Louisville is just a few hours away from soothing nature at The Red River Gorge and awesome sights in Mammoth Cave National Park. You can drive the scenic route towards Lexington’s rolling pastures, zip up to Cincinnati, or head down into Nashville without much effort.

 

For your next day trip, there are a few beautiful places outside these Metro limits that we’d like to suggest to you. It’ll only take a Saturday to venture out and experience some of these vibrant communities.

 

BARDSTOWN – 45-minute drive

With over 200 buildings listed on the National Register, Bardstown is a fusion of history, natural beauty, and bourbon – creating an unforgettable experience for all who wander its welcoming streets. Surrounded by the state's most beautiful landscapes, Bardstown is celebrated as the epicenter of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Kentucky is the global capital of bourbon production, and so the Bourbon Trail allows visitors to explore this iconic whiskey at renowned distilleries. We recommend booking a tour – they will take care of the planning (and most importantly, the driving) for you.

 

LA GRANGE – 30-minute drive

La Grange’s historical town square is home to delightful boutiques filled with vintage treasures. But it's not just the charming shops that make La Grange special; it's the warmth and friendliness of its residents that truly sets it apart. Watch for oncoming trains as they cut directly down Main Street on the way to Louisville. See if you can locate the underground speakeasy hiding within one of its bed and breakfasts. Keep your eyes peeled for deer sightings at the Wendell Moore Disc Golf Course. Run through the new splash park, and don’t forget to pick up a creamy scoop of ice cream from Neveria Y Paleteria Cinco de Mayo on the way out.

 

MIDWAY – 1-hour drive

Midway is a haven for those seeking a glimpse of Kentucky's finest. Its picturesque stretch of shops and restaurants epitomizes tranquil luxury. No place better captures this ritzy atmosphere than Heirlooms Restaurant. Also of note, the gentleman’s boutique, Crittenden Rawlings, is the premiere shop for tailored men’s clothing with European craftsmanship in mind. Beyond the cobblestone streets, the town is embraced by rolling hills and horse farms, inviting visitors to forget their worries just for a moment.

 

SHELBYVILLE – 35-minute drive 

Nestled between Louisville and Frankfort, Shelbyville is nicknamed the Saddlebred Capital of the World. This darling town is known for its abundance of equine breeding and training facilities. For a day on horseback, head to Shelbyville. They have all the indulgences of locally crafted spirits, down-home eating, and a huge outlet mall. Gallrein Farms is a well-visited local gem, known for its sunflower festival, farm-fresh produce, pumpkin picking, petting zoo, and family-friendly activities. Shelbyville holds onto the natural beauty of a small-town environment without sacrificing access to the vibrant opportunities and events found in larger cities.

 

 

 

 

 

FUN FACT: La Grange is one of two remaining cities in the United States with a rail track running directly through the heart of the business district.