Amity's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Historic hotel built in 1905...inspiration for The Great Gatsby wedding...grab a drink in the bar used by Al Capone. Go to the basement and see the Rathskeller room...old world coolness.
Seelbach Hotel
Historic hotel built in 1905...inspiration for The Great Gatsby wedding...grab a drink in the bar used by Al Capone. Go to the basement and see the Rathskeller room...old world coolness.
10 minute walk to open green space in the heart of historic Old Louisville. Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in early 1900’s. June-August nightly Shakespeare performances and concerts. Late evenings you can sometimes hear and/or catch a glimpse of the resident owls!
41 locals recommend
Central Park
1340 S 4th St10 minute walk to open green space in the heart of historic Old Louisville. Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in early 1900’s. June-August nightly Shakespeare performances and concerts. Late evenings you can sometimes hear and/or catch a glimpse of the resident owls!
On 4th Street close to downtown, notice a red bike hanging above the gym doors. A kid named Cassius Clay had his bike stolen here in the 50s. That event inspired him to learn how to box. A little later, hometown boy Cassius aka the Louisville Lip, aka Mohammad Ali, made a name the world would never forget! If you ha be time, hit up the Ali Center Museum. It is outstanding.
Spalding University
901 S 4th StOn 4th Street close to downtown, notice a red bike hanging above the gym doors. A kid named Cassius Clay had his bike stolen here in the 50s. That event inspired him to learn how to box. A little later, hometown boy Cassius aka the Louisville Lip, aka Mohammad Ali, made a name the world would never forget! If you ha be time, hit up the Ali Center Museum. It is outstanding.
Just south of Central Park is St James Court. It is a lovely street of mansions and fountains and Belgravia walking court at the far southern end. The large “Pink Palace” was once a gentlemen’s club and later home to the Women’s Temperance Movement HQ in Louisville.
11 locals recommend
Saint James Court
Saint James CourtJust south of Central Park is St James Court. It is a lovely street of mansions and fountains and Belgravia walking court at the far southern end. The large “Pink Palace” was once a gentlemen’s club and later home to the Women’s Temperance Movement HQ in Louisville.
Located on U of L campus. High quality exhibitions. FREE on Sundays!!!
289 locals recommend
The Speed Art Museum
2035 S 3rd StLocated on U of L campus. High quality exhibitions. FREE on Sundays!!!
Food scene
Small take out diner. Ollie burger and Ollie fries a must. Only open M-F until about 3:45 PM. Reminds me of a scene from the “soup nazi” episode from Seinfeld.
11 locals recommend
Ollie's Trolley
978 S 3rd StSmall take out diner. Ollie burger and Ollie fries a must. Only open M-F until about 3:45 PM. Reminds me of a scene from the “soup nazi” episode from Seinfeld.
Easy and just down 4th Street. You can do a flight tasting for $8 on the 1/2 hour. Comes with souvenir shot glass. Tell Alex or Spencer the Happy Balls folks sent you!
32 locals recommend
Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse
404 S 4th StEasy and just down 4th Street. You can do a flight tasting for $8 on the 1/2 hour. Comes with souvenir shot glass. Tell Alex or Spencer the Happy Balls folks sent you!
Local beer brewery. Bring your own food and kick back for the evening!
19 locals recommend
Old Louisville Brewery
625 W Magnolia AveLocal beer brewery. Bring your own food and kick back for the evening!
Historic hotel and home of the Hot Brown sandwich...a Louisville Original! Ask the front desk if you can go up to the rooftop terrace for a sweet view of the city!
8 locals recommend
Brown Hotel Lobby Bar
335 W BroadwayHistoric hotel and home of the Hot Brown sandwich...a Louisville Original! Ask the front desk if you can go up to the rooftop terrace for a sweet view of the city!
My favorite local coffee roasters. Great African beans if you are into that kind of thing.
163 locals recommend
Sunergos Coffee
2122 S Preston StMy favorite local coffee roasters. Great African beans if you are into that kind of thing.
Just a few blocks from the house. Cool atmosphere, 2nd favorite local coffee in town, and really good donuts. Hearty donuts that eat like a meal!
24 locals recommend
North Lime Coffee & Donuts
1228 S 7th StJust a few blocks from the house. Cool atmosphere, 2nd favorite local coffee in town, and really good donuts. Hearty donuts that eat like a meal!
Neighborhoods
50 square blocks of historic Victorian homes nestled between downtown shopping areas and the University of Louisville.
53 locals recommend
Old Louisville
50 square blocks of historic Victorian homes nestled between downtown shopping areas and the University of Louisville.
City advice
Useful phrases
How to say “Louisville”.
Most locals say Loo-vuhl or Looah-vuhl. You can’t go wrong but you might hear several different versions.
Customs and culture
University of Louisville “L”
You might see local college sports fanatics flashing what looks like a gang sign...really it’s just a thumb and first and middle finger in the shape of an ‘L’. Do not be alarmed. :)
Getting around
4th Street Free Bus
This bus has a stop across from the Memorial Auditorium (2 min walk from house). Free to downtown or all the way to Churchill Downs!
Useful phrases
What is the best bourbon for a mint julep?
Kentucky answer: None. Otherwise, anything cheap!
Useful phrases
What is the best bourbon?
Kentucky answer: the free kind! Otherwise, do your wallet and taste buds a favor and do a blind bourbon flight tasting at a bar. You can find out what style you like, then pick em like a pro!
Don't miss
Ask us about touring our very own Candy Kitchen!
Bourbon Balls are a regional dessert specialty here. Naturally, our Happy Balls! are the biggest and the best! Schedule a tour and make your own with us during your stay and go home with a delicious souvenir!
Book before you go
Sour Mash Tours
Andy and Danielle are bourbon ninjas. They can arrange a dynamite bourbon tasting walking tour in various parts of the city!
Book before you go
Ghost tours?
David Domine leads ghost walks and historical walks in Old Louisville and has authored multiple books on the subject. Book a tour while in town!
Customs and culture
The Old-fashioned cocktail.
The Official cocktail of Louisville! Another Louisville original since the 1880s.