As book lovers and literary scholars commemorate the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” this year, Kentucky invites travelers to experience this great American novel through immersive locations and experiences—combining history and Southern charm with a dash of intrigue—and craft their own stories in Our New Kentucky Home.
Louisville: The heartbeat of Gatsby’s legacy
Louisville remains a testament to the sophistication depicted in “The Great Gatsby.” The grand Seelbach Hotel, today the The Seelbach Hilton Louisville, is more than a place to stay—it’s a portal to the past, more than a century old itself. During his time training at the army’s nearby Camp Taylor, Fitzgerald frequented The Seelbach, drawing inspiration from its opulence and its guests as he sipped bourbon and smoked cigars. Arrange for your group to take the hourlong tour of the historical hotel and visit the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, which serves as the setting for Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s wedding reception.
And in honor of the novel’s centennial, The Seelbach has unveiled a Great Gatsby Suite, complete with two bedrooms as different as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan themselves. Through plush vintage furnishings and Art Deco decor, the suite captures the bold glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Nods like a vintage green light at the door to the Daisy bedroom, meant to represent the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, pay tribute to Fitzgerald’s novel.
Louisville’s allure extends beyond the Seelbach. The Kentucky Derby Museum offers tours that immerse visitors in the excitement of “the greatest two minutes in sports,” giving them a taste of the leisure activities that are part of Gatsby’s world. Here, groups can take a guided tour of the famous racetrack, delight in a mint julep at the Derby Cafe & Bourbon Bar and, depending on the season,visit Churchill Downs’ resident horses.
On the Ohio River, the Belle of Louisville riverboat provides cruises that transport guests back to an era of elegance. Options include a speakeasy-themed cruise, mirroring the novel’s gatherings with its live jazz and Prohibition-era cocktails. Or choose BB Riverboats for a group bourbon-tasting cruise or moonlight excursion.
Newport: Echoes of the Roaring Twenties
North of Louisville is Newport, a small town with a big past. Here, groups can embark on the two-hour Newport Gangster Tour and hear stories of bootlegging, gambling, and organized crime—including that of mobster George Remus, who some consider an inspiration for “The Great Gatsby’s” main character.
While you’re in town, pop into New Riff Distilling, a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, to see firsthand how its bourbon is fermented, distilled, and barreled—and to get a taste of the distillery’s award-winning spirits.
Lexington: The epitome of Aristocratic elegance
South of Newport sit Lexington’s rolling hills and esteemed horse farms, embodying the old-money charm found often in “The Great Gatsby.” Groups can visit renowned establishments like Coolmore at Ashford Stud, the Kentucky home of some of the world’s most sought-after racehorse stock.
Get a further glimpse into the world of equestrian society by taking in a Lexington Polo Club match at Kentucky Horse Park. Other park activities include equestrian shows, horseback rides, and the chance to meet champion horses that reside in the Hall of Champions.
And don’t forget legendary Keeneland. Year-round, groups can take a guided tour of the race track’s paddock and see the pavilion where prestigious horse sales take place. Watch racehorses go through their morning workouts before setting in at the Track Kitchen for homestyle eats, like biscuits and gravy.
Crafting the perfect Gatsby-themed itinerary
Planning a group tour? Here are a handful of only-in-Kentucky experiences that group travel planners can tailor into a memorable Gatsby-themed itinerary:
Day 1: Louisville Charm
• Morning: Take a walking tour of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum. Special experiences are available for groups of 15 or more.
• Afternoon: Stroll tree-lined streets and admire mansions built between 1880 and 1910 on a Historic Old Louisville Walking Tour.
• Evening: Explore the historic Seelbach Hotel, stopping into the Old Seelbach Bar for a bourbon or the signature Seelbach Cocktail. If it’s a Wednesday, head to Hell or High Water for jazz night (reservations required).
Day 2: Newport’s Intrigue
• Morning: Travel about two hours north to Newport for the Newport Gangster Tour, delving into the city’s clandestine past.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at the group-friendly Hofbrauhaus Newport, which boasts a beer hall, beer garden, and live entertainment.
• Evening: Return to Louisville for a river cruise aboard BB Riverboats.
Day 3: Lexington’s Aristocracy
• Morning: Experience the grandeur of Kentucky’s equestrian heritage by visiting a premier horse farm in Lexington, just over an hour from Louisville.
• Afternoon: Partake in a tasting at a Kentucky Bourbon Trail distillery, appreciating the state’s signature spirit.
• Evening: End your group’s journey with a Gatsby-themed gala, encouraging guests to dress in flapper outfits and fedoras and foxtrot the night away. Or sip a Glasshouse cocktail at Trifecta’s speakeasy-style lounge; the drink is named for Trifecta’s signature glassblowing experiences.
Starting with these activities, group travel planners can offer their clients an immersive journey through Kentucky that celebrates the enduring legacy of “The Great Gatsby,” weaving literary history into the Bluegrass State’s rich cultural tapestry.
Find What Moves You in Kentucky. Book your group tour today! Be sure to contact local DMOs for group incentive programs.
Group travel contact:
Chenelle McGee
https://www.kentuckytourism.com/group-travel
Photos submitted by Kentucky Department of Tourism
Top photo: Rathskeller Rooom in the Seelbach Hilton Louisville
