I am a North Carolinian, who immigrated to Chicago and adapted to life in one of the world’s great cities.  Yet, the South has a place in my heart.  Every visit to Louisville, Kentucky feels like home coming.  Louisville is located on the Ohio River, a trade route since the West was settled in 1800s.  Louisville is home to a number of substantial corporations, but the verdant horse farms are a short drive away. By American standards it’s an old town, large enough to be called a city, but not so large as the big metropolises of Chicago, or New York.  It’s not so large as to be jaded by institutional corruption, so that small businesses cannot rise and thrive.  There is a small town feel, especially on Bardstown Road.

With every stay in Louisville I insist on stopping by Carmichael’s Bookstore.   It’s a small book lovers boutique, with a large philosophy section.  I always find something that I simply must buy.  Fall is warmer here than in Chicago,  so I enjoyed a strong cup of Heine Bros coffee and began a conversation with the author of my new book.

You can walk for a mile or two along Bardstown Road and be stimulated by the distinctive small shoppes which express the personality of the proprietors.  Restaurants, bars, bicycle shops, are housed in re-purposed buildings from the early 20th century.  The spirit of past generations is expressed in building facades and brickwork.  Bardstown sidewalks are a festival of humanity after sunset.  Families, couples, individuals of all ages are out on the street.

On this visit to Louisville I was given opportunity to visit Churchill Downs.  The tour of the museum and the facility was worth more than the price of admission.  The love of the horses and the commitment to tradition and community were palpable.  I decided that we will be be present in general admission seats for the 2017 Derby.  Experiencing first hand the thoroughbreds, the historic race track, and the citizens of Kentucky celebrating life, in the Run For The Roses is a must.  They say it’s “the greatest two minutes in sports.” No doubt the memory will last a life time.

One other favorite place in Louisville is Cave Hill Cemetery on Baxter Avenue.  The 296 acre cemetery was was chartered in 1848.  I understand that 200 confederate soldiers are buried in section O and the Confederate flag flies over their graves.  The purpose of our visit to the cemetery was to pay our respects at the grave of Muhammad Ali who passed on June 6 of this year.   The graveyard is an arboretum and has more than 500 species

of trees and shrubs.  Words do not do justice to the serenity of the place.

Our visit to Louisville concluded with a breakfast buffet

at the Bristol Bar and Grill, where we had dinner the evening before.  The same server of the evening before took care of us and was genuinely glad to greet us again.  The leisurely experience of good food and pleasant conversation perfectly concluded a weekend of time together for Laurie, Sonia, Laura and myself.  Until the next time…………..