A Celebration of Horses, Heritage, and Haute Couture— one mint julep at a time.
Come May, the world turns to Louisville — a city where Southern hospitality, timeless tradition, and exuberant pageantry converge beneath the bright blush of spring. At the heart of it all lies the Kentucky Derby, a spectacle that transcends its fleeting two minutes on the track to become one of America’s most storied and intoxicating celebrations, steeped in legacy and laced, inevitably, with bourbon.
This year (May 3, 2025) marks the 151st running of the Derby at the historic Churchill Downs, where the famed twin spires rise over a scene of timeless glamour — crisp linen suits, kaleidoscopic fascinators, and the unmistakable aroma of mint juleps drifting through the spring air. The festivities begin on Friday with the Kentucky Oaks – a celebrated race exclusively for three-year-old female horses (fillies). The day unfolds in a swirl of pink fashion, spirited celebrations, and city-wide galas — setting the stage for Saturday’s grand crescendo, the Kentucky Derby. Held on the first Saturday of May, the Kentucky Derby is America’s longest-running sporting tradition, captivating audiences since 1875 with its timeless blend of elegance, excitement, and equestrian glory.
At the Kentucky Derby, elegance pours as effortlessly as the bourbon. And no sip is more steeped in Southern sophistication than the Mint Julep. For nearly a century, this frosted elixir of Kentucky bourbon, hand-crushed ice, and garden-fresh mint has defined the Derby’s refined allure. Each Derby weekend, over 125,000 are served —in an iconic keepsake glass. Though juleps have graced Churchill Downs since 1875, it wasn’t until 1939 that the drink became an official tradition. When discerning guests began taking home the ornate glasses as mementos, the Derby turned them into coveted collectibles — a ritual of refinement that continues to this day.
The Kentucky Derby may steal the spotlight, but Louisville’s allure lingers long after the final gallop. Beyond the racetrack lies a city steeped in bourbon artistry, bold culinary experiences, vibrant contemporary art, and timeless Southern hospitality — a destination that continues to enchant well past the winner’s circle.
Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of the Derby, the allure of its traditions, or simply the charm of a timeless American city, Louisville offers a captivating escape. Here’s how to spend 48 unforgettable hours immersed in its spirit — during Derby weekend or any time of year.
Day 1: A Grand Introduction to Louisville’s Icons
Morning: Awakening to Art and History
Begin your morning with a warm, local welcome at Heine Brothers’ Coffee, in Downtown Louisville. One of the city’s original coffee houses, Heine Brothers’ exudes a comforting charm, offering rich, aromatic brews alongside an array of pastries, desserts, and artisanal panini sandwiches. It’s the perfect, unhurried start to a day destined to unfold in layers of art, history, and elegance.
A short drive away awaits the 21c Museum Hotel, a dazzling blend of hospitality and contemporary art. Housed within beautifully restored tobacco and bourbon warehouses, 21c stands as a testament to Louisville’s spirit of revitalization. Outside, visitors are greeted by Turkish artist Serkan Ozkaya’s striking 30-foot golden replica of Michelangelo’s David — a fitting prelude to the creative wonderland inside.
Just down the street lies another American icon: the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. You can’t miss it — the world’s largest baseball bat, an astonishing 120 feet tall, leans proudly against the building’s façade. Inside, the story of Hillerich & Bradsby Co., makers of the “Official Bat of Major League Baseball,” comes alive through exhibits and behind-the-scenes factory tours. Watch artisans handcraft bats destined for today’s top players, and experience the craftsmanship that has shaped America’s pastime for more than a century.
Early Lunch: A Taste of Legacy at The Brown Hotel
As midday arrives, it’s time to savor one of Louisville’s most storied culinary traditions. Head to The Brown Hotel, an architectural gem built in 1923 and forever immortalized as the birthplace of the legendary Hot Brown. This open-faced turkey sandwich, lavishly topped with bacon and a velvety Mornay sauce, was first created in the 1920s to revive hungry dinner dancers in the wee hours — and it remains a quintessential Derby City indulgence today.
Noon: Legends, Landmarks, and Living History
Next, immerse yourself in a story of true greatness at the Muhammad Ali Center, located in downtown Louisville. Inspired by the ideals of its legendary namesake, this cultural and educational center offers an innovative, multi-sensory experience through award-winning exhibits. Highlights include a dynamic five-screen orientation film, immersive Civil Rights era footage, rare memorabilia from Ali’s career, and interactive boxing displays.
