Why We Chose Louisville (and How You Pronounce It)

Sitting on the Ohio River, Louisville, Kentucky is known as the home of the Kentucky Derby — but it’s certainly not its only noteworthy attraction. Discover our top 10 reasons for picking Louisville as the next HGTV Urban Oasis locale, and learn how to fit in the locals with the correct pronunciation of their hometown.

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Louisville Tourism

Photo By: Steve Grider, Louisville Tourism

Photo By: Louisville Tourism

Photo By: Steve Grider, Louisville Tourism

Photo By: Louisville Tourism

Photo By: Jacob Zimmer, Louisville Tourism

Photo By: Louisville Tourism

Louisville, Kentucky

Whether you’re planning a solo or couple’s getaway, a family trip or a vacation with friends, it’s time to bump Louisville, Ky., to the top of your list. This southern town was voted one of The New York Times’s 52 Places to Go in 2023, and there’s a myriad of reasons why — from its bourbon trail and sporting events to its incredible food and craft beer scene and family-friendly activities.

Now, for the big question. How exactly to you pronounce the city’s moniker? Let’s start by saying that even residents of Louisville don’t always agree on how to pronounce their city, so our biggest suggestion is just don’t say, “Loo-iss-ville.” Our insiders say “Luh-vul” is the correct pronunciation, but we also know a few go the way of “Loo-a-vul” and “Loo-a-ville.” Truly, no matter how you say it, we suggest giving this southern town a visit — you won’t be disappointed.

Bourbon Country

Cozy up to the bar for the best drink in town. Louisville is the starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the Urban Bourbon Trail®, as well as a vast array of other bourbon experiences. Its history as a bourbon town dates as far back as 1783 and Main Street even earned the moniker of “Whiskey Row” in the late 19th century. Today, those cast-iron storefronts that once housed bourbon-related office and warehouses are now filled with popular bourbon attractions and must-stop bars and restaurants for locals and tourists alike.

With 10 distillery experiences (the only city in the world to boast that many!) and countless bourbon-centric attractions, from cocktail classes, one-of-a-kind accommodations, chic shopping and educational tours, Louisville is the perfect spot to start your bourbon journey or to use as your homebase for exploring all of Bourbon Country across Kentucky.

Kentucky Derby

The first Saturday in May is known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” when the world turns its eyes to Churchill Downs to watch the Kentucky Derby. This bucket-list event draws a crowd of 155,000 every year and is the longest continually held sporting event in America. But even if you can’t make it to the actual Derby, Louisville offers the Derby experience all year round. Head to the track for horse races throughout the year, tour the Kentucky Derby Museum, taste the iconic Derby-Pie® and sip on a mint julep, the Official Cocktail of the Kentucky Derby.

Thunder Over Louisville

Watch awe-inspiring colors and pyrotechnics light up the sky during one of the largest annual fireworks shows in North America. Thunder Over Louisville, the official kickoff to the Kentucky Derby Festival, is a not-to-be-missed event that draws over half a million people to the shores of the Ohio River and the rooftops of the Louisville skyline.

The all-day spectacle begins with an air show, is filled with food vendors, a craft beer garden and a family fun zone, and concludes with a non-stop 28-minute firework spectacular — that you’ll be talking about long after you head home.

Foodie Paradise

From Southern staples to worldly cuisine, Louisville is an epicenter of delicious food. The city has a few famous dishes that are quintessentially Louisville, such as the Hot Brown (an open-faced turkey, ham and bacon sandwich covered in Mornay sauce), burgoo (a hearty meat and veggie stew), Benedictine (a cream cheese and cucumber spread), and of course, Derby-Pie®.

The city is full of delicious brunch spots, candy shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Grab coffee at Heine Brothers’ Coffee or brunch at Biscuit Belly. Stop in Royal’s Hot Chicken for incredible fried chicken, get your BBQ fix at Hammerheads or make a reservation for Jack Fry’s, which has been a part of the Louisville scene since 1933. Also, don’t miss the Logan Street Market, where you’ll get a real taste of homegrown life from over 25 locally owned and operated shops.

Art Culture

With a burgeoning art scene, Louisville offers an abundance of artistic endeavors. Each neighborhood in Louisville has its own unique look and feel, and one of our favorite activities is taking a stroll to discover stunning murals painted throughout the city. Other must dos: visit the Speed Art Museum (get in for free on Sundays!) and wander through the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.

No matter what time of the year you’re visiting, you’ll also find exciting performances to attend at The Louisville Orchestra, Louisville Ballet, the Kentucky Opera or over a dozen theater companies.

Local Breweries

Calling all brew lovers. Louisville is your town with 29 local breweries and a ton of beer festivals and events throughout the year. We’re not the only ones who think Louisville is a premier beer scene; VinePair named Louisville one of “The World’s Top 10 Beer Destinations.” Try a tour with Derby City Brew or Louisville Brew Bus to get the full beer experience, while you’re in town.

Louisville Mega Cavern

Explore the 100 underground acres of the Louisville Mega Cavern. The man-made cavern is part of 17 miles of corridors beneath the city and has multiple ways to discover the history and grandeur. Thrill seekers can do the MEGA ZIPS, which has six daring zip lines, or Mega Quest with its 20 aerial ropes courses. For a little less heart-racing adventure, take a walking tour or tram ride.

Big Four Bridge

The Big Four Bridge is a pedestrian bridge linking the waterfronts of Kentucky and Indiana, and it’s a favorite one-mile trek for locals and visitors to take in the Ohio River, Waterfront Park and the Louisville skyline. At night, a light show illuminates the bridge in color. Combinations of two or three colors and even rainbow effects dance across the bridge from sunset to one a.m.

Louisville Slugger Field and Museum & Factory

Baseball fan or not, no trip to Louisville is complete without a stop by the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. The world’s most famous baseball bat has been manufactured here since 1884, and the factory tour takes you through how each bat is made, as well as getting an up-close look at Babe Ruth’s own Louisville Slugger. At the end of the tour, you’ll go home with a free souvenir mini-bat. During the season, don’t miss a chance to take in a minor league baseball game at Louisville Slugger Field.

Explore the Neighborhoods

When discovering a new city, often the best way is to think like a local but with fresh eyes. Louisville has over a dozen distinct neighborhoods, each with its own attractions. Visit the city’s first brandy distillery in Butchertown, grab a doughnut at Plehn’s Bakery in East Louisville, have a days-of-yore experience at Saint Joseph’s Dairy Kastle with a soft-serve ice cream and chili dog, shop at local artisan shops in The Highlands, discover craft breweries in NuLu and so much more.

HGTV Urban Oasis Sweepstakes

Why We Chose Louisville (and How You Pronounce It)

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Louisville, Kentucky

Bourbon Country

Kentucky Derby

Thunder Over Louisville

Foodie Paradise

Art Culture

Local Breweries

Louisville Mega Cavern

Big Four Bridge

Louisville Slugger Field and Museum & Factory

Explore the Neighborhoods

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