Louisville is a town I would have not paid much mind to if it were not in such close proximity to my current home, Cincinnati. However, in my time living here I have made several visits for both work and pleasure and have been pleasantly surprised by what it has to offer for a smallish Kentucky city. 

EXPERIENCE

While in Louisville be sure to set aside a little time for shopping and dining. Walk the Bardstown Road area for cute shops and antiques. Another great street for bars, shops and dining is Market Street. The Waterfront Park is a nice place to gaze at the Ohio River or take in an outdoor show in the summer months.  I have not yet been, but I hear the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum is a fun stop, especially if you have boys along. Plan to finish up your day on Frankfurt Ave. for some whiskey drinks in a trendy area.

Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby is a fun stop. It’s an impressive venue and surely even better if it’s racing season. The Bourbon Trail runs between Louisville and Lexington and makes for a fun weekend. The distilleries are a bit spread out, but Jim Beam and others are both historically informative and tasty stops. Along the way there are horse farms and local wineries to stop at and fill the day.

STAY

While in Louisville, there are several hotel options. The original 21C Museum Hotel is likely the best bet. This hotel has a fantastic restaurant and art gallery within it. It has been such a hit, other locations are opening around the country. The Brown Hotel is another fun and historic spot downtown. I have also enjoyed staying at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel, thought it is rumored to be haunted!

EAT

Louisville has some great dining spots for being a small city. Favorites include Rye, Garage Bar, and Mayan Café on Market Street. I also had an incredible breakfast at a small vegetarian joint called Earth Friends Café in this same area. There is another brunch spot in this area called Toast on Market that seems to get great reviews, but I have not been super impressed by. They have a lemon soufflé pancake that is worth a try. 

On Bardstown try Ramsi’s Café on the World, this place is incredible and the menu options leave me wanting to go back and try even more. Quill’s is the place for coffee, be sure to take some beans home with you. On Frankfurt Ave., check out Silver Dollar for awesome drinks and decor, but skip the Mexican, it’s not the highlight.  A place called Hammerheads is said to have great burgers, but have not made it here yet myself.