Bourbon City
Louisville in Color
As the hometown of champions like Muhammad Ali, this is a city known for its fighting spirit. And like our local boxing legend, after spending a few days in Louisville, we guarantee you this city of Louisville will knock you off your feet.
Some know Louisville as Bourbon City; others call it the gateway to the South. But regardless of what you may have heard about us, a visit here always proves how much more there is to discover. Affectionately nicknamed the Song Bird of the South, it is easy to sing our city’s praises. And as the president of the NOIR Black Chamber of Commerce, I do it often. Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods like the Highlands, or celebrating at bars like Black Jockey’s Lounge, there is an infectious beauty in the Blackness of this city.
Like most places, Louisville is home to consequential, yet forgotten, African American history. City staples like horse racing, fried chicken, and bourbon are only great because they were nurtured and mastered by Black locals in town. Gems like the Unfiltered Truth Collection share the untold stories of how Black folks here contributed to the brands and services we all use daily. Their collection includes a vast showcase of items from various moments of African American history throughout the state. We always leave more grateful and self aware after a visit with friends or family.
And of course, we aren’t called Bourbon City for nothing. If you appreciate upscale ambiance and love drinks infused with savory flavor, Louisville is your destination. We recommend you partake in a tasting at this Black-owned distillery. It is one of only two Black distilleries in all of Kentucky. For a place and people that helped create the industry, there is something special about visiting.
But legacy isn’t just about remembering the past–it’s true power lies in its influence on the present. Our city’s rich history is interwoven with modern culture and style that often surprises the unsuspecting. If you want some of the best BBQ in the country, Black Deck BBQ is a nationally acclaimed hotspot. If you’d rather spend your evening serenaded on the waterfront, then you should plug Dasha Barbours into your GPS. In the end, if you leave Louisville and haven’t had one of a million stellar Black experiences here, it’s likely because you spent too much time in your hotel–or didn’t read our recommendations.
There is much debate on how to pronounce our city’s name. It’s an infamously infuriating thing to watch non-locals attempt. However, the best way to learn how to say Louisville is to visit us here. We promise you’ll be fluent by the end of your trip. If you ever needed a personal invitation to join us here, please consider this it.
