I may be biased since I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, but we are pretty great.
We are proud of our city, and we definitely won’t let you forget that some pretty influential people are from Louisville — such as Jennifer Lawrence, Muhammad Ali, and Bryson Tiller.
This list names just a few of the great things about Louisville, but you will have to come and see for yourself what makes the city so special:
1. Food
The food in Louisville is unreal. We are definitely on the come-up when it comes to being known for our local restaurants, and we couldn't be prouder.
Local restaurants are a must for visitors, and have been featured on many TV shows and websites. The list of best Louisville restaurants could go on forever, but here are a few favorites:
1. Havana Rumba
This Cuban restaurant has multiple locations in the city for a reason; its food will not disappoint.
2. Feast BBQ
This is a newer restaurant in Louisville, but the long lines during lunch hour and on the weekends illustrates how popular this barbeque restaurant is.
3. Highland Morning
Us Louisville people love breakfast, and Highland Morning is a great spot to start your day.
4. The Comfy Cow
If you are looking for a sweet treat, the ice cream at The Comfy Cow can help with that.
5. Heine Brothers’ Coffee
This local coffee shop has a lot of locations in town, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy some great drinks.
2. Art
1. Speed Art Museum
This recently renovated museum is entertaining for all ages and features some great pieces from various artists.
2. Before I Die Wall
This is a very popular photo spot for visitors and natives alike. The giant chalkboard can be written on by anyone who wants to share their bucket lists with the world.
3. Horses
We don’t have too many live horses in Louisville, but there are a ton of horse sculptures. You can find them in front of restaurants, houses, and really any special location, where they are covered in unique colors and designs so they stand out.
4. Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs deserves its own category. It is one of the most important pride and joys of Louisville since so many people visit the world-famous racetrack every year.
This is the location of the Kentucky Derby, but many people visit the museum year-round, or for other horse races in the fall and spring.
3. Music
1. Forecastle
This is a widely popular music festival in Kentucky, and the three-day event never fails to bring in tons of people with their great lineups of a wide variety of popular artists.
2. Waterfront Wednesday
In the summer, once a month, people of all ages come together to the waterfront on the Ohio River to listen to local bands and enjoy the nice weather and music.
3. Local Bands
All year round, you can find local bands in all kinds of restaurants and bars in any part of town. This is a great way to discover lesser-known bands from various genres.
4. Neighborhoods
Louisville’s neighborhoods are each different and offer something for everyone. There are great restaurants and attractions in each part of town, and there are so many more parts of Louisville than what I have in my list, but here are a few of the most popular areas to check out:
1. St. Matthews
2. Frankfort Avenue
3. Nulu
4. Jeffersontown
5. The Avenue
6. Highlands
7. Germantown
8. Old Louisville
9. Downtown
It’s no secret that I love my city, and I want everyone to see it through the eyes of a Louisvillian. I know I didn’t even come close to naming all of the great parts of this city, but once you come discover it for yourself, you will get a glimpse of the heart of Louisville, Kentucky.
