When you’re not watching the action on the track, you’ll find there’s plenty to do around Louisville.
Why Louisville?
With more than 120 attractions, many of them one-of-a-kind, Louisville has something for every age and interest. Discover the history of the city’s beginnings on the Ohio River, the traditions of the Kentucky Derby or the makings of the legendary Louisville Slugger. London’s Royal Armouries are on display at their only location outside of England, the Frazier International History Museum and the life and ideals of Muhammad Ali can be explored at a magnificent center in his hometown. Take time to explore the city’s nooks and crannies in neighborhoods like Old Louisville. Visit the “Urban Bourbon Trail,” where you can raise a glass at nine of the world’s best-stocked and most-celebrated whiskey bars. Or take a short drive to one of Bourbon Country’s famous distilleries.
Spectator sports include a Triple A baseball team at Louisville Slugger Field, and the college sports of the University of Louisville Cardinals and Bellarmine University Knights. Live Thoroughbred racing is offered at Churchill Downs in the spring and fall, and simulcast wagering is offered year-round.
Louisville is also an art city. The Speed Art Museum, Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft and the new 21C Museum Hotel offer permanent and changing exhibits. Galleries abound with monthly “trolley hops” to showcase exhibits. Blown glass is a popular medium with two downtown studios – Glassworks and Flame Run. Louisville is one of only a few cities in the U.S. with a professional full-time orchestra, opera, ballet, children’s theatre, dinner theatre and Broadway series.
The list of must-see attractions goes on and on, from a musical to baby animals at the zoo. So what are you waiting for? Dive into the details of the search and we think you’ll agree that Louisville has something for everyone! Check out future newsletters for in depth looks at the entertainment, history, and arts that Louisville has to offer.
Shopping
Downtown
Downtown Louisville offers a range of shopping experiences. There are your mainstream stores such as Borders and Finish Line, both located in 4th Street Live. Of course there are also unique to the bluegrass stores such as A Taste of Kentucky located across from the Kentucky International Convention Center.
There is also a booming revival happening in the East Market Street District or “Nulu District.” Multiple restaurants, antique galleries, furniture and jewelry stores, and art galleries are becoming one of the most vibrant areas of town known as Nulu. The majority of these businesses are unique to Louisville which makes the entire experience one that can only be found in the possibility city!
Other Areas
If outlet malls are what you want we have one of the top venues around, the Edinburgh Premium Outlets located up I-65N about 70 miles in Edinburgh, Indiana. When it comes to mall shopping we don’t disappoint. You can visit any one of our five shopping centers and a wide range of shops and restaurants. The Westport Village is one of the newest shopping centers with a wide shopping experience. The Village is located near I-71 and I-64 about 15-20 minutes from downtown on the East end of Louisville.
For another upscale experience, The Summit offers a wide range of stores including, GAP, Abercrombie, J. Crew, Express and more. The Summit is located up Interstate 71 about 15-20 minutes from downtown.
Oxmoor Center and Mall St. Matthews are within 1 mile of each other and are two of the larger malls in the Louisville area. They offer a wide range of stores, eateries, including The Cheesecake Factory, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery, and more. Both malls are located up Interstate 64 about 15 minutes from downtown. Another mall located down Interstate 65 South is Jefferson Mall–again, offering multiple shopping experiences and food choices.
Nightlife and Progressive Experiences
If you want to get out and enjoy the evening, Louisville has plenty of spots for you and your group. 4th Street Live offers many nightclubs, bars, pubs, and restaurants all under one roof just across the street from the convention center. If you are looking for a more neighborhood feel and want to get out and walk the Bardstown Road area offers pubs, bars, and multiple art galleries and eclectic shops all within walking distance of each other.
If you want to get out and take in the whole city while enjoying some of the best clubs, bars, art galleries, and restaurants in the city then the Urban Bourbon Trail and the First Friday Trolley Hop are for you! Both experiences take you through the city Louisville stopping at some of the most well-known venues around.
The Urban Bourbon Trail consists of nine separate bourbon bars scattered throughout the city, each boasting over 50 types of bourbon. As you visit each bar get your “Urban Bourbon Trail Passport” stamped and once it is full return it for a special prize. Enjoy a small taste of Bourbon Country right here in the heart of Louisville.
If great food, great art, and a taste of the town are what you are craving then jump on the First Friday Trolley Hop. On the first Friday of each month the trolley system provides free rides down Main St. and Market St. in Downtown Louisville.
