A Century of Sizzle: Louisville’s Iconic Hot Brown Graces the 2026 Visitor Guide Cover

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2026) — Louisville Tourism, the city’s destination marketing organization, has released the 2026 edition of its annual Louisville Visitor Guide, a 110‑page magazine showcasing the city’s top attractions, distinctive neighborhoods, signature events, bourbons, culinary highlights, and more.

This year’s cover celebrates Louisville’s most iconic dish—the Hot Brown—as the beloved open‑faced sandwich commemorates its 100th anniversary. First created in 1926 at Louisville’s historic Brown Hotel, the Hot Brown has grown into a culinary symbol of the city and a must‑try for visitors from around the globe.

“Invented by our original chef, Fred Schmidt, in 1926 to delight late-night diners, the Hot Brown has become a true Louisville institution,” said Marc Salmon, General Manager of The Brown Hotel. “Every day—whether in our restaurants, at the front desk, or even on the drive in from the airport—our guests ask why this dish is so popular. Our answer is always the same: it’s authentic and authentically Louisville. The Hot Brown is as warm and inviting as the city itself, which may be why it has endured for nearly a century—and why the recipe remains unchanged.”

Hot Brown lore traces back to the Roaring Twenties, when as many as 1,200 guests gathered nightly at the Brown Hotel for dinner and dancing. After an evening in the hotel’s Crystal Ballroom, many sought a hearty late‑night meal. As diners grew tired of the standard ham‑and‑eggs offering, the hotel’s chefs crafted a new indulgent dish —and the Hot Brown was born.

The legendary open-faced sandwich features Texas toast topped with thick‑sliced turkey, creamy Mornay sauce, bacon, and tomatoes, baked until bubbling and golden. Today, enjoying a Hot Brown is a bucket‑list experience for many Louisville visitors. While the classic recipe remains beloved, the dish has inspired countless variations across the city—from Hot Brown pizzas to vegetarian interpretations.

The 2026 Visitor Guide cover, photographed by Louisville‑based photographer Mickie Winters of Winters Photography Co., features a Hot Brown prepared by The Brown Hotel’s culinary team. Styled on classic pottery from Louisville‑founded Stoneware & Co., the scene includes bourbon balls, Louisville‑themed playing cards by local artist Bri Bowers, and iconic local beverages: a bourbon neat, a mint julep in a commemorative Derby cup, and a bottle of Ale‑8‑One. Introduced in 1926, Kentucky’s original soft drink is a fitting companion for the Hot Brown, which also made its debut that same year.

“The Louisville Visitor Guide is your roadmap to the city—highlighting everything from festivals, sports, arts, and dining to bourbon experiences and distinctive neighborhoods,” said Cleo Battle, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. “With a salute to the Hot Brown’s centennial on the cover, this edition is a great tool to help travelers plan unforgettable time in Bourbon City.”

Additional features in the 2026 guide include Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Experience, the enduring legacy of Muhammad Ali, profiles of century‑old local businesses, “A Gatsby’s Guide to Louisville,” and a timeline celebrating more than 150 years of Kentucky Derby history.

The guide is available for free at the Louisville Visitor Center (301 S. Fourth St.), select hotels and attractions, and welcome centers throughout Kentucky. Visitors can request a free copy or browse the digital edition at www.gotolouisville.com/travel-tools/visitor-guide.