Why not try some bourbon to wash down all that food?

Hosted in beautiful Bardstown, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is a bucket list destination for lovers of the potent potables.

Besides bourbon tastings (of course), there are balloon rides, country music, barrel making demos and historic tours.

Local attractions include My Old Kentucky Home State Park, the federal-era house that inspired Stephen Foster to write the state song; the Old Talbot Tavern, a 1779 inn where diners can try a sample tray of local whiskies; and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey.

Area bourbon makers also offer tours. Makers Mark Distillery, for example, lies on an idyllic 20 acres 15 miles from town.

Abraham Lincoln enthusiasts can visit his (recreated) log cabin birthplace 40 minutes south of Bardstown in Hodgenville.

For further information: Kentucky Bourbon Festival