As innkeepers of the Inn at Woodhaven and life-long entrepreneurs, we understand that small businesses are fueled by a passion for a product or service and the desire to bring something of value to others’ lives.
This month we’re highlighting some of our favorite small businesses in Louisville that we encourage you to visit during your vacation. These 8 beloved local gems cover where to eat, sleep, shop, and explore on your Louisville vacation.
We’ve even included a delicious drink recipe below so you have something to sip as you plan your trip. As always, our Inn is always here to be your Kentucky home-away-from-home with an unparalleled level of comfort and personalized service.
Save it for later! ↓
8 Hidden Gems In Louisville KY
No matter what you’re looking for in your vacation, Louisville has just the right experience for you. Let’s look at some of our favorite, and often overlooked, things to do in Louisville.
Louisville Itself
Before we dive into the different things to do, let’s take a moment to look at the biggest gem of all: the city of Louisville itself.
Located in one of the most beautiful states of America, the city of Louisville is known for its charming history, vibrant culture and excellent culinary scene. Every year, a staggering 70+ million travelers flock to Kentucky and roughly 19 million of those choose to pay Louisville a visit.Local pro tip: See the charm up close and personal by walking through Old Louisville, a historic, vibrant and beloved neighborhood. Stop in the Visitors Center to learn more about the town and get personal tips for your visit.
Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Explore The Rich History Of Stoneware & Co
Our next stop is the Stoneware & Co., a small business with a rich and fascinating history dating back to 1815. With the tagline Simple Beautiful Life, their artisan-made products epitomize quality craftsmanship and pride in work.
Their product designs range from historic colors and patterns that pre-date the Civil War, to classic modern designs for bridal showers and wedding celebrations. We particularly enjoy the clean simplicity of the mixing bowls and mugs in “The Louisville Pottery Collection” design.
But if you really want to bring a piece of Louisville home, grab one of their mint julep cups or pitchers, complete with the famous Fleur de Lis design. Stoneware & Co offers factory tours and Paint Your Own Pottery sessions to create your signature souvenir.
Cross The Ohio River To Shop At Regalo
The Falls of Ohio National Park is a popular destination just outside of Louisville. After you’ve taken your photos of the park, why not drive across the river to visit Regalo in New Albany, Indiana? Don’t worry, it’s only 20 minutes away from Louisville!
Regalo, which means “gift” in Spanish, is the perfect spot to find something just right for the people in your life. It is full of fun and original art and will definitely put a smile on your face. From a fire hydrant bowtie for your dog to an air freshener for your car with the scent of “Dad Jokes”, their unique collection makes it easy to see why visitors have flocked their way for the past 20 years.
And if you happen to be visiting Louisville for our incredible Pride Month celebrations, Regalo is the place to find your rainbow apparel and decor.
Soak Up The Benefits Of Lavender
In need of a rest? There is no better place than Little Mount Lavender, a locally-owned lavender farm, shop, and restaurant, to take a seat and soak in the many benefits that lavender is said to offer.
In search of a new crop to grow, the owners of Little Mount Lavender were struck by the traditional medicinal history of lavender as a product to support sleep, help with mood, reduce heart rate, and even promote hair growth! Their small lavender crop quickly grew in size as the popularity of their products, like lotions and candles, brought more and more loyal customers their way.
There is nothing more relaxing than grabbing a table in their cafe and enjoying one of their many healthy and fresh menu items. We love their lavender lemonade (or lavender Old Fashioned with Makers Mark bourbon, depending on the day) with their charcuterie for two. We feel more relaxed just thinking about it!
Planning tip: This is located 35 minutes outside of Louisville in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Consider pairing it with a visit to the Clear Creek Greenway Trail or Guist Creek Lake.
Look For Ghosts In The Waverly Hill Tuberculosis Sanitorium
Did you know that the neighborhood of Old Louisville holds the title of most haunted neighborhood of America? Louisville is full of haunted jewels, including the (in)famous Waverly Hill Tuberculosis Sanitorium.
