Can you say, ‘bourbon immersion’?
Innkeeper Kayla Jones has a way for bourbon aficionados to get immersed in the bourbon experience in the very place (Georgetownians will tell you) bourbon was discovered. A stay at the Buffalo Springs Distillery Company in Stamping Ground puts guests within a short drive of downtown Georgetown and Royal Spring Park. And it is here, on this hallowed ground, where in 1789 Baptist minister Rev. Elijah Craig is said to have distilled the very first batch of what has become America’s Native Spirit.
With its stone facade and arched windows and doorways, the structure looks like it could have been built during Craig’s 
own life and times, but it doesn’t date back quite that far. The Buffalo Springs Distilling Company got its start in 1868, but closed about a century later. The building that now operates as distinctive and historic lodging accommodations was the main office and gatehouse - one of the last structures left on the former distillery site.
Today visitors book the entire residence for their getaway, a private retreat ideally suited for a couple, with spacious main room, fully equipped kitchen, queen-size bedroom, stunning bathroom and a laundry area hidden away behind doors. The interior, warmed with gleaming wood and exposed stone and accented with vintage-, bourbon- and buffalo-themed art and signage, is cozy and inviting.
Outside, Stamping Ground’s small but scenic Buffalo Springs Park stretches out behind the suite; shops, bank and family restaurant are within walking distance. Area attractions include Yuko-en on the Elkhorn, a Japanese-style strolling garden planted with trees, grasses and flowers native to Kentucky; Elkhorn Creek, a perfect spot for dropping a line; and several Kentucky Proud farms, including Evans Orchard, Triple J, Elmwood Stock and Bi-Water Farm and Greenhouse - ideal for stocking up on plants and produce.
And because it wouldn’t be a bourbon immersion without the actual bourbon, Bourbon 30, maker of small batch bourbon and other spirits, is located right across the street from Royal Spring Park and is a bourbon experience waiting to happen. (Although couples on a romantic getaway may want to rethink Remember Being Single, a single barrel bourbon, we find the #TeamKentucky single barrel bourbon especially timely.)
For its own part, Buffalo Springs Distillery Company has future plans to partner up with area distilleries to include bourbon tours as part of an overnight package.
“We are also hoping to resurrect the bourbon in small batches,” said Jones.
Buffalo Springs Distillery Company is now available for booking. Guests check themselves in via keypad. Amenities include on-premises parking, Wi-Fi, coffeemaker and so much more. See the full list on Airbnb. Kayla noted that for the safety of guests, Airbnb has implemented cleaning protocols in which hosts can become certified. Her inn has the ”sparkling clean” designation.
Interested in getting away for a true bourbon immersion or simply escaping to a private retreat that promises a unique and memorable stay? Reservations for the Buffalo Springs Distillery Company may be made through Airbnb.
Hotel-to-house hack
“Guests love our vintage- and bourbon-themed decor so much they have taken our ideas home with them. A favorite is using empty bourbon bottles with a pump dispenser for soap and shampoo. Note: Many bourbon bottles don’t have threaded tops and will need an adapter, which can be glued onto the bottle before being fitted with a dispenser. (Both adapter and soap dispenser pump replacement are available on Amazon.) Using an amber hue of soap adds to the look of a full bourbon bottle.” Kayla Jones, Buffalo Springs Distillery Company.
