When it comes to a Louisville vacation, exploring bourbon distilleries and Derby museums may be at the top of your to-do list. Though those novelties should be experienced, Louisville is filled with other, lesser-known activities too! Adding a weekend in Louisville before or after a work trip or group trip makes the perfect start or end to your Bourbon City vacation.
Things to Do in Louisville
Spending a weekend in Louisville means more than bourbon and baseball. It means exploring a culture and city with hidden gems around every corner. Below are some novel experiences you will want to explore during your weekend in Louisville.
1. Taste True Bourbon
Kentucky is known for its bourbon. You can’t—nor should you—ignore this truth when planning a visit to Louisville. It’s truly impossible to narrow down the list of distilleries and bourbon experiences Louisville has to offer. Whether at Bardstown Bourbon, Buffalo Trace or the historic Woodford Reserve, you’re bound to leave with extraordinary knowledge of bourbon history—as well as bottles of bourbon.
2. Explore the World of Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a world-renowned event, but in Louisville, it’s more than that—it’s a lifestyle. Between spending time at the Kentucky Derby Museum and checking out Derby-themed bars and restaurants—such as Decca and Proof on Main—your weekend will be filled with experiences, and drinks, you’ll never forget. Take the mint julep, for example. When spending a weekend in Louisville, you can’t dive into Derby culture without a mint julep in hand.
3. Make it to Mega Cavern
This hidden gem is unlike anything you will find outside of Louisville. The Mega Cavern is an underground experience that includes zip lining, balance bridges and cave exploration. The cavern was kept secret for years and visitors quickly discover why once they begin their adventure. During winter months, the Mega Cavern transforms into a winter wonderland; over the course of warmer months, performances are showcased deep in the cave’s depths.
4. Seek Out Speakeasies
The speakeasy culture of Louisville is an experience you can’t just read about—it’s something you must experience first-hand. If you’re traveling to Louisville for a family trip, the Urban Bourbon Tour or for work, tacking on a weekend in Louisville for some speakeasy exploration is almost a necessity. For those who prefer a little creativity when it comes to cocktails and bourbon tastings, check out Pin & Proof or The Seelbach for a secretive, memorable experience.
5. Bring on the Baseball
You want your weekend in Louisville to be a homerun vacation—cheesy, but true! Louisville may get a lot of recognition for horse races and bourbon, but it also is known for baseball. The famous Louisville Slugger Field (home to the Louisville Mashers and Louisville Bats) is made for entertaining! On top of watching top-notch baseball, a bourbon bar is often rolled up on the concourse! For those who don’t have time to sit and watch a game, the Louisville Slugger Museum is definitely an activity to add to the list for your weekend in Louisville.
