Racing and Baseball Nostalgia

My Louisville experience began at the legendary Churchill Downs, where the storied Kentucky Derby takes place. I attended a live race, and the energy in the stands was contagious — cheering with ardent fans felt like entering a ripping piece of history. The historic tradition and infectious energy of the race had me utterly enthralled.

Then I went to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Standing under the huge bat statue outside was a rite of passage. Walking through the factory itself was intriguing — watching expert craftsmen carve and stamp the iconic bats was an experience I’ll never forget. I even bought a customized bat as an unusual memento.

Bourbon Tasting and City Exploration

The day began with a stop at Ethan Williams Bourbon. The tasting was very intimate, and hearing about their distinctive aging process opened my eyes to bourbon in a whole new way. Their small-batch mix had deep caramel flavors that made it a winner in my opinion.

Later on, I visited the world-famous Jim Beam Distillery. The tour was highly interactive, from hearing about their famous “Kentucky hug“ to tasting some great blends. Their bourbon-flavored chocolates were a delightful surprise and a great take-home treat.

Relaxation and Vegan Feasting

I booked at the Marriott Downtown, which provided an excellent central location to discover the city. The large rooms, helpful staff, and energetic lobby atmosphere made it an ideal place to stay for my vacation.

For my last meal, I discovered a hidden gem offering great vegan American food. Their innovative approach to burgers and comfort food left me in awe — rich, savory, and filling even for a non-vegan such as myself. The BBQ jackfruit sandwich was a highlight.