Where To See The Best Fall Foliage In The U.S.

Fall is prime vacation time in the United States. The kids are back in school, the weather is no longer swampy, and there’s so much to see and do. But for an extra dose of the season, there’s only one activity that is king — traveling to see the leaves change as summer shifts into fall.

We’ve rounded up the most famous U.S. fall foliage spots (I see you, New England) plus some off-the-beaten-path destinations for the ultimate autumn holiday.

Aspen, Colorado

Those Rocky Mountain highs are especially delightful during the transition from summer to colder weather. And it makes sense that a town named for a lovely tree would shine during the fall season. With its vibrant mountain energy, small-town charm, and beautiful landscape, Aspen is an easy addition to our list. Visit in late September or early October to see the peak color.

There’s a ton to do in the area besides skiing, from hiking to luxuriating in the nearby hot springs to exploring the Aspen Art Museum. For extra enchantment, consider luxe accommodations for your Colorado getaway.

Great River Road, Mississippi River Valley

Another top spot for fall foliage can be found in the upper Midwest along the mighty Mississippi. The river itself forms the border between the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and there’s an especially pretty stretch around Lake Pepin, which is the widest natural part of the river. From Bay City, Wisconsin, down to Nelson, Wisconsin, and from Red Wing, Minnesota, to Wabasha, Minnesota, visitors will delight in the stunning autumnal views. Consider driving all the way around the lake by crossing the bridges in Red Wing and Wabasha. Or, for a bird’s-eye view, venture to Alma, Wisconsin, and its Buena Vista Park Overlook on top of a river bluff.

The area is also home to the Great River Road Wine Trail and fabulous restaurants like Harbor View Café in Pepin, Wisconsin; it is only a short distance from the Twin Cities. Visit in mid to late October for the best leaf-peeping.

Fall foliage in Yosemite National Park. — Luc Stadnik / Shutterstock

San Francisco Area, California

Best experienced in early November, the San Francisco area offers some lovely fall foliage. With Muir Woods, Yosemite, and wine country all close to the city, there are endless ways to customize your visit. And if you choose to visit Sonoma or Napa, early November is usually just past the peak tourist season. Why not pair the enchanting fall leaves with an earthy cab and a hike through a national park?

The city of San Francisco itself is home to many beautiful parks perfect for leaf-peeping. And with its unbelievable culinary scene, San Francisco is a great choice for foodies looking to enjoy some fall foliage.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

It’s no surprise that New England makes an appearance on our list of best fall foliage destinations. The state of Massachusetts offers plenty of beautiful places to see the leaves turn, but the Berkshires are truly special. The area is less bustling in the fall than it is in the summer, but there’s still so much to do. With its famous food and unique shopping, the region provides a perfect base for autumn exploring. Plus, it’s home to the highest peak in the state, Mount Greylock, for fantastic views of all the changing trees. Visit in early to mid-October to experience peak foliage.

Fall foliage in Acadia National Park, Maine. — flashbacknyc / Shutterstock

Mid-Coast Region, Maine

Often overlooked in favor of Acadia National Park or Portland, the Mid-Coast region of Maine — which winds up the coast from Bath, Maine, to Searsport, Maine — is a winner in the fall. It’s the hidden gem of New England foliage routes. It’s a harder-to-reach destination because you can’t fly into it, but it’s worth the hassle to make the coastal drive during autumn. With its scenic seascapes, towering lighthouses, and quaint small towns, Maine’s Mid Coast provides an enchanting fall foliage experience.

Consider spending time in nearby Portland or Acadia on your trip. Late September to mid-October is the best time to see the leaves change in this region.

Brown County, Indiana

Early November is the best time to check out this central Indiana location. Brown County is home to Brown County State Park, which is the perfect spot for viewing fall foliage. For maximum convenience, the area offers a Leaf Cam that updates every 15 minutes so that visitors can scope out the scene beforehand. The variety of trees results in spectacular color; you’ll see oak, hickory, poplar, birch, dogwood, and maple trees.

Brown County is also very near Indiana University’s pretty main campus in Bloomington, a walkable spot to enjoy the fall leaves.

