Navigating Louisville's Kentucky Derby Season As A Non-Whiskey Fan
Inaugurated in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has gone on to become one of the most famous horse races in all of human history, drawing visitors from all across the globe to take part in the festivities—and while this renowned event offers plenty of opportunities to sip on high-end bourbon, Louisville is far more than just a playground for hardcore whiskey aficionados. Over the years, the city has developed a thriving drinking and dining scene that encompasses spirits and cultures from all across the globe, while there's no shortage of fascinating educational institutions to visit as well, with topics spanning from sports to fine arts to wildlife conservation.
Whether you're hoping to sample top-quality natural wine, refreshing rum cocktails or forgo alcohol entirely, this historic Kentucky city comes equipped with a truly diverse range of landmarks and attractions to enjoy, ensuring that visitors can have a memorable Derby experience without a single drop of bourbon touching their lips.
While Louisville has given rise to hearty dishes like the hot brown—a savory blend of turkey, bacon and Mornay sauce—and the chocolate-filled derby pie, there's far more to the city than just classic Bluegrass State cuisine. In recent years, the East Market District—or NuLu—has developed a diverse dining scene that specializes in flavors from far beyond the United States, with Nami offering an opportunity to dine on hearty Korean fare prepared at the behest of James Beard Award nominee Chef Edward Lee. While the dinner menu comes equipped with a wealth of decadent barbecue dishes spanning from Wagyu beef ribeye to ginger and garlic-infused ju-mul-luk, the brunch program is particularly impressive as well, with the bulgogi Benedict being a particular favorite thanks to its rich gochujang hollandaise.
Just a few blocks away, visitors can explore Caribbean dining with a visit to La Bodeguita De Mima, a vibrant restaurant inspired by 1950s-era Cuba. Upon arrival, guests can feast on tried-and-true favorites like pork tamales and shrimp ceviche or spring for a massive Cuban sandwich—and to sweeten the deal, the venue also offers a wide range of rum cocktails as an homage to Cuba's lengthy history of distillation. And when it comes to the traditional flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, neighboring MeeshMeesh is a must-try, with menu items including herb falafel, grape leaf-wrapped branzino, lamb merguez and a wide range of other Levantine-inspired favorites.
The Derby is most often associated with the bourbon-forward mint julep, but for those who prefer their drinks spirit-free, there's no shortage of options to explore across the city. For those who prefer to stick to NuLu, the recently-opened Seven has earned acclaim for its top-tier mixology program, with drinks available in both boozy and zero-ABV format. For non-imbibers, the cranberry and lime-loaded Safe Zone is perfect for some refreshment after a long day of exploring the city, while more adventurous visitors can sample the Secret Garden, a savory selection that's brimming with puréed giardiniera with a dash of housemade hot sauce.
Meanwhile, those willing to head south can find an expansive mocktail selection during a trip to Canary Club, an elegant venue found in the city's Shelby Park neighborhood. The menu comes loaded with savory bites like tinned fish and empanadas—both of which pair perfectly with a citrus-forward White Rose Spritz—and the bar also prides itself on its rotating selection of natural wines, with all sorts of eclectic orange wines and fragrant rosés gracing the menu. And on the topic of wine, visitors can find a particularly impressive selection during a trip to Nouvelle, a polished spot that boasts over one hundred different options, with an added opportunity to snack on cheese boards and charcuterie plates throughout your visit.
Since the Kentucky Derby only lasts about two minutes, you'll certainly be in need of some additional activities to enjoy across the city—and for complete newcomers, the Trolley de 'Ville offers the perfect experience. Taking place within a vintage vehicle, this leisurely tour highlights the rich history of Louisville, touching on topics ranging from the development of the University of Louisville to the ornate architecture that can be found across Old Louisville, a storied district that's renowned for its high concentration of Victorian-era buildings. And of course, there's no shortage of iconic museums to peruse post-tour, with classics like the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and Muhammad Ali Center both open for visitors.
For fine art aficionados, the Speed Art Museum has made waves recently with its Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900–1939 exhibit, but for those who want to enjoy the fresh Bluegrass State air, it's tough to beat a trip to the Louisville Zoo. First established in 1969, this verdant park has developed into a crucial hub for wildlife conservation over the decades, with a wealth of ambitious programs in place that aim to preserve the biodiversity of our planet. While target species span from the Cuban crocodile to polar bear, the zoo is perhaps best known for its ultra-successful black-footed ferret breeding program, with more than 1,000 kits bred at the Louisville Zoo Conservation Center since its launch in 1991.
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