Why You Should Visit Louisville: A Guide From a Local
Guest Blog Written By: Hayley Minogue
Take a moment and imagine… warm sunshine, cool breeze, fresh cut grass smell, and a bourbon +lemonade. Kentucky isn’t always the first choice for a vacation, but baby you’re dead wrong if you count her out! Home of the Kentucky Derby, Louisville Slugger, and more barrels of bourbon than residents of the state (4.5 million Kentuckians), the commonwealth boasts and impressive and growing list of attractions.
DID SOMEBODY SAY BOURBON?
I like to think of Kentucky as a place to indulge. The Bourbon Trail offers up dozens of distilleries in both urban and rural locations where you can watch the entire lifecycle of the state drink.
There's so many options for vibe when it comes to bourbon in this city. If you want the full experience of a distillery, my favorites are Woodford Reserve, Castle and Key, and Angels Envy. Woodford has been in production over 200 years, a gleaming jewel in a sea of Bluegrass in Versailes, KY. The distillery gives an authentic, scenic view into the world of bourbon production. Castle and Key isn't too far from Woodford, and is a great add on to the day trip. The old E.H. Taylor distillery was abandoned and fell into disrepair, but the recent purchase of the grounds by the Castle and Key team not only restarted production on property, but also brought back to life the historic and breathtaking grounds. Angels Envy is a completely different experience. Nestled between bustling businesses in downtown Louisville, this urban bourbon experience keeps you close while continuing the education and interactive practices of a distillery.
If you'd just like the experience of a bourbon bar, I'll give you my favorites in different parts of town. In the Highlands neighborhood, Neat is my favorite bourbon bar. The intimate bar paired with kind and knowledgeable barkeeps will send you out with a buzz and a lesson. In Germantown, North of Bourbon pairs a unique cajun experience with the best bourbons. Award winning chef Lawrence Weeks keeps things authentic with his own twist, plus he's homegrown so I'll always be screaming and cheering for him. In Nulu, Tartan house offers a secluded, high class bourbon experience set in a beautiful repurposed home. In Prospect, Watch Hill Proper offers several high end bourbon experiences with an extensive collection of bottles.
SOMETHING TO WASH IT DOWN WITH: FAVE RESTAURANTS
Our restaurant scene is incomparable per capita, with an emphasis on local chefs, small business, and a UPS World Port hub facilitating ocean to table daily fresh seafood. If you’ve never witnessed a horse race, wager a little (or a lot) at the world-famous Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.
My favorite restaurants are many, but if I had to choose a top 3, here's what I can offer....
Lou Lou on Market gives the most authentic New Orleans experience, and something about being able to get it in my hometown makes me swell with pride. I love all seafood, and their dishes offer many options to get my fill, including raw oysters.
If you're looking for something celebratory or fancy, it's Jack Fry's for me. This is going to be controversial because there are newer, perhaps better steakhouses in Louisville. But to me, Jack Fry's is a classic. They make a steak exactly the way I like it, stand on its own without a bunch of fuss. Love their salmon dish too, and they've got a great lunch menu.
IN MY OPINION, Louisville's foodie scene really began in the late 1990's early 2000's with several restaurants willing to do something different. One of those is the Irish Rover. Their offering of classic Irish dishes feels like a warm hug from grandma, a true nod to the heavy irish presence in this city. Fish and Chips is a classic of course, but take a walk on the wild side and choose guinness beef stew.
For a hole in the wall best fried chicken ever experience, head to The Mellwood Tavern. On Thursday night, they do a fried chicken special. Best greens and fried chicken in the city, and you can quote me on that.
Finally, Enso is a must during your time in Louisville. A southern Japanese restuarant, don't let the unfamiliar dishes scare you away from this unique and unmatched experience. Amazing cocktails, great environment, unlike anything you'll ever try.
SPORTS, MUSIC, AND HISTORY - WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED?
Stay busy in the city by visiting one of several museums downtown, like the Kentucky Science Center, Louisville Slugger or 21C. Do your best to catch a men’s or women’s soccer game at the state-of-the-art Lynn Family Stadium. If you’re so inclined, plan around one of our major music festivals, like Railbird (Lexington), Louder than Life (Louisville), Bourbon and Beyond (Louisville) or brand new in 2024, Gazebo Fest (Louisville). Stop by the Brown Hotel for a world-famous Hot Brown sandwich, grab a Mint Julep (or don’t, they’re polarizing) and explore Fleur de Flea market or Mellwood Antique mall for fun trinkets on a gloomy day.
TAKE IT FROM A LOCAL HERSELF…
As a born and raised Louisvillian, I’m partial to my hometown, but a basketball game in Lexington and a weekend away hiking + camping in the Red River Gorge sure makes a short drive feel like a nice escape.
Summers are hot, and the winters are cold, so I heavily suggest fall and spring to get the most bang for your buck. Our international airport is easy to navigate, and cost of living is relatively low for other cities in the states. Budget for eating out frequently and save buy shacking up in an Airbnb over a city hotel.
I really cannot emphasize enough how friendly this city is to travelers, and how deeply home towners love to give recommendations. If ever in a pickle, just ask for help and receive a warm embrace of an answer. We’re happy to have you here in the Bluegrass!
Written By Hayley Minogue
MEET MY GUEST.
Say HI to Hayley Minogue, AKA the life of the party and of Louisville (if I’m being honest). With a degree in journalism and a masters in fun, she gives us some amazing insider info on visiting Louisville and you don’t want to miss it. As someone who has been to Louisville many times, I haven’t even been to some of these spots so you know they are gold mines!
I met Hayley when we were both bridesmaids in one of our bff’s wedding and we clicked instantly. She is a mom to the cutest son and she’s not just a regular mom, she’s a cool mom! Also doubles as one of the most supportive hype girls! She will give you the best advice but also will be the first to start the dance party to Gasolina - the best of both worlds.
Speaking of… not only does she have the inside scope on all things Louisville, she will give you top tier dating advice. So make sure to check out her podcast called @thelonelyheartsclub502 and give her a follow at @hayley_minogue. Thanks Hayley!!