Fall foliage in Texas's Hill Country. — Richard A McMillin / Shutterstock

Texas Hill Country

This 14,000-square-mile section of Texas boasts beautiful colors during the fall season. The whole area is lovely, but if you have limited time, plan to check out Lost Maples State Natural Area. With its huge maple trees and options for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities, Lost Maples is hard to beat. Plus, since the Texas Hill Country is considered to be where the Southeast transitions to the Southwest, you can experience two distinct types of foliage on the same trip.

With its central location in the Southern U.S., the Texas Hill Country is best experienced in early to mid-November. If you have extra time in the area, consider a visit to the thriving nearby cities of Austin and San Antonio.

Bennington County, Vermont

Another New England stunner, Bennington County, is home to five of Vermont’s famous covered bridges, as well as trees that truly shine in autumn. As Vermont’s oldest county, Bennington offers plenty of historical attractions, too. All five of its bridges are on the National Register of Historic Places. This area and its scenic rolling hills make an ideal backdrop for fall exploration. Visitors can drive to the covered bridges on stunning byways or hike in the area’s state parks and natural areas. Bennington (the town, not the county), Vermont, is also very near the Green Mountain National Forest. Southwestern Vermont is adjacent to the New York state border and close to western Massachusetts as well.

Fall foliage near Traverse City, Michigan. — Gary Richard Ennis / Shutterstock

Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan

This “little finger” of the glove of Michigan extends into Lake Michigan. With pretty water views from both Lake Leelanau and the Great Lake, the area is perfect for fall foliage viewing. It’s best to drive the M-22 route to experience the beauty of the season. Leelanau is a popular summer destination — it’s sometimes called the Cape Cod of the Midwest — but it’s refreshingly less busy once the weather cools down. Consider a trip between mid-September and mid-October for peak color.

Traverse City, Michigan, is very near the peninsula, and offers lots of fun wineries; be sure to sample the region’s famous cherries as well.

Adirondack Region, New York

With one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country, this northeastern New York gem deserves a look. The Adirondack Mountains are enclosed within the Adirondack Forest Preserve, the oldest conservation site of its kind in the country. There are more than 6 million acres to explore, and more than half of them consist of hardwood forests that are drop-dead gorgeous in the fall. The area offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing, fishing, birding, and more. Aim to visit in late September or early October for peak color.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Oregon’s wine region has more to offer than grapes. It’s home to the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, which allows visitors to enjoy the fall foliage while getting their exercise in. Oaks, cottonwoods, and covered bridges make this an especially lovely destination. Plus, it’s near the hipster mecca of Portland, Oregon, which offers a large airport for travelers’ ease. You’ll most likely experience peak fall color during a late-October visit.

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

In the shadow of the more well-known Wisconsin resort areas of Lake Geneva and Door County is the stunning Elkhart Lake. Just an hour’s drive from Milwaukee, this lovely lake is perfect for a fall foliage getaway, since it’s smack dab in the middle of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. There’s even an 80-foot observation tower at the nearby Marsh Park that helps visitors experience the beautiful leaves from up above. You’ll fall in love with this hidden gem!

Besides these amazing spots, there are many more exceptional leaf-peeping locations in the U.S. What are some of your favorites?

Want to enjoy more fall wonder? Take one of these stunning autumn road trips. Or, for a breakdown of peak fall color by state, read our helpful article.

The Culinary Tradition Behind Chapulines: Oaxaca’s Fried Grasshoppers

One of the pleasures of traveling in Mexico is exploring local foods, and Oaxaca City, located in southern Mexico, is a top culinary destination known for its sweet mole sauces, smoky mescals (a close cousin of tequila) and savory chapulines — known to most of us as grasshoppers. Yep, grasshoppers.

Chock-full of protein, chapulines have been a menu staple in Oaxaca for at least five millennia. Conveniently, chapulines love hanging out among Mexico’s principal crops — squash, corn, and beans — and before Spanish colonizers introduced domesticated animals to Mexico in the 16th century, chapulines served as a primary source of protein for people in the region.

Chapulines from Oaxaca, Mexico. — Marcos Castillo / Shutterstock

Of course, the question on most people’s minds is What do these grasshoppers taste like? On their own, chapulines are pretty bland. However, once they are toasted or fried and seasoned with garlic, salt, lemon, and a little chili, they take on a yeasty, salty tang and have a distinctive crunch.

