Looking to do a quick weekend trip to Louisville in a couple of weeks and was wondering about some logistics.

1) As best I can tell, the perfect hotel for us would be 21c, but it is a bit pricey compared to some other options. Southern Living seems to like the Hyatt Place, but not sure about the neighborhood - anyone that knows the area have any thoughts? Or maybe the Courtyard downtown? If the 21c is as good as the price differential suggests, would be great to hear that feedback.

2) Thoughts on dinner? Was thinking 610 Magnolia one night. Maybe Proof on Main for the other?

3) Does anyone know if there are any craft distilleries in the area? I'll probably hit at least Buffalo Trace and Woodford, but was wondering if there are any real craft places that are worth checking out.

4) Is there a retailer with an especially awesome bourbon selection? Looking for stuff that is rare or limited distribution. Price is not an issue, just looking for the best selection. Something in Bardstown or Frankfort is fine, in addition to Louisville.

Thanks for the help.

Love 21c! It is so "different" and to me the difference is worth it! The location is good, too. If you don't stay there, at LEAST check out the art work, especially the giant "David" on the sidewalk outside, the floating "letters" by the elevators in the hotel, and the men's bathroom. And eat dinner in the restaurant since you're looking for restaurant suggestions anyway. Have fun!

Our two historic hotels are The Brown and the Seelbach. The Brown's signature dish is the Hot Brown open-face sandwich.

From the Seelbach's website: "Savor traditional Kentucky fine dining at the Oakroom Restaurant, Kentucky’s first AAA five-diamond restaurant. Enjoy a southern-inspired breakfast at Otto’s Café, a 1920s-style café decorated in sepia and black tones. Have a drink at the Old Seelbach Bar, which features live music and a world-class whiskey collection. Sip a latte from the Starbucks located inside the hotel.

"Work out in the 24-hour fitness center offering cardio and strength training equipment. Plan a meeting in 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting space in the center of the entertainment district of downtown Louisville. Host an upcoming event in our Rathskeller, the only surviving Rookwood-Pottery room in the world. This 4,200 sq. ft. space features medieval architecture and can host up to 300 guests. Experience Southern hospitality at this Louisville hotel."

If you want to save on the hotel, I have had great success using Priceline for downtown area. I have gotten the downtown Marriott, the Hyatt, the Galt House, and the Brown all multiple times. The best deal I've ever gotten was the Hyatt for $35 on a January weekend, when there was nothing going on in town, but I have routinely gotten the Marriott and the Brown for about $75 on weekends when there were decent sized conventions.

I like your food choices. Louisville is really underrated when it comes to food and their food scene seems to keep getting stronger. If you need an ice cream break during your adventures, try one of the Comfy Cow locations. They are a local "chain", with three shops, and some amazingly delicious ice cream and ice cream pies, including two bourbon based flavors.

Thanks for the feedback.

Seems like we are on the right track for dinner. The menus at both places are awesome, and I'm always up to see if they deliver. Anyone have suggestions for breakfasts and lunch?

As for the hotel... I'm not looking to save money, per se. It is just that the 21c is around $275 per night and the likes of the Courtyard are $150 per night. I'm willing to pay if the hotel is really great, but it is, ultimately, a place to sleep. I am a Priceline fan, though, so perhaps that is the way to go.

There are three Wild Eggs locations but not one down town. They are open from early morning until 2:00 pm and have great omelets and stuffed French toast among lots of other items. Toast on Market is good as is North End Cafe.

For lunch, try The Cafe on Brent Street, The Irish Rover Pub, the Uptown Cafe, lots of places on Bardstown Road and Frankfort Avenue.

I had a great lunch at Proof. And they had cool artwork hanging there.

TG if you haven't gone yet, check out Maker's Mark in Loretto (just a few miles from Baradstown). Not craft but well worth the visit.
Jack Fry's on Bardstown RD is one of my favorites.