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Louisville, Kentucky: a city full of possibilities
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I had a discussion today with someone about Louisville and how we are such a great city in every aspect. However, we are flawed by the actuality that we aren’t as well-known as we should or could be. Therefore, I felt compelled to write this article. Many people across this country (and even world) know us for the famous Kentucky Derby, but Louisville contains so much more depth than this (Derby is a wonderful event, though, which I will be discussing shortly with its upcoming arrival).
Louisville deserves to have its name widespread, and I am here to tell you why—we are a city full of possibilities. So, consider these items listed when pondering a trip here or starting a new life or business in the seventeenth largest city. I cannot possibly touch on every main attraction in one article, especially in detail. Consequently, what you are reading is a sample of what to witness and what to expect when coming here, and I will possibly be writing about some of them more specifically and descriptively in my future articles.
A Few Interesting Facts:
-The city ofLouisville, with over a million people, was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark and is named after King Louis XVI of France.
-Louisville's Main Street has the second largest collection of cast-iron storefronts facades; only New York City has more.
-The Cheeseburger originated at Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville. In 1934, Margaret Kaelin's husband asked her to put a slice of American cheese on his hamburger and the legend was born.
-"Happy Birthday to You" was written by sisters Mildred and Patty Hill in their Louisville kindergarten class. Originally called "Good Morning to You," it was later changed to this traditional birthday anthem.
-The Old Louisville neighborhood near downtown is the largest Victorian-style neighborhood in America.
-Louisville has the nation’s largest urban municipal forest – the 6,000 acre Jefferson Memorial Forest in south Louisville.
-Famous Louisvillian, Pee Wee Reese, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984.
Extravagant Hotels:
21c Museum Hotel: Looking to stay in luxury? Visit the recently-voted, 16th best hotel in the country along with its many other awards, recognitions, and articles illustrating it’s magnificence; adorned in contemporary-style art and architecture, this 90-room hotel also houses the bar and restaurant, Proof, which was honored one of the “Best New Restaurants in 2006” by Esquire. The Hotel features many amenities such as iPods for the guest’s listening pleasure, 42” HDTV flat-screen TV’s, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, full exercise facility with steam room, sauna, and spa services, gourmet coffee makers, mini-bar refrigerators, and room service from Proof.
The Brown Hotel: This lavish hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1923 for 4 million dollars and houses 293 elegant guest rooms, distinct English Renaissance design, and over 26,000 square feet of meeting space. Also on the list of insanely luxurious amenities featured in this hotel is The English Grille, an exquisite restaurant voted by Forbes Traveler as one of the Top Ten Romantic Restaurants. The historic Four Diamond/AAA hotel is conveniently located downtown nearby The Palace Theater, The Brown Theatre, 4th Street Live, The International Convention Center, and a free shuttle taking you to the Louisville International Airport in a measly five minutes. The delicious Hot Brown originated at The Brown Hotel in the 1900s; the open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich is topped with a rich cheese sauce.
Attractions:
The Belle of Louisville: The Steamer Belle of Louisville is going ninety-three years strong as a National Historic Landmark and the site of many occasions such as Thunder over Louisville (largest fireworks show in the country!), private weddings, proms, reunions, parties, and corporate events. Carrying tourists along the Ohio River, the major link between the East Coast and the Mississippi River, The Belle gives people of all ages a view of the city including our popular Waterfront Park.
The University of Louisville: founded in 1798, it is the oldest city-supported college in the United States; with 21,000 students enrolled, its academic and athletic programs bring people from all over the country and world.
Churchill Downs: Home to the well-known Kentucky Oaks and the renowned Kentucky Derby; this famous race track opened on May 17, 1875 and spawned its first Derby winner, Aristides, that same day. It has prospered tremendously since and continues to attract all types of people including celebrities, world-travelers, and the party people in the infamous Infield. Churchill Downs also features The Kentucky Derby Museum to entertain those who are curious in learning more about the history of the Derby.
Six Flag’s Kentucky Kingdom: Includes exciting rides for everyone—family and kids’ rides as well as thrill rides for only the most daring; also features Splashwater Kingdom containing one of the biggest wave pools in the country, rafting adventures, and other forms of entertainment for all ages.
Actors Theatre: Founded in 1964, this award-winning venue has gained national and international recognition as an excellent, non-profit, professional theatre company.
Louisville Zoo: A non-profit organization and the state zoo of Kentucky: “bettering the bond between people and the planet by providing excellent care for animals;” This AAM (American Association of Museums) and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited zoo is enjoyable for any animal lover.
Speed Art Museum: Serving more than 180,000 visitors annually, this museum is Kentucky’s oldest and largest museum. Located on Louisville’s Belknap Campus, their extensive collection consists of over 13,000 pieces, ranging from Ancient Egyptian times to today’s contemporary art—a span of 6,000 years.
