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Louisville, Kentucky: It's All In The Family
General George Rogers Clark founded Louisville, Kentucky on the banks of the Ohio River in 1778. Throughout the century when the Ohio River represented the dividing line between America's North and South, slaves would swim from Louisville to freedom in Indiana. The states' historic ties are celebrated today in the seven counties of Greater Louisville. Pronounced Looavul, Luhvul, Lou-EE-ville, Looaville or Looeyville, the region is ideally suited to car travel and is centrally located within a two-day drive from many areas in the United States and Southern Canada. Here are the must-sees.
Kentucky = Horses
A must-see in Louisville is the course at Churchill Downs, the oldest continuously operated racetrack in the US. For the last 135 years, every first Saturday in May, Churchill Downs hosts the running of the Kentucky Derby – the greatest two minutes in sports.
Start your trip to the track with a tour of the interactive Kentucky Derby Museum. There are a number of hands-on exhibits, including the official jockey scale, where almost all of us – including many children – weigh more than the little horsemen. When weather permits, walking track tours are offered, with wheelchairs available free of charge. To enjoy live racing you'll need to visit during the Spring (late-April to early-July) and Fall meets (Oct-Nov). Children are allowed to view the races, but betting is entertainment for adults only.
Speaking of the Kentucky Derby, if you happen to be planning a vacation around Derby time, Louisville is home of the Kentucky Derby Festival which takes place in the two weeks before the Kentucky Derby (the first Saturday in May). Events in the festival include the Great Balloon Race, the Great Steamboat Race, the Pegasus Parade, the Derby Marathon and Mini-Marathon. The biggest event is called Thunder over Louisville, which is the largest fireworks display in the United States and has been ranked in the top 100 events in North America.
Many of the spectacular Kentucky Derby thoroughbreds are born and trained in the rolling hills surrounding Lexington, a leisurely 1 hour drive east from Louisville. On the outskirts of Lexington lies the Kentucky Horse Park, a showcase of museums, galleries, theaters and working farm exhibits. More than 50 breeds of horses graze upon its lush pastures. Horse-drawn tours are included in the price of admission. Horse, pony and carriage rides are available for hire.
Off Track Attractions
A great way to experience the beauty of both coasts, including Louisville's Waterfront Park with its children's play space, is on a sightseeing cruise with the oldest operating river steamboat, the Belle of Louisville. Built in1914, she sails annually from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Elevator access to the second floor makes this ship particularly relaxing for seniors, and many locals throw birthday parties and reunions on board.
Fun can be had with a tour at Hillerich & Bradsby's Louisville Slugger Bat Factory and Museum (502/588-7228). Home to the world's largest bat, everyone who tours the facility is presented with a souvenir miniature bat. Note that bats are not manufactured on Sundays and they are only manufactured on Saturdays from April through November. With that said, because of factors beyond the museum's control, there may not be bat production on your tours, and you should call ahead to make sure that the museum is working its normal schedule, as well as to find out how to get your own custom made bat. Speaking of the museum, it is across the street from Louisville Slugger Field, the home of the Louisville Bats, the AAA affiliate of the Cincinatti Reds. In other words, it is the same park where Jay Bruce became one of the top prospects in baseball.
Another custom-made project awaits at Louisville Stoneware, established in 1905. The stoneware is hand crafted and unique pieces are considered collectors items. If you choose to paint your own, along with their craftspeople, it is a bit more historic than the average pottery place. We decided to create our own works of art and have them shipped, rather than wait the few days for glazing and firing.
History buffs should make a pilgrimage to the Locust Grove Historic Home, the 1790 Georgian mansion and National Historic Landmark which served as the last residence of city founder and Revolutionary War hero General Clark. Locust Grove housed African slaves from 1790 to their emancipation in 1849. There are other historic homes in Louisville you may want to include on your visit. At Farmington, a pre-Civil War hemp plantation, the home was built by slaves according to a Thomas Jefferson design that features two octagonal rooms. Older children may appreciate Riverside, the Farnsley Moremen Landing, an interpretation of a 1830's farmhouse located on the river in the southwest part of the county.
For up-to-date and youthful fun, the Speed Art Museum boasts of the Art Sparks Interactive Gallery for children, which features 30 activities, multi-media and works of art including the Electronic Art Room. Even little ones can join the action at Planet Preschool.
There are actually nine museums in a six-block neighborhood called Museum Row and it includes Glassworks, Frazier International History Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the Louisville Science Center & IMAX Theatre, the Kentucky Musuem of Art and Craft, 21C Hotel and Museum, the Muhammad Ali Center (more below) and the Kentucky Center for Performing Arts. Louisville is the only other location besides England where you can find the London Royal Armouries.
Just minutes from the Louisville International Airport is Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, a theme park featuring Hurricane Bay Water Park and seven scary roller coasters.
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