As Kentucky’s largest and most culturally diverse city, Louisville has earned its nickname as “the Gateway to the South” in spades. Named after King Louis XVI upon its founding in 1778, Louisville is one of the oldest cities in America. Louisville is known for an array of recognizable people, places, and things, including legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), the University of Louisville and its Cardinals athletic teams, and Louisville Slugger baseball bats. The city is noted for its bourbon distilleries and regularly hosts visitors from around the world who are looking to sample Louisville’s premium spirits. Louisville is also home to a long list of annual events, including the Kentucky Derby Festival, I Am Ali Festival, Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, and Jane Austen Festival, just to name a few.
