Large floppy hats, men in seersucker suits and plenty of mint juleps—it’s time for the Kentucky Derby. Known as the “the greatest two minutes in sports,” Derby (as locals call it) is taking place this weekend at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Now in its 142nd year, it is also the longest-running continuous sporting event in the U.S. If you’re one of the 155,000 people who will be in attendance, here’s a list of local hotspots to visit in between races:
Jack Fry's
One of the oldest restaurants in Louisville, the 1930s establishment has become a staple in the city and a retreat for sports enthusiasts. Decorated with old racing and boxing photos, Jack Fry's founder and namesake was known for his love of gambling and backroom bookmaking. Today, the venue has garnered national attention with recognitions from The New York Times, Bon Appetit and Southern Living. On its menu, guests will find items such as shrimp and grits, escargot, herb-crusted pork chops and lamb chops with haricot vert, potato au gratin and glace de viande. Live jazz can be heard just about every night, and don’t be surprised if you run into Muhammad Ali while dining.
Coffee
You might not immediately think of Louisville as a coffee mecca, but there’s actually a really great indie coffee culture in the city. Local shop Quills just won America’s Best Coffeehouse at CoffeeFest Chicago last year. And in 2014, Sunergos won America’s Best Espresso competition at the same event, beating out 15 independent coffee roasters from across North America. So instead of your usual Starbucks run, check out these two destinations for your morning pick-me-up. Other honorable mentions: Heine Brother’s Coffee, Please and Thank You Café, and Highland Coffee Company.
Bourbon
Kentuckians are passionate about their bourbon, and to really get a sense of the American whiskey, a number of tour operators offer private or group excursions along the bourbon trail. Mint Julep has public trips throughout the year that range from $115 to $278 a person which include lunch and admission to distilleries. Custom, private tours are also available and can include stops at Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Barton1792.
Museums
As the hometown of Muhammad Ali, it only makes sense to pay a visit to his museum and get to know the legendary boxer. Located downtown, the Muhammad Ali Center offers programs and interactives to celebrate his life. On Grand Avenue, visitors can find his bright pink childhood home which also includes exhibits on his formative years. Because it is located in Louisville’s Museum Row, after browsing through its exhibits, guests can visit one of nine other great cultural attractions that sit within six blocks of one another. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
You don’t have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Its importance in history and the evolution of the bat is an impressive story worth discovering. In 1842, J. Frederick Hillerich immigrated with his family from Germany to Baltimore, Maryland before moving to Louisville in 1856. After opening his woodworking shop, Hillerich’s eldest son Bud was born, and at the age of 1875 made his own baseball bat for his amateur baseball team. According to the museum, there is debate over the origins of the company's first bat for a professional player. But many consider it to have occurred in 1884 when Bud gave Pete Browning his first pro bat. Because of its hitting power, Browning became known as "The Louisville Slugger." Years later it became trademarked by the company. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Art & Music
For a great source of art by locals, Zephyr Gallery on Market Street is a cooperative fine art venue featuring contemporary artists. It is the second longest-running artist cooperative in the country, and serves as a platform to advocate and facilitate innovative ideas in art. If you’re in need of some vintage finds, head to Joe Ley Antiques located in an 1890 schoolhouse. Open for over 35 years, the three-story complex boasts two acres of treasures.
Much of Louisville’s live music scene can be found at small bars throughout the city on Bargetown Road or the Highlands. From the outside, The Mercury Ballroom looks a little sketchy, but inside is anything but. Although it’s on the smaller side, it draws some pretty decent acts such as Ani DiFranco and Meghan Trainor. Among its larger venues is Headliners Music Hall on Lexington Road which is housed in a former bottling factory once used an underground club during the Prohibition era. Laced with impressive acoustics, chic décor and original murals from the 1930s, the 600-capacity hall is often packed with music goers. It also boasts a wide array of acts with guests like Jenny Lewis, Citizen Cope, Tokyo Police Club, Miike Snow and M Ward all performing there within the next few weeks.
