For a fun filled weekend getaway, Louisville, Kentucky offers the perfect blend of Southern charm, rich history, and vibrant culture. From indulging in the best local cuisine on “Restaurant Row” to touring iconic distilleries, museums, and cultural landmarks, Louisville provides a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, sports fan, or food lover, this weekend guide will take you through the best spots to experience the unique spirit of Louisville.
Where to Stay: Hotel Bellwether
Located in Louisville’s Park District and only a 10-minute drive away from downtown, The Bellwether sits in the quiet Highlands neighborhood known for its pedestrian-friendly ambiance and eclectic culture. Surrounded by diverse restaurants, from classic Southern comfort food to international cuisines, the road The Bellwether is located on is often dubbed “Restaurant Row.” There are over 30 restaurants, coffee houses, bookstores, breweries, and small shops all within walking and biking distance.
The Bellwether is unique in that it is an invisible service and self-check-in hotel where you’re provided with a personal key code to enter, perfect for someone who prefers to be unbothered. The guest rooms and suites are designed to pay homage to local historical figures and iconic Highlands thoroughfares. There are 7 different room options ranging from a queen or king suite, a penthouse that sleeps 10, and a separate adjacent house that sleeps 12.
Unlike some other boutique hotels, booking a stay is fairly affordable, with queen suites starting at just $134.00 per night and king suites starting at $144.00 per night. The Bellwether is a great place to stay if you’re someone who prefers to be more independent during their stay. With basic amenities and a gorgeous Art Deco style, The Bellwether is a comforting place to come back to after a night on the town or a visit to local museums.
Saturday
Grab some early morning biscuit sandwiches or “bonuts” at Biscuit Belly in the East Market District, also called NULU. The laid-back restaurant specializes in all things biscuits, coffee, floats, and cocktails. Each dish is made to order with ingredients that are locally sourced. The menu includes all your classic Southern favorites including biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, and fried green tomatoes.
After filling up on biscuits, schedule a tour at the Old Forester Distillery on Whisky Row in downtown Louisville. This distillery crafts Kentucky straight bourbon whisky and created the first bottled bourbon in 1870 and has been on the market longer than any other bourbon. They are the only company to have sold their brand before, during, and after Prohibition. During the tour, you’ll be introduced to the entire distillery process that includes fermenting, distillation, cooperage, bottling, and boxing. Of course, at the end of the tour you get to taste test a selection of Old Forester.
Running at about only an hour and a half, this tour and distillery experience are a great way to immerse yourself in the history of Kentucky whisky and bourbon. The tour costs $32 and we felt like it was well worth it for the guided walk through the bourbon making process and the tasting experience.
In the afternoon, after having some lunch at one of the many other amazing restaurants in the area, travel to the banks of the Ohio River to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. This is a must visit for any baseball fan. From the world’s largest bat that sits outside to the chance of getting your very own slugger, this stop is a must for Louisville first timers. The tour is full of history and interesting facts about Louisville Sluggers since their beginning in 1884. The factory crafts 1.8 million bats per year and is, without question, the most popular bat brand in history.
Aside from the factory and museum, the Louisville Slugger building has a Bat Vault, where more than 3,000 original bat models are kept. The oldest bats on display are about 100 years old with bats belonging to players like Babe Ruth and Ted Williams. With the guidance of a curator, you can even handle the bats yourself in the “Hold a Piece of History” exhibit. The factory tour lasts about 30 minutes with tickets at $23.00 per adult.
After perusing through a few museums, make a reservation at Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse, just a walk away down Whisky Row. The restaurant is in the former site of J.T.S. Brown and Sons’ wholesale warehouse and bottling operations. In its memory, Repeal prepares their steaks over the flames of oak-aged barrels. You can pair your savory meal with their selection of over 200 spirits and cocktails. During my visit, I had the absolute best bread I’ve ever had. The Parker House bread takes days to make and the salted butter it’s paired with just melts in your mouth. We also tried the wagyu beef for a special treat that turned out to be a decadent delight.
Sunday
On Sunday morning you, can visit the Muhammed Ali Museum in downtown. While many people know Ali as the greatest boxer of all time, he was much more than that. Throughout his life, Ali also dedicated his time to his spirituality, humanitarian work, and art. He was considered the champion of the underdog.
Ali was born Cassius Clay Jr. and raised in Louisville. This museum truly functions as a timeline and historical representation of Muhammed Ali’s life and accomplishments to becoming the best fighter in the world. Driven by his 6 core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality, the museum thrives and brings to life Ali’s legacy. This museum is great for boxing and martial arts fans, as well as activists and artists.
After a museum tour, make a healthy brunch stop at Playa Bowls near St. Matthews Mall for the 8th Ave, one of the best acai bowls you’ll ever eat. The small restaurant is dedicated to sustainability and a healthy lifestyle. All of their packaging is plant based and anything that is not gets recycled, and they even have 100% LED lighting.
Their menu features fresh and fruit filled bowls, smoothies, juices, and coffees. With over 30 bowl options, there is never a shortage of options or ingredients to choose. Near St. Matthews mall, Playa Bowls is the perfect brunch spot to hit on the way out of town to fuel up for the short 1.5 hour drive back to Cincinnati.
Overall if you are looking for a getaway with friends or loved ones of all ages Louisville has activities to please everyone.
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig