Louisville, KY

We can mark another state off our family bucket list-Louisville, KY.  We spent four days traveling and seeing the highlights that the city had to offer starting with...

#1) Colonel Harland Sanders (founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken).

#2) The Derby Clock- an ornamental clock located in downtown Louisville.  It has the appearance of gigantic wind-up toy while incorporating the Kentucky Derby.  At noon each day the race begins between the hand carved natives of Louisville: Daniel Boone,  George Rogers Clark, Thomas Jefferson, King Louis XVI, and the Belle of Louisville.

#3) Happy 4th of July!  Fireworks and concert on the Ohio River.

My two biggest blessings

I love her...

Nice view while waiting on fireworks

#4) Louisville Slugger Museum-  Family favorite of the trip.  We could not take pictures inside the factory/tour, but if you find yourself near Louisville this is a must do!

Caroline and Daddy swinging Mickey Mantle's Bat. 

#5) Muhammad Ali Center-  hum...I ponder on what to tell you about this museum while trying to keep an open mind.  I did not know anything about Muhammad Ali.  This expanded my knowledge of history, while also my view of this famous person was not established as I thought it would be.  A good place for a history buff, while holding Olympic torches, and jumping in the famous boxing ring, but be willing to keep an open mind with religion and certain views.

#6) Main Street- This 6 block area has the second largest concentration of cast iron buildings in the nation, second to SOHO district in New York.

#7) Churchill Downs-  another family favorite.  Our eyes were opened to the preparation of horses for racing and the thrill of living the life of a breeder.   I am contemplating adding the Kentucky Derby to my bucket list....another must see if you find yourself near Louisville.   Churchill Downs is a thoroughbred racetrack most famously known for the Kentucky Derby.  The track has also hosted the Breeder's Cup on eight different occasions.

Matt and Caroline at the entrance

 A few of the Kentucky Derby hats

I became a fan of Secretariat, a thoroughbred horse that won the triple crown in 1973.  His set records still stand today.  He was ranked the 35th best athlete of the 20th century.

Pat Day

Pat Day was a four time winner for the Eclipse Outstanding Jockey.  He has ridden winners of the U. S. Triple Crown nine times.  We left for an outside tour of the track...as you can see if was a little cloudy.

Caroline and Matt in the Winner's Circle. 

Iconic Twin Spires

Mine That Bird, 2009 Kentucky Derby Winner. 

Matt and Caroline partying at the Derby

Caroline weighed in to see if she could be a jockey.  Have to weigh less than 115 pounds. 

My little girl at Churchill Downs. 

We had another good trip.  Made memories.