Louisville, and the Kentucky Derby

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

FAQ: How do I make small talk when you are on the road with a stranger?

Destination: Louisville, Ky

Today’s Mistake-Getting lost in Louisville

Travel Advice: Pack half your suitcase with giveaways and gifts.

FAQ:

How do I make small talk with a stranger when you are on the road?

Start small with a question or comment about the weather, date, location, or event you are both at or have just attended. Do they seem to have something in common with you? You can gently ask how they are doing today.

Today’s destination: Louisville, KY

Derby is on the first Saturday of every year in May.

I’ve attended several of them with friends and always had fun. I miss those days, but still love the races. Churchill Downs is the place to visit when in town as that’s where the race takes place, the fastest two minutes in sports ever!

Even if you can’t make the early week races, get dressed up and place your best. Check out Thurby Oaks, which is an alternative to Churchill Downs.

On Derby weekend, you can go bourbon tasting or whatever. Be sure you get your big hat! Follow the rules regarding what you can bring.

My friend and I always celebrated with a Mint Julep, even if not at the race. What’s the recipe?

The four ingredients to taste are mint leaf, bourbon, simple syrup, and crushed ice. Once, I did not have a mint leaf, so I used oregano, which went over badly. It was a hoot!

https://www.churchilldowns.com/tickets/

https://www.letsgolouisville.com/kentucky-derby-tips

• Visit the museums on Museum Row, including Louisville's own Muhammed Ali Museum, the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, 21C Museum Hotel, KMAC (the Kentucky Museum of Art & Crafts), and Roots 101 African American Museum, all within proximity. The Speed Art Museum is also a fantastic contemporary art museum in Old Louisville.

• Stroll through beautiful Old Louisville, or take a guided history tour with Louisville Historic Tours to learn all about the local architecture and history.

• Take a food tour with Louisville Food Tours and experience the story of Louisville one bite at a time in the most scenic neighborhoods in town. You'll learn all about the city's history while enjoying the sights, interspersed with stops at fantastic local eateries for food and drinks. With just 1.5 miles of walking spread out over 3 hours, it's the perfect balance of activity, history, and eating and drinking.

• Louisville has a fantastic theatre scene! Check out what's playing at Actor's Theatre, or if you're visiting during the summer, check out the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, the longest-running free Shakespeare festival in the country. Another fantastic entertainment venue is PLAY, a gay nightclub hosting drag performances and Queer-owned theatre productions.

• Take a sunset cruise on the beautiful Ohio River aboard Louisville's historic steamboat, the Belle of Louisville.

• Explore NuLu and shop at the local boutiques and gift stores in the NuLu neighborhood. It's a small area, about 2 blocks, but full of locally owned businesses. My favorite is Revelry, a gift shop and art gallery featuring unique creations by Louisville artists. Right across the street is Women Owned Wallet, a shop featuring only women-owned and created products. There are also two bourbon distilleries, Angel's Envy and Rabbit Hole! If you're spending the day in NuLu, book a NuLu Food Tour with Louisville Food Tours. Their 3-hour daytime tour features food that represents the culinary heritage of Louisville and Kentucky, and they also offer an evening bourbon food tour in NuLu, which treats bourbon as if it were wine and explores pairings of food, bourbon, and bourbon cocktails.

Lia Garcia, Founder and CEO, Let’s Go Louisville

Today’s Mistake- Getting Lost in Louisville

It was the night of the Kentucky Derby, and my college friends were all there, staying near Churchill Downs. One friend drove their motor home out to a bar after the event, and they left me behind by mistake. I did not have the address of where I was staying before cell phones, so I found a policeman and told them what happened. They helped me get “home” for the night.

Just as I walked in the door, they noticed I was missing.

Today’s Travel Advice: Pack half your suitcase with giveaways and gifts. Then, you will have room for your extras and souvenirs when you go home.

Where are you going? Let me know if I helped you travel. The show notes have ways to connect.

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