Home to bourbon and horse racing, Louisville, Kentucky, USA is where my journey began. The city itself is quite special to me with an abundance of top-tier restaurants, a brilliant music scene, parks, lakes, and spectacular views over the Ohio River from the center of the city. On the outskirts of Louisville is where the sites and sounds come to life. From rolling green fields with miles of split-rail fencing, to the horse farms of Shelby County and Oldham County, Kentucky is an exceptional stretch of earth. Even further from the city life is a scattering of stills and rickhouses that produce and hold 95% of the world’s bourbon.

Where to Stay in Louisville

If you find yourself traveling to Louisville, KY, you’ll want to stay in one of the many vibrant neighborhoods to get the most out of your time there. That way, you’re close to restaurants and attractions, but you can still take a day trip out to the country if you want.

If you’re looking for an AirBnB, try to find one in NuLu, The Highlands, Crescent Hill / Clifton, or St Matthews. These neighborhoods are bursting with personality and chock full of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

If a hotel is more your style:

• 21C is a funky, artsy hotel with an art gallery / museum, and an incredible restaurant.

• Hotel Distil is different type of Marriott with a great steakhouse and an in room bourbon cart.

• For a classic experience steeped in historic charm, try The Galt House.

Things to do in Louisville

Louisville Slugger baseball bats are made right on Main St and distributed to Major League Baseball teams and consumers across the world. Start with a tour at the Louisville Slugger Museum and then make your way down Main St to one of the bourbon tours. The best bourbon tours downtown are Old Forester, Angel’s Envy, and The Evan Williams Experience.

If you’re in town during a racing season, you must visit world’s most legendary horse racing track, Churchill Downs, home to vast horse racing history and, of course, the Kentucky Derby.

You can’t overlook the amazing music scene in Louisville so keep an eye out for music festivals like Bourbon & Beyond, Louder Than Life, and Forecastle Festival. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the upcoming show calendars at The Louisville Palace, Mercury Ballroom, Iroquois Amphitheater, and the KFC YUM Center. There’s more venues than I can list here, but one of the best summer events in Louisville is Waterfront Wednesday, the local radio station’s free concert series on the Ohio River. There’s no shortage of music to enjoy in Louisville, KY.

Dining in Louisville

You can’t miss Louisville’s amazing culinary scene. With cuisine fro around the world there’s something here for everyone.

Join celebrity chef, Anthony Lamas for dinner at his flagship restaurant, Seviche where you will be blown away by flavor and atmosphere.

Grab lunch and some of Louisville’s best craft brews at Atrium Brewing.

For breakfast you can look no further than Eggs Over Frankfort for a quaint vibe, fantastic coffee, and the best breakfast you’ll find in Louisville.

Have a look at the gallery below to see a selection of photos I’ve taken in and around Louisville at, including many of favorites I’ve spoken of in the article. If you want to order a print of any of these and they’re not in the online shop, send me an email at justinthomasphoto@gmail.com and I’ll figure it out!