Weekend Guide: Louisville, KY

Big Fun in the Bluegrass

You can have a great time in Louisville without spending a lot of money. Go visit the Louisville Zoo, where the first daffodils of spring turn the pathways into a yellow-brick road. This one-time cornfield now bursts forth with five major exhibit areas spread over 134 acres. Don't miss the "Gorilla Forest," one of the most popular spots in the 1300-animal menagerie. Trip Trivia: Buy a ZooTram ticket and ride all day.

Take a shopping-and-dining break at the hottest new venue in town. Fourth Street Live occupies an area of downtown once filled by a sleepy indoor mall. Open now for a year-and-a-half, the lively space has enticed visitors and locals alike back to the heart of the city. Don't miss a pin-popping game of bowling in Lucky Strike Lanes, and grab a gigantic burger at Hard Rock Cafe. Peruse Borders for books by local authors, and then plan to come back in the evening, when lights and live music fill this place with a rollicking crescendo of fun.

But before the music starts, take in a Louisville Bats baseball game at Slugger Field (home games begin in April). You'll love the stadium, with its friendly feel and excellent food. Browning's, one of the restaurants in the ballpark, serves up a great pulled-pork barbecue sandwich and a plate of miniature cheeseburgers.

Now, head back to Fourth Street Live. Just follow the sound of music and laughter. Have a drink at Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge. Toast the town with a perfectly made mint julep, or just sip on a smooth Woodford Reserve bourbon. They have Late Night Bites and drink specials every Friday and Saturday. Walk on over to the Marriott Courtyard Downtown or Galt House for a night of sweet Kentucky dreams.

Looking Lovely

Before you begin exploring the city's artistic side, have a memorable breakfast at Lynn's Paradise Cafe. The Greek Scramble is a real winner, as is the French toast.

Head over to The Speed Art Museum, where you'll see a special exhibit that includes works by Rembrandt. Permanent exhibits feature bronze sculptures by Henry Moore and paintings by Cézanne, Picasso, and Chagall. Have lunch in the museum's Café Bristol, where their chicken salad sandwich - spruced up with celery, raisins, and pecans - is pretty and delicious.

After browsing the Speed's museum shop, continue that same trend at Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. Not only will you find wonderful exhibits, such as innovative woodwork and textile creations, but you'll also discover terrific gift items by 200 different artists. The gallery shop holds its derby hat show every spring, with lots of fancy toppers to try on. Trip Trivia: Pick up a pair of handcrafted earrings.

For a perfect ending, check in to The Brown hotel, with its large rooms and picture-perfect lobby. Sleep well, and dream of places yet to see.

It's a sure bet that you'll love Louisville in the spring.

For more information: Call (502) 582-3732, or visit http://www.gotolouisville.com/.

WHEN YOU GO

Churchill Downs: (502) 636-4400 or http://www.churchilldowns.com/.
Kentucky Derby Museum: (502) 637-7097 or http://www.derbymuseum.org/.
Wagner's Pharmacy: (502) 375-3800.
A Taste of Kentucky: (502) 244-3355 or http://www.atasteofky.com/.
Louisville Stoneware: (502) 582-1900 or http://www.louisvillestoneware.com/.
Muhammad Ali Center: (502) 584-9254 or http://www.alicenter.org/.
Equus Restaurant: (502) 897-9721 or http://www.equusrestaurant.com/.
Marriott Louisville Downtown: (502) 627-5045 or http://www.marriottlouisville.com/.
Louisville Zoo: (502) 459-2181 or http://www.louisvillezoo.org/.
Fourth Street Live: http://www.4thstlive.com/.
Louisville Bats Baseball, Slugger Field: (502) 212-2287 or www.batsbaseball.com/sluggerfield.cfm.
Browning's Restaurant & Brewery: (502) 515-0174.
Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge: (502) 568-9009 or http://www.makerslounge.com/.
Marriott Courtyard Downtown: 1-800-533-0127.
The Galt House: (502) 589-5200 or http://www.galthouse.com/.
Lynn's Paradise Cafe: (502) 583-3447 or http://www.lynnsparadisecafe.com/.
The Speed Art Museum: (502) 634-2700 or http://www.speedmuseum.org/.
Café Bristol: (502) 634-2723.
Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft: (502) 589-0102 or http://www.kentuckyarts.org/.
Glassworks: (502) 584-4510 or http://www.louisvilleglassworks.com/.
Artemisia: (502) 583-4177 or http://www.artemisiarestaurant.com/.
Actors Theatre: (502) 584-1205 or http://www.actorstheatre.org/.
The Kentucky Center: (502) 584-7777 or http://www.kentuckycenter.com/.
The Brown, A Camberley Hotel: (502) 583-1234 or http://www.brownhotel.com/.