Zagat writer Danya Henninger described her first few bites of a chapuline taco as “tasty and interesting — think the crunch of fried chicken skin and the taste of mushrooms mixed with shrimp.” The bad news according to Henninger? “They get stuck in your teeth”

According to the Phoenix New Times, “Chapulines taste almost like salt and vinegar potato chips, but a bit wetter. There’s a satisfying crunch from the exoskeleton throughout, with a bit of tangy softness at the abdomen.”

While taco filling is a popular use for chapulines, they are also commonly served on their own as a street food or as a bar snack to go with mescal or cerveza. You’ll also find chapulines atop tlayudas, a Oaxacan pizza-style dish. Smaller chapulines are generally considered culinarily superior and are less likely to present the formerly mentioned texture issues.

Chapulines are harvested during Oaxaca’s rainy season, which runs May through October, and a good place to find them fresh is at Oaxaca’s Benito Juarez market or the Mercado 20 de Noviembre market, where indigenous women sell them by the scoopful out of giant baskets.

Oaxacans are not the only ones who appreciate the economical and nutritious grasshopper. Chapulines are easy to find in around Mexico City. In the U.S., chapulines are on the menu at a number of Los Angeles restaurants, including the popular Oaxacan restaurant Guelaguetza. At Mariner’s baseball games in Seattle, the local Poquitos restaurant serves up chapulines as a ballpark snack option. Grasshoppers also show up as a snack and garnish in both Thailand and Uganda.

Chapulines for sale in Oaxaca, Mexico. — Angela Ostafichuk / Shutterstock

For anyone who is still not convinced that grasshoppers are worth a try, perhaps a little science will help. According to the Biology Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico chapulines are strongly recommended for their high A, B, and C vitamin content. They are also rich in fiber, magnesium, calcium, and zinc — and don’t forget that highly digestible protein content. Chapulines are over 62 percent protein, out of which nearly 90 percent is digestible. And entomophagy — the eating of insects — is often touted as a sustainable solution to nutritiously feeding the planet in the face of our ever-expanding population.

In other words, a handful of chapulines is good for you and good for the planet, so embrace the crunch!

Fascinated by seemingly strange eats from around the world? Read about one traveler’s experience going mad for mopane worms: Zimbabwe’s most fascinating food experience.

Meet The Isle Of Mainau: Germany’s Enchanting Flower Island

There’s no shortage of beauty on the Isle of Mainau in southern Germany. To your left, you might find a sea of vibrant tulips; to your right, gigantic trees. All around you, the sweet scent of fresh flowers perfumes the air.

The Isle of Mainau is nestled on Lake Constance in southernmost Germany. The lake borders Switzerland and Austria.

The island has something for everyone — interesting history, ethereal foliage, and establishments that serve traditional German food. That the Swiss Alps are nearby is a plus, but they pale in comparison to this island — a botanical garden that seems straight out of a daydream.

The gardens on the Isle of Mainau. — Mario Krpan / Shutterstock

The History Behind The Beauty

The recorded history of the Isle of Mainau dates back to as early as 15 B.C., when historians believe the island operated as a naval base for the Romans.

Gardens began sprouting up in the early 19th century when Hungarian Prince Esterhazy brought in trees and exotic plants. In the mid-1800s, Grand Duke Fredrick I of Baden commenced the long process of transforming the island into a flower paradise.

The island has been a work in progress since then. Countess Bettina Bernadotte and Count Bjorn Bernadotte — descendants of the grand duke — maintain Mainau today.

Guests admire the flowers on the Isle of Mainau. — Polina LVT / Shutterstock

A Day At The Island

Whether it’s June or January, something almost otherworldly is in full bloom on the island.

Mainau has dozens of flower gardens with dahlias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, roses, peonies, lilies, and more. The gardeners go all out to create kaleidoscopes of flowers — in April, one million flowers of every color imaginable are in bloom. Can you smell the flowers, or is it just us?

The collection of trees on Mainau is as impressive as its varieties of flowers. The arboretum on the island has 250 types of trees, including 50 sequoias and redwoods. After exploring the gardens, stroll through the second-largest butterfly house in Germany, where you can spot 120 species from around the world.

