Suggestions of things to see or do in Louisville next weekend?

[Darrell KSR]

Through a series of near-miracles in scheduling of activities, I'm having a father and son, and son, trip next weekend. We'll be going to the UK v MSU football game Saturday afternoon, and the Blue-White game Monday night before returning home Tuesday.

I think we'll be staying in Louisville for a change (plus it's a little closer to home Tuesday, and we need to get back in time for my oldest son to attend some classes he has at night, and for my middle son to attend a soccer practice (he's missing Monday's practice already). I know we'll hang out a little in Lexington--always make a trip to the bookstore and pick up a few things--so that's on the agenda. My 13-year old has never been to Ohio, so we'll probably scoot over and do something in Cincy most likely. But just curious if anyone had any specific suggestions. We're pretty laid back, and will have fun just hanging around the hotel, watching TV and such even if we don't do anything, but I wouldn't mind doing something specific or two while there.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[dan_bgblue]

Louisville Slugger does tours of the factory, and they have a museum. There is an underground zip line in the city, but I have never been there. There is the Aquarium in Newport on the river just on the KY side from Cincy

[KentuckyWildcat]

I really need to do the Louisville Slugger museum. I always find myself wondering why I have not done that yet.

If the Newport area is not out of the way you might consider the creation museum. It is neat and unique. It is just west of Cincinnati.

[KSRBEvans]

Museum Row in downtown Louisville is a good way to spend as little or as much time as you want. The Slugger factory is great, as was mentioned. The Frazier History Museum is also very cool. I've not visited the Muhammad Ali Center yet, but I've heard good things.

Churchill Downs starts its race season on the 26th, and that's a nice way to spend an afternoon. (No races on Monday/Tuesday). The Kentucky Derby Museum is also very neat.

I'm not sure what's going on at the Kentucky Center for the Arts on Main Street, but they have a theater where they show a short movie called KentuckyShow that I've had friends say is very good. The Center for the Arts is about 4 blocks east of the Slugger Museum, so definitely walkable.

Louisville also has a zoo that's underrated, IMHO.

Outside Louisville about 45-60 minutes is My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown, and Lincoln's Birthplace in LaRue County. Both are worth the trip, IMHO.

In the Cincinnati area, we liked the Newport Aquarium and the Cincinnati Zoo, but it's been a few years since we were there.

For places to eat in Louisville: you're in luck. One of the best locations for good local restaurants anywhere. Some of my favorites:

Mussel and Burger Bar (American eclectic)
Havana Rumba (Cuban)
Guaca Mole (Mexican)
Ramsi's Cafe (Mediterranean, but a little of everything else, too)

[Darrell KSR]

I knew there'd be a ton of things to see/do.

For now, I'm thinking, if the weather is fine, I'd love to go to Churchill Downs Sunday afternoon. For a guy that has never been there, is general admission ok, or should I get reserved seats?

Monday morning might be a Louisville Slugger tour, followed by a quick trip to Cincy just to say we've been there. Might not have enough time, as we want to be back in Lexington early Monday afternoon, in time to visit Kennedy's.

ALL the suggestions are great, and may change on a moment's notice to one of the others. Thanks for all of them.

Appreciate the heads up on places to eat, too.

[Darrell KSR]

Well, it appears the agenda has changed. We will be staying in Frankfort. I am still planning on Churchill Downs Sunday. Also, of course, football game Saturday and basketball Monday.

Really probably don't need restaurant recommendations. Arriving late Friday night. Grab something to eat at hotel Saturday morning and head to game, where we'll eat lunch. Dinner, more than likely, will be whatever we grab on the way back to the hotel. We'll all be tired.

Sunday will be breakfast at hotel, and lunch will be at Churchill Downs. Dinner might be in Louisville before heading back.

Monday, breakfast at hotel, and probably head to Lexington around lunchtime, although I guess we could eat lunch in Frankfort if there's some place we shouldn't miss. Or if there's something we absolutely should do/see in Frankfort Monday morning.

Dinner probably the food court at Rupp.

Tuesday we'll head out early.

[dan_bgblue]

Since the government is not in session, the only thing I know to see in Frankfort is the clock at the Capitol.

[blueboss]

Versailles which is about half way between Frankfort and Lexington oddly enough they have some very fine restaurants


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[PedroDaGr8]

Midway still has great restaurants as well, right?

That being said, last time I was in lexington I was amazed at how much has changed downtown in the past few years. It's finally taking on a bit more of an urban feel, in a good way, with bars, restaurants and shops downtown.


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[kingcat]

I'm a simple guy and like simple pleasures.

That said, no trip within fifty miles of the largest go cart track in existance should be overlooked by a father and son, imho. Be sure to notice Joe B. Hall Ave. as you approach KK.

Much to do there...mini golf, (bumper boats?), batting cages, gyro, arcade, eats, etc..

And if your knees can take it try the "jumpshot" attraction..


http://www.gokartkountry.com/

[dan_bgblue]

kingcat, I did not even know that place existed. I know some grand kids that are going to be happy next summer.

Thanks

[kingcat]

kingcat, I did not even know that place existed. I know some grand kids that are going to be happy next summer.

Thanks

Maybe we can time it where I can bring my crew on the same day Dan.

[dan_bgblue]

Maybe we can time it where I can bring my crew on the same day Dan.

I will not forget

[MickintheHam]

The Olmstead parks in Louisville are a great place in October to get out and enjoy the day. Fall foliage while maybe just past its peak will be gorgeous. Pack a frisbee or football in the car and enjoy a fune day. One of the meadows in Cherokee Park or on the fields in Seneca Park might be perfect. And if the weather is good take a short hike to Big Rock in Cherokee Park.

If the weather is not to your liking, head to Actor's Theatre of Louisville, one of the best regional theatres in the country. A lot of great actors got their start in Louisville. It is a repertory theatre. One of this month's features is Dracula. Might be a nice matinee for the guys if the weather does not cooperate.

[blueboss]

Frankfort! You can swing by the Capitol and see Alison Lundergan Grimes empty parking space.


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[Doc]

Go by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. It's not a long tour but its interesting. Takes maybe an hour to an hour and a half. Its right there just outside Frankfort. Free tour, absolutely beautiful, historic, true Kentucky and likely fits in your time allotment. I'd suspect your kids would enjoy it and I'd bet you would as well.

[bigsky]

Go by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. It's not a long tour but its interesting. Takes maybe an hour to an hour and a half. Its right there just outside Frankfort. Free tour, absolutely beautiful, historic, true Kentucky and likely fits in your time allotment. I'd suspect your kids would enjoy it and I'd bet you would as well.

ditto

[bigsky]

I asked this last year for a friend and from her report the bat factory and the distillery, and the Bats game all rated very highly.