Babes in KY Bourbon Land: Part Two

Are y’all ready for me to finally tell y’all what we did on part two of this trip! (LMAO) I’m back to finish recapping our journey along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for our Valentine’s baecation.

Stop 1: Stitzel-Weller Distillery

We wanted an opportunity to try somewhere still in Louisville, but was open early so we could still make the drive to Frankfort for our other stops. We were lucky enough to nab a pair of early tickets for Stitzell-Weller Distillery (11 a.m. to be exact). Now, this was our first time on large bourbon distillery grounds and we weren’t quite prepared for how they look. We saw these tall ominous buildings that were covered in some black substance. It gave eerie asylum prison vibes, tbh. As we began the tour we learned those are actually rickhouses. This is where they store the barrels to age. So ironically, they were exactly where we wanted to be. The grounds had been around for many decades and we were able to tour the stillhouse where they tested out new mash bills (ingredient lists), walked inside the rickhouse and visited an original cooper’s shop where they used to repair the barrels. It was really neat to see a large facility that was well maintained from the early days. The tour ended with a tasting of course. We were able to try five different bourbons. The do distil Bulleit now on site, but they also feature in-house bourbons like Blade and Bow, I.W. Harper and Orphan Barrel. We even got a personalized bottle of Blade and Bow to take home!

Now, my Babe loves the gamification in whiskey drinking. He’s currently a Blanton’s top collector, and we learned that with the Blade and Bow brand they are packaged with small keys tied around the neck. Each key has a number and it ranges from 1-5. Once you collect all five and send them in, you receive a golden cup that is displayed onsite at the distillery. If anyone has a two key let us know. Seriously…

Stop 2: Buffalo Trace

For the second stop, we took a little drive further down the trail to Kentucky’s capital, Frankfort. Here there are another cluster of distillery stops. We definitely could not pack them all into one day, but we had to hit my Babe’s favorite, Buffalo Trace. Now, these grounds are massive! We weren’t able to do a tour because of COVID restrictions, but they still allowed tastings. Buffalo Trace is quite popular because they produce several fan favorites. Trying to get tickets online in advance were impossible, so we honestly took the risk of showing up to see what happens. Luckily, we were able to get a spot here as well! In the meantime we walked around the gift shop to stock up on items for friends. Here, people line up pretty early to score some of their rarer, more limited brands that are put out every morning. The fun is that you never know what it might be. It could be Blanton’s. It could be Pappy Van Winkle or W.L. Weller. Who knows? Unfortunately, Babe didn’t get to score one of his sought after rare finds, but was loving the experience all the same. Our tasting was nice. It was free and definitely was a little more limited in content discussed and options. You did get to try a good range of their products though. I got to get the boyfriend (now fiance) over to his bourbon Mecca, so it was good trip. And I had some bourbon vanilla ice cream that was to die for!!

Stop 3: Wild Turkey Distillery

Wild Turkey was our final stop before returning to the city. It was our most rural stop, and boy did it lend for some nice views. Wild Turkey has a beautiful modern gift shop and tasting roof that has large windows in the back that allows the light to pour in and you can see the waterway and railroad tracks. No tastings and tours were available, but the staff was very welcoming and eager to share information about not only Wild Turkey whiskeys, but also about the history of bourbon. Did you know Matthew McConaughey serves as their creative director and collaborated to produce the Longbranch brand? This was also the first time I got an explanation on the difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey. (Ask for yourself to find out.)

This stop ended our tour de bourbon and we made our way back to the Lou for dinner. I won’t name the restaurant because honestly I wasn’t impressed. They are Black-owned, and I want to maintain and uplifting space for Black businesses here. I do like to support and circulate dollars in the Black community on my travels. I wish them the best, just not the spot for me. I’m also still sad it was too busy for us to hit up SuperChefs for our departure breakfast. I can’t wait to go back and try again because that food looked AMAZING!

Brunch Stop: Biscuit Belly

Now you know I was getting a local brunch in the mix. We made our way over to NULU to try Biscuit Belly. I never realized that Louisville was big on biscuit restaurants. This place popped up a few times on my searches so I thought we should check in out. (Plus, now we have a Bougie Biscuit in Nap! Saves me a drive!) It’s walk up style to order and then they bring your food out to your table. There were several different options to adorn your flaky warm biscuits. For apps we had the loaded breakfast tots and the pancake corndogs. For entrees, I had the Biscuit Bennie (love a good benedict with a twist) and he had the Go Goetta Biscuit with meat and egg added. Thoroughly enjoyed the appetizers. My bennie was good, but needed a little extra kick. Overall, I’d go again. (#theBrunchQueen👑approved) Ready to see how Bougie Biscuit compares.

