Known for its rich history and thriving arts scene, Louisville, KY is a city that offers a unique blend of Southern charm and urban excitement. From the iconic Kentucky Derby to the vibrant culinary scene, there’s always something new to discover in this dynamic city. Whether you’re settling into a new apartment in Louisville or have been a longtime resident, this Redfin article will dive into some fun facts about Louisville you’ll want to know.

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Quick facts about Louisville

1. The Hot Brown was invented in Louisville

Louisville is the birthplace of the Hot Brown, a delicious open-faced sandwich consisting of turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce. This iconic dish was first created at downtown Louisville’s Brown Hotel in the 1920s and has since become a beloved local specialty.

2. Louisville is the birthplace of the cheeseburger (depending on who you ask)

In 1934, the first recorded instance of a cheeseburger being served was at Kaelin’s Restaurant in Louisville. The owner, Carl Kaelin, trademarked the name “cheeseburger” and the rest is history. While some might argue over the true origins of this American classic (Pasadena, CA would like a word), it certainly makes for a delicious fun fact about Louisville.

3. The world’s largest baseball hat resides in Louisville

Louisville is home to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where visitors can see the world’s largest baseball bat, which stands at 120 feet tall and weighs 68,000 pounds.

4. The Old Fashioned cocktail was first made in Louisville

The Old Fashioned cocktail was first created in Louisville in the 1880s. It is said to have been invented at the Pendennis Club by a bartender named James E. Pepper.

5. Louisville is the home of an iconic steamboat

The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world. Built in 1914, it is a National Historic Landmark and offers public cruises and private charters on the Ohio River. A trip on the Belle of Louisville is perfect for locals looking to do some sightseeing or enjoy a fancy four-course meal aboard an iconic vessel.

6. The “Happy Birthday” song was written by Louisville locals

The famous “Happy Birthday to You” song was written by sisters Mildred and Patty Hill, who were both born in Louisville. The song is now sung all over the world to celebrate birthdays. While the sisters never copyrighted the song, The Summy Company eventually did before selling the rights to Warner/Chappell Music for $25 million.

7. The site of a mine was converted into a tourist attraction

The Louisville Mega Cavern is a 100-acre underground limestone mine that has been converted into a tourist attraction. It offers zip lining, underground bike park, tram tours, and even a holiday lights display during the winter. Despite being a converted mine, the cavern is technically classified as a building by local and state governments.

8. Louisville is a bourbon lover’s paradise

Louisville is the gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and is known for its thriving bourbon culture. The Urban Bourbon Trail features over 40 bars and restaurants where visitors can sample a wide variety of bourbon cocktails. 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky, so it’s only fitting that such an attraction runs through Louisville.

9. Happy hour is pet-friendly in Louisville

Louisville is known for its dog-friendly culture, and many bars and restaurants host “Happy Tail Hours” where patrons can bring their furry friends to socialize and enjoy special treats.

10. Louisville hosts the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival

The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is the oldest free Shakespeare festival in the United States. It takes place in Louisville’s Central Park and features professional productions of the Bard’s plays every summer. The event has been held in some form since 1949, and the first Shakespeare play performed was The Taming of the Shrew in 1953.

Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.