I was recently hosted on a press trip to Louisville, Kentucky with other Macaroni Kid Publishers from all across the United States. Sure, I'd heard of Louisville before, but I’d never had the opportunity to visit. I never realized all of the fun offerings and how do-able the driving distance was from Columbus. I want to share my experience and then give you some recommendations on why I think makes a great family destination, a girl’s weekend, or even a couple’s romantic getaway.
We were guests at the Aloft Louisville Downtown, the customer service was absolutely incredible I felt like I was staying at a luxury hotel where I could take my family and not be worried about breaking something. I also thought it was wonderful that Aloft is a pet-friendly destination. Another thing I loved about Aloft was its central location. You could easily walk to restaurants and attractions, like the KFC Yum Center, museums and much, much more. I had the opportunity to sample some delicious drinks at The Corner Bar (located in Aloft) and also try their Tacos for lunch. YUM! The prices were reasonable, in most cases, about the same (or a little less in some cases) than similar fare in Columbus.
A short distance from Aloft Louisville Downtown is Museum Row on Maine, Museum Row includes the Frazier History Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Science Center, KMAC Museum, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Muhammad Ali Center and the Kentucky Center for Performing Arts. These attractions can be visited individually or, you can buy “The Main Ticket” which allows you to visit each of these places one time at half the price! Your Main Ticket also good for one whole year. With time I had, I chose to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Frazier History Museum, and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.
The Frazier History Museum is currently hosting The Hunger Games Exhibition until September 10th. The exhibit is an additional charge. If you have Hunger Games fans in your house this is a must do in my opinion. Jennifer Lawrence (AKA Katniss Everdeen) is from Louisville and her foundation is donating a portion of ticket sales to charity. How cool is that?! The interactive exhibit makes you feel like you are in the movies (or the books) with scenes, costumes, and all kinds of fun facts and details.
One of my absolute favorite attractions was the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. You are taken through history to learn about the process and history of making Bourbon, and about Bourbon’s significance to the city of Louisville. There is a tasting at the end of the tour (Bourbon for the grown-ups and a non-alcoholic sweet treat for kids). There is also an Artisanal Distillery where you can watch and learn about the process first hand.
I was also excited to enjoy some authentic Southern cuisine while I was in Louisville. Doc Crows is located in the historic Whiskey Row was in walking distance from Aloft. It did not disappoint. I had trouble choosing what to order with such an appetizing and extensive menu (including a reasonably priced kid's menu). I chose the Dixie Chicken Sandwich and cheese grits. After my delicious meal, I couldn't fit in a whole dessert but had to try a bite of my friend's amazing homemade Pecan Pie.
A trip to Louisville wouldn't be complete without seeing the iconic spires and visiting Churchill Downs. We were fortunate enough to be there just a week before The Kentucky Derby. The excitement was in the air as horses were exercised on the finely manicured grounds ahead of the big day. There are several options of tours at Churchill Downs. You can do a backside tour (which got us up close to the track). All of the tour options can be found on The Kentucky Derby Museum's website. The interactive Kentucky Derby Museum celebrates the history and culture of The Kentucky Derby as well as offering hands-on activities for kids such as racing your own plexiglass horse on a video screen and dressing up in jockey silks.
To find out more about visiting Louisville, check out Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
FTC Disclosure: Although a portion of my trip was sponsored all opinions expressed in the article are honest and my own.
