Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Being one of Kentuckys most attracting cities, youll find fun and excitement on every corner. From spectacular derby events to the performing arts, or thrilling amusement parks to casual summer scenes, your pleasure is awaiting in this amazing city.
THE KENTUCKY DERBY
In March as the warm weather brings out the first trace of spring, The Kentucky Derby brings out residents, visitors, and well-known celebrities for all around. The excitement begins at Churchill Downs with premiere and race day celebrations and activities that will leave you flabbergasted for months to follow.
The two-week long Derby Festival, up to race day, consists of seventy special events. The festivities burst into action with Thunder over Louisville, the nations largest annual display of fireworks. From there, the amusement never ends with marathons, balloon races, steamboat races, sport events, concerts, and formal affairs.
Also, youll want a chance to explore the Kentucky Derby Museum with exhibits memorializing the Kentucky Derby throughout the years. And tour the facilities of Churchill Downs and the paddock area making a stop at the gravesites of three famous derby winners.
After the festival, comes race day with more entertainment. The Hat Parade is the second most entertaining parade next to the Kentucky Derby post-parade. There are no limits to the unique styles adorned atop the heads of derby seekers. From flamboyant to sublime, youll see it during this fantastic parade. Another big to-do is the Infield Party. The infield of the racetrack is a gathering place for over eighty thousand fans. Here you get your traditional Mint Julep beverage and mingle with other derby lovers waiting for the race to begin. It is considered one of Americas great parties. Then there is the two-minute horserace that will leave you on the edge of your seat and gasping for more when it is over.
BELLE OF LOUISVILLE
Belle of Louisville is one of the oldest authentic steamboats in working order. Aside from her debut racing the Delta Queen in the Great Steamboat Race during the Kentucky Derby Festival, she offers public cruises along the banks of the Ohio River. Belle of Louisville offers private charters as well. Aboard are snack stations, and on special occasions, youll be entertained with musical events and dances.
THE KENTUCKY STATE FAIR
In August, Louisville hosts eleven days of the Kentucky State Fair. The fair is housed in the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, one of the largest public facilities of its kind. The fair is sure to entertain the old and young alike with its many rides, exhibits, crafts, animals, contests, music, games, and food. Each day has a special event that will keep you going back to the fair until it ends.
THE ARTS
The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is an extravaganza honoring the works of William Shakespeare. Held in Central Park of historic Old Louisville, this is one of the oldest free festivals. With professional actors performing Shakespeare at best, youll feel the enthusiasm of this famous festival.
Come stroll an impressive 650 plus exhibits of art from all over the Americas. Displayed among the countrys largest collection of Victorian homes, you will find St. James Art Show. In October, you can view the different articulate styles of known and unknown artist. This free art show is one of the best in the states.
The Louisville Ballet is an electric range of dance performance you must see at least once. But it takes only once to have you craving more of these outstanding performances. You can enjoy the Ballet in downtown Louisville.
The Louisville Orchestra has world-class performances with musical series ranging from classics to nightlites to pops. The orchestra hosts two summer events, the ROARchestra at the Louisville Zoo and the OrKIDstra series that children will love.
MUSEUMS
If you enjoy hands-on experience, then youll enjoy the Louisville Science Center. This museum is considered on of Kentuckys largest hands-on science centers. Here you can explore the many wonders of science through the facilities exhibits and activities: KidZone, Rockport Climbing Wall, Space Gallery, Travel Exhibits, and the Worlds of Wonder.
Frazier Historical Arms Museum is an amazing collection of weaponry used by prominent figures in history and ordinary frontiersmen. The Frazier Museum has collaborated with Royal Armories of Britain expanding another one thousand years back with artifacts of noble kings and knights.
Thomas Edison House is the transformed old dwelling place of Thomas Edison while he lived in the Louisville area. Here you can learn about Edisons life and great inventions that changed the world.
Louisville Slugger Museum is a unique place to visit. Come tour this unusual museum and family company that creates the most famous baseball bat ever used. The museum honors baseball legends that have used the bat, then tour the factory where you can get your own personalized Louisville Slugger bat.
THEME PARKS AND RECREATION
One stop you must make while in Louisville is to visit Locust Grove. This national historic landmark covers 55 of the 694-acre of farm established by William Croghan, brother-in-law to George Rogers Clark founder of Louisville. Explore the farm that Clark spent the last part of his life, and hosted three former U.S. Presidents and became a stopping place for famed explorers. Locust Grove teaches life on the frontier and early Kentucky history.
Jefferson Memorial Forest is 5500 acres of forestland to hike, bike, camp, and sightsee, horseback ride, and fish. Youll find an adventure in the forest along with some of the best bird watching in the area. Or you can just relax among the beautiful surroundings.
The Louisville Zoo houses a variety of animals in their natural habitat. Several new exhibits are an addition to the zoos viewing. The Zoo hosts special events throughout the year that is entertaining for both kids and adults.
There is nothing like a thrilling ride to stimulate the adrenaline, and youll find this kind of rouse at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Kentucky Kingdom amusement park has some of the worlds most outrageous rides that will excite the young and old. Whether youre looking for the scariest and wildest ride or the calm kiddy ride or the wet and fun ride, Kentucky Kingdom has your thrill.
For outdoor summer fun, youll want to gather friends or family and hit the clear, cool waters of Lake Side. This lake resort offers outdoor activities with boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking in the park.
SHOPPING, DINING, AND NIGHT LIFE
Louisville has some of the best shopping, dining, and nightclubs around. In the downtown area, you will find a slew of boutiques and shops, or venture to one of the nearby malls. Restaurants are on just about every corner, whether youre looking for an elegant dinner or a quick bite or a casual family scene. Some popular eating spots are Tumbleweed, Olmecas, Melillos, Chefs Table, Nords Brown Bag, and especially Jays Caf. Or you can get a good meal, live entertainment, and dancing at Willies Velvet Rose Supper Club or Billys Place.
With a spectacle of events and activities, and fabulous places to see and experience, Louisville has the attractions to satisfy what you are looking for at any time of year
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