NuLu Food & History Tour

This walking tour through NuLu, Louisville’s foodie neighborhood, tells the story of Louisville and Kentucky through its cuisine.

As you explore urban NuLu and historic Butchertown, you’ll taste Kentucky and Appalachian classics like bourbon balls and fried chicken, visit a historic home once occupied by Thomas Edison, taste a curious confection inspired by a Victorian-era actress, trace the footsteps of the immigrants who shaped Louisville, and more.

The tour includes 4-6 stops for local food tastings & 1 craft beer, so come hungry and curious!

Itinerary
  • Begin in East Market District, aka NuLu – Louisville’s trendiest neighborhood, with a barrel-aged craft beer mini-flight paired with a delicious Louisville culinary classic.
  • Stroll and stop in front of the Thomas Edison Butchertown House. Learn about Thomas Edison’s time in Louisville, and the Southern Exposition’s impact on the city.
  • Stop for a delicious Kentucky creation that you won’t find anywhere else
  • Taste a flight of a delicious and beloved Appalachian dish
  • Stroll past Billy Goat Strut Alley and learn the ridiculous origin story of 2 of Louisville’s most bizarrely nicknamed alleys
  • Try a spicy or not-so-spicy riff on crispy Kentucky-style fried chicken
  • Pop into an art gallery and boutique featuring Louisville-themed gifts made by local Kentucky creators and artists
  • Try two Kentucky confections made by a local historic candy shop, including a Louisville original named after a Victorian-era actress
  • Depending on the season, you may also stop at a local ice cream shop for a seasonal, farm-to-creamery scoop
Highlights

The NuLu District is Louisville’s trendiest neighborhoods. Historic brick buildings painted with vibrant murals line the streets, art galleries and eclectic shops feature locally made goods, and hip local restaurants & bars pour craft beer and bourbon.

As you make your way through urban NuLu and historic Butchertown, you’ll unravel the history of Louisville, visit a historic home once occupied by Thomas Edison, and that’s just the tip of the culinary iceberg – so come hungry and curious!

Cancellation Policy

Refundable Tickets allow changes or refunds with at least 48 hours’ notice. Non-Refundable Tickets cannot be changed or refunded.

Important Information

Check-in details

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early, and sign your waiver in advance.

What to bring

Sunscreen
Water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes
ID (for adults 21+ consuming alcohol)
Weather-appropriate clothing

Special requirements
  • All ages are welcome, this is a family-friendly tour.
  • Children 2 and under are free and do not need a ticket.
  • 1.5 miles of walking, no hills or stairs, wheelchair and stroller friendly
Restrictions
  • Due to our set menu and our restaurant partner’s policies, we are not always able to accommodate food preferences and some allergies. This tour is our top pick for vegetarians, but a difficult tour to adjust for gluten free guests. Please indicate your food restrictions when you book your ticket.
Extras

Upgrade Option: Premium Bourbon Add-On ($85)

Elevate your experience with 4 rare, premium bourbon pours during your tour! The perfect tour enhancement for bourbon lovers. To add to your tour, please select during checkout.

Disclaimers

Severe Weather Policy

Our tours run rain or shine, so we recommend checking the forecast and dressing accordingly. However, in cases of severe or unsafe weather, we prioritize your safety. If a tour is canceled due to weather, we will provide either a full refund (for refundable tickets) or rain-check credit (for non-refundable tickets). Because Louisville’s weather can change quickly, decisions regarding cancellations, rescheduling, or delays are made a few hours before the tour. If adjustments are necessary, we will contact all guests as soon as possible with updates.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Please be aware that our tours cover the history of Louisville and Kentucky, which includes unsavory and complex subjects that some guests may find uncomfortable. As company policy, we do not tolerate racist, sexist, or homophobic commentary on our tours. We reserve the right to ask any guest making our guides or guests uncomfortable to leave without receiving a refund.

Discontinuation of Service for Intoxicated Tour Guests Policy

If at any point during a tour, a guest is found to be excessively intoxicated or engaging in disruptive behavior due to alcohol consumption, our tour guide may discontinue serving them alcoholic beverages OR discontinue their participation in the tour, at their discretion. This decision is made to safeguard the well-being of all guests and to maintain the quality of the tour experience. The intoxicated guest and their party may be asked to arrange safe transportation home and will not receive a refund. We encourage responsible consumption of alcohol during our tours and appreciate your cooperation in creating a positive and safe environment for all.

FAQs

How much food will we be eating on this tour?

You’ll be eating quite a bit – please arrive hungry! Our stops vary, but a typical tour makes about 4-6 stops for food tastings. You will be full by the end of the tour, so plan to skip dinner or eat something light.

How much alcohol will we be drinking on this tour?

You will enjoy 1 craft beer on us. Additional drinks are available for purchase at several other stops, but are not included on your tour.

Can my kids join this tour, too?

All ages are welcome to join this tour! That said, there is a lot of walking, standing and listening, and our menu includes some food that contains alcohol. Children under 2 who will be sharing food with their parents do not need a ticket. The tour is stroller friendly (our co-founders brought their little one along on the tour just to make sure.)

Will the tour start in the same spot as it begins?

This tour ends about a block away from where it begins, and our tour guide will make sure you know exactly where to go to get back to your car.

What food allergies are you able to accommodate?

On this tour, we are easily able to accommodate vegetarians and individuals with nut allergies. For other food allergies, we will do our best but you may miss out on eating at some stops that don’t offer anything on their menu to fit your needs. (For instance, this is a difficult tour to adjust for gluten free guests.) Please indicate your food restrictions when you book your ticket.

Is there a difference between the tour times or dates?

Our tour stops do vary depending on days and times. For instance, on some tours we will have a chance to stop into a local confectionary to taste and shop, but on other days and times the shop is closed, so we pre-purchase the candy to serve to our guests instead.

Why is this tour only offered on the weekend?

Unfortunately, not all of our restaurant partners are open during the week. We picked the best restaurants to feature on the NuLu tour, and our tour can only run as often as our wonderful restaurant partners are able to accommodate us.

Where should I park?

You’ll find lots of free street parking close to the starting point of the tour!

Accessibility: Wheelchair & stroller accessible

More Experiences

All Our Guest Rooms