Frankfort (Buffalo Trace) is a food day trips in Louisville.
Editorially verified May 21, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Tip: Tours run free with reservations. Walk the National Historic Landmark grounds before tasting.
Lexington sits 75 minutes east of Louisville, the horse-country town anchored by Keeneland Race Track, the Kentucky Horse Park and a chef-driven restaurant.
Tip: Pair a morning Keeneland workout with lunch at one of Lexington's downtown rooms.
Lawrenceburg sits 55 minutes east of Louisville, the small Kentucky town home to Four Roses Distillery and Wild Turkey Distillery just outside the town.
Tip: Combine both distilleries in one day; book Four Roses morning, Wild Turkey afternoon.
New Albany sits across the Ohio River from Louisville, the southern Indiana town with Hi-Five Doughnuts on East Market and a renovated downtown.
Tip: Cross the Sherman Minton Bridge for the donut counter, then walk the New Albany riverfront.
Bardstown sits 45 minutes south of Louisville, the self-styled Bourbon Capital of the World with Heaven Hill, the historic Talbott Tavern bourbon bar.
Tip: Book Heaven Hill tours ahead. Talbott Tavern is the lunch stop for fried chicken.
Loretto sits an hour south of Louisville, home to the Maker's Mark Distillery on Burks Spring Road where visitors can tour the historic site and dip.
Tip: Book the dip-your-own tour ahead. The distillery grounds are a registered National Historic Landmark.