Inside Restaurant Comturey on the Isle of Mainau. — Isle of Mainau

When you’re ready for a nice meal, there are a handful of options to choose from. Restaurant Comturey is known for food native to southern Germany. Schwedenschenke, as the name implies, serves Swedish-style cuisine. If you’re looking to soak in the best views of the lake, look no further than Rothaus-Seeterrassen. If none of those are making your taste buds tingle, don’t worry — there are cafes, bistros, bakeries, and even a beer garden where you can refuel before you continue your adventure through the botanical garden.

The flowers are certainly something to behold, and the events and festivals are, too! The island hosts a variety of unique events every year. For example, you can attend a traditional Swedish Midsummer Festival with music, dance, and food every June. Before you go, make sure to scope out the list of events for more information.

A giant flower peacock on the Isle of Mainau. — Preisler / Shutterstock

Know Before You Go

The flower island is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and visitors have several options when it comes to accessing the island. Mainau is connected to the mainland by a pedestrian bridge. If you want to drive, you can park your car, walk over the bridge, and end up right on the island. You can also access Mainau by bus or boat.

There are two tourist seasons on the island: spring to fall and fall to spring. March to October is the busy season with admission priced at 21.50 euros for adults. From October to March, tickets are 10.50 euros for adults. If you don’t mind the crowds and price, spring to fall is arguably the best time to visit. Fall to spring is inexpensive, but you might miss some of the most exquisite flowers.

A bronze sculpture on the Isle of Mainau. — toriru / Shutterstock

There’s enough to explore on the flower island to fill up a day, but if you prefer to spend part of your day exploring the rest of Lake Constance, consider going on a group tour of the Isle of Mainau. You’ll learn about the rich history of the island in under two hours. After, make the most out of your day at the lake by visiting Meersburg Castle, the Stilthouse Museum, and Lindau Harbor.

Since the ever-so-lovely Lake Constance borders Switzerland and Austria, it’s a great stepping stone if you’re traveling south. If you plan to visit Switzerland, don’t miss our insider tips on how to spend a day in Bern.

The Best Local Cuisine In Byron Bay, Australia

Not only is Australia’s most easterly point known for its surf breaks, beautiful beaches, and iconic lighthouse, but it’s also known for its terrific local cuisine. As a coastal area with an incredible amount of natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Byron Bay attracts an eco-conscious community focused on creating and supporting a sustainable food culture.

With the area’s history of farming, many eateries prioritize sourcing locally grown foods like avocados, bananas, macadamia nuts, cheese, herbs, honey, pumpkins, and more. Not only that, but Byron Bay’s restaurants aim to offer only the best and healthiest options. They are committed to using free-range animals and the freshest ingredients possible and avoiding pesticides, preservatives, and additives.

This doesn’t take away from the taste, however. If anything, it ensures the quality and flavor of the fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy served throughout the town.

With their delicious local produce, commitment to quality, and striking beach backdrop, these restaurants are the best places to savor local cuisine in Byron Bay.

Manna Haven

This award-winning café, rated the number-one restaurant in Byron Bay, specializes in healthy vegetarian dishes for the body and soul.

Located in the heart of town, Manna Haven is a convenient and beautiful space to munch on wholesome, plant-based meals. It prides itself on its locally sourced ingredients and variety of vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. Crowd favorites on the menu include the vegan lasagna, lentil dahl, tofu curry, and cashew-based cheesecake.

From the atmosphere to the friendly service and top-notch local cuisine, Manna Haven truly deserves its laurels.

Bayleaf Café

Large windows line the front of Bayleaf Café, inviting the sea breeze, passersby, and seasoned foodies inside. This lively café is both a local and tourist hot spot.

Snatch an outdoor table and soak in the early morning sunlight with a house-roasted coffee in hand. The innovative drinks, including a coconut-infused iced coffee made from the café’s own coffee beans, are a highlight, and Bayleaf is considered one of the best coffee spots in Byron Bay.

The brick building full of wooden tables, counters, and chairs is more than just aesthetically pleasing. Bayleaf supports artists, the local community, and provides well-rounded dishes to its patrons. The restaurant gets its avocados from Avocado Tom, its free-range and sustainable meat from the Farm Gate Providore, its fresh loaves of bread from The Bread Social, and its local fish from the Bay Seafood Market.

