Travel Through Southern Indiana to Louisville

Wake up early and hit the road by 8 a.m. You have a busy day full of enticing sights and activities.

Pull over in Bloomington and charge your electric vehicle at Fresh Tyme Supermarket, which specializes in organic, natural foods. You've only driven a little more than an hour since leaving Indianapolis, so 45 minutes should be more than enough time to "top off" your battery. It's an important step since charging stations will be few and far between during the next leg of your journey. While waiting, browse the supermarket and pick up a few healthy snacks and drinks for your road trip.

Call it a late breakfast or early lunch. Either way, you'll enjoy some great food in the heart of downtown Bloomington at Uptown Cafe. Chef Michael Cassady founded the restaurant in 1976, watching the business grow into a Bloomington staple over the years.
The menu mixes American and European elements with a strong appreciation of southern-style favorites. Try the cajun meatloaf or shrimp and grits. The dining room has a rugged elegance with dark wood decor and eye-catching artwork. A special brunch menu is served on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you have time to spare, take a stroll around downtown Bloomington after your meal and soak in the energy of the neighborhood.
Book a reservation online.

Spring Mill State Park is a place where history meets the great outdoors. Begin at Pioneer Park, a collection of 20 structures left behind by early settlers, including a watermill powered by a natural spring. From there, wander over to Hamer Cave, a hiking trail where the spring feeds into a small pond. On the way out, stop by the Gus Grissom Memorial, which pays tribute to the Indiana native who became an astronaut and the second American in space. The Gemini 3 space capsule is on display.
An entrance fee covers access to everything in the park, including the Gus Grissom Memorial.

Spend an hour walking the grounds of the historic West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick. First opened in 1902, the property is a striking example of Queen Anne architecture with a massive atrium spanning 200 feet. The hotel is part of the French Lick Resort, which also includes the French Lick Springs Hotel and casino. Travel between the two properties and take in the sights of the Hoosier National Forest with a free ride on a vintage rail trolley.

Sit down for a tasting at the French Lick Winery. The company produces a line of European-inspired wines, including a delicious Cabernet Franc with grapes grown in Indiana's White River Valley. Enjoy a glass in the tasting room or on the patio while learning about how each wine is made.
The winery is affiliated with the Spirits of French Lick distillery with bourbon, absinthe and other spirits also available. Charcuterie and other small bites are for sale, but make sure to save room for dinner later in the evening.

Cross the Ohio River on the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge and arrive in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Head straight to Moxy, a boutique hotel operated by Marriott in Whiskey Row, a hot-spot of bars and restaurants that celebrate Kentucky's history of bourbon production. The hotel is next to the Old Forester distillery and the lobby bar doubles as the check-in desk, which fits the image of the neighborhood perfectly.
Moxy has cozy rooms and suites with a mix of modern and retro decor, including fold-away furniture to maximize space. The hotel is tech-forward with smart televisions, ample USB ports and fast, free Wi-Fi. Each room has city or river views. There is a charge for parking at a neighboring garage.

Take a short walk across the street for dinner at Merle's Whiskey Kitchen. The menu has an inspired selection of Southern comfort-food favorites, including all-natural fried chicken and corn bread served in a hot skillet with honey butter. The bourbon list is extensive, with a nice lineup of cocktails scratch made with no mixes.
Merle's Whiskey Kitchen has a great atmosphere with live music and a brick-and-wood design that complements the Southern spirit of the menu.
Unfortunately, Merle's Whiskey Kitchen doesn't accept reservations, so a little extra time is built into your dinner time in case there's a wait. If time isn't an issue, feel free to wander the neighboring bars in Whiskey Row after dinner before heading back to your hotel room.

Walk back to the hotel and get some rest.