries: Jack Fry’s, Holy Grale, Seviche, Louvino and Sapporo. Comfy Cow Ice Cream for dessert. Quill’s for coffee.
Clifton/Crescent Hill
Clifton is a neighborhood east of downtown Louisville, 1860’s homes sit along homes built in the 1910’s, although nearly all homes were built in Victorian styles. It has been revitalized in the last 25 years as numerous restaurants, boutiques and antique shops occupy “The Avenue” or Frankfort Avenue. Suggested eateries: Coals Artisan Pizza, North End Café, Blue Dog Café (breakfast), Silver Dollar, Craft House and Varanese. Sweet Surrender for dessert.
East Market District
An area east of downtown with good food and boutiques. Enjoy barbeque at Feast or Neapolitan pizza and oysters at Garage Bar. Harvest has great regional farm to table food, and Mayan Café is also regional with upscale Mexican cuisine. Other eataries in the area: Mussels and Burger Bar 2 (downtown), Milkwood, Proof on Main, Vincenzo’s and 8 UP Rooftop Bar.
Old Louisville
St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church was founded by German immigrants in the 1850’s and is where the wedding ceremony will take place. The largest neighborhood of Victorian homes in the country, The Conrad-Caldwell house on St. James Court is a historic mansion you may tour (part of the Holiday Homes tour listed above). 610 Magnolia is run by an NYC James Beard House chef.