Plus, Wild Lights is back at the Louisville Zoo.
 
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If you know, you know

15 interesting facts about Louisville
Lousville's skyline in the evening
The world’s largest baseball bat is so big you can see it from the Louisville skyline. | Photo courtesy of Louisville Tourism
Did you know Louisville is the hometown of Muhammad Ali?

Nah, just kidding. If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there’s plenty of interesting factoids to go around. As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of Derby City’s history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.

Either way, test your local knowledge with these 15 interesting facts.

Bedford stone mansion

The Conrad-Caldwell House is part of the US’ largest collection of Victorian-era homes in Old Louisville.

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Photo by LOUtoday

1. Old Louisville is home to the largest collection of restored Victorian homes in the US, with over 40 city blocks of Victorian-era homes.

2. Speaking of largest collections... West Main Street is home to one of the largest collections of cast-iron facades in the US, rivaling only the SoHo neighborhood in New York and Portland, OR. The West Main Street Preservation District was created in 1974 to preserve them.

3. Thomas Edison once lived in LOU. He called the Butchertown neighborhood home in the late 1860s. He returned to Derby City in the 1880s, to light up the Southern Exposition. Really adds another layer to Light Up Louisville, don’t you think?

4. Jefferson Memorial Forest is the largest municipal urban forest in the US. Located just 20 minutes from downtown, the 6,600+ acres offer a retreat for a hike or a place to pitch your tent and go camping.

The Belle of Louisville steamboat

The Belle’s original name was “Idlewild.”

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Photo by @rich_g.ammon40059

5. The Belle of Louisville is the oldest active Mississippi-style steamboat in the world. She started as the “Idlewild” in Pittsburgh in 1914, but became Louisville’s Belle in 1962.

Your turn. Think you can get one over on us? Let us know your favorite local trivia tidbit and you just might make it into the newsletter.
10 more facts
 
Events
Tuesday, Feb. 13
  • Once Upon An Orchestra: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Jeffersontown Branch Library, 10635 Watterson Trail, Louisville | Free | Bring your little ones for a reading of the classic children’s book, accompanied by a musical performance from members of the Louisville Orchestra.
Wednesday, Feb. 14
  • Portugal. The Man | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. | Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, 724 Brent St., Louisville | $45-$85 | See this Grammy-winning Alaskan rock band known for songs like, “Feel It Still.”
Thursday, Feb. 15
  • The Moth Presents: The 2024 Louisville GrandSLAM | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 8-10 p.m. | Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W. Main St., Louisville | $40 | See the best of the best from previous story-telling competitions compete for the City Championship.
Friday, Feb. 16
  • Louisville Silent Disco: 90s Dance Party | Friday, Feb. 16 | 8-11 p.m. | 3rd Turn Brewing, 10408 Watterson Trail, Jeffersontown | $10 | Get jiggy with it and dance to throwback tunes, from the Spice Girls to grunge.
Saturday, Feb. 17
  • “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 7 p.m. | Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W. Main St., Louisville | $20-$82 | Watch the epic space opera film while hearing the score performed live by the Louisville Orchestra.
Friday, Feb. 23
  • 2024 Mardi Gras Casino Night, presented by Mooney Eyecare Centre | Friday, Feb. 23 | 6-11 p.m. | Paroquet Springs Conference Centre, 395 Paroquet Springs Dr., Shepherdsville | $100 | Indulge in some delicious New Orleans-style food, sip specialty drinks, and enjoy some fun entertainment at the 2024 Mardi Gras Casino Night — don’t forget to dress to impress.*
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Concert
  • Justin Timberlake is bringing sexy back his tour to the KFC Yum! Center. Timberlake added a stop in Louisville to his “Forget Tomorrow Tour” on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Select tickets go on sale this morning at 10 a.m., with sales opening to the general public on Thursday.
Development
  • The Louisville Metro Council has created a new committee to oversee development. The Ad Hoc Land Use Committee will conduct national research on best practices for land use, and then recommend policy changes. Councilman Andrew Owen will be the chair of the committee.
Plan Ahead
  • Wild Lights will return to the Louisville Zoo on Saturday, March 23. The lantern festival will celebrate the vibrant colors of the coral reefs and explore ancient Chinese myths + legends. The event will run through Sunday, May 19. Tickets start at $16.
Active
  • Get ready for the Tour de LOU bike race with free group biking lessons. The sessions will be led by riders from the Louisville Bike Club, and will be held each Sunday, from Feb. 25 to April 7, ahead of the race on Sunday, April 14.
History
  • The Kentucky State Parks system is celebrating 100 years, and all that history is featured in a new Filson Historical Society exhibit, “Kentucky Progress: Establishing the Kentucky State Parks.” The opening will take place on Friday, March 1 at 5 p.m. The event is free, but register in advance.
Eat
  • ICYMI, Wild Eggs, your go-to spot for breakfast, brunch + lunch, now offers catering. Serve yummy signature Wild Eggs Creations like the Mexico City Chilaquiles, French Toast Casserole, and the Kalamity Katies Casserole at your next event. Just give them 72 hours advance notice when placing an order online.*
Shop
The Word
Finance
  • Discover a brighter financial future with Money Pickle, your gateway to personalized financial advice. Connect with vetted financial advisors, handpicked to provide fiduciary guidance that directly aligns with your goals for investments, retirement, and beyond. Schedule your complimentary video consultation.*
 
The Buy

The Buy 2.12.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Beats Studio Buds, because you deserve an earbud upgrade. The Beats buds use active noise canceling technology for an immersive sound experience. Bonus: They’re sweat and water resistant, aka your new best gym buddy.
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Jeff
From the editor
Remember the case of Honest Abe’s missing hat at Waterfront Park? We’ve got an update.

Our friends at Waterfront Park tell us that artist Ed Hamilton was working on a mold for a new lid last week. I knew Abe’s hat was tall, but not that tall.
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