Staff PIcks

Your visit starts even before you set foot in the museum—sauntering down Main Street, you’ll be treated to the sight of Wyatt Gragg’s celebrated sculptures that adorn the Louisville Slugger Walk of Fame. At the entrance to the museum, a Paul Bunyan-size Slugger, 120-feet long and 68,000 pounds, towers high into the air.

Once inside, you’ll enjoy an eclectic mix of exhibits in various media, including filmed interviews with the legends of baseball, accompanied by displays showcasing the actual Sluggers they used to make sports history. Expert staff will lead you on a tour of the factory, revealing how the world-famous brand continues to produce Sluggers to exacting standards. Finally, you can try one out for yourself in Bud’s Batting Cage.

Address: 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

The Belle is a century-old historical time capsule on the water, originally used for transporting freight between states, under the name The Idlewood. By 1949, she was sold to investors under the name Avalon, and was the most widely-traveled river steamboat in American history by 1962. Today, the Belle of Louisville is a sailing museum accommodating up to 680 passengers. 

Named after Mary Millicent Miller, who in 1884 was the first woman to have a steamboat license, the Mary M. Miller is a more modern, smaller, yet equally enchanting riverboat. Take sightseeing to a whole new level while eating a little bit of everything at the buffet as the DJ spins. Guests can choose from a variety of packages. No matter what vessel or package you go with, as long as you’re on the river, you’re in the right place.

During your stay in Louisville, spend Valentine's Day deciding which craft beer (out of hundreds) you want to indulge in, as over 100 breweries head to the festival, accompanied by live music and thousands of porter, stout, and brown ale fans. The event will take place at the Kentucky International Convention Center, where only adults 21+ can attend. Attendees can purchase their tickets online, where they can choose between several packages. Two exclusive packages are only available online, including the Designated Driver Deal, which offers a voucher for any food booth and complimentary water and soft drinks throughout the day. Each package includes a 5 oz. souvenir acrylic mug for sampling. Prices are currently as low as $40, although they will go up as the event approaches. In the meantime, stay hydrated and pace yourself for a memorable weekend enjoying the classics and finding new faves!

Starting at 7:00 pm, guests are surrounded by similar attractions inspired by the movies and books, including wizard and creature interactions, magical teachings of spells with duels against dark forces, and a marketplace to browse holiday gifts. Did we forget to mention the 3-course banquet meal? Wizards must be fed for spells to work best! Over 21? On January 30th, all the attention will shift to quenching thirsts, as Brewfest Night invites you to indulge in an array of elixirs including beer, bourbons, and liquors, recreating fan-favorite drinks you might recognize. More information with a link to purchase tickets by date can be found online, with packages ranging from $72-$292. Get those magic wands ready!

Just about 20 minutes away from The Brown Hotel, The Mega Cavern invites you and your family to Lights Under Louisville 2019, a 30-minute drive underground through a retired, yet spectacularly lit-up, limestone cavern. Really in the spirit? You can enjoy the show on the Christmas Express, an open-top trailer that takes you to Winter Wonderland. The display includes over 850 lit characters and runs through January 4th. Monday through Friday you can attend from 6 to 10 pm, with an extra hour for fun on the weekends from 5 to 10 pm. However, to avoid larger crowds, the best times to attend are Monday-Thursday. Photography is encouraged so don’t forget your best camera. More information can be found online and this is a ticketed event. To avoid lines, priority passes are sold online as well. Aside from the light display, kids can enjoy a separate event at The Mega Cavern enjoying Breakfast With Santa. Purchase your packages now!

From November 15th-17th, head to Louisville Slugger Field for the Festival of Trees & Lights—all proceeds will benefit the Norton Children’s Hospital. Fellow creatives, won’t want to miss The Art of Goodwill at the Speed Art Museum on November 16th, where all money raised in auctions will go towards Goodwill’s employment program to help those with disabilities. And finally, to run off some carbs before gaining them back at dinner on November 28th, you can register now for The Louisville Hungry Turkey 5K around Waterfront Park, with a beautiful view of the Ohio River. Not only will the event benefit The Dream Factory, the largest wish-granting organization for sick children, but you and the family will also be greeted with doughnuts at the finish line from a local shop, Hi-Five Doughnuts. Make your vacation to Louisville a charitable one.

