How long is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Louisville to Lexington Loop route?

This route takes 6 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Louisville to Louisville in Kentucky, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to May and September to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Food & drink, Culture, Scenic, Classic road trip.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Louisville to Lexington Loop

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The route · 7 stops

3 overnight bases · 1 day trip · 3 stops on the way

Louisville

2 nights

The trip's home base and bourbon's urban heart. Spend two nights walking Whiskey Row, where Old Forester, Michter's Fort Nelson and Angel's Envy sit within a few blocks. Add the Frazier History Museum's trail welcome centre, Churchill Downs and a stroll along the Ohio River waterfront.The trip's home base and bourbon's urban heart. Spend two nights walking Whiskey Row, where Old Forester, Michter's Fort Nelson and Angel's Envy sit within a few blocks. Add the Frazier History Museum's trail welcome centre, Churchill Downs and a stroll along the Ohio River waterfront.

Recommendations

On to Bardstown

Bardstown

1 night

The self-styled Bourbon Capital of the World and the prettiest base on the route. Heaven Hill, Lux Row and Bardstown Bourbon Company are in or near town, and the iconic red-shuttered Maker's Mark is a scenic 40-minute detour south to Loretto. Save time for the historic Court Square and My Old Kentucky Home.The self-styled Bourbon Capital of the World and the prettiest base on the route. Heaven Hill, Lux Row and Bardstown Bourbon Company are in or near town, and the iconic red-shuttered Maker's Mark is a scenic 40-minute detour south to Loretto. Save time for the historic Court Square and My Old Kentucky Home.

Recommendations

On the way

Lawrenceburg
Quick stop
A quiet Anderson County town with two heavyweight distilleries minutes apart. Four Roses shows off its Spanish-mission architecture on the Salt River, while Wild Turkey sits high above the Kentucky River with Russell's Reserve tastings and a long-view overlook. An easy stop on the drive between Bardstown and Lexington, home to the Wild Turkey and Four Roses distilleries.A quiet Anderson County town with two heavyweight distilleries minutes apart. Four Roses shows off its Spanish-mission architecture on the Salt River, while Wild Turkey sits high above the Kentucky River with Russell's Reserve tastings and a long-view overlook. An easy stop on the drive between Bardstown and Lexington, home to the Wild Turkey and Four Roses distilleries.
Recommendations
Versailles
Quick stop

On to Lexington

Lexington

2 nights

The Horse Capital of the World and the Bluegrass region's hub. Tour Town Branch in town, then spend an afternoon among the thoroughbred farms, Keeneland racecourse and the Kentucky Horse Park. Good restaurants and a walkable downtown make it an easy overnight before the run to Frankfort.The Horse Capital of the World and the Bluegrass region's hub. Tour Town Branch in town, then spend an afternoon among the thoroughbred farms, Keeneland racecourse and the Kentucky Horse Park. Good restaurants and a walkable downtown make it an easy overnight before the run to Frankfort.

Recommendations

Day trip from Lexington

6
Frankfort
Kentucky's small state capital and the route's final bourbon hit. Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating distillery, runs free tours and tastings, and nearby Castle & Key has restored gardens and a sunken spring. Walk the riverfront and see the domed Capitol before the drive back west.Kentucky's small state capital and the route's final bourbon hit. Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating distillery, runs free tours and tastings, and nearby Castle & Key has restored gardens and a sunken spring. Walk the riverfront and see the domed Capitol before the drive back west.

On the way

Louisville
Quick stop
Close the loop back in Louisville, an easy hour west from Frankfort. Drop the car, or stay a final night for a last Whiskey Row tasting and a bourbon dinner before flying home from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.Close the loop back in Louisville, an easy hour west from Frankfort. Drop the car, or stay a final night for a last Whiskey Row tasting and a bourbon dinner before flying home from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Recommendations

Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Louisville to Lexington Loop