Top Five Destinations of Louisville

When I looked at the Top Five Destinations of Cincinnati, I started to wonder about a couple destinations that seemed relatively close by. Then, I looked at a map and realized that Cincinnati and Louisville are less than 100 miles apart. I thought to myself, heck, I could include some destinations in Louisville while exploring Cincinnati, as it is much closer than some of the destinations listed for places like Bismarck.

Batter up!

Then I shook myself free from such narrow-minded thinking and immediately told my editor that I must, must look at Louisville separately. Its story must be told, I scrawled into an email, as a unique and interesting destination in its own right. No longer shall it stand in the shadow of other cities, it will stand on its own and stand proud.

I stopped for a second, paused, and hit delete. My editor would never know of the slight my brain almost gave to Louisville. Instead, he would just see the cool and fun things that I will explore when I take the exit off I-64, a fall breeze blowing in my hair, a big old soda in my cup holder and an anticipation for all that follows.

See the Louisville Slugger Museum

When the calendar turns from September to October, my thoughts do not go to the leaves changing colors, new TV shows, college football or pro football, they go to the MLB playoffs. So, when fall hits as I drive the streets of Louisville, I want to go to the place synonymous with baseball bats, the Louisville Slugger Museum. I think I?ll stick with the factory tour and avoid the exhibit, ?Baseball Hotties: Studs We Love.?

Scare myself at Waverly Hills Sanatorium

Once the playoffs start to wind down or I begin to pout because my team gets eliminated, then my mind can move to the frights and fears that surround Halloween. That means the Waverly Hills Sanatorium ranks high on my must-see list. Give me a dark hospital, pictures that might show spirits or shadow people and a midnight to 4 am tour, and I?m sure I can spook myself plenty. However, visiting during October just means going to their haunted house, which still sounds pretty cool.

Bet on a horse race at Churchill Downs

I don?t think much of horse racing except one time of the year ? the Kentucky Derby. So, the one place that I think would interest me as far as horse racing sites would have to be Churchill Downs. Racing starts again October 28th.

Tour the Muhammad Ali Center

I?m surprised that a visit to Louisville would be a sports themed time, without even mentioning the Louisville Bats, the Triple-A team of the Reds. Because my next stop would have to be the Muhammad Ali Center. ?When We Were Kings? is one of my favorite sports documentaries, and visiting this museum would add some great information to what I already have locked in my head.

Eat at The English Grill

Lastly, I want a fantastic meal and every once in a while I like to drop some cash to make sure I get that meal. The English Grill meets my criteria. The current dinner menu has seared scallops, lobster bisque, a duck confit salad and the delightful sounding ?The Hot Brown,? a roasted turkey breast with cheese, bacon and tomatoes.

Any suggestions for things that I missed? Any additional recommendations for the area? Just let me know in the comments.