I had debated what I should have started my Memorial Day vacation time with. I was thinking at one point to just cover the Indy 500. Another thought well I should have covered the Schaumburg game I went to. Another had me thinking I should do something of just the whole trip. However I didn't feel that was the best way to go about it, because it would be far, far too long. So I am starting the Memorial Day weekend posting with my trip to Louisville. Note, I am not including the Bats game here, as I have a separate post for that. And don't worry, I have a lot more game reviews coming in the following weeks.
The start of my trip to Louisville actually started at Indy, as I got to get autographs prior to the Indy 500 as part of Legends Day. Meeting Sebastien Bourdais, Josef Newgarden and Alexander Rossi was really neat. Upon getting to Louisville though, it is really cool the bridges you cross and go over. All of them connect you with some part of the city so it is very easily accessible. The skyline is pretty neat as you cross the border from Indiana to Kentucky.
The first place I went to was the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. I didn't realize it was pretty cheap to park in the city of Louisville, but it was good to know that it was only 5-7 dollars most everywhere. After parking, I went to the factory to see the bat making process. I am and still am impressed by how many people are involved in the process and all the tools used to make the major league bats for players. It really is quite the task every day for them but it is also used with a sustainable effort towards the environment in mind. There are a lot of different things to see as part of the bat making process and the factory and museum itself is quite amazing. They also have a pretty significant gift shop for those who want souvenirs from the facility.
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| Me with Jackie Robinson |
Following a really good lunch at Just Another Sandwich Shop, which yes is the name of the restaurant (seriously, get the Stacker sandwich. It's a triple cheese grilled cheese sandwich and get some Cherrywine soda) I then went to the Muhammad Ali Center. This place was probably the one exhibit I wanted to see in Louisville more than anything else. As everyone today knows, Ali was more than a boxer. He was a civil rights leader in a time of tumultuous relations in America with the civil rights campaign. He also was The Greatest in terms of sport and boxing that could even be accomplished. The one moment my generation may look at is the 1996 Summer Olympics. He was the person who lit the torch, and the center had this moment. To this day I can remember Bob Costas saying, "Look who gets it next!" and Dick Enberg saying, "The Greatest!" followed by his ever enthusiastic "OH MY!" that followed as Ali very shortly after lit the torch to open the Atlanta Olympic Games. To me seeing everything there was a complete sight to behold to see what Ali battled not just in the ring but in the every day society of the 60's and 70's in America. They have different art exhibits as well so you get to see some really cool artwork, and they have some nice artwork outside the building as well.
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| Ali's medals |
After the museums, I then looked around to where my next place to go was and I found myself going to Riverfront Park, which is a couple blocks from the Louisville Slugger Stadium. To say this park is pretty is honestly underrating the park itself. It's absolutely gorgeous, with the Ohio River as the backdrop and the state of Indiana right past the bridges in plain sight. It's a wonderful area to use the scooters or a bike or just walk. You'll really enjoy being out and about this park.
After that, and before the game, I went to the Against the Grain Bar and Grill for dinner. They actually also make their own style of brews, so don't ask for a Michelob, Miller or Bud for any reason because it won't be sold. This is better than those domestic beers anyway (from what the public said, not myself per se as I didn't drink there.) The cool thing is they put things in those glasses that look like a barrel. Also, absolutely get the turkey here. I thought it would be a turkey sandwich that is actually good turkey instead of the store bought nonsense. However, this is actual turkey slices and it is smoked and absolutely terrific. It's probably the closest thing to home turkey I could get. So I was very impressed. I was also impressed with the staff having a good service and being able to accommodate so much.
Next is my review of the Louisville Bats and Louisville Slugger Stadium. I am absolutely impressed though with the entire city of Louisville and happy to hopefully go back sometime soon.
