Louisville was founded in 1778 and earned its name from the French king Louis XVI.

The city of Louisville is equipped with a world-class roster of whiskey distilleries—Old Forester, Angel’s Envy and Michter’s, to name a few—but there’s a world of opportunity awaiting even those who have never acquired a taste for the spirit. The charm of Louisville spans far beyond the scope of just barrel-aged distillate, with no shortage of incredible museums, restaurants and animal parks to explore all throughout the region. Whether you’re a hardcore craft beer fan, a cocktail aficionado or totally spirit-free, Louisville has the perfect place in store for you.

The first Kentucky Derby took place on May 17th, 1875.

While Kentucky is home to verdant pastures and a whole lot of livestock, one of Louisville’s most robust dining scenes involves a somewhat unexpected type of meat: namely, seafood. Due to the city’s status as a UPS hub, ultra-fresh oysters, mussels, lobster and a wealth of other marine proteins arrive on the daily—and to discover the city’s seafood prowess firsthand, River House is a top spot. Guests can spring for hearty entrees like char-grilled octopus and blackened Hawaiian ahi tuna, both of which pair perfectly with the restaurant’s sweet, butter-drenched cornbread. And for those who prefer their seafood with a Mediterranean flair, the Highlands district’s Paseo is a top spot thanks to their crispy ricotta balls, hummus brulée and prawn-loaded paella.

And of course, there’s no shortage of land-based protein for visitors to enjoy as well. For those hoping to sample an iconic Louisville staple for lunch, head to the Brown Hotel, a dazzling institution that made its debut in 1923. Upon arrival at the on-property J. Graham’s Café, guests can snag an order of the hot brown, a Mornay sauce-slathered casserole that’s packed full of turkey, bacon and tomatoes—and once you’ve had your fill, the chocolate and walnut-loaded Derby Pie serves as the perfect dessert. If you’re in need of further sweets, Please & Thank You has earned abundant acclaim for their decadent chocolate chip cookies, but once dinner time rolls around, Repeal is a top spot for a hearty slab of steak. While options span from 22-ounce dry-aged ribeye to A5 Wagyu strip steak around here, there’s a lot more to the menu than just beef, with truffled bucatini, roasted organic chicken and golden beet and apple salad all appearing on the menu as well.

Louisville is the most populous city in all of Kentucky.

For those who can’t stand the taste of whiskey but still like to imbibe, Louisville is rife with top-notch breweries and cocktail bars scattered all throughout its limits. For sour beer fans in particular, Atrium Brewing is equipped with an all-star roster of options, with current offerings spanning from the tropical fruit-loaded Tangerine Tiki Boy to the citrus-heavy Bat Boy Pink Lemonade Sour. Further north in Butchertown, Ten20 Brewery provides guests with a diverse array of beers ranging from Dryden Providin’ German Pilsner to The Machine Russian Imperial Stout, while those hoping for some insight into the brewing prowess of Lexington can head to West Sixth, a Nulu venue that’s home to a wealth of incredible IPAs.

Given Louisville’s prowess for distillation, it comes as no surprise that the city has mastered the art of mixology as well. For visitors that don’t want to stray too far from the river’s edge, Wild Swann offers top-tier cocktails within The Grady Hotel, a polished new property that made its debut in 2021. While guests can snag a classic Old Fashioned during a visit, anyone with a sweet tooth should be sure to sample the Swann Song, a velvety white chocolate martini that’s perfect in lieu of dessert. Meanwhile, those who prefer a more rustic setting can make their way to Hell or High Water Bar, a cozy speakeasy that’s particularly popular thanks to its two-person Boudoir private room. While it’s a particularly aesthetically-pleasing space, the cocktail menu is highly impressive as well, boasting a rich tapestry of concoctions that span from the rum-forward Smoke & Mirrors to the Real Dirty, a martini that’s crafted with housemade olive brine for added salinity.

The Louisville Zoo is known for its exceptional black-footed ferret breeding program, which has significantly contributed to their population in the wild.

Aside from its culinary offerings, Louisville is also home to a number of esteemed institutions that showcase the rich history and culture of the Bluegrass State. One such institution is the Frazier History Museum, where visitors can find an extensive collection of toy soldiers among other historical exhibits. Just a few blocks away, the Roots 101 African American Museum offers a comprehensive look at the history and achievements of America’s Black diaspora, with displays ranging from Black music contributions to portrayals in media throughout history.

Churchill Downs is home to the Kentucky Derby Museum, providing deeper insights into the state’s horseracing history. Here, exhibits expand upon the lives of the Derby’s most famous jockeys and the legendary racehorse, Secretariat. Afterward, visitors can meet retired racehorses at the TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall, a sanctuary for older horses. Lastly, for visitors passionate about animals, a trip to the Louisville Zoo is a must. Housing over 1,100 different animals, visitors may see African lions, polar bears, and orangutans, among others.