Louisville, Kentucky

More Than The Derby

May 13 - May 16, 2010

On the first Saturday of May, Louisville annually hosts a sporting event both historic and exciting—the Kentucky Derby. The crowds may dwindle after that noted weekend, but Louisville’s inviting temperatures, beautiful setting, and rich history remain. On this extended weekend you’ll find a warm and friendly city with a stunning skyline, numerous parks and historic mansions. Louisville is bourbon and ballet, boxing and baseball. It is theater and grand hotels, riverboats and restaurants. It is historic trains and quirky cafes. It’s a place where North meets South in a blend of style and grace—it is more than the Derby!

You may want to visit Louisville for the Mansions and Milestones tour, for a behind-the-scenes look at Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, or to spend time at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Maybe you’ll go to stroll along the riverfront, to visit the Heaven Hill Bourbon factory, or to sample southern cooking at Claudia Sanders’ Dinner House. Perhaps you’re looking forward to visiting the Muhammad Ali Center or taking a historic train ride through the Kentucky countryside. Whether you’re inspired by our itinerary or decide to write your own, the Brown Hotel will make the stay worthwhile.

This historic hotel is one of Louisville’s treasured landmarks. Its convenient location in the heart of Theatre Square means the Brown Theater is right next door, the Louisville Palace Theatre just one block away, and The Actors Theatre, the Louisville Ballet, and the Louisville Orchestra only a mile away. The city’s new entertainment district is only four blocks from the hotel. When you’re not exploring the city you’ll find that the Brown Hotel is the perfect place to relax in comfort. Nomads will especially appreciate the attentive service for which it is known. From its grand opening in 1923 and through the 1950s this hotel set the standard for excellence. Two years after the founder,

J. Graham Brown, passed away the hotel closed. In the 1980s it was renovated and reopened as the stunning property Nomads will enjoy.

If you’re looking for a domestic getaway that includes a classic hotel, a warm and friendly city, and several interesting tours, then you’ll join us for this Louisville vacation. It’s a great escape timed perfectly—after May’s Derby crowds depart and before the heat and summer crowds set in. Join us as we confirm that Louisville is more than the Derby.

ITINERARY (subject to change)

Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, FM = Flight Meal

Thursday, May 13

Detroit/Louisville, KY (L)

Once we land in Louisville we’ll enjoy a Mansions and Milestones tour. This narrated tour will take us through one of the largest Victorian neighborhoods in the nation. As we wend our way through 45 square blocks of historic homes and magnificent mansions, we’ll have time to admire the architecture and learn about the area’s history. Included in the tour is a stop at a stunning 1894 mansion whose owners will offer us bourbon candies known as “happy balls.” Next we’ll stop at Lynn’s Paradise Café for lunch. This quirky café has gained a reputation for its down home cooking and wacky décor, but the genuine southern hospitality keeps people coming back. After lunch we’ll check in to the Brown Hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Brown Hotel

Friday, May 14

Louisville (B, D)

After breakfast this morning you’ll want to put on comfortable shoes as we head to Churchill Downs for a behind-the-scenes look at a place that was buzzing with activity two weeks ago. As you enjoy the guided walking tour you’ll learn some trivia about the course and its famous race. At the Kentucky Derby Museum we’ll see pieces that reflect the race’s history and watch a movie about the Derby in a 360-degree theater. Next we’re off to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory where Nomads can see how the bats are made. The museum includes hands on exhibits everyone is sure to enjoy. Tonight we’ll dine together at Claudia Sanders’ Dinner House where generous portions of southern hospitality and delicious food are served up. The building may be new, but it retains the flavor that inspired the famous Colonial and his wife to perfect their favorite meal. The hotel concierge can help you plan your evening. Overnight: Brown Hotel

Saturday, May 15

Louisville (B, D)

A morning tour of the Muhammad Ali Center will help us see him as more than just a famous boxer. Learn about his leadership in the civil rights movement and how he devoted his life to helping those less fortunate. The center is both a museum and learning center based on core values that played a prominent part in Ali’s life: respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, and spirituality. Then it’s on to Heaven Hill Distilleries, the country’s largest family-owned and operated distillery. A third of the world’s bourbon is produced in Louisville and this tour will show us how bourbon is made and, of course, includes a sample. This evening we’ll enjoy a historic dinner train ride through the countryside in beautifully restored 1940s vintage dining cars—savor a delicious meal and views of the Kentucky countryside. Overnight: Brown Hotel

Sunday, May 16

Louisville/Detroit (B)

This morning is yours to plan. Walk along the river, enjoy one of the city’s many parks, or do something unique—visit the Waverly Hills Sanatorium which was built to house people with tuberculosis before a cure was found. Schedule a tour (phone 502-933-2142) to see the facility or find out if there’s one already scheduled and learn about its history and why it may be haunted. Proceeds from the tours are used for renovations. Future plans include using the property as a hotel. Plan an early golf time or ask the hotel concierge for additional ideas.

After our visit we may find ourselves thinking of Kentucky every May. While others predict the Derby winner or bet on the race, we’ll remember our extended weekend and recall that Louisville is more than the Derby.

Louisville, Kentucky