The Travel Chica

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5 things that surprised me about Louisville

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Earlier this year I read that Louisville is one of Lonely Planet’s top US travel destinations for 2013 and later read that Louisville is a Top 10 foodie city in the US.

I only live three hours from Louisville.  It had not even crossed my mind to check out the city.  How does it have to hit Lonely Planet for me to find out about this top travel destination?

I had some time available to take a long weekend, and the choice was easy.

Louisville surprised me (in a very good way)!

5 Louisville Surprises

#1 Gorgeous architecture in downtown Louisville

The first thing I noticed as I entered the city was the architecture.  Many of the buildings on West Main Street were constructed in the post-Civil War economic boom of the late 1800s.

It was freezing with a strong wind, yet I still had to stop and take photos every time I walked down the street.

#2 – Cool art

I am so happy I had the opportunity to stay at the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Louisville because I was basically staying in one of the best art galleries in the city.

My favorite piece was the interactive video on the first floor by the elevators.  Called Text Rain, it allows you to use your body to lift and play with falling letters (they are actually lines to a poem).

And I was always amused by the red penguins.  The staff (and apparently sometimes guests) move them around the hotel throughout the day.  It certainly put a smile on my face when the elevator door opened to reveal a penguin.

I didn’t have much time to explore the galleries and museums in Louisville, but I was impressed with the few things I did see, especially in downtown and the NuLu neighborhood.

This piece has an interesting story behind it that I think most people don’t know unless they have a tour guide.

#3 – Great food

The number of intriguing options is overwhelming if you are only visiting for a short period of time.

There are only so many meals a girl can eat in a day!

 

In Louisville, the dining options span all budgets.  The farm-to-table movement is big whether dining at casual or upscale restaurants.  The city has attracted chefs from all over the country who have studied at prestigious culinary schools and worked with the greats.

While Louisville does not seem to have its own style of cuisine or native dishes (except something called a hot brown that is apparently good for a hangover), you can find a good variety of food made well.

Since I was staying at the 21c Museum Hotel, I had to splurge at their renowned restaurant Proof on Main for a fancy meal.  It was delicious, and it nearly killed me because I ate way too much food.  I chose the bison burger because the bison is raised on their own farm.  It came with some sort of dip that I believe was made with bourbon, cinnamon, and crack.

I also jumped at the chance to experience the restaurants of the NuLu neighborhood with Louisville Food Tours.  I got to eat at SIX awesome spots in one afternoon!  More drool-worthy photos in an upcoming post.

#4 – The craft beer revival has begun

I call it a revival instead of a trend because while bourbon is king in Louisville, there is also a strong brewing history.  Between 1808 and 1978 150 breweries operated at 54 sites.  Today there are not many options, but the ones they do have are quality, and there is still room for the industry to grow.

I sampled a couple of beers from Against the Grain (their smoked Scottish Ale is bizarre at first sip, but it grew on me).  I also had a delicious Imperial Red Ale from New Albanian Brewing Company just across the river in New Albany, Indiana.

Due to poor planning and a short amount of time, I didn’t have a chance to try the other breweries on my list:  Apocalypse Brew Works, Cumberland Brewery, and BBC.  Just a few more reasons to return.

#5 – A melting pot of friendly entrepreneurs

I got the impression from talking with locals that a lot of people have moved to the city in order to do their own thing.  Whether it’s to start a restaurant or a bar, be an artist, own a shop, start a brewery or distillery, Louisville seems to foster creative entrepreneurs.

Have you been to Louisville?  What did you love about the city?

Comments

  3. 21c Museum Hotel is a surprise for me – not because it’s in Louisville, rather because of the concept. I followed the link you provide and what a great experience that would be. I’d like to see more hotel/museums like this ’round the world. Great find!
    Maria recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Chiaroscuro

  15. I just recently met a doctor here in Lima on our most recent medical mission from Louisville, and he surprised us by telling us all about the fresh foods and other fun things Louisville has to offer. Quite honestly, I never would have known, but he showed us pictures of fun events and other things, so I’m convinced, I’m sure its a fun city!
    Antoinette recently posted..Victoria Falls on Zimbabwe & Zambia

  16. I lived in Louisville for 4-5 years and I miss it everyday. It isn’t where I grew up, nor is it home now, but I keep telling myself when I am “settled” that is where I will end up. I’ve lived and traveled all over the place and there is truly no place like it. Love this article and love Louisville! :)

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