The General George Patton Museum of Leadership is a publicly accessible museum on Fort Knox, Kentucky, dedicated to the memory and life lessons of General George S. Patton, Jr., and the continuing education of Junior Army leaders in the U.S. Army and in particular the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Tyler and I visited the museum with both of our families in February of 2023, right after I had moved to Kentucky. For both of us, it was our first time visiting the museum. We were able to tour old barrack lodges that the U.S. Army used, as well as walked through the museum. The museum is free to the public, and contains a wide array of military stories, artifacts, and film all while viewing the foremost collection of Patton material in the world.

Jailhouse Pizza was once the old Meade County Jail. Built in 1906 and closed in 1976, this former jail housed many unsavory clients. The original brick structure still stands with all the original jail cells still intact. The building is filled with tons of history and every wall tells a different story. They often hear stories of the unknown at Jailhouse Pizza. The paranormal could be anywhere while visiting! Come dine in the 100+ year old jail cells, take a seat in the main dining room with a river front view, or enjoy the new outdoor seating area! They serve brick-oven pizza, salads, wings, and more. Maybe even try your hand at the massive “prisoners last request”.

Kent and Stephanie first took me to lunch here in the Summer of 2022, after an afternoon of exploring Saunders Springs Nature Preserve. The building is filled with a ton of history, and old photographs from when the building served as the jailhouse. On the second floor, you can dine in old jail cells that are still standing.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail consists of over 25 distilleries across the state offering guided tours and tastings of the craftsmanship behind a multitude of world-famous bourbons. Since moving to Kentucky, I’ve grown to love bourbon and the history behind the drink. Tyler and I have visited several distilleries along the bourbon trail and have loved each stop! So far, we have we have toured Woodford Reserve, Makers Mark and Angel’s Envy but have more on our list to visit and tour!

PS. don't forget to pick up a Bourbon Trail Passport located in the gift shops! After each tour at the distilleries, you are able to have the distillery checked off or stamped, as well as receive a little token from the distillery!

Located 25 minutes from Phillips Grove is the Jim Beam Distillery located in Clermont, Kentucky. Tyler and I, as well as my parents have stopped several times at the distillery to walk around, as well as have lunch there at their restaurant, The Kitchen Table. No reservations are required to walk around the grounds or check out their gift shop. On the top level of the gift show, they do offer a tasting bar of multiple different bourbons that are made on site there. If you wish to take an official tour of the distillery, we suggest you schedule the tour at least 4 weeks in advanced.

Another one of our favorite distilleries, and bourbons is Angel’s Envy, located in the heart of downtown Louisville. Tyler and I have toured the distillery a few times with each other, as well as with our families. The tours usually last a little over an hour and go over the historical background of the distillery as well as the art behind making the bourbon. The tour will end with a tasting, and after you are more than welcome to enjoy their upstairs bar, called the Finishing Bar, filled with curated cocktails with both regular bourbon as well as rye.

Located in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky is the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory celebrates the extraordinary role of Louisville Slugger baseball bats have played in the sport’s past, present and future.

Tyler and I visited the museum with our families last summer when my family came into town for the surprise proposal. We were able to tour the museum and see how the world-famous baseball bats were made, from start to finish as well as take home a mini baseball bat at the end of the tour. We finished the visit with pictures outside in front of 120 foot baseball bat.

A trip to Louisville cannot be complete without a visit to Churchill Downs, the Home of the Kentucky Derby. The racetrack conducts thoroughbred horse racing several times throughout the year, with the star being the infamous Kentucky Derby.

Tyler and I went to the 148th Kentucky Derby in 2022 and partied in the infield for both Oaks and Derby day. We have visited several other times for morning practices, night races with friends and family and also Thurby in 2023. We love going for night races and having a few Woodford Spires, or Mint Julips and betting on a few horse races throughout the evening.

A hidden gem in Louisville, and one of our favorite stores and places to visit. Clayton & Crume is a leather product store, but also contains a hidden bourbon bar tucked into the right side of the store. We have visited on our own, and have done lots of shopping while sharing a few drinks as well. We took my family last summer when they were in town to visit and everyone fell in love!