And that my friends, wraps up our quick road trip. We had a great time, and I always enjoy traveling with my Babe. Glad I could plan something that centered around one of his favorite pastimes, that I too have grown a much deeper appreciation for. This was also my first complete pleasure trip to Kentucky that didn’t involve the amusement park, so I’m excited to come back and see even more.

Have you been down to Kentucky? What stops do you recommend?

Happy Trails!

Britt

Wanderlust: Going International in a Pandemic Pt. 1

DISCLAIMER: COVID TRAVEL TALES
I appreciate the concern and passion, but understand this post is not to push people to travel who are uncomfortable or to debate whether or not to go. I already researched, deliberated and battled within myself and I’ll continue to make that decision on trip by trip basis because I believe COVID concerns aren’t leaving us soon. I really believe this is our reality for the next two years even with a lockdown. And the reality I’ve seen is there are places STRUGGLING without tourism because their regions didn’t bother to diversify their economy long ago.

Ok, now on to the tea. I broke out y’all. I’ve realized that I do not live in a climate that’s congruent with my mental wellness. Most of the pandemic I was cool. I mean hallelujah the stay at home began during the Midwestern spring because y’all…I probably would have taken out a personal loan to be remote somewhere through the entire fall and winter season. Sis needs sunshine and water like a plant.

Now, we did do a road trip last summer which was really nice, but that sole purpose was to safely check on older loved ones while work schedules allowed. No hotels, no planes. In December, I tested out my normal travel MO, beaches by plane. First up was Cozumel with my best friend. Mexico has always treated me well, so why not start with what I know? One thing I did know, I wasn’t stepping out to Tulum and Cancun. Y’all were wildin’ over there.

I wanted the road less traveled. All I was looking for was sand, seafood and sun. (Plus, some authentic tacos.) We found an Airbnb so we didn’t have to deal with any crowded resorts. For flights we aimed for no more than one layover—airlines really did my city dirty by cutting the nonstops. We quarantined away from folks before we left and packed plenty of sanitizer and masks.

The Flight

Before take off, I was appalled at how people were carrying themselves in these airports. Social distancing, what is that? Not covering their nose. Just nonsense. I’m not loving the flying experience either, especially on certain airlines that have since abandoned precautions like seating people in the middle. I had my face shield on deck with the mask. I think I almost hyperventilated three times, but I kept making myself go to sleep to ease the panic. As of right now, my maximum flight time is two and a half hours. I already got stir crazy after three hours before COVID.

The Lodging

Our Airbnb was cute! Clean from what we could see and in the owner’s description, they also had laundry on site. Very spacious and we could see the water from our corner balcony. We were also walking distance from several restaurants, shops and markets.

The Location

Cozumel is not packed at all. The island is very dependent on cruise traffic, and with those on pause you can really see how deserted it was. Vendors were more forward than I’m used to in getting us to check out wares and come to restaurants, but I don’t blame them. It’s survival. Even with the ferry still in operation from Playa del Carmen, we still didn’t see a huge influx of visitors. Several locals we talked to who worked around the area explained how eager and hopeful they are for cruises to return to help bring business back to the area. Cozumel is pretty touristy, we recognized plenty of “American” chains. I had never seen a 7/11 in Mexico until this trip. We tried to stick with mainly beachfront restaurants and bars for food. We also bought groceries to cook at the apartment.

The beaches were also fairly light in visitors (looked nothing like other footage I had seen throughout Quintana Roo. Loungers were spaced out well for social distancing and it was easy to avoid getting close to folks while frolicking in the ocean as well. I can’t speak for the areas in the southern most part of Cozumel since we didn’t make it that far, but the western coast was quiet. Taxis also were plentiful, they often sanitized and had all the windows open, which made me feel more comfortable while getting around.

Safety

As I hinted at throughout, Cozumel is doing many of the normal precautions. Social distancing, sanitizing before entry, temperature checks. A lot of businesses also had the sani-mats to clean your shoes as well. And of course, masks everywhere. Which I will say masking looked like it was going way better here than in the city/state I currently reside with double the current temperatures. Should you still be extra careful? Yes. It’s a pandemic. Make sure you’re taking necessary supplements. Monitor how you’re feeling. Rotate hand washing in the midst of sanitizing. Rest. Don’t over indulge with alcohol while you’re out. Eat outside/open air (so easy to do here). Avoid any crowded bars or club situations. Lastly, make sure you use travel insurance. You never know what can go down and you should be covered.

