Friday: Arrival & a Taste of the Unexpected
3:00 PM – Check in with Style
Settle into your home base at the 21c Museum Hotel—part boutique hotel, part contemporary art museum. Snap a selfie with the iconic red penguins before you even unpack.
5:30 PM – Happy Hour with a Twist
Ease into the evening at Hell or High Water, a swanky underground speakeasy that feels like stepping into Gatsby’s secret bourbon lair. Sip on a smoked Old Fashioned and nibble on shareable bites.
7:30 PM – Dinner at Garage Bar
Casual, cool, and located in a converted auto service garage, Garage Bar is a local favorite for wood-fired pizzas, country ham, and craft beer. Sit outside under string lights, challenge your travel partner to a game of ping-pong, and enjoy the buzz of NuLu at night. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and effortlessly fun.
9:30 PM – Nightcap on Whiskey Row
Take a moonlit stroll down historic Whiskey Row, and pop into Old Forester Distilling Co. for a late tour or a curated tasting. It’s never too early—or late—for a little bourbon education.
Saturday: A Day of Flavor, Finds, and Fine Art
9:00 AM – Breakfast at Wild Eggs
Start your day sunny side up with their famous Kalamity Katie’s Border Benedict. Don’t skip the house-made everything muffin.
10:30 AM – Cultural Kickoff at the Speed
Explore the Speed Art Museum, where classic and contemporary works live side by side in one of the South’s most impressive art collections.
1:00 PM – Lunch in NuLu
Stroll over to Feast BBQ in the trendy NuLu (New Louisville) district for finger-licking pulled pork, crispy tots, and a craft beer or bourbon slushie.
2:00 PM – Shop the Scene
NuLu is Louisville’s creative playground. Pop into Revelry Boutique Gallery for local art, Mahonia for dreamy home goods, and Please & Thank You for the best chocolate chip cookie in town (seriously).
4:00 PM – Bourbon Trail Adventure
Visit Angel’s Envy or Rabbit Hole Distillery for a modern twist on the Kentucky bourbon experience—sleek spaces, stunning tours, and, of course, tastings that awaken the spirit.
7:30 PM – Dinner at Jack Fry’s
An old-school Louisville legend. Jack Fry’s oozes vintage charm, with live jazz and filet mignon that could make a grown man cry. Dress up a little. It’s worth it.
10:00 PM – Late Night Fun at Meta
This stylish cocktail bar blends downtown cool with a hint of mischief. Try the bartender’s choice—you won’t regret it.
Sunday: Soulful Farewells
9:00 AM – Brunch at Gralehaus
Set inside a historic Highlands building, this brunch spot serves up killer biscuits, craft coffee, and a vibe that’s equal parts hip and heartwarming. Bonus: it’s part beer garden.
11:00 AM – Stroll Through Cherokee Park
Walk off your weekend indulgence with a breezy loop through Cherokee Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (yep, same guy who did Central Park).
1:00 PM – Final Farewell at Louisville Slugger Museum
Swing by this iconic museum for a dose of Americana. Hold a bat, see Babe Ruth’s, and pose with the giant bat out front. It’s the perfect send-off.
2:30 PM – One Last Sip
Before you hit the road or airport, make a final stop at North Lime Coffee & Donuts for an iced latte and a funky, fresh donut (we’re talking maple bacon, cereal-topped, or lavender glaze).
