Golf Guide: Louisville - KY

The first Saturday in May is not officially the most important day of the year in Louisville, but unofficially no day ranks higher than Kentucky Derby Day. When the dapper gentlemen and hat-bedecked ladies settle into their seats in the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs, with hope on their minds and mint juleps and the Daily Racing Form in their hands, the vibrancy and tradition are palpable. And when the gates open and the "most exciting two minutes in sports" transforms from anticipation and potential into a blur of thunderous motion, Louisville is simply perfect.

Yet travelers visiting this city of 750,000 need not attend the Derby (or the Kentucky Oaks the Friday before the big event) in order to feel as though they've won. Visitors can take tours of Churchill Downs throughout the year (the Barn & Backside Tour is particularly good), and fans of horseracing should not miss the onsite Kentucky Derby Museum.

Boxing fans, particularly those fond of or obsessed with The Greatest, should allot plenty of time for a visit to the Muhammad Ali Center, just down the street from the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, which is not all that far from Proof on Main, the 21c Museum Hotel and the Brown Hotel, all worthy stops on a Louisville tour. Lynn's Paradise Caf￩, to travelers who love breakfast, is more than worthy: It's a must.

As for golf: Tee it up at Persimmon Ridge, a stellar Arthur Hills course that won Golf Digest's 2007 Outstanding Design Award.