Sipping Through the Bluegrass: A Journey into Kentucky’s Craft Beer Scene

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kentucky’s Craft Breweries

Kentucky Wines and Wineries

Discover the vibrant craft beer scene in Kentucky with this comprehensive 3-day itinerary. From the bustling streets of Louisville to the charming city of Lexington, this tour will guide you through some of the best breweries, along with local attractions, dining spots, and entertainment options.

Day 1: Louisville Brewery Tour

Morning: Arrival and Brewery Visit

• Arrival: Arrive in Louisville, Kentucky, and check into a centrally located hotel such as The Brown Hotel or 21c Museum Hotel.
• Brewery Visit: Begin your brewery tour at Against the Grain Brewery.
  • Location: 801 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40206
  • Experience: Sample their innovative brews, including the “Kentucky Common” and “Brown Note.” Enjoy a lively atmosphere and eclectic food menu.
  • Against the Grain Brewery Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at Harvest, known for its farm-to-table dishes and craft beer selections.
  • Location: 624 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202
  • Harvest Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Head to Mile Wide Beer Co. for more craft beer exploration.
  • Location: 636 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
  • Experience: Enjoy their diverse lineup of beers, including the “Crisp Pilsner” and “Hazy IPA.” The modern taproom features rotating food trucks.
  • Mile Wide Beer Co. Website

Evening: Dinner and Nightlife

• Dinner: Dine at The Louisville Palace, a historic venue with dining options and live entertainment.
  • Location: 625 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202
  • The Louisville Palace Website
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music or entertainment at Zanzabar, a local favorite for great beer and music.
  • Location: 2100 S Preston St, Louisville, KY 40217
  • Zanzabar Website

Day 2: Lexington Brewery Experience

Morning: Travel to Lexington

• Travel: Drive from Louisville to Lexington (approximately 1 hour).

Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Alltech’s Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
  • Location: 401 Cross St, Lexington, KY 40508
  • Experience: Sample their “Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale” and “Hoptoberfest.” Take a tour to learn about their brewing and distilling processes.
  • Alltech’s Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at The Village Idiot, known for its hearty pub fare and craft beer selection.
  • Location: 247 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507
  • The Village Idiot Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Head to West Sixth Brewing.

  • Location: 501 W 6th St, Lexington, KY 40508
  • Experience: Sample their popular brews such as “West Sixth IPA” and “Pay It Forward Pale Ale.” The taproom is a lively place to enjoy their beers and community events.
  • West Sixth Brewing Website

• Brewery Visit: Next, visit Country Boy Brewing.

  • Location: 436 Chair Ave, Lexington, KY 40508
  • Experience: Enjoy a variety of craft beers including “Shotgun Wedding” and “Naked Pineapple.” The brewery offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
  • Country Boy Brewing Website

Evening: Dinner and Entertainment

• Dinner: Dine at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, offering high-quality steaks and a great selection of drinks.
  • Location: 101 W Vine St, Lexington, KY 40507
  • Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Website
• Entertainment: Catch a show or live performance at The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center.
  • Location: 300 E 3rd St, Lexington, KY 40508
  • The Lyric Theatre Website

Day 3: Exploring More Breweries and Scenic Spots

Morning: Additional Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Visit Bourbon Barrel Ale for a unique experience in barrel-aged beers.
  • Location: 5030 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40517
  • Experience: Sample their signature “Bourbon Barrel Ale” and learn about their barrel-aging process. Enjoy their relaxed and informative brewery tours.
  • Bourbon Barrel Ale Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at The Beer Trappe, known for its extensive beer selection and tasty bites.
  • Location: 811 Euclid Ave, Lexington, KY 40502
  • The Beer Trappe Website

Afternoon: Scenic Exploration

• Attraction: Take a stroll through The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, enjoying the beautiful gardens and outdoor sculptures.
  • Location: 500 Alumni Dr, Lexington, KY 40503
  • The Arboretum Website

Evening: Return to Louisville

• Travel: Drive back to Louisville in the late afternoon or early evening.

Dinner: Final Farewell

• Dinner: For your final meal, visit The Seelbach Hilton’s Oakroom, offering a classic dining experience with Southern flair.
  • Location: 500 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202
  • The Oakroom Website

Kentucky Beer and Breweries

This 3-day itinerary provides a well-rounded exploration of Kentucky’s craft beer scene, allowing you to sample a range of local brews, enjoy delicious meals, and experience the unique charm of Louisville and Lexington. Cheers to a fantastic craft beer adventure in the Bluegrass State!

Here’s a guide to fun activities and attractions to enjoy while you’re exploring Kentucky’s craft beer scene:

Fun Things to Do in Louisville and Lexington

Louisville

1. Explore the Louisville Waterfront Park

• Description: Enjoy the scenic views, walking trails, and public art installations along the Ohio River. The park often hosts events, festivals, and concerts.
• Location: 231 S Witherspoon St, Louisville, KY 40202
• Louisville Waterfront Park Website

2. Visit the Louisville Mega Cavern

• Description: Experience an underground adventure with tram tours, zip lines, and an obstacle course inside this massive cavern. It’s a unique way to see the city’s history from below ground.
• Location: 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213
• Louisville Mega Cavern Website

3. Tour the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

• Description: Discover the history of baseball’s most iconic bat at this museum. You can see how Louisville Slugger bats are made and take photos with a giant bat outside the museum.
• Location: 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
• Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory Website

4. Explore NuLu District

• Description: This trendy district is known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and unique restaurants. It’s a great place to explore local culture and find unique souvenirs.
• Location: East Market District, Louisville, KY

5. Attend a Louisville Cardinals Game

• Description: If you’re visiting during the college football or basketball season, catch a game at Cardinal Stadium or KFC Yum! Center to experience local sports culture.
• Louisville Cardinals Sports Website

Lexington

1. Tour the Kentucky Horse Park

• Description: Visit this park to learn about Kentucky’s equestrian heritage. The park features museums, horse shows, and beautiful trails.
• Location: 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511
• Kentucky Horse Park Website

2. Explore the Lexington Distillery District

• Description: Known for its historic buildings and vibrant atmosphere, this district features breweries, distilleries, and great dining options. It’s a lively area perfect for exploring after a brewery visit.
• Location: 849 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40508

3. Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House

• Description: Tour the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. The house provides a glimpse into her early life and historical context.
• Location: 578 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
• [Mary Todd Lincoln House Website](https://www.marytoddl Lincolnhouse.com)

4. Stroll through the Arboretum

• Description: This state botanical garden offers beautiful walking trails, themed gardens, and educational programs about plant life.
• Location: 500 Alumni Dr, Lexington, KY 40503
• The Arboretum Website

5. Explore Keeneland Race Course

• Description: Experience the excitement of horse racing at Keeneland, one of the country’s most famous tracks. Check their schedule for race days and special events.
• Location: 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510
• Keeneland Website

Additional Tips

• Food and Dining: Kentucky is known for its Southern cuisine. Make sure to try local favorites such as hot brown sandwiches, bourbon-glazed dishes, and Kentucky bourbon balls.
• Local Events: Check local event calendars for festivals, fairs, and live performances happening during your visit.
• Scenic Drives: Consider exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or taking a scenic drive through the Bluegrass Region for beautiful countryside views.

Whether you’re into historical tours, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, Kentucky offers a diverse range of activities to complement your brewery tour and ensure a memorable visit.