There is much to explore while you are in Louisville, Kentucky. From emerging neighborhoods, fun shops and art museums to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, you won’t be lacking in things to do. My favorites include:
Art Eatables, at 631 S. Fourth, has wonderful chocolate truffles containing different bourbons from different distilleries. They are a great gift item as well.
Speed Art Museum: This art museum which reopened in 2016 after a major makeover, features art from ancient cultures, African art, Native American art, European and American art and contemporary art and photography. They also have a large collection of Kentucky furniture, paintings, ceramics and decorative accessories and textiles. It is well-worth the visit. 2035 S. 3rd.
KMAC: The Kentucky Museum of Arts and Craft is a museum, with free admission at 715 W. Main St. It features Kentucky folk art and contemporary art with an emphasis on contemporary craft including textiles, metal works, ceramics and sculpture.
Churchill Downs: Churchill Downs is home to the famed Kentucky Derby horse race in early May of each year. But you don’t have to fight the Derby crowds of over 165,000 people to experience the historic site from 1875. Beginning just before the Derby in late April through June and then September and later in October to early December there are races most weeks from Wednesday through Sunday. You can see the races, visit the track, enjoy the food and experience the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Kentucky Derby Museum: Next to the racetrack is a great two story museum with exhibits on past winners and the experience of the Derby. They have a nice restaurant, the Derby Cafe, where you can grab a bite and a piece of the famous Derby Pie. The highlight is a 360-degree multimedia show/film highlighting the entire day of the Kentucky Derby. 704 Central Ave. You can walk to the building near gate 1 from Churchill Downs when you are already there onsite.
The 21c Hotel has an emphasis on contemporary art and has a contemporary art museum with free galleries open 24 hours a day. With 9,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, it has regularly changing installations by living artists. 700 W. Main.