Louisville, Kentucky
/Louisville is a city that feels like a small town. Bourbon flows respectfully at every bar and restaurant. You can stay in downtown without a car and have a wonderful experience.
Stay
21C Museum Hotel Louisville
One of her favorite hotels. This magical contemporary art museum with rooms is comfortable, casual and upscale all at the same time. The restaurant and bar is welcoming
Play
Fourteen bars make up this n trail. The goal is to collect 6 stamps on a Urban Bourbon Trail® Passport (you can get one at the Louisville Visitor Center 4th & Jefferson St) one for each drink purchase (doesn’t have to be Bourbon) and take it to back to the visitor’s center and redeem for a T-shirt. It’s a fun way to see downtown.
Louisville Slugger Museum - You don’t have to be a baseball lover to enjoy the history of this active baseball bat factory and museum. They have a nice gift shop too.
KMAC Museum - Free Contemporary Art Museum, Closed on Mondays check the events page for poetry slams, guided tours and more. There is a nice gift shop and a sunny cafe with coffee, tea and snack
The Muhammad Ali Center - The museum concentrates on the six core principles of Muhammad Ali’s life: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality.
Kentucky Science Center - Not just for kids, we had a great time here. You can also catch a movie here.
Art Eatables - Small batch bourbon chocolate truffles as well as non-alcoholic chocolates and other gifts
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience - You can take the Traditional Tour and tasting and see how bourbon is made. Buy get discount tickets before you go here
Feathered Empty Nest recommends you take the Speakeasy Tasting Experience $20 (30 min) get tickets here.
Angel's Envy Distillery - This very popular tour is right in downtown. Open ever day except Tuesday, book a tour online here. Feathered Empty Nest Tip: book this well in advance of your trip, tickets sell out quickly & wear sensible shoes
Shopping
Louisville Stoneware Co - Local potters making stoneware in the tradition that started in 1815.
Louisville Antique Market
Speed Art museum - remodeled in 2013,there is also a cinema and cafe
Mr. Friendly - Record shop with new and vintage vinyl and cassettes
Eat and Drink
Proof on Main - Esquire magazine’s “Best New Restaurants,” serving local food in local style
Bar at Proof - The bar has 120+ Kentucky bourbons and is on the Urban Borbon Trail Also a huge selection of wonderful wines. Food & Wine magazine: “America’s 50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences” & Wine Spectator magazine: “Award of Excellence”
Bristol Bar & Grille Downtown - Sunday Brunch buffet with a Bloody Mary Bar and $2 mimosas until 3 p.m. Happy hour at the bar M-F 4- 6 p.m. Part of the Urban Bourbon Trail
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Classic, upscale steakhouse
Please and Thank You - you just try the chocolate chip cookies at one of this bakery’s 3 central locations
Close By
Berheim Arboretum Giant Troll Sculptures - 25 miles south of Louisville, Berheim Arboretum and Research Forest is celebrating their 90th anniversary has commissioned giant Trolls made from left over construction lumber.
