Southern Indiana and Louisville Kentucky are only one mile apart from each other which makes for the perfect weekend getaway where you can visit not one but two states (technically!) Both areas have lots of restaurants, sightseeing, outdoor activities, distilleries, and more! Regardless of what season you plan to visit, you will find lots to do!
Where to Stay
Staying at Hotel Genevieve is one of the best options and not only because of its endless amenities and spacious room, but also because it’s located in the middle of everything. They have a cute yellow market which is a perfect spot for a photo opp, rooftop bar/restaurant with incredible views of the city, speakeasy that is super intimate and so much more. You will not be disappointed with your stay here during your visit.
Where To Eat
Both Southern Indiana and Louisville have a big variety of dining options. Whether you are looking for something quick and casual, or something little bit more formal, or a specific ambiance, there is plenty to pick from. Not one place disappointed us and we loved how all the options were different from one another.
Breakfast AF- If you are a breakfast lover like we are, this spot is not to be missed. We were so impressed with the quality of the food and its presentation. They have a quirky, spacious patio in the back which allows everyone to comfortably eat here. Highly recommend the French toast!
The 1894 Lodge- Located in a secluded area, this restaurant has a very cozy vibe with an extensive menu. The service is top notch, and the staff makes you feel like their neighbor. We were quite impressed with their steaks and Justin’s Mahi Mahi.
Le Relais- I cannot say I ever dined in a sophisticated vibe with private planes taking off as I was sipping my wine. I highly recommend sitting outside if the weather allows, especially around sunset. The food was exceptional and everything on the menu looked delicious.
The Café- now here (whether you are hungry or not) you HAVE to order “Mary Got Boojie’d. It is a one-of-a-kind Bloody Mary that also comes with variety of comfort food flavors. Since it is a lot of food, I do suggest you either come extra hungry or you have one or two people help you!
Red Yeti- Serving classic pub fare and lots of craft beers, Red Yeti was our final stop before heading home and it was just what we needed! We were so impressed with the presentation and how colorful all the food was. We almost felt bad eating it, because it looked so nice and tasted even better than it looked!
Where to Grab a Drink?
Even though we enjoy breweries and wineries, lately we have been on a hunt for something that is not advertised as much and could potentially require extra research to find it. Speakeasies are just that and this trip did not disappoint with having plenty of them!
Pin + Proof – Located in Omni Hotel, sits this awesome lounge like spot where you can order a unique cocktail AND go bowling as well. We loved the Prohibition era décor and the ambiance that came with it. Recommend getting here before the night gets started since it may get a little crowded.
Holy Grale- If you are looking for a cider or beer that you may not necessarily find at your local liquor store, then coming here will satisfy that. Located in a former 1905 church, with a big outdoor beer garden, Holy Grale serves plenty of beverages from around the world. They also serve food which is perfectly paired with the diverse beer selections.
Tartan House- Just by looking at this place from outside, you may ask yourself “is this someone’s actual house?”. It may look like it but inside is a whiskey lounge with specializes in their house cocktails. There is limited seating so we suggest coming here during the week or at earlier hours so you can enjoy this vibe and the deliciousness they serve.
Rabbit Hole- Louisville, being home to lots of distilleries, you will not have a problem finding a place to grab a drink at. A lot of these distilleries have bars that are open to the public, like Rabbit Hole. We enjoyed the cocktails served, with the modern bar overlooking the city views.
What to do?
Whether you are visiting during summer or a rainy fall weekend, there is plenty to do no matter what time of the year. We can promise you that regardless of what you are up for, you will not be bored while visiting Louisville and Southern Indiana.
Kentucky Derby Museum- Incredibly interactive museum where you can watch a surround sound movie about “The Greatest Race”, meet the resident thoroughbred mini horses, check out the actual racetrack, and enjoy two floors of exhibits. It was super informative and made us want to come here for the actual Derby weekend!
Local Street Art- As always, we love checking out street art as we explore the city. To our surprise, both Louisville and Southern Indiana have a ton of them. Some of our favorite spots were NoCo Arts & Cultural District, Rabbit Hole Alice in Wonderland Mural and Unified Race Mural.
Falls of the Ohio State park- Perfect spot for history buffs because you can actually find fossils here! You get some of the best views of the river and you can see the exact spot where Lewis and Clark first met and recruited the Corps of Discovery. While here, check out Ashland Park, for some of the best views of Louisville skyline.
Old Louisville Walking Tour- Go on a self-guided tour and check out buildings that were built between 1880-1910. Suggesting starting at St James Court and then just walk around the area where you will want to take a photo of each building. Perfect activity when the weather is nice, and you want to get some steps in.
Charlestown State Park & Rose Island- Who would have thought you could check out an abandoned amusement park? Rose Island, which is located in Charlestown State Park, offers just that and you get to immerse yourself in the past and learn how this big resort used to prosper 100 years ago. We had this park all to ourselves for the most part, so it was nice to enjoy this serene outdoors vibe.
Big Four Bridge and Waterfront Park- Walk or bike through the Big Four Bridge which connects Indiana and Kentucky. You get some of the best views of the Ohio river and all the bridges that cross it.
Midwest continues to surprise us and for all good reasons. Both Southern Indiana and Louisville have so much to offer and should not be missed. Hope this guide lets you experience it your own way!
XoXo
Adri & Kam
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