Monday, October 26, 2009

Louisville, Kentucky



Now, that's a mighty big bat.

I got back to Los Angeles this weekend after spending the last part of my trip in Louisville. I really was pleasantly surprised by home much I enjoyed the city.















Growing up in a small town in Ohio, I didn't really spend any time in Kentucky...so I think I always assumed that when I finally did go there, I'd likely just see a variety of Hee Haw Honeys wearing daisy dukes and random yahoos with shotguns rocking on their front porch drinkin' moonshine.

I watched a lot of bad TV as a kid.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I arrived and found that the city is a wonderful mix of historic charm and modern glitz.



























Who knew that Louisville had the top hotel, 21c Museum Hotel, and restaurant, Proof on Main, in the U.S.?

I didn't, until Marco and Christy were kind enough to take me there for dinner on my last night in the city. If you get to Louisville, you must stop by and visit this eclectic hotel/museum/bar/restaurant. There is so much to see and do...plus, the food is really good.









They have this very cool interactive room where you walk in and your image is projected up on the wall along with a variety of cascading letters that are "dropping" from the ceiling. The letter's path is, somehow, affected by your image and you can "hold" or "collect" various letters as they fall all around you.



Enjoyable.

For a city as old as it is, you'd be surprised at how much culture and art are available around town. They have a beautiful Performing Arts Center, various theaters, the Green Building Gallery, a wonderful Science Center, the Fourth Street Live area full of bars, shops and restaurants, and a number of other random splashes of local artistic design and color.























I also didn't know that when the city tears down an old building, they often keep the original building facade up and then build a new structure behind it, to keep the old look and feel of the city intact.



I wish more cities would do that.

















I really enjoyed my visit with Marco and Christy in Louisville. It's an eclectic, fun, walkable city with a wide variety of things to do and see for all ages.

























If you get the chance to mosey on down to Kentucky anytime in the future, I highly recommend you make it a point to visit Louisville along the way.

You'll find plenty to keep you busy...even if Marco and Christy are not available to show you around.



I had a really nice time on this trip and am so happy that I got to catch up with so many of my friends and family along the way.

Thanks to everyone for their heapin' helpin' of hospitality the past few weeks.

It was very much appreciated!

4 comments:

gonoles84 said...

You definitely got around Louisville. Being a sports nut, you can imagine how much I enjoyed the Louisville Slugger Mueseum. I'm surprised you didn't get a picture of the glass etching business on the other side of the bat....there's a "window" on the side of the building that's etched to look like a huge baseball is crashing through it. A very fun touch. Glad you're home....drinkies soon.

Vampire Hours said...

I'm sure you enjoyed the Slugger museum and, likely, left carrying the required mini-bats that I saw all of the tourists carting around.

I opted for photos instead. =)

devildawg90035 said...

Great camera work Ken. I have enjoyed following your excursions through your blog. I too would have preconceive notions of Kentucky. It appears that there is so much culture in the city. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. You're looking great. Hope to see more photos of you in your blog.

Unknown said...

Ken, We enjoyed having you with us and we hope that you will come back soon. We have many more things to show you! It has been a real pleasure hanging out with you and Christy really enjoyed finally meeting you. We welcome you back - why not for the next Kentucky Derby! Best, your favorite Italian yahoo and Louisville Hee Haw Honey