Louisville

Downtown

Discussion

Louisville has worked extremely hard to recreate itself over the last two decades. It has remodelled its riverfront, cleaned up decaying buildings, built new facilities like the Yum Center, and in every way tried to make the downtown a pedestrian friendly place. Today, when Louisville throws a party, as it does with the Derby Festival and Fourth of July, or hosts the Ringling Brothers Circus or a great concert, it's worth a visit of several days. With modern hotels and great shopping, there's something for the whole family.

Among its many attractions, downtown Louisville has great restaurants. It has retained some of its great old favorites, and added some cutting edge new ones. Many of its restaurants, in addition to excellent food, offer magnificent views of the river, with paddlewheel steamboats, river tugs pushing coal barges, and locally owned powerboats pulling water skiiers. It's a reasonably compact downtown, so you can leave your vehicle parked and walk everywhere. It's also a safe downtown, brightly lighted and busy most evenings.

The most spectacular restaurant is probably Rivue, which is atop the 25 floor Galt House. The floor revolves so the view slowly changes. Try to come early so you can enjoy it in both daylight and dark. Service and food are outstanding.