If you can't seem to get tickets to the Kentucky Derby in May, your next best bet is to stop in at the Kentucky Derby Museum and see just what all that fuss is about. The Kentucky Derby Museum, on the grounds of Churchill Downs Racetrack, is a museum solely dedicated to that famous race, almost 150 years strong, and the most famous horses and jockeys who ever participated. Start your visit with a short movie and then trot your way through the museum, seeing exhibits and artifacts about racing and dressing, for both the horses and the spectators. The museum has several indoor, stationary exhibits about racing, but you'll also get to step outside into the stables and view some real, live Kentucky thoroughbreds as well as see the grave sites of five past Kentucky Derby winners.
Best and worst time to go to the Kentucky Derby Museum
The worst time to go is during the Kentucky Derby Festival, which is held just before the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. Mother's Day and Easter are other really busy times. Generally, Saturdays and Sundays are pleasant days and any weekday when a field trip of local schools isn't present.
Must see or do at the Kentucky Derby Museum
The 360-degree movie about the history of the Derby is a must-do. On busy days, you might have to wait your turn, but it's well worth the wait to see past races galloping past your eyes on the huge screen. If you're not a sports fan, don't despair. The museum has amazing exhibits of the crazy Derby fashions and hats of the last century or so. The museum also has revolving exhibits that focus on African American involvement and even Hollywood stars.
Admission to the Kentucky Derby Museum
Prices range from $14 for a full tickets, with discounts and cheaper prices for seniors, military, kids, AAA, and others. Your ticket price includes the museum tour, a walking history tour of Churchill Downs, and the movie.
Parking and public transportation to Kentucky Derby Museum
There is parking on site, usually for free, but there is a charge on race days during the season. Check the calendar to see if this applies, which is nearly everyday in the spring or summer. TARC does provide public transportation on Route 4, which also services the downtown area. Taxi services are also always available.
Food at the Kentucky Derby Museum
There is a cafe at the museum, the Derby Cafe, open each day for lunch hours only, which serves typically unique Kentucky fare like Burgoo and Hot Brown for reasonable prices. The cafe is closed during holidays and special occasions, so be sure to check the website before you plan on lunch. On really busy days, there is no menu available; instead, a buffet service is offered.
Insiders tip for Kentucky Derby Museum
The Derby Cafe is part of the Kentucky Urban Bourbon Trail, a marked trail of bourbon tasting spots in Louisville. Visitors who really want to sample the best of that spirit can make reservations to try a flight of Kentucky's best bourbons including Maker's Mark, Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace served by actual bourbon authorities. These events are held throughout the year, but must be reserved in advance.
Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.
If you want to take a trip back in time, visit the Frazier History Museum, located on Museum Row in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The Frazier History Museum is three floors of stationary exhibits, rotating exhibits, an education center, and historic live performances every day. No matter if you've already been, the museum is always changing so be sure to check out the schedule. If history isn't really your thing, think again because the exhibits have a range of interest for different ages and different tastes and topics ranging from history to mystery and more.
Best and worst time to go to Frazier History Museum
The best time to go is definitely during the weekdays, as the crowds are usually much lighter. Weekends are often packed with visitors, especially if there is a conference or big event in the city. The worst time to go is when the museum opens up a new exhibit because members often come in the first few days to check out what's new. Wait a few days and you'll get to see what all the fuss was about without standing in line for the exhibits and artifacts. Also, be sure to avoid Derby Day, Thunder Over Louisville and all major holidays as the museum is closed on those days.
Must see/do at Frazier History Museum
Be sure to check the museum's schedule and catch a live production of a historical interpretation. Often, western legend "Annie Oakley" or adventurer and local legend "George Rogers Clark" will be on hand to talk about what life was like back in their day. The Frazier Museum is also home to one of the largest collections of arms -- guns, knives and other artillery -- in the world and these are scattered throughout exhibits that focus on that particular piece of history. The museum is also home to one of the largest toy soldier collections in the United States.
Admission to the Frazier History Museum
The museum is generally around $12, but discounts are given to the military, seniors, children and teachers. If you have purchased another Museum Row museum ticket, be sure to show your stub because you'll get an additional discount.
Parking and public transportation to Frazier History Museum
The Frazier History Museum is the most visible museum from the interstate and sits along on the Ohio River and I-64. The easiest way to get there is to take I-64 and exit off at River Road or at 9th Street if coming east. There are two pay lots close to the museum and free parking farther along the road. It's easy to reach by TARC as well with a convenient stop at Route 77, the Main to Market Circulator.
Food at Frazier History Museum
Food and drinks aren't allowed in the museum, but there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
Insider tips to Frazier History Museum
Be sure to get there early as three floors of exhibits will take several hours if you want to see it all. There is a lot of reading to do as well as just looking around. However, the museum is also really kid-friendly with lots of interactive exhibits, games, and activities for all ages. Be sure to check out the "tournament" room where participants can watch jousting tournaments and more, and sometimes be invited to participate.
Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.
What towers over the Louisville skyline, weighs over 65,000 pounds, and can hold more than 30,000 gallons of water? It's not a bird or plane, but a carbon steel replica of the world's most famous bat, the Louisville Slugger. Visitors to the Louisville Slugger Museum can see this amazing landmark as well as get a history tour of baseball's best and brightest, and then end the day with a factory tour watching major league bats being made ready for the upcoming season.
How to get to Louisville Slugger Museum
The Louisville Slugger Museum is part of the city's Museum Row, located downtown and just two blocks from the Ohio River. Parking is tricky and street parking is almost non-existent unless you're willing to walk several blocks. The best bet is the parking structure located directly behind the museum where you can get a pass for full day, or just a few hours.
Best and worst time to go to Louisville Slugger Museum
The Louisville Slugger Museum is generally open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, they have extended summer hours in July and August and stay open as late as 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Those summer months are a really busy time to go, though. With kids out for the summer, the museum is usually packed. The best times to go are during the week, midday, because the low tour numbers really let you see the factory up close, and personal and tour guides are more willing to show you things regular visitors might not get to see.
Admission to Louisville Slugger Museum
Admission prices are very affordable with prices ranging near the $10 mark, cheaper for children and free for those 5 and under. Seniors get a discount and the museum also offers special packages and group tours and discounts.
Must see/do at Louisville Slugger Museum
The best part of the museum is the Factory tour where you'll get to see every step in the process of the making of those world famous bats, hear a bit of history about your favorite ball players, and, if you're lucky, get to watch signature bats of your favorite MLB players being made ready for the start of the season. Another must-see is the Signature Wall which is a display of the signatures of the most famous ball players from history and the exact signature they had ingrained on their own Slugger. Finally, you'll get to end the day taking home your very own piece of history--a miniature Louisville Slugger of your very own.
Insiders tips for Louisville Slugger Museum
If you're a baseball player or fan, make sure to visit the website or call ahead. Visitors can actually have the chance to design their very own bat and watch it being made, then pick it up at the end of their tour!
Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.
Every great inventor and genius has to start somewhere. Thomas Edison, inventor of the lightbulb and holder of more than 1,000 patents, got his humble start as a telegraph operator. When he was just 19, he moved to Louisville and started working for Western Union, a job that allowed him to work during the day and experiment at night. During his time there, Edison rented a room in a shotgun duplex only a mile from his office and the busy Ohio River. This small home in the Butchertown neighborhood of Louisville is one of only six locations in the nation where a visitor can walk in the footsteps of the famous inventor and it is the only location still standing where Edison worked as a telegraph operator for a short time. Truly a hidden gem, this tiny museum has been completely restored and showcases the best work of the "Wizard of Menlo Park".
Parking and public transportation for the Thomas Edison House
Located in downtown Louisville, the Thomas Edison House sits squarely in the middle of the Butchertown neighborhood and is accessible on TARC bus by Route 15-Market Street stop. This will be a bit of a walk so the best way to get there is probably by car. Since the area is still a residential neighborhood, parking is free and on the street. Even during busy work days, there's usually parking on the same block. The tiny home sits today just as it probably looked long ago. Nestled down side streets, you have to be on the lookout for the historic plaque out front or you might miss it.
Best and worst time to go to the Thomas Edison House
This tiny museum is open daily, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest. Since it's a hidden gem, you'll practically have the museum to yourself on weekdays, which is the best time to go. The non-profit and volunteer-run museum does host large groups and school field trips occasionally, so if you want a more intimate visit, be sure to call ahead and check the schedule. You can also make a special appointment if the stated times don't work for your schedule.
Admission to the Thomas Edison House
The ticket cost is generally around $5, but there are discounts offered for seniors, students and young children. Your ticket price includes either a self-guided tour or a personally-guided tour, if you request it.
Other places to visit near the Thomas Edison House
The Butchertown neighborhood is part of NuLu, an area in Louisville known as "New Louisville" because of the renewed interest by locals and visitors. Located near busy Market Street, the area has plenty of unique restaurants, historic sites, artists' galleries and shops all within walking distance. If you're looking for other nearby activities, be sure to check out Muth's Candies, a 1920-ear candy making shop that has perfected the world famous bourbon balls. If you're thirsty after all that chocolate, head on down to Copper and Kings, Kentucky's only brandy distillery and newest distillery in the area.
Insider's tips for visitors to the Thomas Edison House
Read up on a bit of history before you go. The tour guides know all there is to know about Edison's life and inventions and can answer any question. They love to dish out little known bits of trivia with a just little encouragement and, if the day is slow, you might be able to see and hear an original, hand-cranked wax recording on a 1905 phonograph. It will cause you to have a new appreciation for today's music technology.
Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.
