Cutting through the rolling hills of horse country, the stretch of I-65 from Louisville to Nashville offers great natural features, good southern eats, fascinating history, and, of course, a nip or two of Kentucky Bourbon (seriously take a detour to check out the Bourbon Trail)- all just a step or two off the highway.
Lynchburg, Virginia, United States
Whether you're starting or ending your I-65 trip in Louisville, it's worth stopping off to explore. Pick up a bourbon trail tour in Louisville (Mint Juelp Tours offers a good one) or explore the non-alcoholic side of the region at the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, or by picking up a souvenir at Joy Ley Antiques, or with Texas-style grub at Silver Dollar.
Over the past few years, Kentucky Bourbon has exploded in popularity, and trips like the Bourbon Trail have become popular vacations. If you’re cruising up/down I-65, however, you probably don’t have time to take a bourbon tour through Kentucky. You do have time to stop at America’s most recognized bourbon brand: Jim Beam. Here you can learn all about the process of making a darn good bourbon.
After a sip or two (and an enlightening bourbon tour) at Jim Beam’s Stillhouse, you’re back on the highway for just 10 minutes or so until your next stop in Elizabethtown, KY…
No trip through Kentucky would be complete with a good ol’ country-style meal, and The Whistle Stop in the tiny town of Glendale, KY can give you exactly that. With popular comfort food items like fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, meatloaf, and roast beef, almost all made from scratch, a lunch or dinner here will surely leave you full and happy. Save room for their desserts, though... Southern Living has raved about them on multiple occasions.
One of Kentucky's coolest attractions is just off I-65: Mammoth Cave National Park. Even if you’re just passing through, there’s plenty to do here. For example, Kentucky Down Under is nearby: where else in Kentucky can you hand-feed a colorful lorikeet or meet a real, live kangaroo?
via detour
Make a quick stop here to pay your respects to the Man in Black. Near the middle of the cemetery you’ll find the final resting places for Johnny Cash & June Carter. They’re not the only big country stars here, though. Several members of the Carter family, including Mother Maybelle, are laid to rest here along with Johnny Cash’s long time guitarist, Luther Perkins. After stopping here, you'll be in the mood to listen to some Johnny Cash as you cruise down I-65.
As you inch toward Nashville, make one last stop before hitting Music Row: The Hermitage. The former home of notorious US President Andrew Jackson, this former plantation is a scenic place to stretch your legs and dip your toes in Tennessee history before rolling into Nashville.
Finally, you've reached Nashville! Of course, I-65 doesn't stop here, but there are so many attractions and things to do in Nashville that you should spend a day or two here exploring, if you can. From the full-scale Parthenon replica and the lush greenery of Shelby Park to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the live music venues up and dow Broadway, there's loads to see and do. Plus, it features some of the best dining in the region: Prince's Hot Chicken, Jack's BBQ, Rolf and Daughters, and more serve up delicious grub for any palate. As for hotels in Nashville, Union Station is in a breathtaking, old rail station, the Hermitage Hotel drips Southern charm, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort is so massive, it's something else entirely!
Lynchburg, Virginia, United States
As I-65 winds its way South, there are tons of ways to make the drive fun. And, since cities along the way, like Louisville and Nashville in particular, have such distinctly individual personalities, take the time to experience as much as you can along the way!
