Before retirement, Clint often dreamt about being able to accompany Ryan on a business trip here or there. When Ryan had to go to a conference in Louisville, Kentucky, and needed to stay over a weekend for Monday meetings in the area, it seemed like the perfect time for Clint to try out his new found retirement freedom … especially since school had just started in the Palm Springs-area school district from which he retired.
Kentucky. Neither of us had ever really been here (except to the Cincinnati airport, which is technically in Kentucky … oddly). We had preconceived notions of what to expect. (Ryan expected fried chicken.)
Louisville. We had heard that this was the liberal bastion of Kentucky. But what did that really mean, anyhow? We figured it would be a quaint small city with some southern charm.
Early on in the five day stay, we grew quite fond of it. “Looavul”, as it sounds when locals pronounce it, sits on the Ohio River, directly across from Indiana. It definitely has some history (this is where Lewis and Clark launched their expedition). Old homes, a historic downtown, and statues of French monarchy and aristocrats (it is named after King Louis XVI, after all) all add to the charm.
The food was delicious – and yes, there was plenty of fried chicken. But Louisville, itself, has a bit of a foodie vibe to it – almost a Portland-esque feeling to the dining scene. We ate too much. Too. Too. Much.
On the weekend, we explored the area together a bit more. We even drove a couple hours south to visit the world’s largest underground cave system at Mammoth Caves National Park and the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.
In the end, we were taken by Louisville. We would definitely return and likely try to add on Lexington, as well. During the next Kentucky Derby we can think about what a fine place in which those three-year old horses are racing.
Louisville old, new, and in transition.
Muhammad Ali was from here. Beyond a street named after him, there’s also a large Ali museum.
City hall with cows, pigs, and other livestock above the windows.
This caught Ryan’s eye! There’s a big gold David in the museum district.
King Louis XVI of France – the namesake of Louisville
Of course, Louisville is home to the Louisville Slugger factory.
One of the many fine homes in the Belgravia Court section of Louisville.
Churchill Downs – home to the Kentucky Derby
The Palace Theater, where we caught a film noir event and took in “A Touch of Evil.” This is a magnificent cinema!
Palace Theater lobby ceiling detail
America’s last operating all-steam paddlewheeler: The Belle of Louisville
A walk along the Ohio River, train tracks, and an abandoned warehouse
Green arches over the pathway along the river
The area at the foot of our hotel was lively on the weekend.
Stalactites 250-feet underground at Mammoth Caves
More geoformations at Mammoth Caves
Yes, there was fried chicken to be had.
This has to be one of your favorite stateside adventures. So glad the two of you got to share this!