Visiting Greater Louisville

The Louisville area celebrates spring and the arrival of summer like no other state – with horse racing. Home to the Kentucky Derby, May 4 and 5, Louisville is a hub of activity, culture, arts, and local sights and attractions that are must-see. Make your way into the greater Louisville area and check out Frankfort, home to Kentucky State University. The capital of Kentucky, Frankfort is home to the Old State Capitol Building, and the always-riveting Kentucky Military History Museum. Make your way into Bardstown, an hour southwest of Frankfort, and check out My Old Kentucky Home State Park.

An hour west of the state capital is Louisville. The largest city in the Kentucky, Louisville is a wide-ranging city, with sights and attractions fit for everyone from the weary traveler to the family looking for a summer adventure. Affectionately known as the "Derby City," Louisville is home to the legendary Kentucky Derby, held annually on the first Saturday in May. The 2012 Kentucky Derby will be no different – 138th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 4 and 5 2012 at Churchill Downs.

Louisville is also home to one of the more successful sports universities in the country – the University of Louisville Cardinals. Baseball fans traveling through Louisville this spring and summer are in for a real treat, as the UL Cardinals baseball team fights for a spot in the College World Series. Head to Jim Patterson Stadium on April 27, when the Cardinals begin a three-game series against the University of Connecticut Huskies. After a fine display of college baseball action, head to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory – an absolute must see for baseball fans, young and old. Louisville spring and summer visitors flock to the Muhammad Ali Center, located in downtown Louisville.

Make your way into Frankfort, the state capital. Visit the Starway Family Fun Park for excellent spring and summer fun – miniature golf, games and food await. Be sure to play a round of 18 holes at Duckers Lake Golf Course, or check out Woodford Reserve Distillery.

Held on three separate days (April 7, 14, 21), the Woodford Reserve Distillery will host the Woodford Reserve Brunch with Keeneland Handicapper – this is a limited seating event, so act swiftly.

Carrollton, home to the Butler-Turpin Historic House, is a pleasant border city in the Louisville are. Play a round of golf at the General Butler Golf Course, or try some fishing along the Ohio River, which runs along the northern border of Carrollton.

On May 12, head to General Butler State Resort Park for the 30th Kentucky Scottish Weekend, featuring a British car show, Celtic music, bag pipes, and games for the kids.

Greater Louisville Hotel Map