Hat exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum
CITY SPOTLIGHT
Louisville:
Out of the backstretch, taking the lead
BY GABE WEBB
IN THE EARLY 1830s, French writer Alexis de
Tocqueville was bound for Louisville, Kentucky,
from Cincinnati, Ohio, when his trip hit a snag.
The roads, he wrote, were “abominable,” so he
opted for a steamboat down the Ohio River,
which got stuck in the icy winter waters. The
passengers were sent ashore 25 miles from their
destination and left to their own devices. They
banded together, and thanks to “the good shoul-
der shoves and daring spirit,” of his fellow trav-
elers, de Tocqueville made it to Louisville.
In the 180 years since then, the roads have
definitely improved, and thank goodness,
because Louisville is a city worth visiting. When I toured there
in late April at the invitation of the Louisville CVB, I found a
walkable downtown packed with attractions that represented
the old, new and constantly refreshing character of the city.
“We have so many iconic attractions to offer within a few
blocks, located right downtown on Main Street,” says Saundra
Robertson, tourism sales man-
ager for the Louisville CVB.
For more information,
contact Saundra
Robertson also pointed out
Robertson at srobertson@
the CVB’s many incentives for
gotolouisville.com or visit
group tour operators.
gotolouisville.com.
“The Loving Louisville
Muhammad Ali Center
Loyalty Club celebrates our customers who have repeatedly
brought groups to Louisville either for day or overnight trips.”
Incentives include a $500 shopping spree in the Louisville
visitors center or $250 cash for operators who consistently
book 15 rooms or more. Robertson’s organization also takes
steps to make tour groups feel welcome.
“We can assist with hotel needs, itineraries, welcome gifts
and much more. We have the inside information, so [opera-
tors] will be sure they have the best experience bringing a
group to our city,” she says.
And while I can’t speak to the city’s “good shoulder
shoves”—my wagon never got stuck in the snow—there was
certainly a bit of that daring spirit.
NTAonline.com
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