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The Kentucky Derby may be called the most exciting two minutes in sports, but there’s much more to Louisville (or “Luhvul,” as residents call it) than Churchill Downs and the Run for the Roses. This undeniably hip and increasingly progressive city, the largest in the Bluegrass State, is one of Nancy Guerra’s favorite places to visit. Guerra, the new dean of the School of Social Ecology at UC Irvine, has traveled widely throughout the world doing behavioral research and loves to “visit new places, try new food, learn about the local culture, make new friends, and gain a window into people’s lives.” That window tells a lot, she says. “I am always amazed how much we have in common – we all want safe and secure communities, good food, health, friends and families, community support, and purpose and meaning in our lives.”  Guerra, who has a doctorate in psychology and social behavior from Harvard, was a professor and administrator at several U.S. universities before joining UCI in June. 

 

Why Louisville?

It’s a friendly place with a lot of charm and Southern hospitality. Visitors find rolling hills dotted with horse farms, the mighty Ohio River, famous bourbons and great places to eat. It’s also a wonderful town to visit with children: It has lots of parks: the Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Kingdom amusement park, the Louisville Zoo and the Kentucky Science Center. Hotels, food and entertainment are well-priced in Kentucky, and beautiful open spaces abound.

 

Time is right 

The most popular time to visit is in the spring, mid-April to early May, because of the Kentucky Derby (the first Saturday in May). Thunder Over Louisville, one of the biggest fireworks and air shows in the nation, kicks off the Derby Festival about two weeks before the race. If you miss out on tickets to the Derby or just hate crowds, the Kentucky Oaks race, which takes place the day before, might be your best bet. If you visit during the Christmas holidays, Lights Under Louisville is a decorated underground cavern that offers a unique experience and more than 850 light displays (louisvillemegacavern.com).

 

Must do 

If it’s race season (spring and fall), visit Churchill Downs; in the offseason, you can still visit the track’s museum and tour the historic grounds (derbymuseum.org). Also allow time in your schedule to follow Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. You can start with the Urban Bourbon Trail in the city, which visits hip bourbon bars (bourboncountry.com), but enjoy tasting at a few of the distilleries outside the city. My favorites are Maker’s Mark (makersmark.com) in Loretto, and Woodford Reserve (woodfordreserve.com) in Versailles. Children are welcome, and the drive through the countryside is beautiful.

 

Buy in 

For quaint stores and small boutiques, visit Bardstown Road, which is 10-15 minutes from downtown. Find a wide range of upscale stores on Shelbyville Road or visit the Paddock Shops, not far from town, if you’re looking for fun at an outlet mall.  

 

Best bite 

Enjoy a lovely meal on the Ohio River at Captain’s Quarters restaurant captainsquarters.com). For some of the best Cuban food you’ve ever tasted, visit Havana Rumba, which has three locations, live Cuban music and a festive atmosphere (havanarumbaonline.com). Try the banana nut pancakes at Z-Eggs (zeggzeggz.com) for breakfast or brunch.  

 

After dark 

With 95 percent of the world’s bourbon made in Kentucky, the state   and its bars  take their bourbon seriously. At many local clubs, especially on the Urban Bourbon Trail, you’ll be able to try bourbon flights. Also check out Bardstown Road, which offers a lot of variety.  

Secret tip

If you’re an art lover who wants a lovely boutique hotel experience, 21C Museum Hotel, which is part art museum and part hotel, is for you. (21cmuseumhotels.com). Another tip: Rent a boat and cruise down the river for a different perspective on the city.