The Best Places to Stay in Bourbon Country : AirBnBs

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Spiral staircases lead you to views of charming Downtown Danville at “The Danville Loft”.

The Danville Loft | Danville, KY: Big things are happening in the little town of Danville, Kentucky. This Air BnB loft overlooks the downtown area with soaring ceilings, a spiral staircase, and a rooftop terrace for a night cap. Danville’s Wilderness Trail Distillery recently released their first bottled-in-bond Bourbon Whiskey, and is must-see for Bourbon nerds wanting to meet the masterminds behind Ferm Solutions. Bourbon bars and restaurants like Jane Barleycorn’s and Plank on Main make your stay all the more delicious.

Old Carter Clubhouse | Lexington, KY: You’ll be distracted before you can even unpack here, as this Air BnB sits atop Justin’s House of Bourbon, a vintage liquor shop with the largest collection of Bourbon for sale in the world! Stop in to stare at bottles from pre-Prohibition or stock up on today’s favorites like Weller and Woodford Reserve. You can also sample rare bottles like Jefferson’s Presidential Select 18-Year and Old Fitzgerald Prime from 1960. Pay attention to the artwork in the shop – cause when you finally head upstairs, you’ll see the same artist (Sherri Carter of Old Carter Rye) showcased in the bedrooms. The plush loft sleeps six, and in three bedrooms with down blankets, thick rugs, and hardwood floors, you’re sure to be rested enough to explore Lexington the next day.

A Girl Scout cookie and Bourbon pairing greets you at Bourbon Bourbon Bourbon.

Bourbon Bourbon Bourbon! | Lexington, KY: Aptly named for it’s thematic focus, this modern townhome is for the self-proclaimed “Bourbon Nerd.” There are multiple galleries featuring vintage Bourbon ads, framed covers of The Bourbon Review, limited edition posters from local Bourbon events, portraits of famous Kentuckians, and an impressive display of collectible Maker’s Mark bottles (display only, under lock & key). Upon entrance, you’ll be greeted with a box of Girl Scout Cookies. Try a pairing with one of the rare Bourbons you scored at the nearby Justin’s House of Bourbon!

Nestled 1 block from the Jefferson Street retail corridor, this might be Lexington’s most walkable neighborhood. A chalkboard wall features a map of walkable attractions, including 4 of America’s Best Bourbon Bars, Bluegrass Distillers, West 6th Brewery & County Club Barbeque. Want to stretch your legs and take in the scenic bluegrass? Just hop on the Legacy Trail, a 10-mile run/walk/bike greenway connecting downtown Lexington with the Kentucky Horse Park.

NuLu Bourbon Loft | Louisville, KY: Sleep like Pappy Van Winkle in this gorgeous Louisville loft. A mural of the Pappy motto adorns the exposed brick wall, reading “Asleep Many Years in the Wood,” while Bourbon barrel barstools, shelving, and more decorate the space. Pick up your passport for the Urban Bourbon Trail and start exploring Louisville. We suggest start with a cocktail the Pendennis Club, where they’re said to have invented the Old Fashioned, or the nearby Down One Bourbon Bar!

NuLu Bourbon Retreat | Louisville, KY: Another striking piece of wall art greets guests of The Bourbon Retreat – paneling made entirely from Barrel Staves. This modern and open space is not only gorgeously photogenic, but an immersive experience in Bourbon. Curl up with one of the Bourbon books from the shelf on luxurious leather chairs, or head out to NuLu’s newest distillery, the architecturally astonishing Rabbit Hole, for tours, tastings, and a view of the city that you don’t want to miss.

Kentucky, Bourbon, and Horses | Frankfort, KY: Located just 300 yards from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, this charming Air BnB has everything you need for a weekend of Bourbon tasting. Sip your whiskey neat on the leather couches before you head downtown for a dinner at Proof on Main. Frankfort is 30 minutes from both Lexington and Louisville – a great spot to stay if you want to see as many
distilleries as possible.

Bed and Bourbon has just enough of both for Bourbon travelers in Louisville.

Bed and Bourbon | Louisville, KY: Hardwood floors, four post beds, and an owner who holds the title of Certified Executive Bourbon Steward makes this downtown Louisville spot a “can’t miss.” Call up the owner to schedule your hour-long tasting at any price point you choose, then take a ten-minute walk to the Silver Dollar or Bourbon’s Bistro. Have a little too much fun on your Bourbon travels? Steam out your sins in the en-suite sauna.

Arch Hill | Louisville, KY: These comfortable rooms in a stately private horse country home are only miles from Churchill Downs. Overlooking a gorgeous pool and deck, this suite is loaded with clocks, checkerboards, coat-hooks, and more are all constructed from barrel staves and heads. Head to Jim Beam to see the American Stillhouse, tour Jeptha Creed and learn about their commitment to crafting from grain to glass, or hike in Bernheim Forest. When you return to Arch Hill, take a stroll through the grape vineyard and relax on the covered patio while you sip your favorite spirit.

Bourbon Barrel Loft | Bardstown, KY: Bardstown means Bourbon, and this cozy loft keeps you right downtown. We were lucky enough to stay while “researching” for an article on Bourbon Bachelor Parties, and made ourselves at home amongst the exposed brick and beams that give away its roots as a former barrel rickhouse. Sleep where the barrels once did, then wake up to head to the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History before touring Willet and many more.

Urban Loft Downtown | Shelbyville, KY: Between Frankfort and Louisville lies the little town of Shelbyville, Kentucky, and an Air BnB that looks straight out of Manhattan. With floor to ceiling arched windows, exposed brick and beams, and a shower to put any on the list to shame, this 5000 square foot loft sleeps sixteen of your closest friends – or any friends who want to be in the heart of Bourbon Country. Message your hosts in advance for help setting up private tours and transportation to any of the many nearby distilleries.

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Caroline Paulus
Caroline Paulus is the Senior Editor for The Bourbon Review. She lives and writes in Lexington, Kentucky. Follow her on Instagram @misswhiskeyhistorian to keep up with her latest in bourbon news - and a few old finds, too.