Diary of a Morning Girl: Tour of Louisville: Saturday's Show

Do you know how to say it?

Tour of Louisville:
On today's show, I took you on a "tour" of Louisville, KY. May is Hometown Tourist Month, and this weekend we have so many people visiting for the Derby Festivities. I want to introduce you, or at least remind you, of all of that Louisville has to offer. There is truly something for everyone. I highlighted just a few places on-air, but here is my full list of places that are uniquely Louisville. This list is of places you will only find here, but it's by no means complete. I have to warn you ended up becoming pretty long, but isn't that the mark of a really great city. If you know of one that should be added, let me know. Otherwise, get out there & enjoy my town! :)

Quills Coffee Art

Cafés & Coffee Shops:
We begin our tour with some of my favorite hangouts - coffee shops & cafes. Here are some great cafe's that you will only find here. We have those nationally recognized franchises too, but that's not what this tour is about. Check out these locally owned shops for a true taste of Louisville:

Heine Brothers Coffee: Eclectic with good coffee
Highland Coffee Shop: Located in the Highlands

Quills Coffee: Beautifully delicious coffee art
Mrs Potter's Coffee: Coffee, Art, & Local Bands
Please & Thank You Coffee Shop: Coffee, records, & amazing treats

Kentucky Center for the Arts

The Arts:
I love that Louisville has a great and diverse artistic vein. There is a bit of something for everyone. Here are a few of the cultural gems of our city.

Actors Theatre:

KY Museum of Art & Craft:

Louisville Glass Works:

Louisville Stoneware:

Speed Art Museum:

St James Court Art Show:

Hawks View Glassblowing Gallery & Cafe:
Iroquois Amphitheater:

KY Center for the Arts:

Louisville Ballet:

Louisville Chorus:

Louisville Orchestra:

Louisville Palace Theater:

Mellwood Arts Center:

Stage One:

Churches:
If you are looking for a church home, Louisville has a great selection of all denominations to choose from. In addition to having so many wonderful places to worship, I also love that many of these great churches are breathtaking. Even if you have a home church, we have many historical and architecturally beautiful churches in Louisville that you should visit.

Blessings Directory: Click to find a great local church.

Brown Hotel Lobby

Historical Sites:
If there is one thing to be said about Louisville, it would be that it is steeping with history. Louisville was founded in 1778 by explorer George Rogers Clark. Check out some of our rich history by visiting some of these beautiful locations.

Belle of Louisville Steamboat: Built in 1914 & still cruises the Ohio
Brown Hotel: Built in 1923, featured in films, & utterly gorgeous

Cavehill Cemetery: Beautiful, Historical, Lovely Architecture

Galt House Hotel: Built in the early 1800s & still lovely

Kentucky Derby Museum: The Great history of our Love of Horses

KentuckyShow!: Multimedia show of the History & Culture of KY

Thomas Edison & Farmington Home: Three Historical Homes

Filson Historical Society: History & Artifacts of KY

Henry Clay: Built in the 1920s, this lovely piece of history is a must visit.

Locust Grove: Built in 1790 & rich with history

Louisville Library Main Branch: Built in 1906. Simply Stunning!

Old Louisville: Features many Victorian homes from early 1800s

St James Court: Part of Old Louisville & a must see. Hosts a great art show each fall.

Baby Qannik at Louisville Zoo

Family:

Frazier Museum of History: Great interactive exhibits for kids

Kart Kountry: World's Longest Go-Kart track

KY Fair & Expo Ctr: Lots of events all year long.

Louisville Zoo: Great for the whole family; open all year

Louisville Science Center: features IMAX Theater & lots of fun

Mega Caverns: Underground Zip Lining, tours & more

Renaissance Fun Park: Go-carts, mini-golf, & more
Stage One: Perfect place to introduce kids to the arts!

Parks:
Louisville is home to over 120 beautiful parks. Be sure to enjoy them while you are here.

Louisville Metro Parks: Listing of all of Louisville's Parks
Cherokee Park:

Falls of the Ohio Park:

Farnsley-Moremen Landing:

Jefferson Memorial Forest:

Iroquois Park:

Louisville Nature Center:

Water Front Park:

Lynn's Paradise Cafe

Restaurants:
Louisville has over 2,500 restaurants. I tried to list some of the best Louisville Originals, but I'm sure that I missed some really great places. Here's a good starting guide for all of my dear foodies.

Bearno’s Pizza: Especially try Bearno’s by the Bridge; love the location!

Blu Italian Grill: Great service, delicious food, elegant atmosphere.

Bristol Grille: Est 1977 in the Highlands. It's delicious! No other words needed.

Brown Hotel’s English Grill: First served Hotbrown 1926; premiere fine dining

Cafe Lou Lou: Culinary blend of Louisville & Louisiana
Comfy Cow Ice Cream Shop: Like delicious & unique icecream? This is for you.

Ditto’s Restaurant: Can't believe I still haven't tried it; my friends rave over this place.

Derby Pie: You must find; you must try! It's my favorite slice of Louisville.

Dooley's Bagels: Try the everything bagel. It's so good.
Hard Rock Cafe Louisville: Good burgers; fun atmosphere
Hawks View Gallery & Cafe: Cafe hours vary, but very delicious!
Homemade Icecream & Pie Kitchen: Est in 1982. Super delicious

Impellizzeri’s Pizza: It's called Louisville style pizza, and it is fabulous.

King Fish: There are a few locations, but try the one on the river. Beautiful view.

Kizito Cookies: These cookies make me happy! They are as big as your head & amazing!

Lynn’s Paradise Café: Lynn's is so much fun! Great food & a delightfully eclectic atmosphere.

Mayan Café: Great menu made with ingredients from KY Farmers equals delicious.

Mike Linnig’s Fish: Louisville's Seafood place since 1925

Muth’s Candies: Famous for Modjeskas (Marshmallow Caramel Candies)

Najla’s Cookies: Based in Louisville; these gourmet treats are all natural

Wick’s Pizza: Est 1991, this is really good pizza!