In a state known for its bourbon, it isn’t surprising that you can find some delectable food tours in Louisville.
(Photo: Food and History Tour of NuLu / Courtesy of GetYourGuide.com)
With some tours offering in-depth looks at individual neighborhoods to others winding through distilleries, tourists can taste a selection of Louisville’s food and beverage offerings. Not only will you taste local culinary favorites, but you’ll learn the stories behind them, pick up a bit of history and possibly even meet some of the chefs and creators of Louisville cuisine. Below, we compare three different food tours you can find in Louisville so you can leave saying you’ve gained a true taste of Kentucky’s food scene.
Louisville Food and History Tour of NuLu
With six food stops on this three-hour tour, participants get to visit one of Louisville’s trendiest neighborhoods–the East Market District, also known as NuLu. The guided history and walking tour caters to foodies and gives them a chance to taste several Kentucky favorites. You’ll build up an appetite walking the streets of the districts, observing art galleries, eclectic stores and historic brick buildings while the guide shares the area’s history. Some of the historic stories include Thomas Edison’s residence in the city, the journey of German immigrants and a devastating flood. Treats along the way include bourbon balls, fried chicken, pulled pork and a confection inspired by a Victorian-era actress. From $99 per person.
Louisville Highlands Food and History Walking Tour
(Photo: Highlands Food and History Walking Tour / Courtesy Viator.com)
Traverse one of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods in a tour that combines food and history. The Highlands neighborhood tour sets out to tell Louisville and Kentucky’s story through its cuisine. The tour gives participants the chance to taste such specialties as biscuits and gravy, bourbon balls and beer cheese. On a visit to Muhammad Ali’s former boxing gym, you’ll get to try a dish inspired by the Hot Brown. Historic stories include a flood that devastated the city, how immigrants and refugees have shaped Louisville, the glory days of the 24-hour streetcar and the creation of the opulent architecture of Victorian homes. The tour ends with a pass by the Cave Hill Cemetery where such famous Louisvillans as Ali and Colonel Sanders are buried. From $99 per person.
Mint Julep Progressive Dinner Tours
Among the several foodie tours they offer, some of the most popular are Mint Julep’s progressive food tour and cocktail tastings. The tours take you on an exploration of eclectic neighborhoods, hidden gems and the creations of top chefs in the city. The tour guide provides local insight into every experience. The progressive dinner tour alternates which restaurants are included, but it always includes an appetizer paired with a cocktail at the first location, an entree paired with a cocktail at thee second location and a dessert paired with a cocktail at the third location. The four-hour food tour experience takes place on select Thursdays. Rates are $159 per person.