Listed as one of the most haunted places in the entire country, the former sanitorium on Waverly Hill is a truly unique gem located in Southwestern Louisville (a 20-min. drive from Old Louisville).
We highly recommend a ghost walking tour through the neighborhood in which you explore the sanitarium as well as other buildings with a darker past. A knowledgeable guide will take you to the scariest places, tell you scary ghost stories (and even hold your hand if necessary) while filling you in on the macabre side of Louisville.
Hit play and see it for yourself, if you dare:
Local pro tip: Since these tours can sometimes fill up quickly, it’s well-advised to buy your ticket in advance.
You may also like: Haunted Places in Louisville to Visit
Visit The Louisville Mega Cavern
Perfect for more adventurous travelers, this immense underground complex is rightfully known as the mega cavern! This former limestone mine has so many supporting constructs that it’s officially been declared Louisville’s largest building.
This might be less of a hidden gem given that it’s listed as the #1 thing to do in Louisville on TripAdvisor, but here’s a tip that you might not know: you can drive your car through the caverns thanks to the spectacular Lights Under Louisville event.
While it’s mainly known as an adventure park, the Louisville Mega Cavern hosts this unmissable seasonal experience that takes you on an underground journey where you drive your car through the caverns as they’re lit up by more than 6 million lights.
If you’re looking for something unique to do for Christmas then we recommend you give the Christmas Express a try. Instead of driving your car, you’ll take an enjoyable ride through the cavern on a tram.
Local pro tip: Book your tickets in advance for the seasonal activities as these are very popular.
Taste Bourbon At The Inn At Woodhaven
Bourbon — it’s not a Louisville trip without it! Louisville has been dubbed Bourbon City, so it’s no surprise that bourbon can be ordered at countless different spots. However, the most authentic bourbon experience is waiting for you at the Inn at Woodhaven.
The Inn, constructed in 1853, is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Jeremey, inn co-owner and drinks master, will help you pick out the exact bourbons to try.
You can sip your tasting flight next to the fire in your room, in a cozy seat in the lounge while playing chess or on our front porch under the dreamy Christmas lights.
You may also like: How to Drink Bourbon Like a Local
Sample Local Produce At 211 Clover Lane
Our last stop is 211 Clover Lane, an intimate hidden gem of a restaurant that is a treat for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This locally-owned business has been a Louisville tradition since 1985 and an early adopter of the farm-to-table dining concept before its more recent surge in popularity.
211 Clover Lane sources as many local ingredients as possible and rotates its menu weekly based on what is at peak freshness.
So, while we may not be able to share our favorite dishes with you, we can wholeheartedly say that whatever you order from their menu will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting to book a future reservation with them.
Where To Stay
Wherever your journeys take you around Louisville, we hope that you’ll consider the Inn at Woodhaven as the place to rest your head at night and fill your belly in the morning! We take pride in our attention to detail and focus on quality, including our newly renovated rooms and bathrooms, new Stearns & Foster mattresses and plush bedding, and fresh cookies in the parlor.
You can also partake in the services we offer, including our picnic lunch preparation or in-room therapeutic massage from a skilled local therapist. Book your stay with us today!
And now, another favorite bourbon cocktail recipe for you to enjoy while you plan your next Louisville vacation or staycation…
Elijah Craig Bourbon Sour
2 oz Elijah Craig or other high-quality bourbon whiskey
1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
Sugar and water or 1 oz of simple syrup
1 egg white (optional)
An orange slice for garnish
- Prepare simple syrup by mixing 1 cup of sugar with two cups of water (or any ratio of 1:2 sugar and water) and heat until the sugar dissolves. You will use 1 oz of this simple syrup for this recipe and can store the remainder in your fridge for up to two weeks.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add your Elijah Craig bourbon, lemon juice, 1 oz of simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
- Shake for at least 30 seconds until foamy. If not using an egg white, then just shake until the ingredients are chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass, using a spoon to top the drink with foam if needed. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!
Save it for later! ↓
