As we continue to grow this site and work with our fantastic partners, I spent a moment thinking back to where it all began for me…in Danville, Kentucky.
Haven’t heard of it? It’s okay I certainly hadn’t either and as I walked around downtown with my bright purple shirt I remember thinking it was going to be an interesting weekend speaking on leadership at a conference back in 2019.
After finishing all of my speaking engagements, I was left with hours and hours of time on my hand with not much else to do…so I researched things to do and after a successful work weekend.
I decided to try out a random bourbon tasting despite my fears:
- Would going alone be weird?
- Will people stare if I show up to a distillery in a suit and tie?
- Am I allowed to have personal fun while on a work trip?
My fears were quickly resolved when I stepped into the extremely friendly Wilderness Trail Distillery. I was led on a short tour of the bourbon making process in a non-judgmental, hospitable way so much so it felt like I was spending the afternoon with friends.
As I reflect on that journey, every time I’m at a bar and see this particular (extremely good) bourbon, I always make sure to order or encourage others to order and whenever I’m feeling unsure of my Bleisure Living experiences, I always reflect on the great experiences I continue to have.
After reaching out to tell them I’d be writing about the experience, the venue even sent me some amazing items from their on-site gift shop including Bourbon socks and a logo shirt featured above…which you can buy for yourself to wear while you sip on their award winning bourbon and having a vicarious experience.
I hope sharing this throwback Thursday encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, go alone and do something you can’t do in your home town.
I also hope it’s a reminder that no matter where in the world you are traveling for business, even in a town with just a 17,000 population, fun memories can be made.
(And never worry about Bleisure Living or about being weird or solo!)
