Set to debut on Friday, May 16, The Trail Hotel will almost immediately become one of the most popular properties in the Bourbon Capital of the World. That title, of course, belongs to Bardstown, Kentucky, where dedicated sippers visit throughout the year to explore the legendary Bourbon Trail and immerse themselves in the history and (obviously) flavors of the biggest distilleries in the business. 

The timing of this grand opening is no coincidence, as National Bourbon Week takes place June 10-15, so it’s safe to say that even as rooms are still available right now, this new spot will likely be as packed as any other in the region when it comes time to celebrate this beloved spirit. But the thing that should make it even more enticing for those of us who like to mix our sticks with sips is that The Trail Hotel is a 7-minute Uber ride to both of Bardstown’s golfing options: My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course and Bardstown Country Club.

Neither design will jump out of your GolfNow app upon first glance, but make no mistake: These courses are as beautiful and challenging as they are fun. The rounds are also quite affordable, which always goes a long way when planning a week-long vacation that typically involves bringing home, let’s say, a case’s worth of souvenirs, depending on what’s available at the distilleries. It’s worth noting that Bardstown CC is semi-private, so be sure to check the booking times as the visit approaches so you’re not left holding your driver in the hotel lobby.

While it’s too late to sign up for the Bourbon Open that takes place May 16-17, the Kenny Rapier Golf Course at My Old Kentucky State Home State Park should be on your wish list for any time of year. This 18-hole delight is creeping up on its 100th birthday and therefore remains a fine choice for its deep history as much as the challenging but rewarding design. Not that you should choose one course over the other, but if your itinerary is distillery heavy the needle might tilt toward this course just for the bragging rights of telling friends back home you played the best course in Kentucky’s state park system.

As for distilleries, The Trail Hotel is also in just the right place. It won’t take long to arrive at must-stops like Willett and Heaven Hill, while the Preservation Distillery and Farm is basically right across the street. There will be so much to do in Bardstown during National Bourbon Week that you might not even be able to responsibly sip it all, but the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience is a great start for anyone looking to wow friends with whiskey knowledge. And don’t sleep on the new Chicken Cock Whiskey Circa 1856 experience, as you should cherish any chance to try the Island Rooster, one of my favorite bottles in my collection.