What was it that brought you to Louisville? Maybe it was the affordable cost of living, the great neighborhoods, the variety of things to do, or the multitude of top-spot accolades the city has earned from nationwide outlets. No matter the catalyst that brought you here, if you’re new to Lou, you’re probably eager to get to know the great place you now call home.

Here to help you is a list of 4 things you can see + do, brought to you in partnership with Live in Lou, your own local insider’s guide to the city.

SEE: Spots the locals love

Sure, Churchill Downs and the Louisville Slugger Museum are the obvious must-sees, but what are the places locals buzz about? In addition to first-class museums like the Muhammad Ali Center and the Speed Art Museum, Louisville is home to a magnificent network of parks + nature destinations. Waterfront Park is host to a multitude of events, stellar sunsets from the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge + the beautiful Waterfront Botanical Gardens just on its outskirts.

Fun Fact: The same guy who designed New York City’s Central Park (aka Frederick Law Olmsted) designed 17 Louisville parks and six parkways.

DO: Try the bites, beers + bourbon

By now you’ve probably learned that bourbon is kind of a big deal in Louisville — as in we have more barrels of bourbon in the city than people. That’s right, Louisville is the birthplace of bourbon and the producer of most of the world’s supply. But with such a wide variety of food + drink options, you’re free to live out the adage of “when in Rome,” or pull a Fleetwood Mac and go your own way.

What are some of Live in Lou’s favorites? Royals Hot Chicken, Repeal + Old Forester Distilling Co. all made the list.

Forecastle is just one of many festivals Louisville has to offer. | Photo by Cora via @forecastlefest

SEE: Lou’s vast music, sports + festival scenes

Louisville has a lot to offer in the way of music, arts, entertainment, and sports:

130 live music venues
100 arts groups including theatre, ballet, opera + orchestra
Music festivals like Forecastle, Hometown Rising, Bourbon & Beyond + more
Professional sports teams + fitness activities that keep the locals moving

And did we mention horse racing? You’ll be hard pressed to be bored in Louisville. It’s no wonder that Jetsetter named Lou the #4 city that is hipper than you think.

Live in Lou has a team of locals to connect you with all the city has to offer. | Photo provided by Live in Lou

DO: Get connected with jobs, community + more

How’s this for a warm welcome? Live In Lou has a team of locals who exist just to help you get to know the city and to make you feel welcome.

The City Champs, as they’re called, will talk to you about the best restaurants, coolest events, and which neighborhood best fits your lifestyle. To help you get even more connected + set up, Live in Lou has newcomer resources + information, job postings and guides to living in the city.

Want to stay updated with all the local happenings? Follow Live in Lou’s Instagram, and never miss a thing.*