It's Only 300 Miles; Come on Down Chicago Folks

With high fuel prices affecting summer travel plans, many people are considering vacation destinations closer to home.

May I suggest America's whiskey country?

I visit the area primarily because of the whiskey distilleries, but there is a lot more there to enjoy. Louisville has long styled itself the Gateway to the South. The area has much history and a unique regional culture.

Although whiskey has been one of Kentucky's main products since the 18th century, local boosters have only recently recognized its tourism potential. The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau has just launched the Urban Bourbon Trail to complement the Kentucky Bourbon Trail recently created by the Kentucky Distiller's Association and Kentucky Department of Tourism. They're both following the lead of the Distilled Spirits Council and its American Whiskey Trail.