Whether Halloween means channeling your inner spook or curing the autumn chills with warm and spicy concoctions, Louisville’s bourbon-infused history will have your fall spirits flying high. The Back Door—considered to host one of the best costume parties around—has a history of creepy cocktail creations. Consider trying the bar’s own invention: the hot Gunner—a warm blend of Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and coffee, all topped off with whipped cream. Just down the road at Big Bar, booze-infused beverage creations run in their blood. From their Angry Balls—a shot of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey in a pint of apple cider—to their aptly named icy concoction, Fire in Cider, you’ll be sure to feel the spirit of the season!

Pizza isn’t the first thing one thinks of when they think of Louisville, but the city has its own twist on the culinary favorite. Start with a thick crust, coat it in plenty of tangy sauce, place a healthy double layer of cheese over the toppings, and you have a Derby City slice. It may not be a world-renowned wonder, but there are a few notable spots in town where you can give it a taste. At the Original Impellizzeri’s pizza—the pizza place that started it all and gave birth to “Louisville style pizza”—has been voted the Best of Louisville seven times. Stop by one of their five locations—try the original Highlands location for a truly authentic experience—for one of the best slices around town.

Louisville ice cream wouldn’t be the same without the Comfy Cow. From classics flavors like strawberry and chocolate to the seasonal specials, like this summer’s Banana Pudding Y’all and Pina Colada Sorbet, this dairy-based confectionary is a local staple. What started as a dream inspired by a Mexican sweet treat discovered while on vacation, Steel City Pops has grown into a Southeast staple that gives back globally and locally. Their fresh and locally-sourced menu covers all the flavors from pineapple jalapeno to dairy-free avocado and gluten-free cookies & cream cookie pops. Layer the sweets at Liege and Dairy where fresh churned ice cream and fluffy Belgian waffles meet. It’s the iconic Liege waffle sundaes like the Brooklyn Way—a waffle topped with cheesecake ice cream, cheesecake mousse, strawberries, and hot fudge—that make this sweet treat fusion a taste of culinary heaven.

There are symbols that speak to the spirit of American patriotism—symbols that stand for everything our nation was established to represent. From fields of flags to honor all who have served to a fireworks show dynasty established by the immigrants who built our country, the Louisville Waterfront Fourth leads the way for a patriotic fueled Independence Day. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with family-friendly crafts, cultural attractions, a children’s playground, putt-putt and more set to a soundtrack of live music from the likes of The Zach Longoria Project and Joslyn & the Sweet Compression. For the over-21 crowd, libations are in abundance at the Yuengling Beer Garden and Bourbon Bar. But all of this is just a lead up to the 124-year tradition of Zambelli Fireworks that shoot over the field of 15,000 U.S. flags and onlookers ready to remember our nation’s birthday.

First opened in 1969, The Zoo is now home to more than 1,100 animals indigenous to everywhere from the Australian Outback to glaciers in the Arctic. This year, geographical boundaries are pushed even further with the opening of two new exhibits. Travel to the Himalayas of Nepal to see snow leopards and learn how Himalayan villagers work to live together with the majestic cats. Then, see the new red-tailed and colobus monkeys at the Colobus Crossing near the African Outpost. Support the zoo’s mission to “Better the Bond Between People and Our Planet” at the annual Zoofari!, where up-close interactions with the wildlife, themed cocktails, and a sit-down dinner meet. Or, bring the kids to the Friday Night Movies—next up, Ralph Breaks the Internet—or take part in Superhero Day, where heroes around the zoo will let you in on the secrets of animals and the superpowers they inspired.

