The city of Louisville made it to the New York Times’ top 52 places to visit in 2023. While this is the second time Louisville has made the list, Louisville Tourism Chief Marketing Officer Stacey Yates says it’s still significant. “We made that list before because of the novelty of bourbon tourism, and we’ve made it again because it’s now ingrained in our culture, but that’s not all we have to offer,” Yates said. Mo McKnight Howe, owner of Revelry Boutique and Gallery, said she understands that visitors notice this when they come here. “They think bourbon, they think horses and when they come to a place like this or an area like this, they see we’re a little bit more than that,” Howe said. “When you come into our urban core, you see a lot more of a reflection of who we are as a city and I think that has a lot to do with local business and keeping our culture with local businesses.” Other small business owners like Craig Rupprecht said they see the same thing. Rupprecht owns Neat Bourbon Bar and Bottle Shop in Highlands. “If the downtown appeals, people come, experience it for a day or two, and then want to branch out, maybe go to the east end, so I have a feeling you’re seeing a lot of different things pop up,” Rupprecht said. . The Times cited reasons other than thriving industries, such as how green Louisville is and the city’s inclusiveness toward groups like the LGBTQ+ community. Fairness Campaign CEO Chris Hartman explained why. “Our LGBTQ+ culture,” Hartman said. “About the nightlife. The various bars that people go to, to see the acts and also the two main pride festivals.” All the reasons Yates said the recognition means a lot. “Louisville is truly an authentic sought-after destination, and we’re so glad the New York Times thought to say so,” Yates said. Yates said Louisville also made the list about a decade ago when bourbon tourism started gaining traction.
The city of Louisville made the New York Times list of 52 best places to visit in 2023.
While this is the second time Louisville has made the list, Louisville Tourism Chief Marketing Officer Stacey Yates says it’s still significant.
“We made that list before because of the novelty of bourbon tourism, and we’ve made it again because it’s now ingrained in our culture, but that’s not all we have to offer,” Yates said.
Mo McKnight Howe, owner of Revelry Boutique and Gallery, said she understands that visitors notice this when they come here.
“They think bourbon, they think horses and when they come to a place like this or an area like this, they see we’re a little bit more than that,” Howe said. “When you come into our urban core, you see a lot more of a reflection of who we are as a city and I think that has a lot to do with local business and keeping our culture with local businesses.”
Other small business owners like Craig Rupprecht said they see the same thing. Rupprecht owns Neat Bourbon Bar and Bottle Shop in Highlands.
“If the downtown appeals, people come, experience it for a day or two, and then want to branch out, maybe go to the east end, so I have a feeling you’re seeing a lot of different things pop up,” Rupprecht said. .
The Times cited reasons other than thriving industries, such as how green Louisville is and the city’s inclusiveness toward groups like the LGBTQ+ community.
Fairness Campaign CEO Chris Hartman explained why.
“Our LGBTQ+ culture,” Hartman said. “About the nightlife. The various bars that people go to, to see the shows and also the two main pride festivals.”
All the reasons Yates said the recognition means a lot.
“Louisville is truly an authentic sought-after destination, and we’re so glad the New York Times thought to say so,” Yates said.
Yates said Louisville also made the list about a decade ago when bourbon tourism started gaining traction.