Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and is famous around the world for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby. Spectators fly from destinations far and wide to be a part of the most popular horse-racing event in the world. The Derby is held the first Saturday of May and is the busiest time of the year for both commercial and private aviation travel to Louisville. Whether you will be attending the Derby or on stand-by during the event, there are plenty of things to do while visiting Louisville.
Louisville lies on the Ohio River, and the Louisville metropolitan area consists of areas in Kentucky and Indiana. The area is served by Louisville International Airport (SDF) and Bowman Field Airport (LOU). During the Kentucky Derby, both airports experience a huge influx of aircraft, to the point that parking became full during previous years. Bowman Field requires time slots for departure on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Reservations are required at both airports to ensure enough room is available on the ramp. It is highly recommended to make a reservation well in advance so your parking spot is secured with no problems. Additionally, catering for private aircraft should be coordinated with your in-flight caterer at a notice of a minimum of 48 hours. Air traffic and aircraft parking are calm the rest of the year.
Louisville offers a lot of unique outdoor opportunities to keep active. For adventure-seekers, make sure to visit the Louisville Mega Cavern and try out the only underground zip lines in the world. If you are in town between April and October, the Louisville Quest is an exciting way to explore the town while competing in a team-based scavenger hunt. Play a round of golf or just take a break in nature at the most highly rated park in town, Cherokee Park. Of course, if you are a horse-racing fan, you will want to be at no place but the Churchill Downs!
While visiting Louisville, you will notice that local culture and history take center stage. The Thomas Edison House not only gives visitors a glimpse into the life of the famous inventor but also is one of the very last double-shotgun cottages in existence. There are so many museums in the city that residents have named an area “Museum Row.” This area, located on Main Street, is home to nine points of interest, including the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. For shopping and dining, Frankfort Avenue, also called “The Avenue,” is a hot spot full of locally owned shops, restaurants, and other attractions.
For dining out, the English Grill at the Brown Hotel, Proof on Main, and Harvest Restaurant are all highly rated restaurants serving American cuisine. If you are looking to try something new, the Mayan Cafe has authentic Mayan cuisine created with local ingredients. For Latin cuisine, Seviche is a local favorite, with a chef who has been featured on the Food Network.
Louisville has a variety of hotels, from lavishly decorated historic buildings like the Brown Hotel to a contemporary hotel and art gallery called the 21C Museum Hotel. If you are more of a bed and breakfast type of person, Louisville has many to choose from, such as the Inn at Woodhaven, Central Park Bed & Breakfast, or the Inn at the Park. Of course, you can also find a selection of global hotel chains in the city. No matter where you decide to stay, make sure to book early during the peak time of year.
Louisville is a unique city with a lot of activities to keep anyone busy during down time in between flights. With a selection of museums, lodging in historical buildings, and shopping in a historic district, Louisville is sure to delight. Foodies will also find comfort in the highly rated restaurants around town. If you are a horse-racing enthusiast, you will want make sure you are operating to the Kentucky Derby.
Questions?
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