Louisville is an interesting mix of unique neighborhoods with a truly one of a kind brand and a Southern regional feel. Despite being just hours from Chicago, you are at the gateway to the South and the city is full of southern charm, bourbon, horse racing and more.
Bardstown Road (in the Highlands) features two LGBTQ+ bars Chill, a popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood bar with a large outdoor patio and Big Bar, an intimate and festive “dive bar” known for strong drinks and a welcoming, lively environment. The dance/drag bar, Play Louisville is just a short distance away on East Washington St. and fabulous Cherokee Park is also nearby.
Bardstown Road is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the U.S., full of unique and independent shops and restaurants. Also lots of fun is the new NuLu neighborhood just east of downtown, which is busy with interesting independent shops and great restaurants – many with an LGBTQ+ flair.
WHAT TO DO
Explore NuLu and its interesting shops.
Don’t miss the Billy Goat Strut for a taste of history.
Take a cruise on the Belle of Louisville, the oldest Mississippi-style steamboat in the world.
Check out Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. They feature a gift shop and museum.
Take a walk on Bardstown Road. Don’t miss Carmichaels Books.
Walk or jog over the Big Four pedestrian bridge to Indiana just across the Ohio River.
Enjoy a bourbon drink including a Mint Julep or an Old Fashioned. I like Makers Mark and Woodford Reserve. 95 percent of the world’s Bourbon is made in the Bluegrass (aka Kentucky). They also have an amazing selection of local craft breweries including great IPAs.
Check out Cherokee Park.
Visit the Frazier History Museum and learn why Kentucky is a Commonwealth instead of a state. They even feature daily bourbon tastings. You will learn about the state and its interesting history including: Birth of the No Nothing Party, which opposed immigration; the Lewis and Clark Expedition; the Bourbon industry; the native peoples, Kentucky and the War of 1812 and the state’s role in the Civil War.
WHERE TO STAY
The fabulous new Omni downtown is built on a former Water Works Plant site. The service is top notch as is the rooms which incorporate the history of the city. It’s the best hotel in which I have ever stayed at with incredible customer service. Parking at the nearby Hyatt garage is just $12 a day. Amenities at the hotel include a free drink or breakfast delivered to your door every day. The gym is top notch as is the pool scene. They also have a food hall attached with great breakfast tacos, fresh croissants, a microbrewery bar, a Heine Bros. Coffee, and more. The Library Bar is fun for a libation. They clean your room every day without asking and the rooms are spacious with a historical flair—including 4 bourbon bottles (under lock and key) near the TV. Plus they don’t tack on an annoying resort fees or other onerous surprise charges. It’s walkable to everything downtown, NuLu, and the Riverfront areas.
The Marriott is nearby and also nice. Have a great breakfast at the Porch Kitchen & Bar. Try the breakfast nachos.
The Myriad Hotel is housed in a building that once manufactured disco balls.
The Tempo by Hilton in NuLu just opened. Don’t miss the High Stakes Grill on the rooftop.
EAT AND DRINK (AND DRINK SOME BOURBON)
Quill in NuLu has micro roasted coffee, food, wine, beer, and more. You can sit outside. They even roast their own coffee. Nearby is Biscuit Belly where they have southern dishes with a new flair. La Bodeguita de Mima Cuba Restaurant and Rum Bar is the best. Meesh Meesh (also in Nulu) is a new Mediterranean restaurant also in NuLu. You will find them at 636 E Market.
Pick up a salad or grain bowl at In Season Farms which uses local foods. Prepare to wait in a line though for this popular fast casual restaurant.
Try a hot brown sandwich. Wash it down with an Ale8, a ginger ale/caffeine concoction with a touch of citrus. It’s a Kentucky soft drink not found outside of the Commonwealth.
Enjoy a Heine Brothers Coffee, Louisville’s own.
TRAVEL TIPS
Visit https://www.oldlouisville.org/ to see the beautiful red brick Victorians.
Check out the restaurants and shops in downtown’s 4th Street Live. I liked the Tavern on Fourth (427 S. 4th).
Visit Angels Mist bourbon distillery for a free tour.
For more information Stop by the Visitors Center downtown at Fourth and Jefferson which highlights Louisville’s unique style and culture (bourbon, Muhammad Ali and equestrian touches).
Queer Kentucky is the online LGBTQ+ website. Check out the Queer Bourbon festival.
LEO Weekly is the excellent alternative weekly and is full of upcoming event ideas. It is professionally written and includes lots of local news.
Whether in town for the Kentucky Derby, Pride, Thunder over Louisville, or whatever, there is always something happening in the Bluegrass.
Check out these travel tips from Go To Louisville:
https://www.gotolouisville.com/things-to-do/history/lgbtq/
Louisville is one of the most under-rated tourist destinations in North America. You owe yourself a visit.
Bill Malcolm is an award-winning travel writer whose work appears in publications (on line and in print) throughout North America and on the IGLTA Travel Blog.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
