When you pull up to The Trail Hotel, you might first notice its blend of classic Kentucky charm and modern hospitality, but the story behind the experience begins with a local family whose work is a direct reflection of their deepest convictions.

Ejo and April Edmonds moved to Lake Forest almost three years ago, bringing a rich history of 23 years of marriage and a shared vision for community. Along with their four children, Hudsen (16), Easton (14), Beckam (12), Ayla (7), and Weller, their foxy red Lab, the Edmonds have found the neighborhood to be the perfect backdrop for their active lifestyle. You’ll frequently find the boys on the golf course honing their game or playing with neighborhood friends. Ejo and April likely perched up by their pool watching and waiting for a hole-in-one on 15, or the whole family connecting with a group of friends they’ve developed in the neighborhood. 

For the Edmonds, their "North Star" is deeply rooted in their Christian faith. As active members of SGC of Louisville (Sovereign Grace Church), they see their local church community as a vital part of their lives and the relationships they cherish most.

Ejo and April view their work in the hospitality industry as a natural overflow of their faith. They believe that true hospitality, creating a space where people feel welcomed and cared for, is a natural way to live out their mission. This perspective transforms their business from a mere real estate investment into a personal mission, allowing them to extend the same warmth they share in their own home to every guest who walks through the hotel doors.

Professionally, Ejo and April are real estate investors whose flagship project is The Trail Hotel, the world’s first and only bourbon-centric hotel, located in Bardstown. While it has become a premier destination for travelers from around the world visiting the Bourbon Trail, it is also a favorite for local staycations, offering a sophisticated getaway for couples and groups right in our backyard.

The Trail Hotel is just the first of many future hospitality ventures currently in the making. The Edmonds are committed to expanding their portfolio with unique, high-end destinations that reflect their signature approach to service.

With 95 comfortable rooms, including eight specially curated bourbon-themed suites, every detail of the flagship property is designed for immersion. At its heart is Oak & Ember, a refined culinary experience featuring elevated regional favorites and globally-inspired dishes, a reflection of the Edmonds' own passion for exploring diverse flavors. To ensure a truly high-touch stay, the hotel features a devoted "Bourbon Butler" to curate VIP distillery tours, private tastings, and more.

The Edmonds’ love for hospitality is matched only by their passion for travel. Exploring the world together as a family is vital to them, providing fresh inspiration they bring back to their real estate ventures.

The hotel’s amenities reflect these personal interests: from the thoughtful resort-style pool and outdoor Cabana bar to The Bourbon Vault (a hidden speakeasy) and Bourbon & Bunkers, a classy golf simulator lounge. Looking ahead, they are developing Phase Two: a 10,000-square-foot Event Center designed to host everything from major concerts and weddings to corporate retreats.

While their current project in Bardstown has set a high bar, Ejo and April are already looking toward the horizon, underwriting new opportunities that will expand their LUXR Hospitality footprint into a portfolio of premier resort destinations.