The free-range eggs are delicious poached, scrambled, or fried. Be sure to save room for the coconut porridge with seasonal fruit, a few slices of paleo bread, or the house-made granola. In the afternoon, opt for the tangy ceviche, crispy salad, or bowl of roasted veggies. The menu is seasonal and changes every few months based on availability.

Food from Byron Fresh Cafe. — Byron Fresh Café

Byron Fresh Café

Situated on the town’s main street, Byron Fresh Café is the perfect place to get your fill of fresh food. It’s not called Byron Fresh for nothing! In line with the establishment’s name, the chef aims to use less salt, white flour, and even refined sugar in each dish.

The café prides itself on supporting not only local farmers and suppliers, but also the customers who walk through the front doors. Every visitor can expect healthy, wholesome options that use organic and natural ingredients from the surrounding land.

Some of the standouts on the menu include locally caught fish, Nimbin rice and Brie, and Byron Bay cheeses and veggies. The scrumptious fish and chips are battered using local Stone & Wood beer. Don’t miss the zucchini hotcakes topped with spinach, feta, and avocado and the gluten-free and vegetarian salads.

Byron Bay Brewery

Just a short drive from the center of town, Byron Bay Brewery is known for its unique seasonal and craft brews.

Upon entering the brewery, you’ll be greeted with tall ceilings, casual wooden furniture, and an open-air garden in the back. While working your way through the locally sourced fries, burgers, and wings, you can view the brewing tanks and equipment behind a large glass wall.

Byron Bay Brewery beers — from the pale lager and pale ale to the red lager and India pale lager — are all brewed on-site, and each has its own distinct aroma and flavor. You’ll generally find eight brews on tap: six staples and one or two seasonal options.

There are also free brewery tours on which you can learn how the refreshing brews are made.

Three Blue Ducks

Three Blue Ducks is located at The Farm, an 80-acre active farm that houses a variety of microbusinesses dedicated to the mission to grow, feed, and educate. The Farm aims to improve health and support the local environment by growing much of the produce that’s served at Three Blue Ducks. This includes vegetables, eggs from free-range chickens, and meat from the farm’s pigs and cattle. What doesn’t come from The Farm comes from other Australian farms from Queensland to Port Macquarie.

The menu at Three Blue Ducks changes in accordance with what fruits and vegetables are available at the time. However, there are always delicious freshly baked goods, including sourdough loaves plated with a generous serving of hand-made salted butter. The menu also features burrata, venison tataki with macadamia miso, and Kinkawooka mussels with Nimbin rice doused in a flavorful yellow curry.

If this doesn’t make you want to drop everything and drive to Byron Bay this minute, you may be tempted by the wood-fired pizza; 56 beers, wines, and ciders on tap; and the vast outdoor terrace under patio lights.

Fishheads

There’s something special about enjoying locally sourced seafood oceanside. From the outdoor deck at Fishheads, you can see Byron Bay’s Main Beach and all of the characters — surfers, hippies, and families — enjoying its delightful waves.

Battered fish and chips, which you can enjoy in the restaurant or to go, are a favorite at Fishheads. The oysters are a hit, too, and you can down them plain, Kilpatrick-style, with soy sauce, or Bloody Mary-style. If you decide to go all out, order the seafood platter with king prawns (shrimp), local bugs (similar to lobster), soft-shell crab, squid, salmon, mussels, and oysters. That way, you’ll get a taste of everything the local bay has to offer.

Combi

One of the cutest places in Byron Bay to get your breakfast fix is Combi. Somehow, its pink coffee counter, blue-and-white patio chairs, and leafy plants make each meal even more enjoyable.

The delicious menu features raw, wholesome, and local produce. Start the day with an organic pressed juice with passionfruit, turmeric, and beetroot. For something a bit heavier, enjoy a superfood smoothie with raw and organic ingredients like tropical mangos and bananas plus a spoonful of chocolate fermented protein.

The bircher muesli sweetened with organic honey yogurt or the perfectly blended Acai bowl topped with fresh fruit are also great choices. The veggie burgers, zucchini spaghetti, and raw pizza (with cashew sauce and raw veggies on an almond, sunflower, and flaxseed base) are to die for.

