Louisville Guest Blogger: Andrea D. Meriwether
Discover Andrea D. Meriwether’s top recommendations for things to see, eat and experience around Louisville.
Experiential food and beverage curator, Andrea D. Meriwether encourages the history and foodie-curious to explore like a tourist and eat and drink like a tastemaker.
As a long time resident, Meriwether has lived in Louisville for 30 years and serves on Louisville Tourism’s Black Tourism Advisory Council. Her goal is to bring a diverse, millennial entrepreneur perspective to tourism that pays homage to the Black Louisville narrative while using her voice and talent to participate in the economic development of the city she calls home. Here are a few of her top must-visit spots in and around the area.
Top Restaurants to Visit
1. Shirley Mae's - As a foodie and Shirley Mae's culinary is the closest to your grandmothers expression of homemade, fresh, southern , community inspired dining. Its also historically located in what was formerly a slave settlement area in Louisville. When you visit, be sure to check out the impressive celebrity wall —there is a picture of Joe Louis serving his whiskey to patrons!
Top 5 musts for the Quintessential Black Experience in Louisville
1. E&S Art Gallery - America’s oldest and largest African-American owned and operated fine art and custom framing gallery.
2. Shirley Mae's Cafe - The best soul food and southern cuisine around.
3. KULA Gallery - From art exhibitions to yoga classes to live performances, KULA Gallery is the place to be and the event space to check out.
4. Muhammad Ali Center - This museum is dedicated to sharing the story of the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali. Definitely a must-visit when you come to Louisville.
5. Roots 101 - Explore the history of slavery in America with a powerful and informative visit to the Roots African American Museum
Top Places to Grab a Drink
1. Brendons Catch 23 - This place has a great selection of Kentucky Bourbons with over 100 different kinds to choose from.
2. TASTE - Taste is Nulu's oldest and original bourbon-wine-cocktail bar and retail store since 2009.
Best Place to Stay in the City
Hotel Distil - Right in the heart of Whiskey Row, this luxury hotel has modern amenities with historic charm and is walkable to a lot of local bars and attractions.
Favorite Seasonal Event
The Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour - Step inside Louisville’s historic Victorian mansions while dressed for the holidays and take a self-guided walking tour of the grandest homes in the city.
Best way to drink your bourbon
Neat
What else you should know about Louisville
It's a small town that is culture rich, and serves major bourbon vibes.
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Coming to Shirley Mae's Café is like coming home to dinner. In a quaint little clay-brick building on the corner of Clay & Lampton Streets in downtown Louisville, KY, you'll find Shirley…
E & S Gallery specializes in original and limited edition African-American art, custom framing and unique home furnishing items. For more than 20 years, E & S has built a reputation of…
A contemporary art gallery and venue located in the heart of downtown Louisville.
Located in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the Muhammad Ali Center is a cultural attraction and international education center that is inspired by the ideals of its founder Muhammad Ali. The…
The Roots101: African American Museum will be a museum dedicated to telling the story of the African American journey from Africa to all the ports between!
Brendon's Catch 23 is a Chef-Driven Restaurant featuring Seafood, with Steak, Low Country and Hand Held Options in Downtown Louisville.
Hotel Distil is for those who thirst for new experiences. It's an authentic hotel in a historic location on Louisville's Whiskey Row. It's a home for connoisseurs of the finest comforts and…