No visit to Louisville would be complete without a quiet moment of reflection at Cave Hill Cemetery, a 296-acre Victorian-era National Cemetery and arboretum. Here, amid rolling hills and ornate Victorian mausoleums, lie the graves of two Kentucky legends: Muhammad Ali and Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of KFC. It is said that visitors sometimes leave buckets of fried chicken at Sanders’ grave — a touching tribute. The grounds themselves, rich with history and serenity, offer a peaceful interlude in your journey
Afternoon: Derby Dreams Begin at Churchill Downs
The afternoon beckons you toward the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs, where history and heartbeats collide at the Kentucky Derby Museum. For those without a ticket to the races themselves, this immersive museum offers the next best thing: a deep dive into the lore, tradition, and sheer spectacle of “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” Watch “The Greatest Race,” a sweeping 18-minute film projected in an oval, 360-degree theater that places you at the very center of Derby Day. Explore fascinating exhibits on trainers, jockeys, and equine legends, then embark on a guided walking tour that grants rare glimpses into the paddock and racetrack.
As you make your way back downtown, allow yourself a leisurely drive along River Road, hugging the curves of the mighty Ohio River. Pause at the magnificent Big Four Bridge, an iconic centerpiece of Louisville Waterfront Park. Once a railway crossing, today the mile-long bridge connects Kentucky to Indiana, offering pedestrians and cyclists panoramic views of the river and some enviable photographs.
Evening: Spirits and Skyline Reveries
As twilight deepens, venture into Louisville’s Butchertown neighborhood, where old-world grit gives way to new-world craft. Inside a former warehouse, Copper & Kings reimagines tradition with bold creativity, distilling grape- and apple-based brandies and botanical-infused absinthes in gleaming copper stills. Their 45-minute tour reveals the artistry behind the spirits — from the distillation process to the atmospheric basement where barrels are sonically aged with deep, rhythmic sound waves. The experience culminates in a rooftop tasting room, where panoramic views of the downtown skyline set the stage for sampling the assertive 124-proof Butchertown Brandy, a velvety apple brandy, or a daringly spiced ginger absinthe — each sip a reflection of Louisville’s independent soul.
For an unforgettable dinner, make your way to Decade, a standout newcomer redefining the dining scene in Butchertown. This elegant yet unpretentious American restaurant embraces a bold philosophy: a dynamic, ever-evolving menu that reinvents itself each month, built entirely around the freshest seasonal and local ingredients. Past highlights have included delicate arancini enriched with ramp butter, fontina, green garlic, and a bright Meyer lemon aioli, alongside a memorably vibrant jalapeño bucatini. The culinary world has taken notice — Decade recently earned a coveted spot on USA Today’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year list.
Nightcap: A Toast to Time at The Old Seelbach Bar
For a nightcap steeped in history and grandeur, slip into the storied Old Seelbach Bar, nestled within the gilded halls of the historic Seelbach Hotel. Lovingly restored to its Prohibition-era splendor, this mahogany-paneled retreat offers a portal to another time. Order the legendary Seelbach Cocktail, first mixed here in 1917 — a seductive blend of bourbon, triple sec, bitters, and Champagne — or explore the expansive bourbon collection featuring rare single-barrel selections. In the soft glow of chandeliers, with the evening’s memories swirling gently in your glass, you’ll experience Louisville at its most timeless.
Must Read: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of ‘The Great Gatsby’ at Louisville’s Iconic Seelbach Hilton
Day 2
Morning: Strolling Through Louisville’s Living History
Ease into your second day with breakfast at the beloved Blue Dog Bakery & Café, where the scent of fresh-baked breads floats invitingly into the morning air. Opening its doors at 9 a.m., this artisan bakery specializes in rustic European-style loaves and delicate pastries, crafted with time-honored techniques and impeccable local ingredients.
After breakfast, set out to explore the storied streets of Old Louisville, a neighborhood where history lingers at every turn. Founded in 1778 at the only natural falls along the Ohio River, Louisville prospered on tobacco and bourbon, and its wealthiest families left a lasting legacy in the form of sprawling, Victorian-era mansions. Spread over approximately 40 blocks, Old Louisville offers an architectural feast, where Romanesque, Gothic, Queen Anne, and Beaux-Arts masterpieces stand shoulder to shoulder along leafy boulevards and hidden pedestrian courtyards. Look closely and you’ll spot intricate tobacco leaf carvings, Moorish arched windows, and façades fashioned from split Kentucky limestone — testaments to the city’s gilded past now lovingly embraced by a new generation of residents and dreamers.
From Old Louisville, make your way to The Highlands, a neighborhood where old-world charm and youthful creativity coalesce in joyful harmony. Known affectionately as the city’s original “Restaurant Row,” the Highlands is a lively enclave of eclectic boutiques, buzzing bars, intimate galleries, and inviting coffee and tea shops. Victorian homes, many adorned with whimsical, turn-of-the-century details, line the streets, lending an air of bohemian elegance. Here, Louisville’s spirit reveals itself: a place where artistry thrives, traditions are reimagined, and every corner holds the promise of discovery.