When the list of the 25 Best Coffee Roasters in America came out, Louisville’s own Good Folks Craft Coffee found itself as the number 11 spot on the list — reminding us all that River City is known and loved for more than just its bourbon and rye. When you’re looking for your morning pick-me-up, you can find Good Folks’ appropriately named blends — the easy-drinking Day Tripper, the espresso-focused Fast Track, the smokey darker-roasted Deep Space — at the equally excellent coffee house meets vinyl store, Please & Thank You, where you’ll also find some of the best baked goods and sweet treats this side of the East Coast. Other top locally roasted tasting options include Highland Coffee Company, La Grange Coffee Roasters, and Quills Coffee.

For almost 30 years the Bardstown Road Farmers’ Market has brought locally-made and grown goods to Louisville. More than just a market, the weekly Saturday selection strives to instill a sense of awareness for local agriculture and consumer education, as well as create a fun and diverse atmosphere for weekend shopping. Open year-round, the market has extended hours starting in April, offering even more time to take in the wide selection. With veggies from vendors like Facing West Farm, fresh flowers from Falling Springs Flowers sustainably raised meats from Groce Family Farm, and more from vendors like Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese, T.C. Fisher Honey and Red Hot Roasters, there’s enough variety for everyone to have fun and stay fed. For another area market option, make your way to Douglas Loop Farmers Market where the wares and offerings are just as diverse!

Frankfurt Avenue leads you through some of the city’s most quaint and historic areas such as St. Matthews, Crescent Hill, and Butchertown. As you wind your way through the whimsical neighborhoods, stop into the equally charming boutiques, galleries, and art studios that line The Avenue. Learn a little about history at stops like the Peterson-Dumesnil House and the American Printing House for the Blind. When the cravings kick in choose from the more than 30 locally owned culinary hot spots—like the Champagnery, The Comfy Cow or Con Huevos—to refuel and imbibe. On the last Friday of the month, hop on board the F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop for an event full of live music, free refreshments and a night of fun!

If you lean toward a more casual persuasion, pull up a chair at Butchertown Pizza Hall. From the ‘Merica pizza to Bad Hombre, the recipes here are tried and true—more than 40 tomato varieties were tested to find the perfect pick. If your tastes tilt more typical American fare, try the Portage House. Here you’ll find the classics—baked mac & cheese to start, BBQ pulled pork sandwich for the main show—as well as a few internationally inspired foods. For those looking for the finer-dining night out, try for a table at La Chasse (think pan-seared foie gras) or ROC (Italian cuisine along the lines of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina), both authentic European experiences. Whichever way you go, just make sure the food isn’t the only focus of this holiday of love.

The 100-acre Louisville Mega Cavern opened out of a 19^th-century limestone quarry, is one of the largest caverns in the United States. But the adventure here is so much more than just a large underground cave to explore. Nowhere else in the world can you ride along an underground zip line, test your strength with a fully underground aerial ropes course, or cruise over 45 trails, Jump Lines, Pump Tracks, Dual Slalom and Single Track in an underground bike park. If you prefer history over high-adrenaline, hop on board the Mega Tram or the Electric Bike Tour for a look at the geology, mining, recycling, and green technology behind the cavern. And, with a large special underground space, it’s an excellent spot to host a memory-making event!

Start at My Old Kentucky Home—an iconic 19th-century plantation home. The mansion’s Merry & Bright tour takes visitors through a fully decked Christmas tour through time. Feel the holiday spirit with the six 12-foot Christmas trees, mistletoe, stuffed stockings, and a gingerbread model of the home. Guides complete the experience with hoop skirts and tailcoats while singing the abolitionist song that inspired the mansion. Scratch the sweet tooth itch at G.A. Schimpff’s Confectionary—one of the oldest, continuously operated family-run businesses in the country. Learn about the art of crafting candy and take a tour at the Candy Museum. Then, catch a show to see how it’s all done in the Candy Demonstration Area. This year, you can pick up a special Ginger Cottage souvenir to remember the season.