Go See, Go Do in Louisville!
Churchill Downs
For over a 100 years, Churchill Downs has been home to Louisville horse racing and the famous Kentucky Derby. The rich history is evident upon entering the gates of the home of the longest continually running sporting event in America. Enjoy an afternoon touring the onsite Derby museum, wagering on a few ponies or tour around the many layers of the venue. Churchill Downs is a great place to spend a beautiful spring, summer or fall afternoon. Make sure to check the schedule before venturing down to the downs because racing doesn't happen every day. The Museum also doubles as an event venue and don't forget Wagner's on the back side of the track for a meal with a side of nostalgia.
Louisville Slugger Field
Nestled along the Ohio river, Louisville Slugger Field is home to the Louisville Bats. Enjoy a beautiful Spring or Summer day while taking in a baseball game. There are $1 beer and hot dog nights throughout the season and the venue is also perfect for birthday parties, group outings or any other special event. If you are planning to attend Thunder over Louisville, you can get tickets to the Bats game that day and appreciate the fireworks (and clean bathrooms) that evening! Don't forget Against the Grain Brewery is located right on Main Street at the corner of the stadium is you are still hungry after the game.
Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
If you love baseball and decide to take in a game at Slugger Field, you might want to know a little more about the history of this great sport and the famous Louisville Slugger Bat. Our lovely city of Louisville offers a look inside Louisville Slugger's part of the past, present and future of baseball. Bonus...the museum is located just a couple blocks down from Slugger stadium and you can't miss the 120 foot baseball bat that marks the location! In fact, this bat that appears to be propped up on the museum building holds the record for the largest baseball bat in the world. You can tour the Louisville Slugger factory (at its current and 4th location) which has been churring out baseball bats since 1884 as well as the museum which features the signature wall and hands on exhibits. Even if you're not a baseball enthusiast, it is interesting to hear the stories and see the role baseball played in American history. This trip also comes with a free souvenir mini bat!
Frazier History Museum
Owsley Brown Frazier appreciated history and recognized the importance our past plays in our future. Raised by a philanthropist mother and an entrepreneur father, Mr Frazier envisioned and developed the Frazier History Museum in 2004. Since the doors have opened, this museum has impacted students, teachers and families with captivating exhibitions, educational programming and historical interpretations. A list of current exhibitions can be found on the website so continue down Main St and museum row and visit the Frazier History Museum. (In fact, Museum Row offers a "main ticket" option which for a flat rate allows one time admittance into each of the museum row establishments for a year).
Kentucky Science Center
While you are still touring around Main St and Museum Row, you might want to stop in the Kentucky Science Center. If you are a Louisville native, you have probably already experienced the popular Science Center on a past field trip or group outing. The attractions start outside as a parabolic mirror welcomes you to the building and inside 4 floors of interactive exhibits will entertain you. This is also the home of Kentucky's only 4 story precision white screen 3D movie theather so catch the latest educational film or Hollywood flick. Showtimes can be found on the museum website. The Kentucky Science Center also offers camps and programs and they even have adult only nights the second Friday of every month called Eat, Drink and Do Science. This one is truly fun for all ages!
Conrad-Caldwell House
On the north corner of the St James Court Historic District, a beautiful Bedford limestone mansion commands a second and even third look. The Conrad-Caldwell house was built in 1893 and exudes all of the architectural details of the Richardsonian-Romanesque Style and the Victorian Era. Guided tours are offered Wednesday-Sunday so you can see the unique corner towers that provide the mansion's framework and limestone carved animals that welcome you through the grand archways. The interior features elaborate woodwork, period parquet floors, intricate fireplaces and stunning stain glass windows as just a few of the highlights. The home overlooks the scenic Old Louisville Central Park and the St James Court Fountain. Since 1972, the St James Court and Belgravia District has been on the National Register of Historic Places and remains the largest collection of Victorian homes in the US.
Copper and Kings American Brandy Distillery
Not an oldie but this one is definitely a goodie! Located in the heart of Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood, Copper and Kings Distillery offers daily tours on the hour. Learn a little more about the history and process of creating this unique brandy while you receive 3 samples and a souvenir tasting glass. The founders of this modern brandy company pride themselves on offering a dynamic and uncommon American style brandy that is distilled in copper potstills and matured in bourbon barrels. The distillery also does their part to be environmentally conscious by utilizing solar energy, creating a monarch butterfly garden and repurposing wood from the construction for furniture currently found throughout the interior. The environment of the distillery is also worth a tour in and of itself providing nice modern architecture, fantastic patio and firepit and some of the best views of downtown Louisville from the 3rd floor roof top patio. The venue is also perfect for a wedding or private event. Enjoy!
