About Town: Louisville
By Ceri Mobley, PGATOUR.COM Associate Site Producer
You've waited two long years, but you probably haven't waited as long as Kenny Perry. One of the most famous faces on TOUR this year returns to his home state of Kentucky this week -- along with 11 of his teammates and 12 of his opponents -- to participate in the 2008 Ryder Cup. If you plan to join the parade, read on golf fan, read on.
SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE
You might expect a hard time finding accommodations in Louisville since the most-hyped golf event in the world is taking place there this week, but the city's bigger than you think, and there are still plenty of rooms available.
Fancy digs for a fancy tournament: Going all out this week? If so, make your reservation at the four-star Galt House Hotel and Suites. This waterfront hotel will host the 19th Hole -- an official part of the Ryder Cup -- and is only a short walk to the Fourth Street entertainment district. It's a 20-minute drive from Valhalla, and rates average about $375 a night.
Other options:
• If you're looking for something a little cheaper but still want good quality, try the Executive West Hotel. It has a three-and-a-half-star rating and is also around 20 minutes from the course. Rates start at $290 a night.
• If you spent all your money on Ryder Cup tickets, book a room at the three-star Country Inn and Suites. It's 25 minutes from all the action, and rates start as low as $130 a night.
SOMETHING TO SNACK ON
People like to argue about Kentucky's identity. Some say it's the South; some say how can the South border Ohio? Either way, there's plenty of Southern-style hospitality when it comes to restaurants.
• Pat's Steak House: One of the best steak houses in Louisville has a little twist. It's Irish. How's that for adding to the regional confusion? Still, Pat's dates back almost 150 years -- plenty of time to figure out how to cook a filet.
• Jack Fry's Restaurant: You will feel like you're in the South at this local favorite with dishes like shrimp and grits on the menu. Don't fret if that kind of food's not for you, though; there are plenty of other options.
• Lilly's Bistro: Owner Kathy Cary uses only the finest local produce in her kitchen and prints "God Bless Our Local Farmers" on the menus, and those are just two of the reasons that her restaurant is a popular one.
• De La Torre's: In honor of the European team, find a night to dine at this Spanish restaurant, established in 1988. Who knows? You might even run into Sergio Garcia and Miguel Angel Jimenez tucking into some tapas.
SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT
It's unlikely you're going to care about anything besides the matches going on this week, but if you do find yourself wondering what else there is to do in Louisville, look no further.
• You're in horse country here, even if you are wielding a golf club instead of a polo mallet. You can't come to the Bluegrass State and not pay a visit to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Friday night, America's premier horse track is hosting "Soiree Under the Spires," a wear-your-best Ryder Cup celebration that includes cocktails, equine exhibitions and Kentucky bourbon tasting -- among other things -- so get yourself a ticket and bring your fancy shoes.
• What else is Louisville famous for? Like you have to ask. With October just around the corner, it's the perfect time to tour the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Established in 1884, this famed American company created the official bat of Major League Baseball -- not a bad reputation to have.
• And what do baseball and golf fans enjoy while watching their favorite sports? A nice, cold mug of beer. Get a taste for Kentucky's best at the Bluegrass Brewing Company. Friday and Saturday evening, starting at 8 p.m., the BBC will have beer, burgers and live music in the beer garden in honor of the biennial golf event.
• OK enough sports and beer. How about a little local history? No one likes sitting in the dark (right?), so pay your respects to the inventor of the light bulb this week at the Thomas Edison House in Butchertown. Edison moved to Louisville in 1866 when he was 19 years old, and the house in which he lived is now a museum of his life's work.
STICKING AROUND?
If you have any time -- or money -- left after this week and would like to spend some more time exploring this part of the country, here are PGATOUR.COM's suggestions.
• Cincinnati: Just an hour and a half up I-71, Cincinnati sits on the Ohio River and the Kentucky/Ohio border. Catch a Reds game (they're playing the Brewers, the Cardinals and the Marlins at home over the next week or so) and see what else this city has to offer.
• Indianapolis: A little less than two hours north of Louisville, you'll find yourself in Indianapolis, home of the Colts, who just so happen to be hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. Don't expect a trouncing by Peyton Manning's team; last year aside, the Jags have had the Colts' number in the past.
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