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Take Time to Rediscover Your #LouisvilleLove

Black History Travel, Culinary Trails, Historic foodways, Kentucky Bourbon Classic, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville

Discounted downtown attractions & venues for Hometown Tourist Celebration Feb.1-10.

Rediscover your #LouisvilleLove with the return of the Hometown Tourist Celebration next month. The event invites residents to rediscover downtown Louisville by providing a discounted admission fee for well-loved or new-to-them attractions and venues.

The Downtown Hometown Tourist Celebration will take place February 1 – 10, 2025. During this time, individuals with a valid Kentucky or Indiana ID, local college ID, or military ID will receive half-off admission to participating Downtown venues.

21c Museum Hotel. Photo by Steve Grider.

“This event is for our entire state to enjoy Louisville’s attractions and venues, because our downtown is your downtown,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of LDP. “Normally a slow time of year for our attractions, this celebration gives locals an added benefit of saving money as well as supporting and promoting the incredible range of attractions, venues, and hotels that make our city unique.”

Participating attractions and venues include:

Angel’s Envy Distillery
Angles Selfie Museum
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Frazier History Museum
Good Bounce’s Downtown location
KMAC Contemporary Art Museum
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Muhammad Ali Center
SAR Genealogical Library

Downtown hotels are also participating with various discounts and package deals, offering a special rate for the duration of the celebration. Participating hotels include the 21c Hotel; Embassy Suites; the Galt House; Omni Louisville Hotel; Seelbach Hilton; and the Tempo by Hilton Louisville.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (Photo by Marty Pearl/Special to the LCVB)

“Hometown Tourist Week is a vital initiative that encourages our residents to explore and appreciate the incredible attractions and experiences right here in Louisville,” said Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President & CEO. “By being tourists in our own city, we not only support local businesses and attractions but also foster a deeper connection to our community. This celebration highlights the strength and diversity of our city’s offerings and reinforces the unique charm and hospitality that makes Louisville a top destination.”

Additional Downtown venues offering varying discounts during the celebration include the Belle of Louisville Riverboats; Corner Flavors of Kentucky; Derby City Gaming; Goodwood Brewing & Spirits; Porch Kitchen & Bar; and the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.

Tickets for admission can be purchased online by individual location or multiple days and locations together. Walk-ins are welcome, but reserving tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets and hotel bookings can be made in advance and can be viewed on LDP’s website.

Article: The Ultimate Ranking Of Michter’s Entire Whiskey Lineup

Distiller Spirits, Kentucky Bourbon Classic, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville, Michter's, Uncategorized

The Ultimate Ranking Of Michter’s Entire Whiskey Lineup https://flip.it/uPGQ-f

Bourbon City Recognized As A Top Foodie Destination

Distiller Spirits, Distilleries, Elegant dining, Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, Kentucky Bourbon Classic, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville, Michter's, Restaurants, Uncategorized

Extensive collection of national outlets name Louisville a top place to visit

As fans of Bourbon City raise a glass to mark the end of 2024, it’s time to recap and celebrate a momentous year in the city’s dynamic tourism industry. Louisville was frequently in the winner’s circle over the past 365 days, earning top travel accolades from national travel media heavyweights such as TripAdvisor, Travel + Leisure, and Airbnb, among others.

Louisville started out 2024 on a high note, being named to Travel + Leisure’s list of ‘50 Best Places to Travel to in 2024.’ Contributing to Louisville’s historic year was the back-to-back hosting of the 150^th running of the Kentucky Derby and the 106^th PGA Championship, helping Louisville earn a spot on Travel Pulse, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Manual’s lists of ‘Best Places to Travel to in May.’ Both TripAdvisor and Airbnb marked Louisville as a top “trending destination” in the United States, with the online platforms using reviews and booking data to affix Louisville to the prestigious lists.

21c Museum Hotel is a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Photo courtesy of LCVB.

Throughout 2024, Bourbon City upheld its status with an outpouring of accolades for its vibrant culinary and cocktail scene. Louisville’s restaurant reputation is sizzling, with Travel + Leisure highlighting it as one of the ‘Best Food Cities in the U.S.’ and Cheapism proclaiming it as one of ‘America’s Best Food Cities.’ The hip and artsy NuLu neighborhood earned recognition from AFAR magazine as one of the ‘Best Food Neighborhoods in the USA,’ with numerous NuLu restaurants also receiving individual accolades.

North of Bourbon. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.

Several of Louisville’s culinary standouts were awarded accolades from the prestigious James Beard Awards. Chef Lawrence Weeks of Enso and North of Bourbon and Dallas McGarity of The Fat Lamb were both named semifinalists.

Nami interior. Photo courtesy of Edward Lee.

The LEE Initiative, co-founded by Top Chef contestant and recent ‘Culinary Class Wars’ competitor Edward Lee, received a James Beard Humanitarian award, marking the Louisvillian’s second James Beard Award win. Lee also received a shout for his Butchertown restaurant Nami, which was named to USA Today’s ‘2024 Restaurants of the Year’.

