Louisville, Ky.: Big city excitement for the whole family

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville is on the map as a “must-see” place these days with recent international coverage during the Kentucky Derby, a special excursion on Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker as well as the new Soap.net reality show, “The Southern Belles of Louisville.”

Louisville is filled with sophisticated dining options, sporting events, shopping and vibrant fun. At just three hours from Huntington, now is the time to visit.

Where to stay: The historic jewel of Louisville is the Brown Hotel (www.brownhotel.com ), built by one of Louisville’s – and America’s – most famous families. Gorgeous and luxurious, it offers value to travelers. Each room has 5-inch thick featherbeds and complimentary WiFi. If you stay on one of the club floors, you will have your breakfast and happy hours built in. They also host a lot of weddings.

What to eat: Take the family to Mark’s Feed Store (www.marksfeedstore.com ). This budget-friendly barbecue restaurant has several locations all over Louisville and the sauce is so famous it’s used in Papa John’s specialty pizzas. Favorites include fried corn and buttermilk crunch pie served in a glass. You will not leave hungry.

One of the joys of visiting a major city is the ethnic diversity in restaurants. Seviche – A Latin Restaurant (www.sevicherestaurant) is owned by chef Anthony Lamas, a two time invitee to the renowned culinary James Beard House. Louisville is a UPS hub – so they are able to get fish caught the same day. The freshness, the flavors and gorgeous presentation at Seviche can stand up to any seafood restaurant in any major city. The Argentinean beef is delicious, too.

The famed Hot Brown was created at The Brown Hotel, which you can still order at J. Graham’s Café for lunch or at The English Grill Restaurant for dinner. It’s made differently from most that are made with cheddar cheese - they make a béchamel sauce with Pecorino Romano. That gives it a tasty snap and elegance. The English Grill is the place to get the infamous chocolate dessert, “The Striptease,” flamed tableside with 151 proof rum.

A cool place for breakfast anytime was featured on Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay: Lynn’s Paradise Café’ (www.lynnsparadisecafe.com ). Tremendously popular, you can’t miss the giant coffee cup in the parking lot.

Bourbon’s Bistro (www.bourbonsbistro.com ) is a local’s secret that visitors are quickly discovering. Did you see it on “Southern Belles of Louisville?” They have 130 kinds of bourbon and can create flights for you. Let them pick. Try the basil julep: a wonderful version of the Derby classic. The food is tasty Southern fare with gourmet touches, and the place has a laid back vibe. They offer monthly bourbon dinners with a different lecturer each time – very popular as an office retreat.

What to do: Yes, the Kentucky Derby is held at beautifully maintained Churchill Downs (www.churchilldowns.com ). There are other races run there, as well as Friday happy hours with live bands – the see and be seen place to be.

Locust Grove (www.locustgrove.org ), a historic mansion that was built by the Clark family from Lewis and Clark days, is six miles from downtown. They host many events, including the Bluegrass/Slow Food Locust Family Picnic, the Jane Austen Fest and Pioneer Camp.

Get a great photo of the city and see nature literally steps away in Jeffersonville, Ind. The bridge crossing the Ohio River can be accessed by auto, bike or on foot. Check out Falls of the Ohio State Park (http://www.fallsoftheohio.org ).

The Highlands neighborhood is funky, with all kinds of records, vintage and other unique shops. An especially good one is Cherry Bomb (www.myspace.com/cherrybomblouisville ), with its collection of locally-made boutique clothing and jewelry.

Walk through time at Frazier International Museum (www.fraziermuseum.org ). With a comprehensive collection of British Royal armaments, as well as different temporary exhibits, you’ll learn a lot – no matter how old you are.
 

Tamar Alexia Fleishman/For The Herald-Dispatch

Louisville is filled with sophisticated dining options, sporting events, shopping and vibrant fun.