Across these last 12 months, Louisville was recognized on 30+ “Best Of” lists from publications such as Southern Living, Axios, and The New York Times, including snagging the No. 28 spot on Travel + Leisure’s, “50 Best Places to Travel in 2022.”

As we welcome the New Year tonight, we have a lot of things to be proud of from 2021 despite its challenges. From being identified for our eco-friendliness + top-rated hotels to our stunning seasonal light displays and arts festivals, we think we’re pretty cool, too.

Here’s a trip down memory lane — with a few of our stories along the way — to close out the year.

🏆 General

“America’s Next Sports City,” by Axios

This recognition from Axios calls Louisville the most deserving for a major national sports team + we’re already making progress toward that goal. Just this year, Derby City hosted two important professional soccer games, including the National Women’s Soccer League Championship, which marked Lynn Family Stadium’s network television debut.

“Best Places to See Fall Colors in the U.S.” by Lonely Planet

Louisville was also recognized as one of the best places to see fall foliage in the country, and with nearly 50% of the state covered in forests, we found five places for you to take in the spectacular changing views.

🏆 Food + drink

“The 25 Best Distilleries in the U.S.” by Travel + Leisure

With help from Yelp, Angel’s Envy was identified as one of the all-time best distilleries in the country + is the only one from Louisville that made the list. You can visit Angel’s Envy, and nine other local distilleries, on our list of local bourbon tours to try.

“2021’s Best Foodie Cities in America” by WalletHub

Anyone who loves dining out already knows Louisville is the best. But the one dish Louisvillians hold in their hearts with intense passion is chili, which is why we made this list of local spots to grab a bowl, with or without noodles.

🏆 Play

“30 Best Halloween Events Near You” by Country Living

Louisville was actually recognized twice in this category, both for our annual trick or treating at Boo at the Zoo + the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular. The Jacko Spectaco attracted a record 95,471 attendees to its pumpkin-lit walk through Iroquois Park this year, including us for the first time. You can see our favorite pumpkins here.

“The USA’s Most Spectacular Winter Lights Displays” by Frommer’s

Derby City goes all-out for the holidays. So much so that Lights Under Louisville was tapped as one of the most spectacular winter light displays in the country. We gave you this history feature on the former limestone mine that saved Christmas.

🏆 Hospitality

“Top 25 Hotels in the South” by Condé Nast

The Brown Hotel ranked No. 1 on this prestigious list of hotels, with 21c Louisville + the Galt House not far behind at No. 3 and No. 21, respectively. Downtown’s bustling hotel corridor will soon be flaunting new establishments in the next five years, too, as developers such as Dream Hotel Group and Bunkhouse Hospitality will open their first Louisville locations.