NuLu’s Hotel Genevieve was among the first American hotels to receive a Michelin Key in 2024. | Photo by LOUtoday
We all know Derby City is No. 1 in our hearts — but a little external validation never hurts.
Louisville and its local businesses scored 50+ accolades in 2024, culminating in being named the No. 11 best city in the US in a survey by Clever. Let’s take a look back at some of LOU’s top marks from the year that was.
Louisville the destination
“10 Destinations to Elevate Black Culture Year-Round” by Points Guy — Fixtures like the Civil Rights Trail, the Footsteps of Greatness Tour, and the Muhammad Ali Museum landed Derby City on this list.
Louisville’s neighborhoods
“The 16 Most Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in the U.S.” by TravelMag — Butchertown made it onto this list for its happening nightlife, Waterfront Park, Lynn Family Stadium, and, of course, the food.
Louisville the foodie town
“Best New Restaurants of 2024" by Yelp — MeeshMeesh ranked No. 3 on this list, just behind restaurants in New York and Nashville (we see you, NASHtoday).
NobleTrivia| 7-9 p.m. | Ten20 Highlands | Price of purchase | Kick off a new year in trivia with a music round, a puzzle round, and plenty of obscure knowledge.
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Wednesday Wonders | 10:30 a.m. | Ben Stout House | $5 | The little ones can learn why bald eagles are “bald” at this hour-long program.
The World Needs Good People | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | North East Regional Library | Free | Meet with other locals and have meaningful, spiritual conversations on how to improve society.
Thursday, Jan. 9
Jazz Thursdays | 7-10 p.m. | Whiskey Thief | Price of purchase | Visit NuLu’s newest tasting room for live music + classic cocktails.
Friday, Jan. 10
The Jefferson Open House | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Jefferson, Jeffersonville, IN | Free | Visit the historic building + meet with the team to learn about its history.
You’ll find plenty of inspiration on their dedicated seasonal recipes page. Each recipe comes with an ingredient list + step-by-step instructions, and you can add items to your cart right then and there.
Shop away from the wind
Not going to lie, the online shopping option is a game-changer in the winter.
Kroger offers a free curbside pick-up (so you don’t have to brave the cold) and even delivers directly to members’ doors.
Did you know? You can keep up to date with live updates on Louisville’s snowplow routes with this map, which shows the whole route + which roads have been plowed and/or salted. Learn more about how Metro Public Works keeps the city running.
Kids
JCPS has declared today a traditional snow day, with no online instruction. If you’re looking for something to do with the kids, when the snow lets up, check out our guide to the best sledding spots in LOU.
Drink
Goodwood Brewing + Spirits is expanding to Whiskey Row in the former Number 15 space. The new spot will feature more food options, an event space, multiple bars, and a three-bedroom short-term rental.
Civic
The schedule for the 2025 Cafe Louie is now available. Meet with your legislators at your local library branch on Saturdays, 9-10 a.m. Bonus: Don’t know who your Metro council representative is? Find out with our guide.
Try This
Thinking of getting hitched? Whitehall is offering “microweddings” on Valentine’s Day. For $1,000, you get an officiant, cake, wedding portraits, sparkling cider for a toast, and space for up to 20 guests.
Arts
Applications for the seventh annual Art in City Hall exhibition are open for another week. Artists can submit two-dimensional pieces to be displayed inside City Hall until next January. Five artists will be selected, each receiving $500. Applications close on Monday, Jan. 13.
Sports
Louisville’s nail-biting 35-34 Sun Bowl victory over the Washington Huskies last week showcased the Cardinals’ resilience and offensive firepower. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Kickstart your 2025 goals by putting your business in front of our 48,000+ local subscribers. Your message can be here in as little as two days — no long-term contract required. Learn more.
Travel
Make 2025 your year of travel when you sign up for a Going membership and secure unmatched airfare deals. For a limited time, Premium + Elite memberships are 25% with code GOING2025.*
The Buy
The Buy
The Goddess app. Made for women, by women, this comprehensive well-being library includes meditations, yoga sessions, breathing exercises, and podcasts. Right now, Premium subscriptions are 75% off — you’ll get lifetime access, plus unlock your Archetype Personality Analysis.
If you’re participating in dry January, this year, Canary Club has you covered.
The natural wine bar in Shelby Park has non-alcoholic beer on tap, plus NA cocktails and events throughout the month. I’m particularly excited about the house cherry cream soda.
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