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Louisville, KY
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March 2012
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by Amanda Jakl
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Category: Unique US
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March is the month of the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. If you're going to the show and need some extracurricular activities, check out any of the below locations for sites that you'll see only in the unique United States.
1. CHURCHILL DOWNS AND THE KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM
A must-see for any fan of racing - horse racing, that is - a visit to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum offers an in-depth look at the history behind the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports." Also learn the history of the mint julep, step up to the microphone of a race announcer and even take to the saddle of a simulated horse. Admission to the museum includes "The Historic Walking Tour" of Churchill Downs, the home of the world's most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby (May 5). Tickets are $14 for adults, $13 for senior citizens, and parking is $3. You won't be able to put any money on the ponies, though; the race season doesn't begin until April.
www.derbymuseum.org
2. LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM & FACTORY
We bet you'll be humming "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" after a visit to this American sports icon. It's hard to miss the "World's Biggest Baseball Bat" leaning against the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory; it's a mere 120 feet tall. Avid baseball fans can swing replica bats of their favorite players in Bud's Batting Cage and learn how the first Slugger was made in 1884. The museum can be found on the corner of 8th and Main in downtown Louisville and is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults.
www.sluggermuseum.com
3. THE BOURBON TRAIL
They say if it ain't from the Champagne region of France, it's just sparkling white wine. The same is true about another spirit. If it ain't from Bourbon County, it's just whiskey. If you have the time and a designated driver, The Bourbon Trail consists of six whiskey distilleries that have made whiskey bourbon the official drink of Kentucky. Pick up a passport at any distillery, get a stamp at each one you visit and if you collect all six, they'll send you a free T-shirt. Some of the distilleries are more than 60 miles apart, so plan accordingly, and maybe spread out your stops over a couple days. The trail features Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve distilleries and all offer free admission with the exception of Woodford Reserve. Learn and taste the art of making whiskey bourbon.
www.kybourbontrail.com
4. THE BELLE OF LOUISVILLE
Were you a Huckleberry Finn fan as a kid? Did you ever dream about embarking on a river journey? Step back in time when you board the Belle of Louisville, the oldest river steamboat still in operation. Since 1914, the Belle has offered two-hour cruises and a special dance cruise. Cruises start at $18 per person. Meals are about $10 to $15 more and require advance reservations. Dance cruises are just $5 per person. Schedules may vary, so check out the website before you embark on this journey.
www.belleoflouisville.org
5. THE MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER
"Float like a butterfly" into the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville to learn about Cassius Clay and how he became "The Greatest." For boxing enthusiasts, the interactive museum features a re-creation of Ali's Deer Lake training camp, where you can shadowbox with Ali, try out the speed bag and feel the power of an Ali punch on a heavy bag. Other exhibits include two art galleries dedicated to Ali and a photography exhibit. Tickets are $9 for adults and the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. www.alicenter.org
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