Welcome to Louisville Murray State, Colorado State, Marquette, Connecticut, Iowa State, Kentucky, and Mississippi Valley State or Western Kentucky and BYU or Iona fans—
Maybe the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament marks your first time to Louisville. Or maybe you’ve been to Kentucky's biggest city before but are looking to dive like a player chasing a loose ball into some of its eclectic neighborhoods. Maybe you are looking for an alternative to Fourth Street Live! or you want to tap into a little more of Louisville culture. When you print out your brackets amd directions to the KFC Yum! CEnter, also print out a copy of this article to make the most out of your stay. We wish your team the best—although most people in Louisville are hoping UK or UofL do better.
Downtown
One of the top rated hotels in America is the 21c Museum Hotel (702 W. Market St.). The lobby’s gallery is open for self guided tours. Check out Proof, the restaurant attached to the hotel. It has amazing bourbon flights and a seasonal menu that rotates regularly (and if you are in The Ville in the future, make sure not to miss a new episode of Mad Men; Proof hosts a viewing party).
In between games, swing by Bluegrass Brewing Company (1 Theater Sq.) for local a beer flight. The menu features many unique vegetarian options including a homemade spinach and walnut burger.
If you do make it through Fourth Street Live, you are sure to find a variety of rare and special batch bourbons at Makers Mark (446 S. 4th St.).
NuLu
Take yourself down Market Street to check out NuLu’s (New Louisville) The Green Building (732 E. Market St). Have a fine crafted pizza pie at The Garage Bar (700 E. Market) a hip new spot. The owners converted an old garage into a restaurant; the details of the garage bleed throughout in every detail from your menus being inside plastic covers you’d see at the shop to the bathroom’s blue paper towels. You’ll find plenty of local adventures on the menu from hand cured meats to in-season vegetables. Before or after your meal you can take in The Louisville Beer Store (746 E. Market St.) to sample and stock up on some local and unique brews from around the region. Feel free to fill a growler as well!