Lunch: Southern Comfort at Jack Fry’sPause for a leisurely lunch at one of Louisville’s most iconic dining establishments, Jack Fry’s. A fixture since 1933, Jack Fry’s wraps you in an atmosphere steeped in quiet Southern sophistication, where live jazz melodies float through the air and the walls whisper stories of a bygone era. The executive chef skillfully infuses French finesse into classic Southern fare, creating dishes that are both nostalgic and elevated. Indulge in local favorites such as shrimp and grits, tender lamb chops, or the much-loved Jack’s Burger, all prepared with a reverence for tradition and a passion for culinary innovation. Whether you come for a midday meal or a cocktail, Jack Fry’s promises a taste of authentic Louisville hospitality.
Afternoon: The Creative Pulse of NuLu
After lunch, spend the afternoon wandering the vibrant streets of the East Market District, affectionately known as NuLu — New Louisville. This rejuvenated downtown neighborhood hums with energy and creativity, a colorful tapestry of contemporary art galleries, bold street murals, indie boutiques, antique stores, and some of the city’s most acclaimed eateries. Treat yourself to a coffee at Quill’s Coffee, housed in a charming 19th-century firehouse, or visit Please & Thank You, the cult-favorite café and record shop whose chocolate chip cookies have earned national fame. Every corner of NuLu invites exploration, offering a heady mix of the past and future, stitched together by Louisville’s enduring spirit of reinvention.
Farm-to-Table Elegance at Hermitage Farm
As the sun dips low and the Kentucky sky blushes with twilight, return once more to the pastoral beauty of Hermitage Farm, a fitting encore to your journey. More than just a working farm, Hermitage is a living celebration of Kentucky’s most cherished traditions — from thoroughbred breeding and racing to sustainable agriculture, organic dining, and fine bourbon craftsmanship. Stroll among the grounds where history and innovation intertwine, where each curated experience — whether a bourbon tasting or an art installation — feels as though it has been crafted solely for you.
Dinner
Conclude your final evening with dinner at the Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar, an elegant ode to farm-to-table dining housed within Hermitage Farm’s lovingly restored horse barn. Here, the seasonal menu tells a story of land and labor, featuring ingredients nurtured in the restaurant’s own gardens and state-of-the-art greenhouse, as well as select neighboring farms. Each plate, from vibrant starters to decadent mains, bursts with the freshness of Kentucky’s terroir. After dinner, retreat to the Bourbon Bar & Lounge, where an extraordinary selection of rare whiskeys and aged bourbons awaits. With each sip, you’ll toast not just to a meal but to a city that has revealed itself in layers of flavor, tradition, and unforgettable charm.
Crafted journeys, where heritage meets effortless luxury:
For a journey steeped in Southern charm and seamless sophistication, entrust your day to Mint Julep Experiences. Whether joining fellow travelers on an expertly guided public tour or indulging in the exclusivity of private VIP transportation, each handcrafted excursion captures the spirit, beauty, and quiet grandeur of Kentucky at its finest.
Where to Stay
Omni Louisville Hotel: Blending modern luxury with a reverence for the city’s rich heritage, the Omni Louisville offers a polished downtown retreat. Enjoy a swim in the heated rooftop pool, sip signature cocktails at the hidden speakeasy, or unwind with a treatment at the Mokara Spa. Ideally located steps from Main Street, Whiskey Row, and Fourth Street Live, the hotel places you within minutes of Louisville’s top attractions — and a short drive from Churchill Downs.
The Seelbach Hilton Louisville: A gilded chapter in Louisville’s history, The Seelbach Hilton exudes timeless grandeur. Once frequented by presidents, literary legends, and Prohibition-era rogues, this landmark hotel is said to have inspired The Great Gatsby itself. Just steps from the Kentucky International Convention Center, its Old Seelbach Bar invites guests to linger over top-shelf bourbon in a setting as storied as the spirits it pours.
21c Museum Hotel Louisville: A destination in itself, the 21c Museum Hotel pairs contemporary luxury with bold artistic expression. Just off Main Street’s Whiskey Row, it houses 91 stylish rooms, a vibrant modern art museum, and the acclaimed Proof on Main restaurant — perfect for travelers seeking culture with their comfort.
The Brown Hotel: An icon of Southern elegance since 1923, The Brown Hotel promises old-world opulence with its soaring ceilings, grand lobby bar, and famously warm Kentucky hospitality. After a day of exploration, retreat to one of its spacious, beautifully appointed rooms for a taste of timeless luxury.
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A New Yorker at heart, an unapologetic anglophile, national parks explorer and former head of National Geographic publishing in India, Ritika is the Global Editor for Travel and Food Network and leads all journalism across platforms, including news, digital, videos, and social media. She writes features focused on narrative storytelling, industry trends, destinations, culinary travel, and how-to advice and is an advocate for sustainable travel. You can follow her on Instagram @newyorkeratheart
