Looking Ahead to Louisville and The Region 2 Conference By: Marianne Lawhead, Atlanta Office Administrator, Shea, Stokes & Carter, ALC

Whenever I think of Louisville, I think of thoroughbred horses, the Kentucky Derby and Mint Juleps. At least that's what I thought of until an insert on Louisville fell out of a magazine and, literally, right into my lap.  I thumbed through the pages and slowly realized I didn't know everything there was to know about Louisville after all.  With the Region 2 Conference only months away,  I thought I'd share a few of the things I learned.

Churchill Downs is the oldest continuously operating racetrack in the United States.  It opened in 1874 and the first Kentucky Derby was held the following year.   If you want to experience Derby Day excitement, races are run every day during the fall and spring.  In addition, there is a Kentucky Derby museum located at Gate 1 of Churchill Downs.  The museum features permanent exhibits on the history of thoroughbred racing and the Derby.  Visitors may also take guided tours of Churchill Downs and the paddock area.  In addition, backside tours of the barn area are available March through November.

If baseball is more your sport, then a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum should make your list.  The museum is located in downtown Louisville adjacent to the factory where the Louisville Slugger is still made.  Propped up against the museum building is the World's Biggest Bat.  The bat is 68,000 pounds of steel, stands 120 feet tall and is a scale replica of Babe Ruth's 34-inch Louisville Slugger. Inside the museum, visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits and a tour of the factory.

Another museum of interest is the Frazier Historical Arms Museum which opened in 2004.  This museum entertains visitors with the history of America and the British Isles from 1066 to the early 1900's as told through an extensive collection of American artifacts.   The museum boasts some 300 pieces from the Royal Armouries of Great Britain.

And, lest you think Louisville lacks a nightlife, I suggest you check out Fourth Street Live.  This $70 million entertainment complex in downtown Louisville offers a variety of venues, including an upscale bowling alley, a billiards club, a Country Music saloon and a Maker's Mark-themed bourbon lounge.   In addition to the restaurants downtown in Fourth Street Live, there are three other noted dining areas: Bardstown Road, Frankfort Avenue and Hurstborne. Each dining district has its own flair.  Every type of  menu from the eclectic to the All-American can be found in one or all of these areas.

Most important of all, I learned that the Region 2 Conference hotel – The Galt House – underwent a $50 million renovation in 2005.  This hotel is the only riverfront hotel in Louisville.  It's sure to be a beautiful setting for some networking and learning with all your friends.   So, make plans now to be in Louisville.  I'll have a Mint Julep with you!

Editor: Marianne M. Lawhead (mlawhead@sheastokes.com) (This publication is the property of the Atlanta Association of Legal Administrators. Reproduction or reprint without prior permission is strictly prohibited. Click here to request reprint permission.)

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