Kentucky · 3 to 5 days · about 120 miles

Kentucky Derby: Louisville and the Bourbon Trail

Derby week downtown, then distillery country.

The Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday in May, and the whole week fills Louisville. Book downtown for the race, then drive the Bourbon Trail through Bardstown and horse country around Lexington.

Official event site: Kentucky Derby official site

Where to stay, night by night

1. Stop 1 · 2 nights

   Louisville, KY

   Grand downtown hotels with Derby-day shuttles.

   Our pick: The Brown Hotel

   Also worth a look: 21c Museum Hotel Louisville

   Boutique inns in LouisvillePrivate homes on Vrbo

2. Stop 2 · 1 night

   Bardstown, KY

   The bourbon capital, with historic inns.

   Our pick: Talbott Tavern

   Boutique inns in BardstownPrivate homes on Vrbo

3. Stop 3 · 1 night

   Lexington, KY

   Horse farms and Keeneland nearby.

   Our pick: The Campbell House

   Boutique inns in LexingtonPrivate homes on Vrbo

When to go

First Saturday in May. Derby rates run 3 to 5 times normal.

Check exact dates and tickets on the Kentucky Derby official site page before you book.

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