Weekend Guide: Louisville, KY

Few other cities have such a diversity of activities to fit any taste and budget. Sneak an inside peek at the Thoroughbreds that gallop around the track at historic Churchill Downs, or wander the hot, new downtown entertainment district. You can even nourish your love for the arts at the first-rate theaters and museums. Come along for the ride as we show you three ways to enjoy this fun-filled city.

Galloping Good Times

For you horse lovers out there, visit Louisville now to take advantage of the track tours offered by the Kentucky Derby Museum at refurbished Churchill Downs. The tours start early beginning in mid-March. Trip Trivia: If you're lucky, a trainer will invite you over to pet a Thoroughbred as it munches on its morning hay.

Speaking of breakfast, walk over to Wagner's Pharmacy, where trainers and jockeys eat. The drugstore/diner, open since 1910, also features a tack shop. Order a fried-egg sandwich, and look at all the photos of famous horses and jockeys.

Shopping with an equine theme is easy in Louisville. The best place to find horse-related items is A Taste of Kentucky. Sherry and John Hassmann fill their friendly store with everything from sterling silver mint julep cups to fun T-shirts that say, "Talk Derby To Me." Trip Trivia: The most popular souvenir? A dirty, old horseshoe from Churchill Downs - bound to bring you lots of good luck.

Another great shopping spot is Louisville Stoneware. Pick up some of their hand-painted china depicting thundering Thoroughbreds, a fleur-de-lis, or the original Bachelor Button pattern before lunching at The Brown hotel's J. Graham's Restaurant, home of the Hot Brown. The delicious combination of turkey, bacon, and cheese sauce on toast was invented here. Trip Trivia: Follow up with a piece of Derby Pie, which originated in Louisville at Kern's Kitchen and can be found in restaurants around town. This delicacy is filled with chocolate and pecans and topped with whipped cream.

Now it's time to visit a venue that represents another sport of kings--boxing. The new Muhammad Ali Center features exhibits, a theater, and two art galleries.

Continue the equine theme into dinner at Equus restaurant. A Louisville favorite for 20 years, this venerable spot offers more than 250 bottles of wine in its cellar, and chef/owner Dean Corbett uses the finest regional produce in his fabulous cuisine. Order the deservedly famous Parmesan-crusted sea bass. Trip Trivia: Cross the sweet finish line with their signature dessert--Equus Chess Cake, a confection filled with chocolate, ice cream, and cream filling.

You'll sleep well in the new Marriott Louisville Downtown, where crisp white linens and wonderful service promise and deliver a great experience.

Speaking of breakfast, walk over to Wagner Pharmacy, where trainers and jockeys eat. The drugstore/diner, open since 1910, also features a tack shop. Order a fried-egg sandwich, and look at all the photos of famous horses and jockeys.