Louisville Science Center: “State Science Center of Kentucky;” Serving over 550,000 people annually, this venue features interactive exhibits aimed to educate people on technology, math, and science; contains a Kid’s Zone specifically aimed at the younger crowd, an IMAX theater, and programs that are entertaining and educational.
Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory: The factory was brought back to Louisville in 1996 opening to the public for touring and becoming one of the city’s most popular attractions. People are curious to tour this facility to learn about the Official Bat of Major League Baseball—the Louisville Slugger, with some famous players continuing to have their bats custom-made at this site.
Muhammad Ali Center: There’s a good chance that you have heard of Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer who was native to Louisville, KY. This venue located in the heart of downtown is dedicated to his morals and features interactive exhibits and media presentations that reflect his core values and show his journey that inspires all of us to look inside ourselves at our inner-strength.
St James Court Art Fair: Founded in 1957, this Nationally-Acclaimed Art show features nearly 750 exhibitors and more than 300,000 attendees.
Louisville Extreme Park: opened in 2002, this park is one of the nation’s best skate parks and includes 40,000 square feet of space, a 24-foot full pipe, and is open 24/7, year-round.
Our Restaurants:
Louisville comprises of many of our very own authentic restaurants that have delicious items that you will have to take a visit to the one and only, Louisville, to experience and savor. Many are featured on our popular Bardstown Road that extends most of the way through Louisville. Click on their title for much more information.
Artemesia: “Artemisia is another name for the cooking spice tarragon, an Italian female artist, and a Greek queen; this restaurant features fabulous cuisine, fine art, and live jazz.”
Asiatique: Amazing Pacific Rim Cuisine in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.
August Moon: Opened by well-known, educated, and Malaysian Chef Peng S. Looi; this authentic Louisville eatery features a fine Chinese cuisine with Malaysian influences.
Avalon: Located in the heart of the Highlands’ unique atmosphere, they offer “American cuisine with a different twist,” award-winning wines, and entrees prepared by Executive Chef Laurence Agnew.
Baxter Station Bar and Grill: recognized by our Courier-Journal as one of our 20 best; features international and regional American cuisine; great selection of well-priced specialty beers on tap and excellent wine list.
Bourbon’s Bistro: Newly opened in April 2005 and already being recognized and awarded, this upscale-casual locale invites those who want to enjoy fine southern-style cuisine and 130-plus bourbons.
Bristol Bar and Grille: see my article on the “Best of Louisville” award-winning restaurant
Café Lou Lou: this newly opened original has two separate locations—the Highlands and St. Matthews; they feature a unique menu with a variety of appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches.
Café Metro: Voted as one of Louisville’s Top 5 and known for their pastries, they have been serving fine multi-course cuisine to Louisville for 23 years now.
The Irish Rover: Pub culture (soups, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, beers, and wine, etc.) with 2 separate locations—Frankfort Avenue and the other in LaGrange, KY.
Lilly’s: "If an American city is fortunate, it will have a signature restaurant, an eatery combining a sense of place with the best local flavors. To be truly outstanding, it will have a worldview, too, drawing on many culinary traditions." Susan Reigler, Courier-Journal went on to say, "For over two decades, our city has been lucky indeed to have its own such quintessential restaurant. Lilly's says Louisville."
Napa River Grill: Northern California cuisine with Pacific Rim “fusion;” upscale-casual dining featuring a seasonal menu with fresh seafood, pastas, steaks, and salads; patio dining, private rooms, and catering are all available.
Ramsi's: Visit my article about this Cafe on the World.
Rivue: Located at the top of The Galt House Hotel and Suites, this upscale establishment includes two revolving dining areas (yes, literally moving), chic décor, contemporary cuisine, and amazing views.
Seviche: Nationally-recognized Chef/Owner Anthony Lamas opened this Latin Louisville Original Restaurant
Uptown Café: One of The Highland’s first upscale-casual restaurants serving lunch and dinner to Louisville for the last twenty years.
Vincenzo’s: 21 awards in 20 years; this elegant restaurant contains a menu reflecting the owners’ European heritage and training while providing a simple meal or a multi-course culinary tour.
Wagner’s Pharmacy: Esquire awarded this breakfast location as one of the “59 Best Breakfast Places in America.”
Lynn’s Paradise Café: This esteemed café opened in 1991 and features a unique setting that attracts people from all over the world.
Along with the many Louisville Original Restaurants, we also have a diverse range of other local independent businesses that make Louisville one of a kind. See this Directory for a list of local food and drink, retail stores, and services.
As you can see, Louisville is unique in a variety of ways. I have always loved Louisville and know many, many others that would agree. If you have never been here, you should definitely take time out of your busy life to view and experience The Possibility City—it will be worth it and you may just fall in love with it like I and many others have.
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