The Return

I voluntarily quarantined once I returned to keep my folx safe. I also did test, which was thankfully negative which based on how short my trip length was it’s safe to assume I wasn’t positive while away either.

Again, I’m not going to tell you whether or not to travel abroad. Whatever you decide don’t blow off the easy things you can do to keep yourself and others safe when venturing out near or far. Also, if you’re not taking precautions at home, you for darn sure don’t need to be venturing out.

Stay tuned for part two!

Britt

Wanderlust: Navigating a Tristate Tour in a Pandemic (Part One)

I finally broke out and went across state lines! This is the first time since February, and for some that may not be a big deal but for me—this is HUGE. I’m someone who was used to greeting my city’s TSA staff on a monthly basis, if not biweekly during some seasons. I have to say the pandemic did raise fear in me about traveling, so my apprehension was stronger than my withdrawal. I mean this year I had planned to go to new states, countries, continents, but oh well! Rona had other plans for me… Anyway, my BF and I took a trip to check on some family and friends which led us to traverse the Bible Belt, and I thought I’d share with you a few sites we saw and local eats we enjoyed.

First to kick things off, what’s a travel recap without a mishap story? When it comes to road trips, I’m someone who prefers to move in the moonlight/daybreak hours. Miss me with rush hour traffic and the other late-risers heading a little too slowly to their destination clogging up the lanes. But due to a full day of celebrations prior, we weren’t so fortunate in making that early rise happen. I got over it, but our delays were only beginning. I mentioned in a previous post that I bought a new car in quarantine (Yay!), so far it’s yielded over $2500 in repairs (Boo!). Thankfully, all things covered under warranty (God is GREAT). I had just taken my car out of the shop to fix an A/C issue not even a full week before our departure. Y’all, can you believe we barely made it to the next county and oh girl started rattling! Luckily, we were able to safely pull off to an exit to see what’s going on and we find this:

My raggedy ___ serpentine belt shredding in my car.

For those of you not mechanically inclined this is NO BUENO. Like, the car could die and other catastrophic events. Again, God came through with the assist and the belt is not completely gone and we can get it back home safely to Indy. By this time I was BIG mad, but what would we do without loving partners who know how to restore some peace to rage? He reminded me that these things happen for reason and we got on the road when we were meant to. We probably avoided a potentially more calamitous situation because of it. So with half of a returned smile and repacked bags, we hopped in his car and off we went!

A quick family pick for the road! (No mask just for the photo!)

Stop 1: Grandma’s House (TN)

I’m fortunate to still have a living grandparent. She’s in her 90s and the threat of the pandemic definitely kept her on my mind. It was so good to see her and one of my uncles. I cherish every time I get to see her and spend time physically with her. The greatest part of all was being able to use technology and have her FaceTime with several of our folks back here who aren’t able to come down. Phone calls are great, but laying your eyes on somebody hits different.

Stop #2: “Sweet Home Alabama”

After that quick stop, our journey continued into the evening to Alabama. I’ve been all over the state in my childhood and teens. In fact, one of my late uncles used to teach at the HBCU Alabama A&M University (a role model for why I pursued college and a psychology degree). Never in all my years had I taken a photo with the “spaceship.” I probably slept right past it in most of my journeys down there. Plus, my family was never that big stopping along the way for sight-seeing pictures. It was either a rest stop, food stop, gas stop or the destination. My BF on the other hand was excited to see it, and I obliged to stop for the stretch and photograph. We’d also just traveled 20 miles through backroad no signal TN and I could use a grounding moment for my anxiety. Nonetheless, it was a cool hop on hop off site to see. See the picture below.

It’s a spaceship! (Ignore my need for a fill.)

The end of day one we safely arrived at our first overnight destination of Birmingham, AL. I’ll recap our sites there in the next blog. But before I do, I leave you with some symbolic words of wisdom:

• Don’t lose your cool when plans are interrupted. Trust the timing of your life and its events.

• Always take time for family (blood or chosen). Don’t take those opportunities for granted.

• Don’t be afraid to go off-the beaten path, it can be some beautiful sites there.

• Be alert and spontaneous, take in the opportunities that pop up on your journey.

See you in part two!

Britt