"Footsteps and Flavors: My Walkable Weekend in Louisville"

Hey travel family, welcome back! This post is an interesting one—not because I climbed Mount Everest or went whale watching, but because I WENT TO Kentucky. Yes, I’m just as surprised as you are. Kentucky was never on my “must-visit” list, but here we are. LOL!!

So, what made me book a trip to the land of horse racing, bourbon, and Kentucky Fried chicken?  A friend of mine sent me a meme that said, “Cross off the states that you’ve visited,” and that’s when I realized that I hadn’t really explored the U.S. like I should.

Colonel Sanders Statue

Now, I’m out here in these streets, challenging myself to visit at least two new states a year, in no particular order, rhyme or reason. And since you now have the why, let’s get into the fun details of the trip!

Spoiler alert: Bourbon tasting is serious business and definitely not for the faint of heart. I cannot confirm or deny this claim. It’s just a personal observation. HEHE! 😉

For this weekend trip, I booked a flight on Breeze Airways. I’m not even sure how I first discovered this low-cost, no-frills airline that offers limited amenities, but for a one-hour flight, I figured I could just read a book and pass the time. And of course, any seat selection or luggage upgrades come with extra cost.

The boarding process was quick and straightforward, but I’ll be honest, the seats weren’t the most comfortable. 😅However, the mini Biscoff cookies the flight attendant handed out made it a bit more tolerable. IJS.

After landing and getting settled, it was time to hit the ground running—because why waste a perfectly good weekend, right?

First stop: Dasha Barbour’s Southern Bistro

This cozy restaurant came highly recommended by Indy native and food blogger Foodlovetog—a spice slinger and true kitchen magician who knows her way around cooking from the heart.

The atmosphere was everything: warm laughs, R&B music floating through the air, and the unmistakable aroma of real Southern cooking. The vibes were laid-back, the portions were generous, and our waitress? Young, vibrant, and full of energy.  And let’s talk about those GREENS with turkey meat—they were HIT-TING. Like Thanksgiving on a Friday. Haha! We left full, happy and with two leftovers bags in hand. This was definitely a good start to the trip. Don’t judge me, friend. LOL

Signature Drinks @Dasha Barbour's

Next Stop: The Grüv

Not wanting to call it a night just yet, we decided to hang out a little longer in true Aunties in the Wild fashion. 😂 We pivoted over to The Grüv, a chill spot where we could vibe to some old school music and enjoy a beverage (or two). But once the playlist changed and I didn’t recognize a single song? Yeah ... it was time to call it a night. 😅

Day Two: Roots 101 African American Museum

The next day, we were fully rested and ready for round two of exploration and cultural immersion, which led us to Roots 101 African American Museum. I had read about this place before my trip and was genuinely excited to check it out—and let me tell you, IT DID NOT disappoint. From the moment we walked in, it felt powerful. The space was intentional and full of heart, with each exhibit telling a story that demanded your attention. Honestly? We easily spent close to three hours there—reading, observing, touching and reflecting. It wasn’t just an ordinary museum visit but a whole experience.

We also had the chance to meet the founder and curator, Lamont Collins, who didn’t shy away from sharing why this space was so important—and his bold, inspiring vision for the future. You could feel the passion behind every word, and it made the experience even more meaningful.

Mr. Lamont Collins and me

Saturday Night: The Sports & Social Club

After a full day of adventures and a little downtime, we figured, what else is there to do on a Saturday night? So, we headed over to The Sports & Social Club in the 4th Street Live! District for some Louisville nightlife. This spot had a little bit of everything: bowling, big screen TVs, adult sized Jenga, cornhole, skee-ball, and a few arcade games to keep things interesting.  I tried my hand at cornhole and, well, my arms aggressively reminded me the next day that I’m no longer a college student. LMBO!

Oh! I may have forgotten to mention that downtown Louisville is very walkable. So much so that by the end of day two, we had walked a little over seven miles. Feet, don’t fail me now! HAHA.

Final Stops: Muhammad Ali Center & Mussel & Burger Bar

To wrap up our weekend, we made sure to round the bases with a visit to the Muhammad Ali Center—because how could I come to Louisville and not want to learn more about The Greatest Boxer to ever live? Little did I know, he was much more than a boxer; he was also a philanthropist and social activist.

Muhammad Ali Center exhibit

The Muhammad Ali Center provides a glimpse into his life, chronicling everything from his humble beginnings and religious conversion to his activism, philanthropic work, and ultimately, his passing in 2016. The experience is interactive, making you feel like you’re a part of something bigger—not just a passive participant. It’s a well-curated journey filled with engaging videos and hands-on exhibits that offer real insight into the untold stories of the legend himself. And no, it’s not just for boxing fans ... so put your gloves down. HA!!

And of course, the Aunties were hungry afterward, so we did what any wise traveler would do: asked the young heads where to eat. Trust me, they always know where the good food is. HAHA. They pointed us to Mussel & Burger Bar, and that’s where this adventure came to a delicious end. The vibe was giving ‘grown and hungry’—a laid-back, adult pub feel with elevated, flavorful food served in a chill space.

Final Thoughts

My takeaway from this trip? Don’t judge a place based on its past or your own assumptions. Every city has layers to uncover, and Louisville, though it wasn’t on my radar, was an unforgettable adventure. Keep stepping out, exploring, and tasting new things, and share this with fellow travelers. If you’d like to support my caffeinated adventures, check out (CashApp, Venmo or PayPal donation links). See you on the next journey! 🌍✈️ Blessings!