Roadhouse

While it’s a little far from central Byron Bay, Roadhouse is worth the short drive. Its rustic ambiance makes you feel like you’ve found a hideaway. This doesn’t mean that the restaurant doesn’t get its fair share of customers, though: It can get quite crowded, so if you’re venturing out during mealtime, be sure to make a reservation.

Roadhouse is best known for its innovative day and evening drinks. Wake up in the morning with a cold drip coffee, cold brew, or brew shake (made with MCT oil, almond milk, and topped with cinnamon). Or, as the sun sets, sip an organic sauvignon blanc, kombucha, or gin cocktail.

The pizzas — which are wood-fired, hand-stretched, and topped with veggies — are a must. All of the pork, mushrooms, fish, and more are sourced from local producers.

Planning a trip to Brisbane? Don’t miss the city’s best restaurants.

Warner Brothers’ Abandoned Animal Park: The Story Of Jungle Habitat

Just over 40 years ago, families and animal enthusiasts would flock to West Milford, New Jersey, tune into W-I-L-D 640, and get up close and personal with animals from all over the world, right from the comfort of their own cars.

Jungle Habitat was a truly unique take on a zoological experience. Some 1,500 animals roamed over 928 acres of rural New Jersey, delighting visitors from 1972 to 1976. Jungle Habitat housed 70 different species from all corners of the world. Their setup provided patrons with the thrilling opportunity to experience these animals in a safari-like setting, where they drove into the enclosures instead of marveling at the creatures from afar.

Now, Jungle Habitat is a fond memory captured in fading pictures and the anecdotes of those who were fortunate enough to experience the short-lived park firsthand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFdM6hJzTO8

The Jungle Habitat Controversy

Jungle Habitat’s parent company, Warner Brothers, had its fair share of controversies during the four years that the park was operational. There were rumors of animal escapes, and in one instance a patron was seriously hurt while roughhousing with a lion cub through his window.

Security risks and the ethical implications of housing animals outdoors during the frigid New Jersey winters also fueled criticism, especially in the park’s later years. After the park’s closure, the frozen remains of several animals were located on the premises, which fueled urban legends about hauntings and illegal poaching sprees.

The old entrance to the Jungle Habitat. — West Milford Jungle Habitat

While it’s true that Jungle Habitat’s attendance did drop off substantially in its later years, it’s speculated that the real reason the park shut its gates for good was a dispute between Warner Brothers and the citizens of West Milford. A proposed expansion of the park ruffled feathers in the local community, whose citizens were already tired of the traffic and animal escape rumors.

An old photo of Jungle Habitat. — West Milford Jungle Habitat

In October of 1976, Jungle Habitat shut down for good, most of the animals were rehomed, and native New Jersey flora and fauna took over what was left of the abandoned park.

Broken down buildings in the Jungle Habitat. — West Milford Jungle Habitat

Visiting Jungle Habitat Today

Today, you won’t hear the roar of a lion or catch the eye of an ostrich at what was Jungle Habitat, but you can certainly trek on the premises. The land is now a state park that is well known for its miles of hiking trails. The paved parking lots of the park are now part of excellent bike paths, and you might even encounter some of the forgotten relics and old structures from the ’70s animal park.

An old fence at the Jungle Habitat. — West Milford Jungle Habitat

The state park is mountainous, so the terrain can be a little steep and challenging. Wear comfortable hiking boots or sturdy sneakers and apply plenty of SPF. Although the more exotic creatures are gone, plenty of birds still call the old Jungle Habitat home, making this particular patch of New Jersey a must-visit for bird-watchers.

Old park sign from the Jungle Habitat. — West Milford Jungle Habitat

Jungle Habitat state park is located at 190 Airport Road in West Milford, New Jersey, and is open year-round for outdoor enthusiasts who want to have a new kind of wild adventure at the site of the old Jungle Habitat.

Fascinated by Jungle Habitat? Read up on Disney World’s abandoned island: the story behind Discovery Island or — if you’re feeling especially adventurous — learn how to visit Hirta, the remote Scottish ghost island (which is also home to an adorable but endangered breed of primitive sheep).