Several of Louisville’s beer and bourbon festivals were also recognized nationally. The sixth annual Bourbon & Beyond music festival had a record attendance of 210,000 attendees over the four-day weekend, including 60,000 on a single day. This marked the festival’s highest single-day attendance ever.

Fort Nelson Distillery. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.

Garden & Gun magazine highlighted festivals Bourbon & Beyond, Garden & Gun Distilled and the Bourbon Boule as three of the ‘Seven Standout Southern Bourbon Festivals,’ while Tailspin Ale Fest captured a spot on USA Today’s 10Best ‘Beer Festivals in the US.’

Louisville’s powerful reputation as a convention destination was also widely recognized with a trifecta of awards including winning the Groups Today Readers’ Choice U.S. ‘Destination of the Year,’ a MeetingsToday’s ‘Best Destination Marketing Organizations in the South,’ and a ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award.

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery. Photo LCVB.

Some of Louisville’s top national accolades for 2024 include:

“Best Places to Travel in 2024” – Travel + Leisure
“Best Places to Go in 2024” (Kentucky) – Frommer’s
“The World’s Best Travel Destinations in 2024” – Culture.org
“The South’s Best Cities 2024” – Southern Living
“Trending Destinations – United States” – TripAdvisor
“Top Trending Destinations Locals Love” – Airbnb
“Most Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in the U.S.” (Butchertown) – TravelMag
“Best Places to Travel in The South This April” – Southern Living
“Best Places to Travel in May” – Conde Nast Traveler
“Where to Travel in May 2024” (Churchill Downs) – Travel Pulse
“Best Places to Visit in May”– The Manual
“Best Places to Honor Black History in 2024” – U.S. News
“These 10 Destinations Elevate Black Culture Year-Round” – The Points Guy
“Awesome and Unique Bachelorette Party Destinations” – Purewow
“Best Vacations in the U.S. to Explore America’s Adventure Capitals” – Men’s Journal
“2024 Readers’ Choice Awards” (Destination of the Year) – Groups Today

Visit the city’s official tourism website for the complete list of Louisville-based accolades received in 2024, including those for hotels, restaurants, and festivals.

Buzzard’s Roost Celebrates Prohibition Repeal Day with a Barrel Roll and a New 8-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon

Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville

Like meeting with friends for drinks? Enjoy toasting the New Year with a glass of Champagne or order a Margarita while sitting by the pool on a hot summer day?

If so, you owe a big thanks to Repeal Day. It was a big deal on December 5, 1933 when the 21^st Ammendent to the Constitution was ratified, making it legal to drink again. People came out into the streets to celebrate when the news made headlines and was broadcast on the radio.

It had been more than a decade when America went dry on January 17, 1920 with the passage of the Volstead Act, outlawing the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. Almost immediately the conseuqnces were dire. Before Prohibition forced thousands of people out of work, 89 distilleries lined Main Street in downtown Louisville. Poof, those jobs were gone.

Not many people were for the law even at the beginning and its appeal lessened with each passing year.

According to the Mob History Museum website, as early as 1922, 40 percent of people polled by Literary Digest magazine were for modifying the National Prohibition Act (regulating alcohol) and 20 percent backed repealing the 18th Amendment. In 1926, 81 percent of people polled by the Newspaper Enterprise Association favored modifying the Prohibition statute or outright repeal of the amendment. Indeed, as time went on, the only people who really really liked Prohibition besides the most dedicated teetotaler were guys like Al Capone who was earning as much as $60 million to as high as $100 million a year from bootlegging. All that money was corrupt and dangerous with violent gang murders including the famous Valentine’s Day Massacre.

So why isn’t Repeal Day on everyone’s calendar? Afterall, both National Pfeffernuesse Day (pfeffermuesses, in case you don’t know, are a type of German cookie) and National Fried Shrimp Day are among the many rather strange holidyays that are national holidays. But Repeal Day has faded into obscurity.

At least in most cities throughout the U.S.

But in Louisville, where bourbon is king, Repeal Day is being celebrated.

Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey is literally rolling out the barrel to celebrate the 91^th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition.

Buzzard’s Roost also is raising a glass to Repeal with the release of a new single-barrel Founders 8-Year-Old Bourbon on Thursday, Dec. 5

When & Thursday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m.

Where Barrel Roll kicks off at Buzzard’s Roost, 624 W. Main Stt at 6^th St.

Who Buzzard’s Roost Co-founders Jason Brauner and Judy Hollis Jones and Lead Distiller Ethan Spalding will lead the barrel-roll parade down
Main Street.

Hot Sauce Brass Band will lead a second line for all barrel roll participants.

Back at the Buzzard’s Roost Tasting Room & Distillery, tastes of the new
Founders 8- Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon will be available and the bar will be open.

Buzzard’s Roost Founders; 8-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon

115.6 Proof
Available only at the Buzzard’s Roost Tasting Room & Distillery ($150 per bottle)

Visuals Judy and Jason leading the barrel roll down Main Street, followed by the
Hot Sauce Brass Band and bar-towel-waving crowd

The Buzzard’s Roost team will be dressed in 1920s Prohibition-era garb, with plenty of flapper dresses, fringe and bow ties and bowler hats!

