Loo-a-vul. Luh-vul. Loo-ee-ville. Loo-uh-ville. No matter how you say it, Louisville is a great place to visit, and Capture Higher Ed would know. It’s where we call home. While you’re in town for the NAGAP 2024 Graduate Enrollment Management Summit, let us be your local tour guide with Capture’s top tips for where to eat, grab a cocktail or just have a great time.
NuLu Marketplace
The East Market District, also referred to as NuLu, may be the hippest neighborhood in town. Just five blocks long, NuLu is a hub of activity and has been named one of the Best Neighborhoods in America.
The best place to start is the NuLu Marketplace, filled with restaurants, shops, and bars surrounding an open-air courtyard. Be sure to check out West Sixth Brewing, Gertie’s Whiskey Bar, and Revelry Boutique + Gallery.
Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse
Repeal is a historic restaurant on Whiskey Row that serves oak-fired steaks and seafood. As the former site of J.T.S. Brown & Sons Bourbon Company, the oak-aged bourbon barrels that feed the fires of the restaurant today are a nod to the location’s Prohibition Era roots.
Repeal is acclaimed for its menu and atmosphere. Menu favorites include the Repeal Style steak, the Dean Style steak, and Parker House rolls.
Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen
Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen is a western-style whiskey hall located in Downtown Louisville featuring an award-winning menu, hand-crafted cocktails, and live music.
Certified by the Stave & Thief Society, Merle’s has been named one of the 15 Best Bourbon Bars in America. The menu features award-winning fried chicken, BBQ, sandwiches, tacos, and a variety of plant-based options. Be sure to try to the Lip Smack’N Mac & Cheese – it has a cult following.
Urban Bourbon Trail
While a quick conference trip may not leave time to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the Urban Bourbon Trail is a great way to visit some of Kentucky’s best distilleries — without leaving downtown Louisville.
Pick up a UBT passport from the Louisville Visitor Center or any participating bar or restaurant. Collect over six stamps and redeem your passport for an exclusive Urban Bourbon Trailblazer t-shirt.
Louisville Slugger Museum
The Louisville Slugger Museum is a tribute to baseball history and offers an unforgettable experience showcasing the legends of America’s favorite pastime.
Discover the story behind the bats used by iconic players like Babe Ruth, witness the bat-making process during factory tours, and visit interactive exhibits. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a history buff, the Louisville Slugger Museum is a local staple.
Fourth Street Live!
Louisville’s top entertainment destination is in the middle of downtown — right down the road from the NAGAP conference hotel!
With a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, Fourth Street Live! offers a bit of everything for everyone all in one place.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park features a variety of art pieces, the famous Belle of Louisville riverboat, Big Four Bridge and so much more!
Not far from the conference hotel, this park is a great place to get fresh air, exercise, and hang out like a local.
Find Capture at NAGAP
Visit us in the exhibit hall at Booth 208 to connect with the Capture team during the conference. We would love to chat and share more local tips for your trip to Louisville.
Also, if you’d like to take this guide on the road with you, you can download the pdf here.
