As a Kentucky native, I write a lot of stories about traveling the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It’s something I’ve done for years, even getting married in 2017 at Buffalo Trace Distillery. One question that comes up often when I’m asked about the trail is, “where should I stay?” And it’s a valid question. The Kentucky bourbon trail isn’t necessarily large but you still need to be strategic about where you stay to ensure you can maximize your visits and enjoy your trip. Here is a complete guide about where to stay on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail:

Don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and list of the top 10 bourbon distilleries to visit, too!

Listen to me talk about the Bourbon Trail on Destinations Beyond Expectations.

What is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

When most people think of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail they think of the entire network of bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. However, only a select group is included on the official Bourbon Trail. Some of the best distilleries in Kentucky, like Buffalo Trace, are not included on either the Bourbon Trail or Craft Tour either. Don’t let the office Bourbon Trail’s official website limit your distillery choices. But generally speaking, the Bourbon Trail is a network of distilleries in Kentucky that produce bourbon whiskeys.

Where is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a network of distilleries surrounding the greater Louisville, Frankfort, and Bardstown areas. Be sure to consider all the distillery opportunities and not just those on the official Bourbon trail. The best way to do this is to use this map created by Bourbon Obsessed.

Where should I stay on the Bourbon Trail?

Visiting distilleries in Kentucky largely resembles a triangle with a few outliner distilleries outside of the area. This makes staying in one of these three towns or moving between them throughout your trip, the easiest way to see the most distilleries efficiently.

Bardstown

Bardstown is a cute and quaint town with good food options and perhaps a less than modern appearance. What I love about Bardstown are the cute inns and charming downtown well worth your time. You’ll find a lot of the classic distilleries in the area, like Heaven Hill, Jim Beam and Willett. But you’ll also find some new-age productions, like Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Hotels

Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast

The Bourbon Manor is a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast with (as its name implies) a big bourbon flare. What makes the hotel so unique is how it helps you create your bourbon experience from start to finish of your stay. They offer tastings, Bourbon Trail passports available to take on-site, and a bourbon-themed breakfast that guests rave about.

Old Talbott Tavern

The Old Talbott Tavern is certainly one of the most historic places to stay, even Abraham Lincoln has slept in one of these rooms! Built in 1779, the Talbott Tavern is a landmark in downtown Bardstown within walking distance of many great restaurants.

Hampton Inn Bardstown

Centrally located and affordable, the Hampton Inn is a great property for those looking for a chain hotel experience.

Other things to do

• Visit the My Old Kentucky Home State Park
• Have a drink at the Old Talbott Tavern, built in 1779
• Ride the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
• Explore the Bardstown-Nelson County African American Heritage Museum

Louisville

The most well-known and populous city in Kentucky, Louisville has a lot more to offer than Whiskey Row. There are amazing museums, great food, and neat pockets of town you could spend days exploring. But, if you’re here for the bourbon, it’s a perfect starting point on the trail largely because of the old Whiskey Row. At one time, there were many distilleries lining downtown but now only a few remain. There are some distilleries within a 30-minute drive from Louisville, like Bulliet and Jeptha Creed in Shelby County.

Hotels

Moxy Louisville

A Marriott hotel, the Moxy Louisville Downtown is located right off Whiskey Row within walking distance of many of the downtown Louisville distilleries. The best part about the Moxy is it can be really affordable for its location, costing as little as $110 a night.

21c Hotel Louisville

One of my favorite hotel chains, the 21c is part art museum and part modern hotel. The Louisville 21c is located near the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and is a great location for shopping and dining. Be warned: the 21c chain is not cheap but the experience of staying at one is something everyone should do in their lifetime. If you don’t choose to stay here, you can visit the modern art galleries for free and eat at their world-class restaurant.

Hyatt Regency Louisville

Hyatt fans can find a couple of options in the Louisville area including the Hyatt Regency downtown. The downtown Regency is listed as a Category 4 hotel but it’s best to pay cash here.

Hotels outside downtown

Louisville is a very drivable city. So if you don’t want to stay downtown you can easily stay closer to the Blakenbaker or Hurstbourne and i-64 exits and save some money. These hotels don’t have as much charm or as many unique restaurants around but it is easier to get outside of town to the Bardstown and Frankfort distilleries.

Other things to do

• Tour the Muhammad Ali Center
• Between April and May, take to horse betting at Churchill Downs (or visit the museum year-round)
• Explore the Speed Art Museum on the University of Louisville’s campus
• Eat the famous Kentucky Hot Brown at the Brown Hotel
• Watch the baseball bat production at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

Frankfort

Probably the hardest town to find local places to eat, the capital city of Frankfort has a lot of great distilleries a quick car ride away. From a base in Frankfort, you can easily explore Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and Wild Turkey, among others.

Hotels

Hampton Inn Frankfort

Located right off i-64, the Hampton Inn is a great jumping-off point for many Frankfort distilleries. The rates are affordable with good service and clean rooms. (I know, I stayed here for my wedding!)

Holiday Inn Frankfort

Across the road from the Hampton Inn, the Holiday Inn is another easy and affordable option in the Frankfort area. With rooms starting at just $150, it’s a great option to spend a couple of days here to explore all the distilleries in the Frankfort area at an affordable rate.

Other things to do

• Walk the Salato Wildlife Education Center trails
• Tour the Rebecca Ruth Chocolates factory
• Take photos at the Switzer Covered Bridge
• Visit the Kentucky State Capitol

Explore on. -K