Derby City. River City. The Gateway to the South. With so many monikers, it’s no wonder people have trouble pronouncing the true name of this multiple-identity city.
Is it LOOey-vil? LOOuh-vuhl? Or the shortened LU-vul? Even among the locals, there’s some dispute, but most agree LEW-is-vil is all wrong. The debate about this city’s identity doesn’t stop at its name, however. Culturally, the locals are a mix of Southern and Midwestern sensibilities. All that Southern hospitality combines with Midwestern politeness and eagerness to help to create some of the friendliest people you’ll meet anywhere.
And that’s wonderful, because if you’re not sure what to do in Louisville, you can just ask. There’s a good chance you’ll end up with an impromptu invitation to a wedding, directions to the best local haunts, and a casserole (to be reheated in the oven, not the microwave) by the end of the conversation.
Of course, most visitors already know about some of the city’s most famous attractions, such as Churchill Downs, where you can spot the finest Thoroughbreds in America running a mile and a quarter in the Kentucky Derby. Then there’s home of one of the most iconic symbols of American’s most iconic sport: the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Learn about baseball history, take some selfies with the world’s largest baseball bat, and grab a personalized (and reasonably-sized) Louisville Slugger.
Searching for other things to do in Louisville? Let your appetite lead the way. Local specialties include the Hot Brown, a broiled open-faced sandwich smothered in bacon and Mornay cheese sauce, and Derby pie, a mix between pecan and chocolate pie.
Louisville may stretch your pants out, but it doesn’t have to shrink your wallet. Travelocity’s Louisville vacation packages make moderation easy when it comes to your budget. When it comes to dietary willpower, however, we’re afraid you’re on your own.