Founded in 1959, the Louisville Zoo has steadily increased its holdings to become a top-flight resource for animal lovers in the River City. The 135-acre zoo is split into six distinct geographical locations, each spotlighting animals that occupy a specific biome. Some of the most popular areas are the Gorilla Forest, which lets visitors get amazingly close to lowland gorillas, and the Wallaroo Walkabout, featuring some charmingly unique Australian animals. If the kids get antsy, you can take them to the adjoining Glacier Run Splash Park, where they'll cool off on a number of fun water features. The Splash Park's a counterpart to the new Glacier Run exhibit, which features arctic foxes, polar bears, and other popular cold-climate animals. In October, the zoo plays host to the “World’s Largest Halloween Party,” which shouldn’t be missed. The Louisville Zoo grounds are quite hilly, so be prepared to get some exercise. Also be sure pick up a “Zoo Key” at the gate for special multimedia experiences!

The Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, KY 40213
(502) 459-2181
www.louisvillezoo.org

There are few pieces of sports equipment as iconic as the Louisville Slugger. That piece of fine American hardwood has been the official bat of Major League Baseball for over a century. These accoutrements of your hitting heroes are still made here in Louisville, Kentucky. And the Louisville Slugger Museum allows you to take a totally unique trip through baseball history. Entering the museum, he first thing you’ll notice is the enormous six-story bat leaning against the museum’s façade. At 68,000 pounds, it would take a Paul Bunyan to swing it! Inside you’ll find smaller, but no less historically important bats, including the very Slugger that Babe Ruth used to hit his last homer for the Yankees. A number of rotating exhibitions explore other key periods in baseball history. The tour also takes you through the factory the bats themselves are made. And when you finish up you even get a souvenir bat to take home with you!

Slugger Museum
800 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 588-7228
www.sluggermuseum.org

One of the best ways to really get an idea of the vibrant culture of downtown Louisville is to turn out for the First Friday Trolley Hop. The free trolley runs in a loop from 10^th street to Campbell along Main and Market streets, stopping at a variety of locations along the downtown corridor. A number of galleries along the route schedule art openings and other special events to coincide with the event, so you’re guaranteed to see some pretty cool stuff and maybe have a little wine and cheese. Travelers feeling a little hungrier can find great deals on food from participating restaurants and many downtown bars also have a variety of live music playing, in case you're in the mood to rock out! If you drive to the First Friday Trolley Hop, there's ample free parking available at Slugger Field, Main Street at Jackson, and other locations. The free trolley runs from 5 to 11 PM, rain or shine.

First Friday Trolley Hop
www.ldmd.org/First-Friday-Trolley-Hop.html