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The Group Travel Leader Going on Faith Select Traveler

Louisville: City of Icons

Bourbon Bonanza

Another interesting draw in downtown Louisville is the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, part of the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Williams was Louisville’s first distiller of bourbon. Located near Museum Row, the building houses a real mini-distillery. About 95 percent of the world’s bourbon is distilled in Kentucky, so try the tour and learn about the spirits and the people who produce it.

“It’s uniquely Kentucky, with a lot about our heritage and history. I enjoy teaching people about bourbon. Whether you’re a drinker or not, you can still appreciate the nuances of it,” said Deb Riall, a bourbon host at the distillery.

At the end of the tour is a tasting where the tour host will wax poetic about the distinct bourbon flavors and finish.

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience also hosts meetings, seminars, parties and celebrations. It accommodates 12 to 20 people in conference rooms, and a larger loft space holds 75 to 100 people. But Riall’s favorite room in the building is the speakeasy, with a sliding peephole on the door.

“It’s decorated 1920s style with wood trim everywhere and photos on the walls that reflect Louisville and the Prohibition era,” said Riall.

The city also has an Urban Bourbon Trail that includes specially designated bars and restaurants that sell and promote bourbon. They vary from historic properties to cosmopolitan “scenes.”

With meeting venues of all descriptions, abundant hotel accommodations and lots to do in off-hours, Louisville has much to offer.

 

Spotlight on Louisville, Kentucky

Location: On the Ohio River at the Kentucky-Indiana border

Access: Louisville International Airport, Interstates 65, 64, 71

Major Meeting Spaces: Kentucky International Convention Center, Kentucky Expo Center, KFC Yum! Center

Hotel Rooms:  17,000+ (3,800 downtown with 2,300 connected by skywalk)

Offsite Venues: Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Kentucky Derby Museum, Fourth Street Live!

Contact Info:

Jennifer Barnett,
Senior VP Convention Development
502-584-2121
www.gotolouisville.com

Dan Dickson

Dan has been a communicator all his professional life, first as an award-winning radio and TV news reporter for two decades and then as a communications director for several non-profits for another decade. He has contributed to The Group Travel Leader Inc. publications since 2007.