I am proud to say I grew up in the beautiful, weird, city of Louisville, Kentucky. From Bardstown Road to the East End, there is no place like the 'ville. Here are a few sure-fire ways to know you are from Louisville.
1. You know that the Derby is more than just a horse race.
In Louisville, the Derby is a season. Thunder Over Louisville, the world’s largest firework display, kicks off the season in April, and The Derby ends the season in May. It’s a time to dress up and drink up. (Did I mention mint juleps?)
2. Coffee is a religion.
Every morning starts with coffee from your favorite coffee shop. Either you’re loyal to Heine Brothers or Vint Coffee, Please & Thank You or Sunergos Coffee. Or, you may just prefer a cup of Starbucks, but with so many local shops, why waste your money?
3. Cards or Cats?
If you do not have a preference between the Louisville Cardinals or the Kentucky Wildcats, you clearly did not grow up in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Whichever team you root for, you are a die hard fan.
4. Big city/small town.
Being right between the North and the South can give someone an identity complex. Louisville has a bit of a southern feel to it but not nearly as southern as a place in Tennessee. However, it does not feel like a northern city either. We are our own little mix of both.
5. You know how to prepare for any type of weather.
When leaving your house for any occasion, you know it is necessary to bring an umbrella, rain jacket, snow pants and boots, tank top and sunglasses. You never know what type of weather to expect and are always prepared for the worst.
6. You get offended when people talk badly about Kentucky.
Yeah, we get it. Kentucky has many stereotypes, and unfortunately, there are people who perpetuate them. However, Kentucky is beautiful if you take the time to get past your preconceived notions. I, personally, like someone a little less if I hear them talking negatively about my home.
7. Bourbon. Bourbon. Bourbon.
Did I mention bourbon? It’s everywhere. If you don’t like drinking it (or aren’t willing to try), then we politely ask you to leave. Because you’re wrong, and we have the best bourbon.
8. You actually know how to pronounce the city’s name.
Loo-ey-ville, Lou-ah-vul, Louis-ville, Luh-vul. You understand proper way to pronounce it is as if you’re talking with your mouth full. This is a question often asked by visitors and never pronounced correctly unless you were born and raised here.
9. Northern or southern?
We are stuck right between being a northern city and a southern city. And it's perfect. We have a mix of southern charm with a big city vibe. We are a melting pot, perfect for everyone.
10. You never want to leave.
You know Louisville will always be home. Regardless of whether you move away, you will always make your way back to this city.
I may be biased when I say Louisville is the greatest city. However, if you give it a chance, I guarantee you will leave feeling the same way I do.
