Welcome to Louisville! Free Will Baptists return to the “Slugger City” for the third time July 16-19. Settled along the banks of the Ohio River where Interstates 64, 65, and 71 meet, Louisville is an easy day’s drive from most Free Will Baptist churches. And who wouldn’t want to attend a convention in the city where the celebratory “high five” was created?
MOVE
Getting around Louisville is a breeze, with restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions within an easy walking distance of the Galt House. For those with limited mobility, the city offers Zero Bus, a free shuttle that loops through the downtown area, with stops at all major attractions.
One important transportation note: starting January 2017, the state of Kentucky began charging tolls to cross the two I-65 bridges connecting Downtown Louisville and Southern Indiana. These include the new Abraham Lincoln Bridge and the improved John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. Those without a RiverLink pass can expect a bill to arrive in the mail within a month, with fees ranging from $2 to $12, depending on the vehicle size.
If travel plans take you into Southern Indiana, you may take the 2nd Street bridge (Highway 31-W), which parallels I-65, or cross into New Albany via I-64 without incurring tolls.
EAT
According to TripAdvisor.com, Louisville boasts 1,445 restaurants in the greater metropolitan area. No shortage of eats in this town! According to the Louisville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, more than 20 “sit-down” restaurants lie within a four-block radius of the Galt House, with plentiful group of quick options for family or youth group:
- SmashBurger, 312 S 4th St
- Subway, 129 W Market St / 411 S 4th St #2
- Quizno’s Subs, 223 S 5th St
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 302 S 4th St
- Jimmy John’s, 415 W Jefferson St
- Qdoba, 312 South 4th St
“Foodies” will want to sample a variety of Louisville favorites. The Hot Brown is an open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce. Sweet tooth? Try the rich, dark chocolate flavors of Derby Pie. Be sure to take home a bag of Modjeska candy—a marshmallow covered with rich, buttery caramel and named after Polish actress Helena Modjeska, who performed frequently in Louisville in the late 1800s. (Be sure to stop by the Executive Office exhibit from Monday to Wednesday to sample this delightful concoction.)
Want to try local flavor while contributing to a good cause? Make the five-minute, two-mile drive to The Table. Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this popular neighborhood eatery serves up more than great farm-to-table local recipes. With a Christ-centered mission, the restaurant also gives back to the community, offering a “pay what you can” option for residents who could not otherwise afford the meal. In addition, the restaurant works cooperatively with other community ministries to “make good happen in the community by being the hands and feet of Jesus.”
Sharon, a volunteer at The Table, shared her excitement about what the café is doing: “I’ve always been a believer in giving a hand up, not a handout. This restaurant is doing this, and I am glad to be a small part.”
The Table is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. I recommend the meatloaf melt with beet relish and smoked cheddar. Wow!
FUN
With three home games scheduled during the convention, sports fans can take in a Louisville Bats game (Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds) at Louisville Slugger Stadium.
Museum Row on Main is only steps away from meeting facilities. With ten museums in four blocks, visitors will find something for everyone, from the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum, home to the largest baseball bat in the world, to the Frazier History Museum and Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery, a truly unusual working art museum.
(DON’T) SPILL THE BEANS
One of the most common convention concerns is: “Where do we find good coffee?” Several great options are available within walking distance of the Galt House.
Located off Main Street, Heine Brothers Coffee Shop has a unique look that piques the interest of passerby. With a strong, robust flavor and amazing taste, the shop definitely wows its customers. Not only does the unique organic flavor make the experience enjoyable, but it definitely encourages a second visit.
Press-on Market is a nifty hangout, a good place to stop and savor coffee, tea, smoothie, or sweet. With a modern vibe and one-of-a-kind character, the Market has a charm beneficial to its customers. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it offers plentiful workspace without being disturbed by others.
Sunergos Coffee has a rich, bold flavor that will surely amaze its customers. This tiny room has no seating, but the wonderful customer service makes for a pleasant experience in a small amount of time.
+ Sunergos Coffee, 231 S 5th St
+ Heine Brothers, 516 W Main St / 462 S 4th St
+ Press-On Market, 252 E Market St
+ Starbuck’s, 101 S 5th St
+ Dunkin’ Donuts, 312 S 4th St
Coffee photo and reviews courtesy of Victoria Thomsen.