9 Fantastic Kentucky Distilleries To Visit

Kentucky may be known for horse racing and bluegrass, but its impressive roster of distilleries — 73 to be exact — is one of the main reasons travelers flock to the state. Its geography makes the state perfect for bourbon production as it’s situated atop blue limestone deposits that naturally filter hard iron and add the sweet taste of calcium and magnesium to Kentucky water. Put simply, Kentucky tap water is good. And so is the state’s bourbon.

That’s why Kentucky produces and ages nearly 95 percent of the world’s bourbon whiskey.

Pair mineral-rich grounds with multi-generational distilleries, and it’s obvious Kentucky’s the best place to go bourbon tasting. But it’s hard to fit 73 distilleries into a one-day or weekend trip. So which are the best Kentucky distilleries to visit? Here are our top nine.

Whiskey from the Woodford Reserve distillery. — Arne Beruldsen / Shutterstock

1. Woodford Reserve In Versailles

It’s hard to think of Kentucky distilleries without thinking of arguably the granddaddy of them all, Woodford Reserve. This scenic distillery, situated in the bluegrass hills of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, is located on the state’s oldest distilling site, which dates back to 1812. The distillery includes a 500-foot-long gravity-fed barrel run along with copper pot stills and cypress wood fermenters.

Woodford Reserves offers a variety of interactive and educational tours in its Versailles distillery, which is right outside Lexington. These take place seven days a week (except Sundays in January and February). The tours vary in length and focus but include the traditional one-hour distillery tour, which dives into the history and creation of bourbon, and a two-hour bourbon legacy tour that goes deeper into the history of the site and the background of bourbon. Tours conclude with a tasting in the visitors center.

2. Maker’s Mark Distillery In Loretto

Maker’s Mark is another Kentucky favorite that, like many, puts the focus on family. It started in 1953 when Bill Samuels, Sr. embarked on a mission to create a bourbon his friends and family would enjoy. He experimented and experimented before finding the perfect recipe. Cofounder Margie Samuels developed the distillery’s signature branding — hand dipping those first bottles using a home fryer to melt the wax.

Today, visitors can enjoy a number of traditional and unique seasonal tours at the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, which is about an hour from Lexington. The one-hour general distillery tour teaches guests about Maker’s Mark’s history and distilling process. This tour is available year-round. Maker’s Mark’s seasonal experiences include a two-hour heritage tour — offered in September — that goes more in-depth on the Maker’s Mark legacy with expert insight from Bill Samuels, Jr. himself. The Maker’s Mark immersion tour — offered in September, November, and December — focuses more on the distilling process. You can also enjoy an on-site Cocktail 101 course in September and October. These seasonal tours (and more!) all include tastings.

The Jim Beam American Stillhouse distillery. — Irina Mos / Shutterstock

3. Jim Beam In Clermont

Known as the birthplace of bourbon, Jim Beam is a can’t-miss stop on a Kentucky distillery visit. The Beam family has been crafting bourbon since 1795 with an approach the family’s proud of: aging the bourbon twice as long as the law requires.

Jim Beam operates two places where you can learn about its bourbon history and distilling operations. There’s the original Jim Beam site, the American Stillhouse in Clermont, and the Urban Stillhouse in downtown Louisville. The American Stillhouse offers 90-minute tours throughout the year; visitors can walk in the footsteps of the Beam family while learning the history and technique behind their bourbon, sampling the beloved drink at the end. Longer tours, including a two-hour Behind the Beam tour, are available intermittently throughout the year.

Those who don’t have time to visit Clermont’s main facilities can stop by the Urban Distillery in Louisville, which has a small working distillery and bottling line — plus tastings and classes — onsite.

4. Angel’s Envy In Louisville

Angel’s Envy rose to popularity thanks to its small-distillery approach; the makers personally taste whiskey from every barrel at each step in the aging process to guarantee it meets their standards, then finish each whiskey in a barrel they’ve picked by hand. The distillery has 200 years of bourbon history, which guests can learn about during an immersive tour in Angel’s Envy’s Louisville facilities.

The one-hour tours take visitors through Angel’s Envy’s distilling operations; guests will see the distillation process in action before a post-tour tasting in The Finishing Room. Tours are offered throughout the year for groups of 12 people or fewer.

