Reflecting on Kentucky

Recently, the bride and I took a trip to Lexington to visit her college roommate. We took the 9 and half hour drive on Thursday and returned on Monday. The drive was probably the worst part, my lower back hurt like a mother on the way down. Somehow I was OK on the drive home, I guess my back was seasoned after one trip. People Magazine Crosswords made the time go fast, so I can’t complain.

At the recommendation of El Presidente, we went to Pies and Pints for dinner and a few beers.

https://twitter.com/stoolpresidente/status/1047977163717111808?s=21

If you’re in Lexington, I highly recommend going here for pizza. I really liked the pizza, it had a little tang to the sauce. Good crispy crest with a mixture of seasonings. The pizza “design” reminds me of Grotto Pizza (shout out Rehoboth Beach). They have a wide variety of beers on tap. I went with with local stuff, West Sixth Brewing Pennyrile Pale Ale and Braxton Brewing Company Storm.

Friday the wife and I made a trip up to Louisville. Main reason was to visit Louisville Slugger Factory, which has been on my bucket list for a long time.

Loved the tour of the factory, it was maybe 30-45 minute tour. You learn about the history of the company, where the wood comes from (North PA), and the process of making the bats. Walking through the factory, you see the block of wood be processed into a bat you’ll see on TV one day. The Museum had priceless artifacts such as Babe Ruth’s bat, Hank Aaron’s 700th HR bat, and a number of hall of famers.

We hit a few Louisville breweries, Bluegrass Brewing Company and Against the Grain Brewery. If I had to pick one, Against the Grain Brewery is the winner. The beer was better and the brewery is attached the Louisville Slugger Stadium, home of the Bats.

Louisville city was ok, didn’t really care for it to be honest. First thing I noticed, after parking the car, it stunk. There was a stinky odor in the air, might have been the river, but it regardless it smelled.

Saturday we went to Maker’s Mark Distillery. This was another bucket item for me. Maker’s is my favor bourbon whiskey. For me to be at the location where it’s distillery is a dream come true. Not only that, but I was able to dip my own bottle into wax. I’ll probably never open it, unless I have a very good reason too.

Saturday we hung out in Lexington. I watched Kentucky “football fans” watch their Wildcat’s lose to Texas A&M. After the loss, which they didn’t get to bummed about, I heard a few people say, “Well basketball is around the corner”. So it’s confirmed, Kentucky is not a football school no matter how well they are playing.

If you get the chance to visit Lexington, do it. The city itself is nice, it’s clean and very walk-able with a lot to do downtown. The bar scene is pretty solid. The bourbon trail isn’t that far from the city, plus the drive around Lexington is beautiful with all the horse farms. I thought Chester County had big horse farms, nope, Kentucky is king. Give Louisville a try, just hold your nose for as long as possible though.