A Weekend in Louisville

There is something to be said about a weekend away. Fortunately, just an hour and a half drive from Cincy and you can go explore Louisville!  It was a real treat being invited to spend the weekend in the newly renovated Marriott Downtown. Great location and a no brainer if you have an event at the Convention Center. The $30 million renovations will be noticed the minute you walk into the stunning lobby with a new fully loaded bar, tons of sitting areas and a bourbon room that can be reserved for tastings. They also have added The Porch and Kitchen Bar that is not to be missed when planning meals (more on this later). 

The rooms are so comfy and sleek with bedding that might challenge you to get up and explore this great city! Don’t forget to pack your workout clothes because the fully equipped exercise room will help balance all the eating and drinking I am going to recommend :) There is also a room that can be used for yoga, bar or to practice your dance moves! Oh, don’t forget your suit because they also have a great indoor pool to get your laps going or to let the little ones burn off some energy. 

The amenities are great and the concierge was so helpful and friendly. If they saw us coming in they would come up to see what we did and ask how we liked it. The second level of this hotel has so many hidden areas to be alone or get some work done (if you need to get that taken care of while here). 

I have a secret …. Shhhh …if you become a member, you can be part of the Speakeasy! This was freaking awesome. OMG hidden behind a wall was the coolest surprise…an over-the-top beautiful bar that looked like you were transformed into an old bourbon parlor. 

So, where to get your Bourbon on?

Well… I would say you’re in the country, so just about anywhere. I love the bourbon trail, but on this trip, we just checked out the distilleries in the city area. A few things to know. 

You can go into any of the distilleries and look around. I suggest you buy merchandise because each distillery is unique and so cool in their own way. Whether they are a newer one or have been in the business for a hundred years, you’re going to find something to take home to remind you of your visit.  Also, know that most have a bar and all of the ones we visited were upstairs and were pretty cool! And, many of them serve other drinks not made with bourbon. So, if you need to change it up, or you are just there for the fun and you’re not a bourbon person, you can get some pretty great cocktails. You can take the guided tour (and I really think you should). They take about an hour and always end in a really informative tasting room. But if you’re on a schedule or just don’t have an hour to stay in one place, you can visit without scheduling a tour. The actual Bourbon Trail through the hills of Louisville and Lexington is beautiful, but hitting up the many that are located in downtown Louisville was like the “Cliff Notes” version of the Bourbon trail :) 

So grab a passport and go… 

We visited

Rabbit Hole – One of the newer bourbons in town. I first had it at a speakeasy tucked away at the Bourbon & Beyond Concert a couple of years ago. I had an informative and enjoyable tour and got to sip away up at their cool bar after the tour. 

Even Williams- Great photo op in the entrance with the huge bourbon bottle pouring into a glass. 

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery- I loved the copper accent fun at the bar. They had the best staff of fun bartenders

On the drive from Cincinnati, we stopped at The Neeley Family and it was a treat to see their 300-year-old story and grab some moonshine ;) 

Where to eat

Porch Kitchen & Bar – It was wonderful and convenient when staying at the Marriott!Great menu and a really cute place. It was a popular spot and was hopping on our Friday visit. 

Butchertown Grocery – Amazing food and if you’re there late make sure to ask about the speakeasy :) 

Hearth On Mellwood Eatery – This new adorable spot is not to miss… cozy indoor and outdoor dining with a delicious menu and great drinks

Jack Fry’s – OK let’s just scream iconic .. this steakhouse has old school ambiance and huge plates of yummy food. Take in the piano player while you think you might see Al Capone walk in! 

The Garage Bar – Coolest transformed gas station with indoor and outdoor dining a side yard with ping pong ( it lights up at night ) 

Decca- 812 E. Market – Amazing and quaint 

Breakfast spots 

Toast on Market – 620 E Market  – Breakfast Bring it on 

Harvest Restaurant – 624 E Market – I love brunch what can I say 

Please & Thank You – 800 E Market – This is a pickup and go there are a few tables but more of a simple menu but seriously if you on vaca a great Chocolate Chip cookie is their jam and its awesome. I had a breakfast sandwich and that we great too

Where to shop

Red Tree – 701 E. Market – You must check out this amazingly quirky shop… find the umbrellas :) 

Scout- 720 E. Market – Everyone in your group men, women, kids will all find something they love in this great store! 

You can shop and eat at the brand new (opened the day we were there) Logan St. Market – It is full of many mini restaurants and shops under one roof. It does have a common bar area and places for everyone to grab what they want and all eat together! 

Things To Do

 We lucked out in being in town during the yearly St. James Art Show and holy night it’s so cool. It is the biggest are show and it lines the streets and sidewalks of the most beautiful neighborhood it is just fantastic. It is always in October so put it on your calendar. 

Churchill Downs- I mean this is a must, right? Iconic Kentucky horse racing 

In October check out Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular- 1080 Amphitheater Rd. WOW 

Things to See

Louisville Slugger Museum – Take a tour! I did this years ago with my boys and it is great and you need to get your pic with the biggest bat in the world of course :) They also personalize all size and color bats while you wait. Great gift idea 

Look around there are many fun murals and photo ops.. do it for the gram :) Butterflies on Market and the big “bourbon barrel” 

Museum Row –  Which included the Science Museum (photo op with the cool refection type disco mirror out front). There were also some free museums with local art. 

Make sure to notice all of the different horses that are sporadically displayed around the city. 

We went to a restaurant by the river River House and it had a couple of bars that you can just grab a drink and watch the boats go by and somehow you wonder how it is the same Ohio River as in Cincy hahaha.. they have actual beach areas that you can walk down to or just sit in the Adirondack chairs on the hillside and enjoy your drink.