LIVING IT UP IN LOUISVILLE
We’ll be working and playing at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville. Louisville’s Waterfront Hotel is a great place to find a unique and authentic experience in this exciting city. Sip some bourbon while taking in spectacular views of the Ohio River, and immerse yourself in the history of Kentucky’s native spirit. Explore world-renowned cultural encounters at nearby Museum Row, featuring icons such as Muhammad Ali and Louisville Slugger. Our summit is located in the center of it all. Check out this map and local transporation information.
WHATEVER THE WEATHER?
Expect weather around the 70s during our stay in Louisville. For up-to-date information click here.
WHAT TO WEAR
We like you to be comfortable at our Summit- dress is casual.
FUN FACTS ABOUT LOUISVILLE
The Cherokee, Chickasaw, Mosopelea, Shawnee and Yuchi tribes had occupied the area thousands of years before the first European explorers arrived. Their tribal territories and homelands are located in the present day state of Kentucky, (beleived to be derived from the word “Kenta,” meaning “Field” or “Meadow.”)
95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky! You can learn more about this Kentucky spirit touring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Or, if you want to stay in Louisville city limits, check out the Urban Bourbon Trail.
Disco balls reign in this town. 90% of the disco balls in the USA are produced in Louisville by National Products on Baxter Ave.
The oldest operating Mississippi-style steamboat in Louisville, the Belle of Louisville, is over 100 years old! Belle has been a National Historic Landmark since 1989, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. She moved around the country a bit before calling Louisville home and you can still cruise the Ohio River on this lovely historical boat.
In 1999, surgeons from the Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center directed the first hand transplant in the US. The procedure was performed on a New Jersey native, Matthew Scott, who had lost his hand in a fireworks accident. Ironically, a couple years later, he had the honor of pressing the button to kick off Thunder Over Louisville, the huge pyrotechnic display that marks the beginning of the Kentucky derby each year- with 60 tons of firework shells.
You've probably heard of the Louisville Zoo, but do you know that most of the zoo sits on top of the Louisville Mega Cavern? It’s a man-made cavern, originally a limestone quarry, and has been open to tourists since 2009. For the adventurous there are zip line tours, an underground bike park with over 320,000 square feet of trails (the only underground bike park in the world), an aerial ropes challenge course and, for the history buffs, there are historic tram tours.
Over 100,000 Mint Juleps are served during the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
Louisville was voted the 'manliest' city in America by GQ magazine.
Two Louisville kindergarten teachers, Patty and Mildred J. Hill, created the “Happy Birthday to You” song. It was originally entitled “Good Morning to All” but was later changed to fit a birthday theme.
F. Scott Fitzgerald was stationed at a camp near Louisville as a young Army Officer. Parts of the city served as inspiration for his novel, “The Great Gatsby,” like the Seelbach Hotel.
The Pendennis Club, a private club in Louisville, is the birthplace of the 'Old Fashioned', possibly the first mixed drink to be called a cocktail.
Louisville holds the annual Idea Festival, which not surprisingly attracts great thinkers from all around the world. Maybe that's why an arts plan has been unveiled on the role arts, culture and creativity can play in a strong future. Imagine Greater Louisville 2020 is a unique blueprint for improving the city using arts and culture.
Louisville as it is known today was founded by George Rogers Clark in 1778, and named after King Louis XVI of France in appreciation for his assistance during the Revolutionary War.
Known as the “City of Parks,” Louisville prides itself on its greenspace. The city is home to 18-designed Frederick Law Olmsted parks. Louisville Waterfront Park is an award-winning park on the banks of the Ohio River. And, Jefferson Memorial Forest, at 6,500 acres, is the largest municipal urban forest in the United States.