Derby time is upon us! The bucket-list event of the year is here and that means house-guests for nearly every single one of us. Sure, they are coming for the Derby but what else do you do with your guests while they are here? We’ve put together a short list of some of our favorite activities to help you entertain during one of the busiest seasons of our year.
- The Bourbon Trail
- Kentucky is known for two things, horses and bourbon. Since they are here for the Derby you might as well give them a taste of our most popular beverage. The Bourbon Trail has a souvenir passport that guests can use to chart where they’ve been. If you end up going to every distillery on the tour you can turn in your passport and receive a complimentary souvenir glass. Most distilleries require reservations so it’s a good idea to set these up in advance.
- Sign up for your passport here: https://kybourbontrail.com/passport/
- Big Four Bridge
- A great way to show off our city and get a little exercise in the process. The Big Four Bridge is a 2-mile round trip journey. Originally completed in 1895 the bridge got a new lease on life when turned from a railway bridge into a bicycle and walking bridge. The Louisville side of the walking bridge opened in 2013.
- A great way to show off our city and get a little exercise in the process. The Big Four Bridge is a 2-mile round trip journey. Originally completed in 1895 the bridge got a new lease on life when turned from a railway bridge into a bicycle and walking bridge. The Louisville side of the walking bridge opened in 2013.
- Louisville Slugger Museum
- This is a classic Louisville stop, especially if you have little ones in town. Take a tour of the factory, visit the museum and leave with your very own miniature baseball bat. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid the lines.
- Sign up for tickets here: https://tickets.sluggermuseum.com/Info.aspx?EventID=13
- The Avenue
- Shop, eat and drink on “The Avenue”. Known as a “historic” part of town this street has a great selection of locally owned shops and you can show off how we “keep Louisville weird”.
- Dee’s
- Take your guests to Derby hat Headquarters and they will be overwhelmed by the sea of feathers, flowers and tulle that they’ll find. Dee’s employees can help you create a hat but don’t wait too long! For the more creative guest, a glue gun and some feathers can go far!
- Joe Ley Antiques
- If it’s raining (knock on wood, knock on wood) or even if it isn’t your guests will love Joe Ley’s. Four stories of antiques and general clutter that’s a peek into a whole other world!!!
- Primo Oils & Vinegars
- We hope you bring your guest by for an olive oil tasting and a chat. We have a four pack of
olive oils in the perfect size to take home on the plane with you!
- We hope you bring your guest by for an olive oil tasting and a chat. We have a four pack of
I love this store and buy so many gifts for family and friends here. I just discovered their website and am excited to try new recipes. Recently I bought Janet’s Blackberry Jalapeño Compote and need recipes. Thanks for everything you make my cooking exciting.
Thank you for the lovely comment! We love that we can help you in selecting delicious foodie gifts for friends and family. One of our favorite go-to’s with Janet’s Compotes is to serve it over brie with some crackers. Let us know how you end up using it!