Last Monday I began a glorious adventure along the Bourbon Trail near Lexington, Kentucky. My timing was perfect, the rains had just departed, leaving behind sunny skies and fields of wildflowers. Before I tell you about my journey, take note that a window seat is a must when flying into the Lexington Blue Grass Airport. The views of lush rolling hills, green pastures, horses, church steeples and brightly colored barns are priceless.

My first evening in Lexington, the perfect base for touring the Bourbon Trail, my group and I ate at Dudley’s Restaurant. The building’s history dates back to 1852 when it opened as a school house. After a delicious meal (I had the recommended antelope), we headed to the lovely Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa for a good night’s sleep. Between the plush beds and the chocolates left on my pillow each evening, I was not disappointed. While I didn’t make it to the spa, I did hear it’s fabulous.

Just walking the grounds of Griffin Gate is a treat. The property sits on a former horse farm which explains the historic two-story antebellum mansion next to the hotel. Appropriately, it is called “The Mansion” and is the resort’s four-star restaurant. It has an extraordinary menu as well as a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Don’t be surprised if you feel someone tapping your shoulder and find no one behind you when you turn around, it’s just one The Mansion’s ghosts teasing you.

My first morning in town we began our trek along the Bourbon Trail. The plan was to visit four of the seven bourbon distilleries over two days and to observe the bourbon making in its every stage, just as it has been done for generations. Each distillery tour is free, except Woodford Reserve charges $5 which includes a tasting.  

The drive to the distilleries is mesmerizing with the miles of charcoal black plank fences lining the roads and terrific views of the limestone cliffs of the Kentucky River. Our first stop was the rustic Wild Turkey Distillery where we went on a tour with the knowledgeable Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, a man who has been in the business a long time. Later that day we were greeted by the charming Master Distiller Chris Morris at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark. We toured the distillery and enjoyed an enticing lunch prepared by Chef David Larson who also guided us during our dabble in bourbon pairings (who would think Parmesan and bourbon paired well together?). The most fun was the opportunity to make this year’s Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep. Yummy!

That evening we relaxed with a spectacular dinner at the classy Jonathan at Gratz Park Inn and had the honor of meeting Chef Jonathan Lundy. The next day it was back to the Bourbon Trail. We spent the morning with Master Distiller Jim Rutledge of Four Roses Distillery (the photo of the blooming tree was taken on the grounds). Jim is a wealth of information and, like each distiller I met, has a deep passion for his craft. After an informative morning, we stopped in for a lovely lunch at Serafini’s Restaurant in Frankfort. The restaurant sits right across from the Old State Capitol. Sou Chef Asa Johnson took a few minutes to sit and chat with us for a bit. Asa is a man who is in love with creating the perfect dish and the sweetest part is his father was his inspiration.

After lunch we headed to the beautiful grounds of Buffalo Trace where my group, along with Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley (the youngest of the master distillers), helped the Lexington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau pick out their own bourbon barrel. That was great fun.

We ended our day with with a beautiful Kentucky sunset and bourbon cocktails on the patio of at the charming Holly Hill Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Chef Ouita Michel is a delight and an extremely talented chef. She uses the freshest ingredients possible and favors local produce, making Holly Hill one of the area’s beloved restaurants.