Wagner's Pharmacy, a Churchill Downs Tradition Since 1922

Located across from Churchill Downs, Wagner's Pharmacy has been a Louisville landmark since 1922. This old fashioned pharmacy, known for its fountain counter and diner, has been serving up hot food for horse trainers, breeders, owners and race fans for a large part of the track's history.

Open Monday through Saturday, Wagner's offers a great hot breakfast menu of omelets, pancakes, bacon and hashbrowns. When the cook asks if you're sure you really want to order the Pam and Jack omelet featured in the Bobby Flay throwdown, you should listen! The four egg, three meat, two cheese, tomato, onion, and green pepper omelet is so large it hangs off of the plate. Starting at 11 a.m. the lunch menu offers a tasty variety of soups, sandwiches and classic burger platters.

 

While at first glance the building may not seem enticing on the outside, it is the perfect fit for a racetrack pharmacy diner that has been feeding the appetites of horsemen and women for over ninety years. With almost every inch of wall space lined with Kentucky Derby memorabilia, Wagner's is a must do stop for anyone interested in Churchill Downs history.

 

Restaurant hours: Monday thorough Friday, 8:00 a.m-2:30 p.m., Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Menu and more information: http://wagnerspharmacy.com

Yuko-En on the Elkhorn

Yuko-En on the Elkhorn is a Japanese style strolling garden interpreted in the bluegrass landscape. Located near the banks of the Elkhorn Creek in Georgetown, the garden is free and open to the public daily. At almost six acres, the garden consists of a gravel walking trail that weaves in and out of Japanese influenced landscape features, including a large pond with water lilies, waterfalls, sculptures and footbridges. Georgetown is home to a large Toyota manufacturing plant, and as the official Kentucky-Japan friendship garden, Yuko-En is a symbol of the importance of Japanese culture in the bluegrass region.

Visitors who prefer a guided walk can call ahead to schedule a group tour. Yuko-En also offers regular demonstrations and classes such as Raku firings in the kiln house and clay workshops. In addition, the garden hosts the Cherry Blossom/ Redbud festival in April, and the Kiku Matsuri/ Chrysanthemum festival in October.

Be sure to check the website for the latest events.
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk, year round.
More information: http://www.yuko-en.com

Happy Hour + S'mores

What better way to unwind after a busy work day than with a happy hour drink and s'mores? Mrs. Potter's Coffee Lounge and Cafe is located in downtown Louisville amid the cast iron facades of West Main Street, and offers guests the opportunity to roast their own s'mores at the table. Happy hour runs from 4-7pm Monday through Friday, with a different drink special each day.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, Mrs. Potter's is also open for breakfast and lunch specializing in a fresh selection of breakfast burritos and paninis.  So whether you're just starting your day with a coffee and a muffin on the go, hungry for lunch, or are looking to relax with a beer and a dessert, Mrs. Potter's is a great stop in downtown Louisville!

Hours:
Monday-Friday 7am-7pm
Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-3pm

More information: www.mrspotterscoffee.com

Zoo Walkers Walking Club

Did you know that the Louisville Zoo has a walking program that offers visitors the chance to visit the zoo before it opens? And it's free! The Zoo Walkers club runs from March through October, and features a 1.1 mile paved walking loop marked with directional signage. Guests have the opportunity to glimpse many animals as they are still peacefully lounging, while their keepers make daily preparations for the opening of the zoo.

Although not all of the animals may be awake and out for viewing, the loop features a wide range of species including, lions, flamingos, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, rhinos, sea lions and even a polar bear! The walking trail also has great horticultural interest with a variety of plant species comprising the habitats for the many zoo creatures.  

Whether you're an animal lover and want a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of normal zoo hours, or you are looking for a different setting for some weekly exercise, the Zoo Walkers club is sure to be enjoyed by all!  

Schedule: While the zoo is open to visitors year round, the walking club runs March 1- October 31, Monday- Saturday, 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Additional evening hours are available in June and July from 6-8 p.m. All guests are asked to enter and sign in through the administration offices to the right of the main gates. Guests should sign out upon leaving by the end times listed. Please call the number on the website in advance to request free Zoo Walker membership passes.

More Information: http://www.louisvillezoo.org/events/walkingclub.htm

Ballet Under the Stars

Each year during the first weekend in August, the lush tree canopy of Lexington's Woodland Park serves as the backdrop for Ballet Under the Stars. Featuring performers from both the Lexington Ballet Company and the Kentucky Ballet Theatre, this event has been popular for over 20 years.

The lawn in front of the stage is sectioned off into blanket seating or lawn chair seating areas, and guests may choose to pack a picnic or purchase concessions available on site. As the sun sets and the fireflies come out in the park, Ballet Under the Stars becomes a magical event that is a favorite for all ages. 

