Old Louisville is one of America's finest neighborhoods. It is known to have some of the best examples of Victorian architecture in the entire country and walking along its charming streets is always a delight. The area roughly encompasses the area between Broadway in the north to Cardinal Boulevard at the University of Louisville in the south. Along the parallel 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets visitors will see many preserved Italianate, Romanesque and Queen Anne homes and buildings, one of note is the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. Other gems within the district are St. James Court, Belgravia Court and Central Park, where it literally feels as if you've traveled back to 1870.
Reenactments, music, photography, lectures, and artifacts are just some of the many ways the Frazier International History Museum helps bring the excitement of history to a contemporary audience. This 100,000 square-foot, three-floor museum's permanent collection includes Theodore Roosevelt's "Big Stick," Daniel Boone's bible, and Geronimo's bow. Children and adults are sure to be entertained by various daily reenactments, while an ongoing series of historical lectures provides fascinating insights. Groups can rent designated areas of the museum, including the fifth-floor roof garden which overlooks the Ohio River.
Leaning like an all-American obelisk on its building, the Louisville Slugger Museum's signature giant-size baseball bat is recognized as the biggest piece of ash that will never see any action on the diamond. Inside the facility, visitors are treated to a baseball experience that details the history of this iconic Major League Baseball fixture since 1884. The best part is the 30-minute tour of the factory floor, where you'll see real Sluggers being crafted out of raw timber. When you enter, sign up for the chance to obtain your own signature bat, it will be ready by the time you leave.
Muhammad Ali is one of Louisville's most prodigious sons, and this stunning multipurpose facility devoted to the boxing great promotes his ethos and six core principles of "Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality." The building also provides event space and it offers guests an opportunity to relive the life and times of the man who was born as Cassius Clay. Some exhibits include a movie, a number of interactive video displays, and educational programs on how to become involved in social justice projects within the community.
The Kentucky Derby, held annually at the fabulous Churchill Downs, is often said to be 'The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.' The museum, which is located just outside the racecourse, elaborately presents the history of this racing tradition through more than 20,000 items that have been collected since its inception in 1875. Exhibits include trophies, sculptures, photographs and paintings along with Derby souvenirs and the private collections of former horse trainers and jockeys. Tours can be made with the museum to visit the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs as well.
Louisville's Waterfront Development Commission manages this massive park that runs from Beargrass Creek to the underpass of the Clark Memorial Bridge. It's always filled with runners, bikers, dog walkers and anyone else who seeks the sunshine and beauty of the Ohio River. In addition to tons of open riverfront space, the park hosts different events throughout the year. From beach volleyball to weddings, there is always something going on.
Old Louisville is one of America's finest neighborhoods. It is known to have some of the best examples of Victorian architecture in the entire country and walking along its charming streets is always a delight. The area roughly encompasses the area between Broadway in the north to Cardinal Boulevard at the University of Louisville in the south. Along the parallel 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets visitors will see many preserved Italianate, Romanesque and Queen Anne homes and buildings, one of note is the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. Other gems within the district are St. James Court, Belgravia Court and Central Park, where it literally feels as if you've traveled back to 1870.
The Sons of the American Revolution Library aims to provide genealogical research to descendants of those who fought against the British crown. In addition to family history, the institution preserves relics, memorabilia, documents and almost everything else noteworthy during America's heady, tumultuous youth. The library is open to the public, however there is a charge to peruse the catalogs. Today, the SAR has more than 58,000 different items, all of which have been amassed since its establishment in 1889.
One of the little known gems that is worth the find, The Little Loomhouse will enchant you with its history and array of weaving memorabilia. Comprising of three rustic cabins dating from 1870 and 1895, they were even visited by few of the First Ladies of the United States such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Lou Henry Hoover. Esta Cabin, the oldest of the lot showcases the history of the place as well as has an enviable collection of weaving and spinning artifacts. It is considered to be the biggest collection in the nation. Wisteria is the Lou Tate Foundation's headquarters and also houses a gift shop. The Tophouse is where all weaving programs, classes and activities happen.
Surface Noise opened its doors to the folks of Louisville in 2016 and has been a local favorite since then. Touted as the city's leading vinyl record store, their collections include albums from various eras. It also functions as a used bookstore, an art gallery, and a venue for small-scale music performances.
Though it's located within mere blocks of Kentucky's largest city, Cherokee Park remains a bastion of rugged tranquility. With miles of trails, a range of interesting topography, and room for every sport or outdoor activity, this park offers a look at the Kentucky backwoods without venturing too far. It contains a golf course and there are facilities for almost every type of outdoorsman. Whether you are an archer, basketball player, jogger, fisherman, grill master, mountain biker, birder, swimmer or plain ol' dog walker, it's perfect.
During the mid 19th-century there was still not a proper burial site for the Louisville's deceased, so a portion of Cave Hill farm was turned into a cemetery in 1848. The garden cemetery is known throughout Kentucky for its beautiful headstones, burial vaults and monuments. Moreover, the sloping hills with traditional earthen plots placed alongside imposing mausoleums and creepy statues evoke an eerie charm from the cemetery. The staff provides group tours for a nominal fee and individual tours are complimentary if made in advance.