Between Louisville And Lexington Is The 'Distilling Capital Of The World' With A Charming, Walkable Downtown

While outdoor lovers head to Kentucky's "cave capital," Cave City, for adventurous getaways, spirits sommeliers find themselves sampling bourbon and whiskey in Lawrenceburg. This Anderson County destination may not be the biggest city, but its reputation as the "Distilling Capital of the World" will certainly have you sipping and savoring for a while. Pub crawls are swapped for distillery tours, with even a couple of winery stops for a palate cleanse. Luckily, you don't have to choose between the two different types of alcohol — but there's no doubt that bourbon is the way to go here. If Winston Churchill preferred Scotch whiskey, Lawrenceburg might just do one better.

You don't have to be an avid connoisseur to plan a weekend escape to Lawrenceburg. While others tour distilleries, you can enjoy the walkable downtown scene. Admire artifacts at the history museum, hit the local favorite coffee shop, pop into a boutique shop, and have lunch all in the same area, with each spot being just steps apart. From gift shops and boutiques to music stores, there are a variety of places worth checking out in the charming downtown district.

Lawrenceburg is located 30 minutes from Lexington, which is considered America's "Horse Capital" with lots of friendly charm. The drive from Louisville is slightly longer — it'll take you around one hour to reach the town. As for where to stay, you can book a room at Best Western Lawrenceburg Inn or search for more options on Airbnb. 

In Lawrenceburg, the Wild Turkey Distillery is the biggest name in town, and it offers several tour and taste packages. This distillery dates back to 1869, founded by brothers Thomas Beebe and James P. Ripy. As you explore, you'll learn the A to Z process of making bourbon, starting from how they choose the grains and select the aging barrels. Guides talk about the rich history of the distillery, and of course you'll sample the label's range with a tasting flight. One person suggested on Tripadvisor to "take the time to go to the upstairs cocktail lounge and take a break and enjoy the views."

Four Roses is another iconic distillery in Lawrenceburg, dating back to 1884. With 10 bourbon recipes, their bottles range from aged five to nine years. Book one of their tours to discover how it was established, how the bourbon is crafted, and complete your visit with a tasting — you can also opt for their private selection flight. If you end up purchasing a bottle or two, you can take advantage of their cocktail recipes and get creative with your drinks. One Tripadvisor reviewer described their visit: "Very enjoyable experience and so worth the cost! Highly recommend for anyone even if you do not drink!"

Larrikin Bourbon Company provides unique experiences, such as bottling your own bourbon or whiskey and relaxing in the cigar lounge with a bold-flavored drink in hand. The veteran-owned-and-operated distillery also has an on-site bar where you can indulge in more of the good stuff or switch things up with craft cocktails. All three distilleries are part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which consists of 46 establishments across the Bluegrass State.

It's easy to revolve your getaway around liquid gold, but make sure to dedicate some time to downtown. Dotted with shops, restaurants, and historic sites, this area is great for a leisurely stroll. First, swing by the Lawrenceburg-Anderson County Visitors Center for recommendations and to see what's happening in town. Armed with the right information, make your way to the Main Street staple, Off The Ground Coffee House. Rated 4.8 on Google Reviews and 4.9 on Tripadvisor, this coffee house serves up classics and creative espresso concoctions alongside freshly-baked pastries.

When it's time for lunch, cross the street to get yourself a gourmet sandwich from Heavens to Betsy! Bakery. This spot made the New York Post's list of the best sandwiches in every state, so you know the food is going to be top-notch. While every order will end up being delicious, most customers rave about the Reuben sandwich, calling it "unique and the best you will ever taste." For a little but of shopping, Sweet Mash is right around the corner. Whether you want to get a charred oak scented candle or a custom bangle with bourbon barrels, this is the place to take a locally-made piece of Lawrenceburg back home. 

The right way to end your downtown exploration is to view the OG distiller's home, Thomas B. Ripy's House (pictured). The Queen Anne-style property was built by Thomas Beebe Ripy himself back in 1888, and now serves as an event space. Whether you catch a musical performance, attend a bourbon tasting, or simply marvel at its exterior, no visit is complete without taking a picture here. When your cup has been filled in Lawrenceburg, it only makes sense to head to the bourbon capital of the world, Bardstown, situated 45 minutes away.