2025 CBMI Optional Tours (separate registration required for each tour)

RD1 Distillery Tour + Tasting | Sunday, July 27

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

RD1 was founded to honor the story of the first Federally Registered Distillery here in Lexington. We launched our William Tarr products in January of 2020. William Tarr was the owner of the that first Federally Registered Distillery and his facility operated from 1862 until 1919. The goal of the William Tarr products was to honor and tell the story of William Tarr and the first Registered Distillery here in Lexington as they inspired our group to get into the Bourbon scene. In March of 2023 we launched RD1's Core 4 Bourbons with a focus on showing the impact of wood finishing Bourbon. Our favorite question is what else can Bourbon do? We have our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey which is the base product for our other 3 products that are in the Core 4. Accompanying that is a French Oak finish, a Brazilian Amburana wood finish, and then a French Oak and Maple Finish.

The tour will be a walkthrough of our new world class facility where we focus on telling the story of the brand and our unique wood finishes. In the tour you will go into our Forest Room where we will guide guests through the unique woods that make RD1 Bourbon shine. Guests will then be taken and shown our R&D distilling set up where we do a lot of our experimental work for the brand. Guests will then be taken upstairs and brought into a tasting room where they will get to try RD1's Core 4 Bourbons accompanied by some food pairings to highlight the unique notes within the Bourbons. Last, the guests will be given a sample straight from one of our experimental barrels to get a sneak peek into what some of our next releases at RD1 could be.

*Boxed lunches will be provided at the start of the tour.

Cost: $65. Separate registration required. Space is limited; register early!

Mill Ridge Farm | Sunday, July 27

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Mill Ridge Farm, founded by Alice Chandler in 1962, has a rich history of raising and selling Thoroughbred racehorses. Today, her legacy shines through in all aspects of the farm, which is led by her son, Headley Bell, and grandson, Price Bell.

Since 2000, Mill Ridge Farm has bred, raised, and/or sold 39 Grade 1 Winners. Some of them include

Kentucky Derby winner – Giacomo
Preakness winner – Seize the Grey
Breeder’s Cup winners:
Oscar Performance -who you might see while on your tour!
Round Pond
Sweet Cotomine
And more…

Guests will also have an opportunity to get up close to mares, foals/weanlings and yearlings to pet them and feed them carrots.

*Boxed lunches will be provided at the start of the tour.

Cost: $60. Separate registration required. Space is limited; register early!

University of Kentucky Campus Tour | Tuesday, July 29

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Join us for a tour of the beautiful University of Kentucky campus. You'll be led by a student tour guide on a 60-minute walking tour of campus. Your tour will include stops at the Gatton Student Center, our campus living room; William T. Young Library, the University's largest library; Jacobs Science Building; a two-bedroom suite in Haggin Hall; Gatton College of Business and Economics; and various other landmarks on campus. This tour is rain or shine, so dress comfortably! Space on the tour is limited; register early!

Cost: $5. Separate registration required. Space is limited; register early!

Bites of the Bluegrass | Wednesday, July 30

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Option 1 - Downtown Lexington Walking Food & History Tour

Join us on the Downtown Walking Food & History Tour for an afternoon of flavor, fun, and fascinating stories!

This 2.5 hour experience will take guests to three fantastic stops, where Lexington’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and rich history come together. We’ll explore iconic downtown sights through the lens of inclusive storytelling and a lot of delicious food along the way.

What’s Included:

Three food stops featuring thoughtfully crafted dishes
A passionate, local guide sharing engaging stories from Lexington’s past
A relaxed, easy-paced walk through the heart of downtown

*Local beers, wines, and cocktails available for purchase along the way. Please note any dietary restrictions when booking.

Cost: $70. Separate registration required. Space is limited; register early!

Option 2 - Distillery District Food & History Tour

Step into Lexington’s storied Distillery District for a flavorful journey through time! Once home to the largest bourbon distillery in the country, this vibrant neighborhood now blends historic charm with modern flair.

On this 2.5 hour walking tour, you’ll explore the revitalized campus of the James E. Pepper Distillery, hear tales of bourbon legends and industry intrigue, and enjoy a curated selection of small plates from some of the District’s most beloved local spots.

What’s Included:

Two food stops featuring locally inspired bites, 1 cocktail, gourmet ice cream
A local guide sharing rich stories of Lexington’s bourbon heritage and distillers from our past
Not much walking; this tour stays within the same block

*Please note any dietary restrictions when booking.

Cost: $70; includes transportation. Separate registration required. Space is limited; register early!

Option 3 - Downtown Cocktails & Bites Drinking History Tour

Raise a glass to Lexington’s cocktail scene on this spirited downtown adventure! This early evening tour features bold flavors, balanced drinks, and captivating stories from the city’s colorful past.

We’ll visit three unique stops for signature cocktails paired with small bites, and explore the legends that make downtown Lexington come alive.

What’s Included:

Three cocktails paired with small bites
A local guide sharing engaging stories from Lexington’s drinking past
A fun and flavorful walk through the city’s historic and cultural core

*Please note any dietary restrictions when booking. Must be 21+.

Cost: $80. Separate registration required. Space is limited; register early!

Option 4 - Cocktails & Bites: Echoes of East End

Discover the flavors and voices of one of Lexington’s most storied neighborhoods. On this immersive cocktail and bites tour, we’ll explore the East End—where resilience, creativity, and community have shaped the city for generations.

You’ll enjoy signature drinks and small bites at three unique stops while uncovering the untold stories of the people, places, and moments that continue to echo through the East End today.

What’s Included:

Three cocktails paired with locally inspired small bites
A passionate guide sharing inclusive history and neighborhood stories
A thoughtful walk through a vibrant and historic community

*Please note any dietary restrictions when booking. Must be 21+.

Cost: $80; includes transportation. Separate registration required. Space is limited; register early!

Kentucky Horse Park - Old Kentucky Night | Wednesday, July 30

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Old Kentucky Nights is an exclusive, after-hours program that showcases the beauty and serenity of the Kentucky Horse Park’s grounds. This private, evening program provides guests with an opportunity to tour the facility and enjoy some famous Kentucky hospitality in the heart of Bluegrass horse country. While at the Kentucky Horse Park, CBMI attendees will get a private performance of the famous Parade of Breeds Show. This entertaining demonstration narrates the history and uses of some of the park's 40 equine breeds with costumed riders fitting the theme of that particular breed. Come and join us for an evening you won't forget!

Cost: $99. Separate registration required. Space is limited; register early!

Alternate Payment for Add-Ons

If you would like to add tour tickets, guest tickets, or merchandise items to your registration, there are options to pay for them with a separate payment method. All you have to do is log back into our registration portal using your email and the Confirmation Code or Registrant ID which can be found in your confirmation email from cbmi@uky.edu. Here you can adjust your registration details, access and print your class schedule, and add on any additional items, which will prompt the option to pay with a different payment method. If you have any questions or need assistance with this process, please email conferencebilling@uky.edu.