The chance to drive your favorite classic through the rolling hills of Kentucky–the land of bourbon, bluegrass, thoroughbred racing and finger-licking-good fried chicken? That’s the whole idea behind our all-new Classic Motorsports Bluegrass Tour.
This brand-new tour proved so popular, in fact, that we had to run two separate waves, with the first wave kicking off on October 8, and the second wave running the following week starting on October 15.
On the first day of our Bluegrass Tour, we welcomed our participants at their home-away-from-home for the week, the historic Boone Tavern Hotel in Berea, Kentucky.
Once everyone had the chance to unpack, settle in and freshen up, we headed to Churchill‘s Honeysuckle Dining and Bourbon House for a bourbon tasting and dinner.
Monday marked the first day of driving on each wave of the tour, starting off from the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and heading towards Bardstown, the historic home of bourbon making.
Once there, tour guests were treated to an inside look at the bourbon-making process at the Heaven Hill Distillery–and the chance to taste a few samples, too.
Then, it was a short stint into downtown Bardstown where we met at the Old Talbott Tavern for lunch. In operation since 1779, the historic tavern has hosted just about everyone, from rough frontiersmen to generals and even a few statesmen.
After that, we stopped for a visit at the Maker’s Mark Distillery, where guests were treated to a tour of the grounds that offered insight into the art and history of bourbon making, plus a tasting before heading back to our home away from home, the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel in Berea.
Tuesday morning of each wave of the tour started out by heading southeast into the Appalachian Mountains, taking in the mountain roads before arriving at the first stop of the day, the Flat Lick Falls Scenic and Recreation Area and the virtually unknown waterfall, Flat Lick Falls.
After that, the tour headed through the Red River Gorge for a private lunch at the Hemlock Lodge at the Natural Bridge State Resort Park, followed by the opportunity to ride the skylift to the top of the Natural Bridge to take in the spectacular views and foliage.
Before heading back into Berea for another fantastic dinner at Churchill‘s Honeysuckle Dining and Bourbon House, tour-goers were treated to the opportunity to drive Route 587, better known as the “Ridge Runner.”
Wednesday on each wave focused on horse country, with tour guests getting a private tour of a stud farm and getting insight into thoroughbred horse racing.
Then, we headed to the Holly Hill Inn for a lunch full of sophisticated takes on Southern favorites. Owner Ouita Michel is a multi-time James Beard Award nominee.
After lunch, our guests got to partake in one of our favorite Classic Motorsport Road Tour activities, exploring a private automotive collection. This collection belongs to Tom Jones, chair of the Keeneland Concours d’Elegance.
To cap off the day, we let the tour participants choose their own adventure for the afternoon and dinner.
Thursday on each wave of the tour marked the last full day of driving before parting ways–but that didn’t mean we kept the festivities light.
The first leg of the day’s travels offered tour guests a lovely drive through the local scenery on their way to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Visitors Center, home of the 68-foot tall, 125-foot wide Cumberland Falls.
After taking in the splendor, we headed into the town of Corbin to dine at the original Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant location, the Harland Sander’s Café and museum. In addition to a delicious lunch of famous fried chicken, participants also got to learn about the history of KFC and Colonel Sanders.
Then it was back to Historic Boone Tavern Hotel for a chance to clean up before a final dinner and a live show at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
The following Friday morning, Bluegrass Tour participants enjoyed one final breakfast at the Boone Tavern before going their separate ways.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our first-ever Classic Motorsports Road Tours Bluegrass Tour!
If this tour looks like a great time to you, consider joining us on the 2024 Bluegrass Tour.