Day: August 29, 2023

As the home of Muhammad Ali and the Kentucky Derby, Louisville KY is a competitive, authentic, global city. Our region is a hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics and health and aging innovation.

Louisville is also a place of firsts. It was the first city to adopt a secret ballot, significantly reducing vote fraud.

History

The city of Louisville is rich in history. It was founded in 1778 and named for King Louis XVI of France in appreciation for his aid in the Revolutionary War. The city’s strategic location at the Ohio River’s Falls gave it great importance as a trading and shipping place by 1811. Further growth came with the construction of the Portland Canal around the falls in the 1825-1830 period.

During the Civil War, Louisville served as a major Union supply depot and military headquarters for campaigns in the Western Theater. After the war, the economy was boosted by the establishment of Camp Zachary Taylor and by the production of synthetic rubber, which replaced kerosene in cars and airplanes.

Political corruption became a problem in the early 1900s and led to the creation of a unique anti-corruption party that was able to compete with the Democratic Machine. However, the corruption did not completely disappear until the 1960s, when highways made it easier for people to move away from downtown Louisville and into suburban housing developments.

Economy

The region’s entertainment sector is growing year over year, with celebrity sightings at local and national venues. Actor Orlando Bloom recently filmed in Louisville for the film “Red Right Hand,” while Ethan Hawke directed multiple shoots around Greater Louisville for his upcoming project, a movie about writer Flannery O’Connor.

Greater Louisville’s massive logistics muscle, proven workforce quality and affordable costs of living make it an obvious choice for business decision-makers who need to bring projects to life quickly. The region’s three major interstates, eight regional airports, riverports and multiple rail lines allow companies to deliver everything from temperature sensitive health-care solutions to automotive supplies to e-commerce products within one day’s drive of 66% of the U.S. population.

The region’s robust job market continues to grow, with payrolls expected to return to positive growth in 2022. A robust manufacturing sector, rising consumer activity and a growing leisure and hospitality industry are driving this trend. This favorable outlook was accelerated in late-2021 with the procurement of 34 new-location and expansion projects, including Ford Motor Co.’s Blue Oval SK Battery Park, which is the largest investment in Kentucky history.

Tourism

The mission of Louisville Tourism is to position and sell Louisville as a premier convention, trade show, group travel and individual leisure destination. This results in increased visitor spending, local tax receipts and job creation.

Home to the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs and Museum Row (including the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and Muhammad Ali Center), the city also features an Urban Bourbon Experience and a rich culinary scene. Those interested in history can trace the footsteps of mobsters and bourbon magnates on the Urban Bourbon Trail or visit a distillery.

Louisville is a great place to shop, with independent boutiques in NuLu and Highlands like the jewelry maker Gifthorse, beauty products store Bays and home design studio Mahonia. Those looking for more conventional mall shopping can head to the Oxmoor Center in St. Matthews, while fans of books can visit All Booked Up in Bardstown or the bookstore at the Metropolitan Museum of Art & Craft.

Nightlife

Louisville is a fantastic city for nightlife with something for everyone. From karaoke bars to distilleries, you can find a variety of unique experiences. There is even a live comedy club that hosts both amateur and big-name comedians every night from Wednesday to Saturday.

If you want to dance and drink wine, try Nouvelle in the affluent NuLu district. This bar is adorned with jewel tone molding and marble top tables and offers an elegant wine program. The owner is a master sommelier with a passion for showcasing small producers and pairing wines with their food.

If you want to sing and party, check out the Karaoke at Taj Louisville. This space-themed bar/restaurant/club has a private karaoke room for groups, a DJ and lazer lights. You can also grab a snack like the chipotle chicken watakas with grilled chicken, arugula and aioli. Pair it with a cocktail like the Drops of Jupiter, which is made with Copper & King Moons of Jupiter gin, Falernum, passion fruit and orgeat.