If you are looking for inspiration for a summer vacation, consider a summer Whiskey Vacation. Two great options will wind you through some of the most scenic areas this country has to offer.  The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and The Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Both will offer you unforgettable experiences, tastings, and memories that will last a lifetime.

First, let’s explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Experts say it will take you 4-5 days to hit everything.  But if you’re like me, and want a bit of relaxation built in, I’m going to suggest building your trip around three cities: Bardstown, Louisville, and Frankfort. Overall, there are 51 distilleries on this trail.  That’s aggressive. So, I have filtered it down to my favorites.  If you enjoy the craft experience, you may want to deep dive beyond my suggestions. 

Day One: Bardstown 

Nestled in the rolling Kentucky hills lies the Bourbon Capital of the World^® and an Official Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^™. The tradition of distilling runs deep in historic Bardstown, a vibrant community with all the small-town charm you’d expect in any Southern city. Bourbon, history, and great restaurants await you.

Here you will find Heaven Hill, Lux Row, Willett and Bardstown Bourbon Company.   A short drive takes you to Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. 

If You Go: a must is lunch or dinner at Mammy’s. Grab their Old Fashioned and the Kentucky BLT, complete with fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese.  And right across the street is The Old Talbott Tavern, another unique watering hole. Rich in history, take a quick tour and you’ll see frequent guest Jesse James’ pistol on display.

Day Two: Frankfort 

Frankfort lies in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass country. Surrounded by rolling pastures and thoroughbred horse farms, and canopies of forest bring beauty in every season. The State Capitol rises above the city and overlooks the Kentucky River as it ambles to the north making a unique S shape through the historic downtown.  Frankfort is a treasure trove of culinary experiences to satisfy any palate.

Distilleries here include the world-famous Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key and Whiskey Thief.  A short drive will take you to Woodford Reserve and Wild Turkey.  These are all excellent locations and worthy of a stop.

If You Go: Serafini’s for a great lunch or dinner, Bourbon on Main or The Stave for a cocktail, and if you have time there is an interesting Bourbon Museum.

Day Three: Louisville

The official drink here is the Old Fashioned! Begin your journey at the official starting point, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Welcome Center at the Frazier Museum. Make time to peruse their Spirit of Kentucky^® Bourbon exhibition, get you picture taken in the bottle room, and look for the secret speakeasy entrance. Ask the helpful Bourbon concierge for trip info and set out for Bourbon exploration!  

You will find more world class distilleries here and in the surrounding area.  Four Roses, Old Forester, Michter’s Angel’s Envy, Wilderness Trail and Evan Williams to name a few.

If You Go:  Consider a tour of Churchill Downs, visit the Louisville Slugger Museum, and have a sip at some of the best bars the South has to offer, Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop, Watch Hill Proper, The Old Seelbach Bar and Proof on Main.  This town is loaded.  If there was a place to recommend a two-day visit, this would be it.

Next, let’s look at the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, where twenty-eight brands and 40 destinations are available.  We’re going to break this down into three regions-East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee.  These locations are not as tightly grouped as in Kentucky, so you may want to allow for some extra time, especially in the Smokies. 

East Tennessee

Here you’ll find a handful of quality distilleries in the hills, once known as the cradle of bootlegging. You could easily spend a couple of days here.  Start in Chattanooga and head north on I-75, ending up in the Smoky Mountains.

• Chattanooga: Chattanooga Whiskey Company
• Knoxville: Knox Whiskey Works, PostModern Distilling
• Sevierville: Old Tennessee Distilling Co., Tennessee Legend Distillery
• Pigeon Forge: Old Forge Distillery, Ole Smoky Distillery
• Gatlinburg: Sugarlands Distillery

If You Go: Make time to visit the Smoky Mountains.  Also, you’ll discover great camping & hiking along this route. You may even want to include Dolly Parton and an afternoon in her Dollywood Theme Park.  

Middle Tennessee

Home to the biggest name is whiskey, Jack Daniels, Mid Tennessee offers many choices. 

• Clarksville: Old Glory Distilling Co.
• Nashville: Pennington Distilling, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Nashville Barrell Company. And to the south, Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
• South Central Tennessee: Plan your entire trip around a visit to the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg.  This is only about one hour south of Nashville. George Dickel is not far from here if you have the time.

If You Go: One night in Nashville is a must.  Broadway is home to many bars associated with Country music stars.  Eric Church’s Chief’s has recently opened, Garth has a place as do Alan Jackson, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Kid Rock and Jason Aldean.  Others in the works include Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs and Bon Jovi.  It’s something to see and experience, especially at night when the neon lights the sky.  But be prepared for the assault on your senses. 

West Tennessee

Memphis is home to the only distillery in West Tennessee. Head to Old Dominick Distillery and get a great view of the Mississippi River.  You cannot leave Memphis without a taste of famous BBQ and a stroll down Beale Street.

If You Go: Rendezvous is your go to BBQ joint. The Peabody Hotel is a great place to stay.  At 5:00 PM each night they parade the ducks out of their lobby fountain to their rooftop Penthouse.  It’s something to witness, for sure.

So many choices and usually, so little time.  Plan well in advance and line up your hotels as early as you can.  There are budget options in each of these locations. If you are interested in distillery tours, you will need to get online and book those ASAP.  Many of these distilleries have tastings, experiences and gift shops that are worth the stop even if you’re shut out of a tour. And if you would rather leave the driving to someone else, there are many tour companies that will guide you from place to place.  Many have an ”in” with local distilleries and may be helpful in securing tours for you.

Make this summer count.  Take those PTO days and book your Whiskey Vacation! The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Tennessee Whiskey Trail are waiting for you. You will see fantastic scenery and taste some delicious pours. You will discover some of the best hospitality, history, and whiskey, the world has to offer.