Lexington, Kentucky

Friday 1st March - Sunday 3rd March 2019
 Itinerary and Trip Highlights
Friday, 1st March 2019​
Arrive independently and check into 21c Art Museum Hotel - if spending the weekend - in time to gather as a group in the lobby for departure by 2:30pm. 
First stop the Woodford Reserve Distillery, formerly know as the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery and later the Labrot and Graham Distillery, the Woodford Reserve Distillery sits nestled in the folds of the beautiful rolling bluegrass countryside.  Distilling began on the site of the current day distillery in 1812.  Although the site has not been continuously operational as a distillery since, the structure stands as one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
​The distillery produces some of the finest bourbon and whiskey in the world, including: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Woodford Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey and Woodford Reserve Straight Malt Whiskey.  ​It is acknowledged as the "official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby" and is used in the famous mint julep cocktail.
We will enjoy a private comprehensive tour of the distillery, learning about the process of production after which we will have the opportunity to sample several of the different varieties and form our own appreciation.
After this we will travel to the newly restored Castle and Key Distillery.  This distillery's grandeur was unprecedented for its time, and its revitalization places it at least alongside Maker's Mark for the title of most beautiful distillery in America.  Its magnificent limestone castle of medieval design still stands sentinel alongside McCracken Pike in Millville, Ky., and its architectural accoutrement - a key-shaped peristyle supported by Roman columns around the campus's aquifer and a sunken garden that's a sure cover spot for landscaping magazines - harken back to a time when no one thought a thing about whiskey tourism.  Our experience here will include learning about the extensive architectural restoration as well as an opportunity to sip their vodka and gin - for now their only spirits available as the first batch of bourbon is still maturing. 
Following this, Matthew Preston, Founder and President of the Lexington Bourbon Society will further educate us in the art of whiskey savoring by discussing and sharing with us six bourbons of his choosing.  This private presentation will take place in the Shooken Building where heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served and an open bar available.
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Saturday, 2nd March 2019
Breakfast on your own this morning after which we will leave for Darby Dan Farm located on iconic Old Frankfort Pike.  Known for its success as a stallion farm, visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of a working Thoroughbred farm.  Among the stallion roster are 2017 #1 Freshman Sired Dialed In (watch for his runners on the Derby Trail!), Shackleford and Tapiture.  This was the filming location for the major motion picture Disney's Secretariat.  Darby Dan is truly a historic horse farm and the original manor house has been restored to include a trophy room with memorabilia from the farm's storied past.  
We will linger after the tour and enjoy mint juleps, mimosas or bloody Marys along with bowls of soul-warming burgoo - traditional racing day lunch fare - and fantasize about one day being the owner of a Kentucky Derby winner...
Once we've returned to the hotel and later in the afternoon we will regroup for an entertaining and informative presentation by Dr. Tedrin Lindsay Blair who will discuss Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly - a staple in the operatic repertoire around the world, a story both heart-breakingly tragic and beautiful at the same time.  Then to set the mood for our evening's entertainment, our dinner will be at the exception restaurant School which offers both traditional Japanese sushi as well as some American entree choices for those who might prefer such.
​After dinner we will travel to The Singletary Center for the Arts to hear Puccini's Opera Madama Butterfly inspiringly performed by the renown University of Kentucky Opera Theatre.
Ranked as number one in Opera America's list of the 20 most performed operas in North America, Madama Butterfly wasn't well received when it initially opened in 1904.  Puccini revised it and several months later it re-opened to much success and acclaim. This heartbreaking story of love, betrayal and death will sweep you away in its beauty and tragedy.
After the performance UK Opera Theatre Director Dr. Everett McCorvey will take us on a behind-the-scenes tour before returning to 21c Art Museum Hotel.
Sunday, 3rd March 2019
A hearty breakfast at the newly opened restaurant Zim's is our first stop of the day.  Conveniently located across the street from 21c Art Museum Hotel, Zim's is the latest of seven restaurants owned local chef Ouita Michel a multiple time semi-finalist in the James Beard Foundation Awards as Outstanding Restaurateur and Best Chef Southeast.  
Zim's is housed in the old historic courthouse building which has recently undergone a four year and $32M complete restoration and is now a modern mixed-use office and event space. 
Fortified by this meal we will leave for the Kentucky Horse Park and the Bluegrass Trust Antiques and Garden Show now in it's 34th year and held in the Alltech Arena.  Here we will spend some time delighting in the more than 80 quality exhibitors, designer and garden vignettes, fine antiques and art, gorgeous gardens and flowers, cool collectibles, vintage silver and stunning jewelry. This will be unstructured time and the group will be free to browse.  
From here we'll return to the hotel at which point the Bourbon and Butterflies weekend experience will conclude.
Prices:
Double Occupancy - $950 per person
Single Supplement - $200
Without Accommodations - $750 per person

This is a three day trip and includes two nights at the 21c Art Museum Hotel, most meals, all admissions,
taxes and gratuities and transportation. 
Click here to register.   Space are limited.