Day 58, A Taste of the Town

I had seen that the park ranger was leading an interpretive hike. It sounded interesting so we made plans to join. The hike centered on the history of Rose Island.

Before it was Rose Island, it was called Fern Grove. It was developed by the local ferry system in the 1880s as a way to increase their business. It provided a place for churches and families to have picnics.

In 1923, it was purchased by David Rose who turned the island into an amusement park. It apparently was quite successful until it began to struggle as a result of the depression. In 1937, a 500-year flood totally wiped out the amusement park.

The land sat vacant until it was acquired and  used as an ammunitions factory. When the plant was deactivated, the land was given to the state and they began to develop it into Charlestown State Park.

Denis and I listened to the introduction to the guided tour but quickly veered off on our own since there was a large number of people.

On our hike, we spotted a tug boat pushing three barges of coal.

The trail provided some good elevation/exercise and we only saw two other people.

After a tick check (we were are DEETed up with long pants) and showers, we set off to the two tastings I managed to book yesterday.

Jeptha Creed produces bourbon along with a number of flavored vodkas and moonshines. We each had four thimble-sized glasses and got to choose which four we wanted to taste. Of course, most couples chose to taste eight different things. I found the honey vodka the most interesting. Fun fact, the owner Master Distiller is a woman.

The second place was Michter's. They checked vaccination status before they allowed people in. Interestingly, even with that more people there wore masks than at the first place. We were there for a tour of how they produce their bourbon and, of course, a tasting. After explaining how they make their bourbon, we each sat surrounded by plexiglass and taste tested a variety of six bourbons and ryes. We liked these much better but still, surprisingly, managed to walk out without purchasing anything 😊 While we were there, Denis did a quick price check and found Total Wines has many of the same products for less money. This might sound familiar to friends who find wines cheaper at Safeway than at the winery.

It was still a little early for dinner so we drove to a park on the Ohio River and walked across the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge. It had been a railroad crossing but now is strictly pedestrian and bikes - no pet, no motors. It is about a mile and a third long walk across the river from Louisville, Kentucky to Jeffersonville, Indiana. It is a beautiful bridge and not too far from a beautiful modern bridge for car traffic.

It was now about 6:00 so we headed to Feast BBQ. I had looked online for recommendations and found that both the New York Times and Top Chef Judges recommended it. Aside from barbecue, they also have bourbon slushies. Sounded like a marriage made in Louisville to me. We both have the pulled pork and thought it was delicious. I enjoyed the slushie, Denis opted for a beer. Feast is quite popular but I can't say for sure they sell more BBQ than bourbon slushies.

We were low on a few items and I noticed that there was a Trader Joe's in Louisville. We haven't been to one since we left San Jose. I was really excited that the pumpkin items are out, including the ginger pumpkin hold the cones, one of my seasonal favorites.

It almost seems a shame to have been here and not visited a stud farm or Churchill Downs. If there is a next time, we will plan in advance. Still, we got a taste of what Louisville had to offer.