The best part about being a Louisvillian is knowing the ins and outs of the 502. With National Tourism Day being recognized tomorrow, Sat., May 7, we thought it apt to rack your brain about the best things a tourist should do in LOU.
From neighborhood eateries like Hammerheads to a bourbon tour you really shouldn’t skip, here are 11 recommendations for tourists to do according to, well, you.
Eat + drink
Dairy Kastle, 575 Eastern Pkwy.
Reader Adelle B. says you have to get a taco in a bag from this seasonal ice cream shop staple in the St. Joseph neighborhood.
Gravely Brewing Co., 514 Baxter Ave.
Chris D. hit the nail on the head when it comes to city views. This LOUtoday reader said the upper patio at this local brewery — with a beer in hand of course — is the perfect spot.
Hammerheads, 921 Swan St.
Another suggestion from reader Chris D. is this creative pub in Germantown that serves up dishes like elk burgers + Nashville hot pork belly. We recommend doubling up on an order of the crispy mac & cheese balls.
Indi’s Fast Food Restaurant, 1033 W. Broadway
Skip Colonel Sander’s famous Kentucky Fried chicken, you can get it anywhere. Instead, make a stop at this fried chicken joint — in a distinct red, turquoise, and yellow building — downtown. It was doing hot chicken before it was cool.
Please + Thank You, multiple locations
You can’t leave town without first having the most famous chocolate chip cookie in the 502 according to reader Kendall R. You can also buy a bag to go or snag the mix to make at home.
Tour
Angel’s Envy Distillery, 500 E. Market St.
Of the 10+ bourbon tours you could take in Bourbon City, reader Jerry G. says this is the one not to miss. It’s located centrally downtown and close to other major attractions like Slugger Field and NuLu.
Outdoors
Crescent Hill Reservoir, Frankfort + Reservoir Avenues
LOUtoday Instagram follower, @u2photography, suggests walking the path around this historic site that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a great photo opp.
Big Four Bridge, 1101 River Rd.
Multiple Louisvillians wrote in to suggest the Big Four Bridge at Waterfront Park, more commonly called the walking bridge. It’s a direct connector to our Indiana neighbor Jeffersonville + offers plenty to do along the way — bike rentals, food trucks, ice cream, and local shopping to name a few.
City parks, multiple locations
Taking a tour of Louisville Metro Parks is a double recommendation from readers Ashley P. + Jessy H. While you can’t see them all in one day or even a week, you can filter which parks to visit based on your interests with this tool.
Must see
Colonel Sanders Grave, Cave Hill Cemetery, 701 Baxter Ave.
Located within this 296-acre, Victorian-era cemetery and arboretum is the final resting place of the Kentucky Fried Chicken empire. While you’re there, visit five other notable Louisvillians graves.
Speed Art Museum, 2035 S. 3rd St.
Known locally as simply “the Speed,” this art museum, recommended by Ryan D., is the largest and oldest in Kentucky. It features a historical and contemporary art collection + a cinema. Pro tip: Entry is free on Sundays.