Thinking of taking a vacation? If you want to go somewhere outside of the normal touristy destinations, consider Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville is an easy day’s drive away from most of the Eastern, Southern, and Midwestern United States. It has a wide variety of affordable activities, sights, and attractions to offer, appealing to all ages and walks of life.
Culture and the Arts
Louisville has a rich arts scene. The Kentucky Center for the Arts, Palace Theater, Brown Theater, Actors’ Theater, and Derby Dinner Playhouse are a few of the more noted venues, running Broadway-series plays, classic films, and independent works. The Louisville Science Center and IMAX theater play host to both permanent and traveling exhibits, as does the J.B. Speed Art Museum. The newly-opened Muhammad Ali Center and Museum pays tribute to the famous boxer and celebrates the achievements of African Americans throughout history.
Sports
Each May, Churchill Downs plays host to the Kentucky Derby, the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” This beautiful racetrack is open throughout much of the year, offering various types of horse racing, gaming, and the historical Kentucky Derby Museum. The Louisville Slugger Museum is a must-see for any baseball fan. The nominal admission fee includes a souvenir miniature Louisville Slugger bat for the patron. In the spring months, the Louisville Bats play minor-league games at Slugger Field.
Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that is the home of the Louisville Cardinals football team, winners of the 2007 Orange Bowl. Just an hour and a half to the east lies the University of Kentucky Basketball Museum and Rupp Arena, home of college basketball’s premier program. The Kentucky Wildcats boast the most wins of any team, most NCAA tournament appearances and wins, and second-most NCAA championships in all of college basketball.
Across the river in Clarksville, Indiana lie the Falls of the Ohio, a large, impressive fossil bed and archaeological wonder. Visitors can climb and explore the fossil beds on their own, or learn in the comfort of the nature center. A little further north in Starlight, Indiana, visitors will find Huber’s Orchard. This large farm offers fun activities for everyone: restaurants, a petting zoo, vineyards and winery, and pick-your-own apples, peaches, and strawberries in season. Two hours to the south lies Mammoth Cave, the world’s largest cave system. Cave tours of varying lengths and difficulties are offered; most visitors will find one to suit their needs. Finally, just a few minutes from downtown lies the Louisville Zoo, one of the premier zoos in the United States.
Shopping and dining
Louisville boasts several shopping malls and specialty stores that will appeal to all. Restaurants are plentiful and cover all cuisines and price ranges. Fourth Street Live, located downtown, is a highlight featuring shopping, a wide variety of dining options, and exciting nightlife.
Getting around Louisville is usually very simple. Roads and maps are easy to navigate, and signs leading to attractions are highly visible and well-placed. For those staying in the downtown area, the trolley system is a fun, inexpensive way to see the sights. If you do happen to need directions or suggestions, any local will be more than happy to point you on the right path. Kentuckians enjoy their reputation for friendliness and Southern hospitality!
Now get out there and start planning your vacation!
