Kentucky officially became part of the United States on June 1, 1792.
Sightseeing in Louisville
Since taking office in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has been one of the most famous horse racing in human history, bringing visitors from all over the world to participate in the festival. For many years, the city has developed a prosperous drinking and eating scene that encompasses spirits and cultures from around the world. There is also no shortage of attractive educational institutions to visit, with topics ranging from sports to art and wildlife conservation.
Whether you want to sample the finest quality natural wines, drink refreshed rum cocktails or sample alcohol in full, this historic Kentucky City is equipped to enjoy a truly diverse range of landmarks and attractions, allowing visitors to have a memorable derby experience without a drop of bourbon touching their lips.
Explore Nuru's many dishes
Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, with over 600,000 people living within its limits.
Nami
Louisville has produced hearty dishes like hot brown, a flavourful blend of turkey, bacon and morna sauce, but like a chocolate-filled derby pie, there's more to the city than classic bluegrass state dishes. In recent years, the East Market District, or Null, has developed a diverse dining scene that specializes in flavors far beyond the United States. Nami offers the opportunity to dine in heartfelt Korean cuisine prepared at the request of James Beard Award-nominated Chef Chef Edward Lee. The dinner menu is equipped with a wealth of decadent BBQ dishes, ranging from Wagyu beef rib eye to ginger and garlic-infused jumulk, but the brunch program is particularly impressive.
Just a few blocks away, visitors can explore Caribbean dining at Labo de Guita de Mima, a lively restaurant inspired by Cuba in the 1950s. Upon arrival, guests can feast on favourites such as tamales pork, ceviche shrimp and spring. And when it comes to traditional Eastern Mediterranean flavours, the nearby Meeshmeish is a must-see, with menu items such as herb falafel, grape-leafed branzino, lambmeltzes and other wide range of Levantin-inspired favorites.
Discover Louisville's non-bourbon drinking scene
Mint jelep has been enjoying it in the southern United States since the late 1700s, but it has an accurate origin … more
Sightseeing in Louisville
Derby is often most associated with bourbon-friendly mint jelep, but for those who prefer spiritless drinks, there is no shortage of options to explore around town. For those who prefer to stick with Nulu, Seven, which recently opened, has earned praise for its top tier mixology program, with drinks available in both Boozy and Zero-ABV formats. For non-inhalers, the cranberry and lime-loaded safe zone is perfect for a refreshment after a long day of exploring the city, but adventurous visitors can sample secret gardens.
Meanwhile, those willing to head south can find a vast selection of mocktails during their trip to Canary Club, an elegant venue in the city's Shelby Park neighborhood. The menu features a bite with a flavourful bite like canned fish and empanadas. Both are perfectly combined with the citrus white rose spritz. The bar also boasts a natural wine spinning, with all sorts of eclectic orange wines and fragrant rosés on the menu. On the wine topic, visitors can find a particularly impressive selection during their trip to Nouvelle. This is a sophisticated location boasting over 100 different options, and you will have the opportunity to snack on cheese boards and charcuterie plates throughout your visit.
Check out our top attractions in Louisville
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory features Steel, the world's largest baseball bat … more
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The Kentucky Derby only lasts about 2 minutes, so it's certainly necessary to have some extra activities to enjoy the whole city. For a complete newcomer, Trolley de Ville offers the perfect experience. This leisurely tour, held in a vintage car, highlights Louisville's rich history, touching on topics ranging from the development of the University of Louisville to the ornate architecture found in the Old Druiville, famous for its concentration of Victorian buildings. And of course, the lack of iconic museums is not browsing the tools as classics such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and factories and the Muhammad Ali Centre are open for visitors.
For fine art lovers, the Speed Art Museum recently created a wave with the “Glorious Exile: American Women from 1900-1939” exhibition, but for those looking to enjoy fresh Bluegrass State Air, it's hard to beat a trip to the Louisville Zoo. First established in 1969, this lush green park has been a key hub for wildlife conservation for decades, with a wealth of ambitious programs aimed at maintaining the biodiversity of our planet. Although target species range from Cuban crocodiles to polar bears, the zoo is probably best known for its highly successful Blackfoot Ferret Breeding Program, with over 1,000 kits being raised at the Louisville Zoo Conservation Center since its launch in 1991.
