By Alyssa Roby & Deandra Hoppe
One of the University of Louisville’s assets is that it is located in a city with much to offer, and no doubt many students choose to come here for this reason.
There is never a dull moment in this truly weird and wonderful city. However, sometimes it takes a little bit of research to know where the action is.
The first place anyone who comes to Louisville has to go is Bardstown Road. It is home to some of the most eccentric privately owned shops.
Here, one can get a tattoo or piercing in any random spot desired and find many music shops selling albums from bands most people have never heard. Also, one can go to Cafe 360 and smoke hookah, a local favorite.
For those who don’t know what that is, ask around and a lengthy answer followed by favorite flavors and stories are sure to follow.
Louisville is home to many beautiful parks perfect for playing Frisbee, taking a stroll or taking a favorite person out for a picnic. Cherokee is a popular jogging spot and has areas for various different sports.
Big Rock Park is aptly named for its big rocks. Here, one can climb on the rocks or go for a hike. Other parks include Seneca, Long Run, Iroquois and Waterfront.
There are many museums found only in Louisville. For instance, the Muhammad Ali Center shares the ideals of Muhammad Ali while promoting peace and self awareness.
The Speed Art Museum is located here on campus, and with over 6,000 pieces of art from ancient Egyptian to contemporary art, there will always be something to see at the Speed.
Another museum is the Frazier International History Museum. Here, one can look at guns, swords, coats of armor or any other type of hand held artillery one can imagine.
Starting May 1, all U of L students, staff and faculty can get in free with their student ID.
Louisville’s night scene has a lot to offer in the way of clubs. For 21-year-olds, any place at Fourth Street Live is always a good choice. If only 18, O’Malley’s is a good place to go.
When someone is looking for something with a little flair, Coconuts and Club Rio offer salsa dancing.
The Louisville Zoo always has interesting new attractions to check out.
The zoo has all the usual exhibits-monkeys, snakes, birds, giraffes, polar bears and a petting zoo-plus the trolley, which is just as thrilling to ride at age 20 as it was at age five.
For the newcomers to Louisville, Kentucky Kingdom is a necessary stop. It has any kind of ride one could desire, from huge roller coasters to rides for toddlers, as well as a water park.
Visitors can get their portrait done, win a giant teddy bear, have their weight guessed and many other fun activities that one would expect at a theme park.
For the sports lovers, there is the Louisville Slugger Museum, where guests can watch the official bat of the Major Leagues being made.
There is always an opportunity to try something new in Louisville, from flying lessons at Bowman Field to belly dancing classes at Infinite Bliss Yoga on Bardstown Road.
A great way to find new activities is through Louisville YMCAs and community centers. Most activities can be found in Louisville, no matter how obscure.
There is always an opportunity to see a show in Louisville. Many times, Fourth Street Live holds free concerts.
There are many art galleries downtown where artists display and sell their work.
The Kentucky Center for the Arts and The Palace are always bringing in new shows. There are many others, one just has to look.
For more information on what is going on in this wonderful city go to http://www.hellolouisville.com.
