Last week I had the privilege of visiting Louisville, Kentucky for a work trip. To be honest, I really didn't expect much of the trip but was excited nonetheless to see a new city I'd never been before. Luckily I was granted some free time to explore the city while on my travels and let me tell you- I had a blast. Louisville's small city southern charm definitely won my heart and I want to tell you all about it in honor of the upcoming Kentucky Derby and today's FAB Friday series. Also, if you're ever in Louisville, I hope this list helps with your sight-seeing plans!
Here are all the details of what to do in Louisville, KY and what I wore!
What to do #1: Explore downtown Louisville
Walk along West Main Street to see the cool buildings, museums, and architecture. Visit the Evan Williams Experience, Louisville Slugger Museum, and have dinner and drinks at one of the restaurants in Fourth Street Live!
West Main Street Architecture
Louisville Slugger Museum
What I wore:
Ripped Jeans: New York & Co
Black Lace Top: Loft
Green Utility Jacket: Loft
Leopard Flats: Sam Edelman
Long Tassel Necklace: New York & Co
Short Sunburst Necklace: House of Harlow
Gold MAC Crossbody: Rebecca Minkoff (a TJ Maxx steal!)
What to do #2: Explore East Market Street
Walk along East Market Street and stop in the unique shops like Alchemy (unique gifts and magic trinkets), Please and Thank You (a coffee and record shop), and Gifthorse (boutique). Go to Wild Rita's for the killer Happy Hour drink and food specials and ask for bartender Johnny, who took great care of my group when we went!
at Please and Thank You
Alchemy on East Market St.
What I wore:
Patterned Pants: Old Navy
Black Tee: Express
Green Utility Jacket: Loft
Black Sling-back Flats: Trina Turk (a TJ Maxx steal!)
Gold MAC Crossbody: Rebecca Minkoff
Necklaces: House of Harlow and Sequin
Headband: DSW Shoe Warehouse
What to do #3: Skyline views of downtown Louisville at 8UP Drinkery and Kitchen
This place is AWESOME. 8UP is on the roof of the Hilton Garden Inn on 4th St and boasts an upscale restaurant inside with to-die-for- décor, and an outside rooftop that screams cool. They have tons of seating- either on couches, chairs, or at high-top tables with fire pits along the center. The view of downtown Louisville is awesome and has glass panes to so you can get the full viewing experience. Try the tempura veggies and pepperoni pizza!
View of Louisville from 8UP
8UP Pepperoni Pizza
8UP Tempura Veggies
What I wore:
Ripped Jeans: New York & Co
Silk Top: Bar III
Black Blazer: INC International Concepts
Black Sling-back Flats: Trina Turk (a TJ Maxx steal!)
Gold MAC Crossbody: Rebecca Minkoff (a TJ Maxx steal!)
Necklaces: House of Harlow
What to do #4: Visit Churchill Downs!!!
Definitely visit Churchill Downs Museum and take the guided tour! The museum had lots of fun, interactive derby games, Derby hats and attire on display, jockey and horse exhibits, and video on the history of the races. The guided tour took us down by the track and loaded us up with tons of facts and knowledge about the derby that gave me a newfound respect for the race. I left Churchill Downs vowing that I would make it to the Kentucky Derby next year (2016!)- if only for the Mint Juleps and big hats.
Churchill Downs entrance
Museum entrance
Hat love
At the track
Jockey for a day!
Trying out the hats!
What I wore:
Striped Dress: Loft
Sheer Cardigan: Loft
Green Utility Jacket: Loft
Black Sling-back Flats: Trina Turk (a TJ Maxx steal!)
Necklaces: House of Harlow
Purse: Gucci
XOXO
Blonde in the District