Louisville, Kentucky
- Kari Lynn
- Oct 5, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 17, 2024
Louisville is Kentucky's largest city and it sits along the Ohio River. The area is full of distilleries, museums & endless outdoor activities. You will not have any trouble finding things to do. They are known for the bourbon & booze but, have lots of food, art and culture to explore while you visit. Below I shared the places we visited, stayed, ate & drank at.
WHERE WE STAYED:
We stayed at the Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel. It is actually located in Jeffersonville, Indiana but, that is just across the bridge from downtown Louisville, Indiana. Our room was very spacious and clean. The hotel has onsite free parking parking, free Wi-Fi & they are pet friendly.
THINGS WE DID:
Downtown Louisville - Walk and explore the many shops, distilleries & restaurants.
Waterfront Park - The entire Waterfront Park stretches along the bank of the Ohio River in the front of downtown Louisville. It's a beautiful place to stroll or bike near the water with pathways running all the way along the waterfront.
Big Four Bridge -This is a walking bridge connecting Louisville & Jefferson. Walk from one state to another.
Louisville Slugger Gift Shop, Museum & Factory - This is located in West Main District of downtown. The Louisville Slugger Museum is where all of the action takes place and will entertain sports fans young and old.
If you want to do the Louisville Slugger Museum Factory Tour, be sure to buy your tour tickets early because they sell out fast! During the factory tour you walk through the production line for the Louisville Slugger bats, where you will see them making the famous wooden bats up close and personal . What a fan favorite for baseball lovers.
Cherokee Park -
This is such a unique park, as it has lush tree canopies shading the natural trails that wind through the Highland neighborhood. It was such a peaceful place to walk or drive around the 2.4 mile scenic loop (follow the signs so you stay in the park). The park also has tennis courts, mountain biking trails, picnic areas & is a great place for birdwatching (bird sanctuary).
Check out their site for things to do throughout the year https://www.olmstedparks.org/things-to-do/
Churchhill Downs - You HAVE to see the facilities at the legendary Churchhill Downs. It is home to the Kentucky Derby. This complex is located on Central Ave in south Louisville and is packed with artifacts & exhibits.
We explored the Kentucky Derby Museum & did a 30 minute guided walking tour of the racetrack. They share so much history and heritage of the gorgeous grandstands, jockeys' quarters and the Millionaire's Row VIP section.
Cave Hill Cemetery - It's the largest cemetery in Louisville. It's 296-acres Victorian cemetery and arboretum. Take a stroll through. The grounds are beautiful.
You can get a Cave Hill Cemetery map and pay your respects to Louisville famous residents. You'll find the graves of Colonel Sanders, Muhammad Ali, & Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. and many other famous historical people.
Fourth Street Live - This is 350,000 square foot entertainment and retail complex is the heart of Louisville. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat, have a drink and listen to the live music.
Find things to do >>> Book your tours and attractions. Buy now and pay later available!
WHERE WE ATE & DRANK:
Old Forester Distillery - They have a really neat tasting room. You can also do one of their educational tours on bourbon fermentation.
The Brown Hotel - This is MUST do in Louisville. It's a landmark hotel that has beautiful architecture. You have to go to the Lobby Bar (inside the hotel) and try THE WORLD FAMOUS HOT BROWN.
Wild Eggs- The food choices were unique but both things we had were delicious.
Loco Hash (AMAZING) & Eggs Bennie
Ehrler's Ice Cream - They have been a Louisville tradition since 1867! Homemade & hand scooped.
Cookie Dough Sundae & Bourbon Brownie Sundae
Art Eatables - Bourbon chocolates made in Louisville. It's world's first bourbon-certified chocolatier. They also have a variety of alcohol-free candies too. The truffles were SO delicious & savory.
Volare Italian Ristorate - Upscale Italian cuisine. If you like authentic Italian food make a dinner reservation here. It's locally owned and operated. The menu changes seasonally based on locally sourced farm fresh items. Everything we had was flavorful and delicious.
Risotto
Seafood
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