Angel’s Envy engages guests beyond its one-hour tours with a bottle-your-own experience on select Thursdays and Fridays and a variety of cocktail classes offered intermittently.

Bourbon from Evan Williams in Louisville. — Keith Homan / Shutterstock

5. Evan Williams In Louisville

Named after the founder of Kentucky’s first commercial distillery, Evan Williams is another historic stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This distillery is located in the heart of Louisville and uses the company’s age-old style and flavors to retain its signature bourbon taste.

Evan Williams offers a can’t-miss Bourbon Experience that includes a one-hour historical tour, a viewing of the still, and a guided tasting. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is available throughout the year while the distillery also hosts seasonal and themed events, including a chocolate and whiskey tasting, a speakeasy tasting experience (if you can guess the secret password!), and a mixology session.

Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort. — Irina Mos / Shutterstock

6. Buffalo Trace In Frankfort

Buffalo Trace is a family-owned distillery in Frankfort that’s withstood the test of time — fires, tornadoes, Prohibition, and all. This distillery has over 200 years of history, and its famous craftsman — Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., known as the father of the modern bourbon industry — was a descendant of U.S. presidents James Madison and Zachary Taylor.

The one-hour Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour begins with a film that highlights the company’s background and is followed by a walk among the bourbon barrels, a look at the aging warehouses, and a tour of the bottling hall where the signature bourbons are poured, sealed, labeled, and packed by hand. Tours end with a sampling of Buffalo Trace’s most popular bourbons, and take place every day throughout the year.

Hot tip: Can’t make it for an in-person tour? Buffalo Trace offers a virtual-reality tour of its distillery, too!

The James E. Pepper distillery in Lexington. — duckeesue / Shutterstock

7. James E. Pepper In Lexington

James E. Pepper was founded by the Woodford Reserve family in the 1950s but was shut down for decades before reopening in 2008. Its distillery just opened to the public in 2018, and it now serves up its popular 1776-brand bourbons and a family of 1776 craft beers.

Fun fact: James E. Pepper whiskey barrels are taken almost immediately from the distillery to the brewery to guarantee the beers are infused with signature hints of rye whiskey.

The guided distillery tours at James E. Pepper include stops in the museum, explanations of the distilling process, and post-tour tastings, plus complimentary whiskey glass souvenirs. Tours are available throughout the year in their downtown Lexington facility.

8. Boundary Oak In Radcliff

If you want a side of nature with your Kentucky bourbon, Boundary Oak Distillery is the place to be. This distillery is located at the base of century-old oak tree springs that flow with that perfect limestone water Kentucky’s known for. Boundary Oak uses this spring to make small-batch bourbon, amber, and moonshine in its off-the-beaten-path Radcliff distillery.

Boundary Oak’s tours are self-guided and typically take around 45 minutes; they’re free for those who don’t want a tasting and $8 for those who do.

The Old Forester distillery in Louisville. — Arne Beruldsen / Shutterstock

9. Old Forester In Louisville

Founded in 1870, Old Forester sticks to its founder’s promise to produce “bourbon of the highest quality.” This distillery is located in the heart of Louisville, in the same location it operated out of pre-prohibition.

Tours of the Old Forester Distillery last about 45 minutes and include a history of the distillery, background on how they make their whiskies, and a trip to their working co-op before ending with a 15-minute tasting of three Old Forester bourbons.

Special experiences like the Nothing Better in the Market tour (named after founder George Garvin Brown’s quote about his bourbon: “There is nothing better on the market”) go deeper into the history of this iconic bourbon. This unique tour concludes with an exclusive, guided tasting of Old Forester Single Barrel, 1910 Old Fine Whiskey, and the vintage-dated Birthday Bourbon. This experience is available intermittently throughout the year.

These nine distilleries hardly scratch the surface of Kentucky’s diverse and expansive bourbon offerings, but they’re a fantastic introduction for your first distillery trip to the state. For other things to do, eat, and see during your travels, make time for these 15 glamorous spots in Kentucky you don’t want to miss and, if you’re Kentucky bound in October or November, pencil in Louisville’s Jack-o-Lantern Trail!