The 2012 show will run August 2-5.  The pre-show ballet begins at 8pm, with the main curtain at 9pm. Admission is available at the gate: $5.00 per person, children age three and under are free.

More information: http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=230

Goodfellas Pizzeria

Tucked into the storefront of a historic building in the heart of downtown Lexington, Goodfellas Pizzeria offers hungry patrons some of the biggest, freshest slices of New York style pizza around.

Visitors can order a whole pizza or stop in and order by the slice. Popular with the business crowd for their lunch special, Goodfellas is equally busy as a late night break from the nightlife.

The restaurant is standing room only inside, but offers table and chair seating on the sidewalk. Each slice of pizza is so big it's served up on not one, but two paper plates, so be sure to bring your appetite!

Open:  Monday-Wednesday 11am-9pm
            Thursday-Friday 11am-3:30am
            Saturday 5pm-3:30am 
            Closed Sunday

More information: http://www.goodfellaspizzeria.com

Keeneland Concours d'Elegance

Each year in July, the Keeneland Concours d'Elegance hosts one of the finest collector automobile shows in the region.  The event takes place on the beautiful grounds of Lexington's famous Keeneland Race Track, which serves as the perfect setting to showcase these fantastic vehicles. 

The event features over 130 exceptional vehicles ranging from the earliest of models to future classics.  Adding to the fun of studying the changes in vehicular design over the decades, several of the car owners dress in period style to match their car.  In addition to classic cars, the event also hosts an assortment of vintage motorcycles, classic military vehicles, and even a few vintage award winning speed boats! Several car clubs in the area gather in the car club paddock, offering visitors further opportunity to see their favorite makes and models. 

If you're in need of an indoor break while looking around, be sure to try your chance at the silent auction located in the Keeneland Entertainment Center, with proceeds benefiting Kentucky Children's Hospital.

Whether you're a sports car fanatic or you prefer fifties fins, it is a great way to enjoy a summer afternoon with friends!

The 2012 Concours d'Elegance will take place on July 21, from 9:00am-4:30pm. 

Admission: $15 per person, children under age 12 are free, Active Military in uniform are free.

More information: http://www.keenelandconcours.com/

Beargrass Creek Greenway

Beargrass Creek Greenway is a scenic 1.33 mile stretch of multi-use trail that is part of the overall Louisville Metro Bikeways system. Located parallel to Lexington Road, the greenway follows Beargrass Creek, offering visitors the chance to enjoy nature while getting some exercise.

Louisville Metro Parks has teamed with the Metro Sewer District to install a wetland landscape project along the greenway adjacent to the intersection of Grinstead Drive and Lexington Road. This wetlands area provides an opportunity to improve and study the effects of stormwater runoff, infiltration, and other water quality issues. Several native species of plants and wildlife can be observed at this location, which is marked with informational signage. 

So whether you're out for a leisurely walk or a brisk bike ride, the Beargrass Creek Greenway is an enjoyable way to experience nature in the midst of an urban setting! 

More information: http://www.ridethecity.com/louisville

http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/parks/beargrasscreekgreenway/ 

West Sixth Brewing Company

West Sixth is an exciting new craft beer brewery that recently opened in the century old Rainbo Bread factory nestled in Lexington's Northside Neighborhood.  Located directly adjacent to a future portion of Legacy Trail and just blocks from the activity of the Jefferson Street Corridor, the location is drawing a big following.

Visitors will enjoy the atmosphere of the tap room which maintains some of the character of the factory with hints of industrial accents, including original yellow tile walls and an old Rainbo Bread bench.  The bar was even made from the salvaged maple loading dock with pieces of the old Memorial Coliseum floor worked in for a bit of UK spirit! 

In addition to the offerings on tap, West Sixth has begun canning their IPA, becoming the first craft brewery in Kentucky to can their beer.  

The owners have affectionately named the development the Bread Box, and have plans to share the 90,000 square feet of space with many other community minded businesses, artists, and non-profits.

So the next time you're looking to enjoy a fresh local pint with a few friends, stop on by West Sixth Brewing!

Open:

Monday-Thursday: 3pm-10pm

Friday-Saturday: 12pm-12am

Sunday: 1pm-6pm

More information: http://www.westsixth.com/

Institute 193

Institute 193 is an exciting non-profit art gallery offering visitors the opportunity to view contemporary art by emerging artists from across Kentucky and other Southeastern states.  Located in downtown Lexington, the gallery is a great addition to the city's art scene. 

Featuring wall text and a clean simple layout, Institute 193 is founded on the idea that innovative art can originate outside of the nation's major metropolitan areas. The gallery aspires to be an artistic stepping stone, helping artists gain publicity and connections to larger art markets.

Tucked along North Limestone Street, the gallery is within walking distance of several downtown bars and restaurants. It's a great place to stop by and add a little bit of art to your day! 

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, or by appointment.

More information: http://institute193.org