Kentucky offers queer folks a sample during Bourbon and Belonging

When I tell people I’m a bourbon fan, it’s usually met with a raised eyebrow. The world of bourbon has long been a straight, white, cis-gendered male sphere, and, as a queer woman, I’ve always felt relegated to the sidelines. But events like Bourbon & Belonging, Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, are changing this by providing a safe space for those of us who’ve been historically excluded (the LGBTQ+ community, femmes and POC) to learn about and enjoy all things bourbon. I attended the inaugural event this past October and had a fabulous time.

The event spans six different regions across Kentucky, but I stayed in Bardstown, the world’s bourbon capital, home to 11 distilleries within 16 miles. Dubbed “the most beautiful small town in America,” Bardstown doesn’t have a robust queer nightlife scene like Louisville or Lexington, but makes up for it with its friendly, laid-back vibes. Throughout the weekend, I toured distilleries, enjoyed countless tastings, and stuffed myself with Southern cuisine alongside my fellow queers.

Now more than ever, fostering inclusive and welcoming spaces – especially in red states like Kentucky –  feels necessary and like a joyful act of resistance. If you’re considering attending Bourbon & Belonging in 2025, here are some must-do sights and bites from my boozy weekend in Bardstown.

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Stay at a retro motel or LGBTQ+-owned B&B

The Bardstown Motor Lodge is an LGBTQ+-friendly, restored mid-century motel in the heart of town. With stylish rooms that spill out onto a cozy shared patio with firepits, a pool deck, and a bar, this boutique hotel was the perfect jumping-off point for weekend activities. The temperature of the dreamy pool (complete with plenty of whimsical floaties and retro deck chairs) always seemed just right, no matter the time of day and the firepits provided a gathering spot to meet new people after dark. Next door, you’ll find Toogie’s Table, a historic restaurant serving gourmet takes on regional cuisine in a chic setting.

On the other hand, if you prefer to stay in accommodations that date back to the Civil War, you’ll love the award-winning, LGBTQ+-owned Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast, which offers delightfully quaint accommodations steeped in history. Gay innkeepers Todd Allen and Tyler Horton are veterans of the hospitality industry and passionate about sharing their love of bourbon. 

Do Yoga at Maker’s Mark Distillery

Taking a yoga class at a bourbon distillery was not on my bingo card for 2024, but I’m glad I attended this event – if only for the views. Maker’s Mark Distillery is located on the stunning Star Hill Farm, which provides water and other natural ingredients to the distillery. It’s also a beautiful setting for their yoga classes. I’m so grateful I got to move and stretch my body in a room full of queer folk, before continuing with the afternoon’s bourbon tasting, where we sampled Maker Mark’s finest straight from the barrel.

Visit the Parlor Room

At the Parlor Room, Whitney Ryehas created a women-centric space for people to experience the artistry and history of bourbon. Whether you’re looking to sample rare single barrel pours or rub elbows with Bill Samuels Jr., the former President and Master Storyteller of Maker’s Mark, Rye pairs hard-to-find bourbons with history-focused storytelling for an inclusive experience that feels equal parts boozy and educational. I booked the Weller Experience, which took us through the history of the brand pour-by-pour and concluded with a masterfully smoked Old Fashioned.

Enjoy brisket and grits at James B. Beam Distilling

If you visit James B. Beam Distillery, grab a bite at The Kitchen Table, the onsite restaurant and cocktail bar. I had one of my favorite meals of the year here – unbelievably flaky barbecue brisket and the creamiest grits I’ve ever had – while looking out at the rolling green hills of the Kentucky countryside. I took in their summer concert series where I learned that my appreciation for country music exponentially increases with every bourbon sour I down.

Eat and drink your way through town

Bardstown is all about bourbon, so much so that their food scene doesn’t get enough credit. If you’re in town for Bourbon & Belonging, consider booking a tour with Taste of Bardstown. The tour takes you from the Oscar Getz Whiskey Museum of Bourbon History throughout the historic town with stops for food and drink pairings – including the world’s oldest bourbon bar, Talbott Tavern, and Scout and Scholar Brewing Company, Bardstown’s first craft brewery (just in case you need a break from all the bourbon).

The star, however, is Mr. Tubs, a former laundromat turned bar known for its inventive and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Come for their signature Bourbon Slushies and stay for their Kentucky bourbon fruitcake, handcrafted by Gethsemani Farms, a nearby community of Roman Catholic monks. 

Pretend you’re in a Norman Rockwell painting

You’d be remiss if you didn’t spend time exploring Bardstown’s historic downtown, which feels like an Americana fantasy come to life (or “Norman Rockwell camp” as I like to call it). Step into one of Rockwell’s iconic paintings and enjoy a shake at the 100-year soda fountain in Hurst Discount Drug before shopping the store’s kitschy souvenirs.

Across the street is Cactus Annie’s, a campy boutique selling western wear (think: plenty of bejeweled denim and Dolly Parton merchandise), where I nearly bought another pair of sparkly silver cowboy boots after a few too many bourbon sours.

If it’s Southern fare you’re craving, visit Mammy’s Kitchen, a Swiss army knife of a breakfast spot that doubles as a sports bar and general store. With a large sign that reads “It ain’t food if it ain’t fried,” Mammy’s is a great spot to indulge in Southern classics like biscuits and gravy and chicken-fried steak before a long day of bourbon tastings – just don’t be surprised if your entree comes on two plates.

Book your transportation in advance

Bardstown is located about 45 minutes from the Louisville airport. While Ubers from Louisville can take you to Bardstown, there isn’t a rideshare or taxi service that can take you back to the city. This leaves many tipsy daytrippers stranded in Bardstown. Instead, locals encourage you to book private transportation to and from Louisville. I loved my experience with Cutlass Royal Limousines, which provided an airport transfer and shuttled me around to various events and tastings while being ultra-professional, friendly, and welcoming.

While visiting the Bluegrass State, I learned about the ‘Kentucky hug’ – the warm feeling you get in your upper body when you drink bourbon. However, I’d argue that the real Kentucky ‘hug’ – that feeling of warmth – comes from the people. From the moment I arrived, I felt embraced by the community. It’s proof that through thoughtful intention, events like Bourbon & Belonging can make Southern hospitality accessible to all.

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