Jason Brauner and Ethan Spalding rolling the barrel down the sidewalk
and across the street

UPROXX: The Ultimate Ranking Of Michter’s Entire Whiskey Lineup

Kentucky Bourbon Classic, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville, Michter's, Uncategorized

https://uproxx.com/life/michters-whiskey-bottles-ranked-2024-2/

Article: Michter’s Unveils 10th Anniversary Edition of Iconic Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon

Distilleries, Drink, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville, Michter's

Michter’s Unveils 10th Anniversary Edition of Iconic Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon https://flip.it/hTiOVH

2025 Bourbon Classic Tickets Are Now LIVE!

Historic foodways, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville

Having a great time attending last year’s Bourbon Classic, I was more than happy to hear that weekend tickets are now on sale for the 2025 annual celebration of the best of the best in Bourbon, culinary and cocktails after shattering attendance records in 2024.

Tickets are available at BourbonClassic.com. The event will be held February 19 – 22, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky.

The 2025 Bourbon Classic weekend events will take place at the Kentucky International Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Louisville, an easy walking distance to the nearby urban distilleries.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST IN BOURBON

The Bourbon Classic weekend promises an unforgettable experience for Bourbon lovers. Signature events include:

Cocktail and Culinary Challenge (Friday, February 21) – Witness the masters at work as bartenders create exquisite Bourbon cocktails paired with delicious Bourbon-inspired cuisine from the region’s top chefs.
Bourbon University (Saturday, February 22) – Deepen your Bourbon knowledge with industry experts leading discussions, demonstrations, and tastings.
TASTE (Saturday, February22) – The grand finale features tastings from top Bourbon brands, delectable food pairings from featured restaurants, and unique Bourbon-inspired products.

ENHANCING THE EXPERIENCE IN 2025

Early Entry for VIP: VIP ticket holders will now enjoy early access to the Amber Lounge, allowing them to get a head start on exploring the exclusive VIP tastings and experiences before doors open to the main event.

Speedier Entry: All ticket holders can look forward to enhanced procedures to minimize wait times and get into the Bourbon fun faster.

Expanded Bottle Sales: Attendees can look forward to an enhanced bottle sales experience.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Classic back to the KICC and continue providing an intimate, top-shelf experience for all. We’re proud of our partnership with the Bourbon and hospitality industries, and excited for the future!”

– Bourbon Classic co-founder Seth Thompson

The Bourbon Classic is operated by Tony Butler of FSA Management Group and The Bourbon Review’s Seth Thompson.

EVENT DETAILS AND TICKETS

Tickets for the 2025 Bourbon Classic weekend events are available for purchase now at BourbonClassic.com. Information about additional events will be announced soon.

PARTNERING HOTEL (Preferred Rate)

A preferred rate is available at the Louisville Marriott Downtown, 280 W. Jefferson St. The hotel is a short walk to the weekend venue, the Kentucky International Convention Center. The terrific downtown location is in close range to Whiskey Row, dining, and major visitor experiences. CLICK HERE to access the preferred rate.

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Founded in 2012 by FSA Management Group and The Bourbon Review, Bourbon Classic brings together the best of the Bourbon and culinary worlds through a collection of rare, interactive events. Infused with exceptional tastings, workshops and unrivaled sips, these events are sure to thrill any Bourbon connoisseur and enthusiast. Bourbon Classic events will take place February 19 – 22, 2025, in Louisville, the gateway to all the heritage and innovation of Kentucky’s Bourbon Country. Information is available at https://www.bourbonclassic.com.

9 Culinary Festivals make Louisville an appetizing destination this August

Louisville

Three new food and drink festivals plus six annual culinary events celebrate the gastronomy of Louisville.

NEW

Louisville Black Chef Showcase | August 13

Taking place on Sunday, August 13th, at the historic Henry Clay in Downtown Louisville, the inaugural Black Chef Showcase will celebrate some of Bourbon City’s top culinary talents with delicious tastings of a variety of dishes. Each chef will bring their own unique perspective and flavors to the table, creating an unforgettable tasting experience. The event supports the Louisville Urban League, with 100% of profits going to the local nonprofit organization.

Louisville Wing Week | August 21–27

Known for its famous fried chicken, it only makes sense that one of the South’s tastiest towns has a week dedicated to chicken wings. The inaugural Louisville Wing Week pays homage to the wing for seven days this August. Each participating Wing Week restaurant will fry up its own take on the wing — from signature sauces to secret menu specialties. Download the Wing Week App to take you on a Louisville exploration; help map out your week, try new restaurants, challenge your taste buds, and share your experiences on social with other Louisville wing lovers.

American Whiskey Festival | August 26

Known for having one of the world’s largest collections of American whiskies, Watch Hill Proper Bourbon Bar & Kitchen will host its inaugural American Whiskey Festival on Saturday, August 26, at the Norton Common’s North Village Square. The event will take place from 3pm to 10pm and offers three different ticket options.

Free admission includes access to live music and food trucks, while a $35 Whiskey Garden Ticket includes access to all whiskey samples from participating distilleries. A $150 VIP Ticket includes all-inclusive food and adult beverages and access to Watch Hill Proper and the Whiskey Garden.