Sluggin to Louisville

Louisville is one of Kentucky's oldest cities, but this spring break history won't be something your itching to see. The famous Louisville Slugger Museum is a must see sight. When driving up to the museum the gigantic bat is 120 feet tall and weighs 68,000 pounds when standing next to it people feel like an ant. Guided tours run every ten minutes. If you want a bat from this museum they are only made on Saturdays from April to November. When the tour is through guests can head to the batting cages to take a whack with the slugger itself. The Museum is in the heart of the city itself next to the Louisville Zoo and next month Louisville will be getting ready for Kentucky's derby. After touring the Slugger Museum come to the Zoo to see over 1300 animals with more arriving day to day. This would be a treat for the kiddo's and a learning experience for the whole family. Children under 2 years of age are free. Children 3 years old to adult ticket pricing is $11.00. The Zoo is only closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day and stays open late in the summer time for tourists. The most popular exhibits to see is the Lorikeet Landing, Wallaroo Walkabout, and the Gorilla Forrest.

The Kentucky Derby is always a hit around Louisville for the month of May. Racing in Louisville dates back to 1783 which was at one time known as the Elm Tree Gardens. A course was eventually developed in 1805 at a now abandonded shipping port. The founding of Churchill Downs began in 1872-1873 when a 26-year-old man named Col. M. Lewis Clark, devised the idea of a Louisville Jockey Club for conducting race meets. In May of 1875 the track formally opened with only 4 races scheduled. Through the years the derby has been going stong with holding events to help fund programs around the world. The Taste of Derby raises funds and awareness for hunger relief. To date, a total of $121,000 has been contributed to hunger relief organizations locally and around the country in regions where participating chefs are located. Ticket's may be pricey but is well worth a good cause. Tickets are $300 dollars; however, with this price you get a red carpet entry, food and wine tasting, premium open bar, complimentary valet service, Live entertainment from Nashville based- burning Las Vegas, and people are guaranteed a good time. The event will take place at Louisville Executive Aviation at Bowman Field. Purchase these tickets now and the event of a Taste of Derby will take place on Thursday May 3rd. The website for the Kentucky Derby is  http://www.kentuckyderby.com after visiting it you too can join in on the countdown for a good time and life long historical event.

In the month of April Louisville is hosting a derby festival one of the events of the festival is a Pegasus Parade it is the oldest event in derby history. The parade goes all out like the Macy's day parade. They have colorful floats, marching bands, even giant inflatable cartoon characters. Using colorful, creative minds from local high schools and college's bands to perform the music that gets the ball rolling with this parade. Bleacher seating price is $9, chair seating price $11, review stand seating $26, and free in all other viewing areas along the route. Other creative events is a balloon race, and a steamboat race that helps lead up to the great event of the derby. For more ticket pricing and to see a list of events please go to http://www.thekentuckyderbyguide.com/kdevents.html for all other questions for the month before the derby weekend.

After all the adventure around Louisville set down to lunch at Joe's Crab Shack. The restaurant is at 131 River Rd. This delicious meal is served in pots depending on what you order. The meal is always fresh and hot and the service is never a disappointment. Also for attraction Louisville plays Kentucky in the NCAA's final four for 2012 it is a must see game for competitors that takes place on 3/31/2012 at 5:09 P.M. (CT) so make sure your t.v.s are tuned in.

For the people that do travel to places for the history of a town. Louisville has it, their are scenic tours of the historical houses and old abandoned history that is left on the streets. You can visit Conrad's Castle, Waverly Hills Sanatorium (for the brave hearted), and much more! For a list of historical places you can visit http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g39604-Activities-c5-Louisville_Kentucky.htmlhttp://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g39604-Activities-c5-Louisville_Kentucky.html

Lastly to end a fun trip with a bang in Louisville is to visit Fourth Street Live! It is open 7 days a week 24/7. It is located at 400 South 4th Street. Free parking is available nights and weekends, and for Friday and Saturday nights valet is offered. This is the hot place to be if your out and need a good place to visit with friends. So grab your friends and come down and listen and enjoy the Louisville culture. Visit http://www.4thstlive.com/ for more details. So slugg it to Louisville and make a hit for the team that you and your family will love!