Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, one of the best weekend getaways from Chicago, might be known for Kentucky fried chicken, and the Kentucky Derby, but there are actually so many more reasons to put this town on your bucket list. Walk through the bourbon district and sip your way around the many distilleries, from family-run favorite Peerless to well-known giant Evan Williams, or opt for the lighter stuff and get your fill of the bottomless breweries around town, like Chimera Brewing Company, Falls City Beer, Akasha Brewing Company, and more.
Besides drinking, you can catch a thrilling Shakespearean show from the outdoor summer series Kentucky Shakespeare Festival that runs through August 7, meander through Louisville’s vibrant historic Frankfort Avenue, a 2.5-mile stretch of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars, get cultured and visit one of their outstanding museums like Roots 101 African American Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, or seek some serenity at nearby parks The Parkland of Floyd Fork and Cherokee Park.
- Distance from Chicago: 300 miles, 5 hour drive
- Stay: The Pepin Mansion Historic Bed & Breakfast, The Grady Hotel, Louisville Bourbon Inn
