It doesn’t have to be the first Saturday in May (as the Kentucky Derby is dubbed) to enjoy a flight to the charming southern city of Louisville.
Churchill Downs is open year-round and there are tours, races, festivals, and the Kentucky Derby Museum. During Derby weekend, more than 150,000 people attend events; you can visit the grandstand and see the famous spires a whole lot easier on a day that’s not during Derby Week!
The Kentucky Derby dominates in the city, but so does its more famous product: bourbon. Angel’s Envy, Evan Williams, and Old Forester are distilled here, and there are many smaller producers.
Downtown Louisville is situated along the Ohio River. The grande dame hotel is the Galt House Hotel, and The Brown Hotel was built in 1923, but chain hotels abound. Along Main Street are restaurants with a variety of food and beverage offerings. You’ll also find great music venues and festivals all year long.
Do not miss Bistro Le Relais in the historic terminal at Bowman Field. This beautiful art-deco French restaurant is elegant and offers a fantastic view of the field, and the food is simply remarkable. It’s bistro French fare such as steak frites and foie gras, so come ready to be transported.
If French elegance isn’t your style, stop in at Air Devil’s Inn across the street. This dive bar opened in 1934 and has model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, paintings and artifacts of aircraft, and a relaxed homey vibe. Owner Russell Shockley inherited this bar from his father who ran it for many years. He claims his neon sign is one of the oldest in the country.
If you want Derby history, there’s Wagner’s Pharmacy. It’s trackside at Churchill Downs and has been serving diner favorites since 1922. The walls are covered in historic racing memorabilia.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: The 146th running of the “two greatest minutes in sports” is May 2, 2020.
