đĽ A Hidden Gem Worth the Sip Blake and Alan first visited Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. on a friendâs recommendationâand it did not disappoint. Nestled on a dirt road in Franklin County, this place has a chill, no-frills vibe and ended up being one of their favorite bourbon experiences. Here, youâll taste whiskey straight from the barrel using a traditional thief. The setting is rustic, the staff is welcoming, and the whiskey is excellent. If you're looking for something authentic, relaxed, and a little off the beaten path, this one's worth the detour.
đ Best Place to Find a Bottle to Take Home While planning the wedding, Blake and Alan explored Lexington in search of the best places to buy bourbonâand Jacksonâs Wine & Spirits stood out above the rest. Locally owned and operated since 1953 (and the oldest liquor store in Lexington), Jacksonâs has a fantastic selection, incredibly friendly staff, and some of the best prices in town. If you're lucky, you might even score a rare bottle at a fair price. If youâre looking to bring a little Kentucky home with you, this is the place.
đ° Tour the Wedding Venue Want a closer look at the stunning grounds of Castle & Key Distillery before the celebration begins? You're in luck! The distillery offers public toursâand it's absolutely worth it. Tour spots fill up quickly, so we recommend booking early at castleandkey.com.
đď¸ Our Favorite Distillery Tour If youâre planning to explore Kentuckyâs bourbon scene while youâre in town, Buffalo Trace Distillery is a must. Itâs a favorite of Blake and Alanâsâthe grounds are stunning, the history is rich, and the bourbon speaks for itself. Tours are likely fully booked at this point, but you can still visit the gift shop and try to snag a rare bottle from the dayâs allocation.
đââď¸ Unwind at The Spa at Griffin Gate Need a moment of relaxation before or after the festivities? Located within the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Resort, The Spa at Griffin Gate offers a serene escape with a variety of treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind. Indulge in services like the Kentucky Moon Deluxe CBD Massage, HydraFacial treatments, and European facials, all designed to provide a blissful experience. The spa also features amenities such as steam rooms, a co-ed relaxation lounge with complimentary tea and snacks, and a boutique offering premium skincare products. Appointments are required, and it's recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred time.
đż One of the most beautiful on the Bourbon Trail! If you're looking for a picture-perfect stop along the Bourbon Trail, Woodford Reserve is a must. Nestled among the rolling hills of horse country, its beautiful grounds and historic charm make it a favorite of oursâBlake and Alan always make a point to stop here when theyâre nearby. The bourbon is rich, smooth, and seriously goodâbut the setting might just steal the show. Whether you're booking a tour or just stopping by for a tasting and stroll, itâs well worth the detour.
đ Start Your Morning at Keeneland Visit one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world. Even without live racing, Keeneland is a serene and iconic place to start your day. Watch the morning workouts, stroll the grounds, or take a guided tour and soak in Lexingtonâs Thoroughbred history.
Just outside Lexington, Mill Ridge Farm offers an up-close look at the heart of horse country. On a guided tour, youâll meet mares, foals, and future champions, and hear how this family-run farm helped shape racing history. Advance reservations required!