Where to begin? Well we got started today with our traditional trip to the zoo. We always visit at least one zoo on our summer trips. Today it was the Louisville Zoo. At first we were not really thrilled with the zoo, as some of the animals seemed thin and were being kept in habitats that felt to be way to small. The further we ventured in the more we seemed to enjoy the attributes unique to this zoo, beginning with the sky adventures rope course. My kids took turns begging me to let them go and seeing I really wanted to harness up too, I naturally conceded. I sent the kids up first while I snapped a few pictures. After a few mins of watching them, it dawned on me that my kids were tethered to a rope that was hooked to a steal beam three stories in the air and so I casual rushed over to get my harness on so I could feel better about my decision to allow my kids so much “fun!” I must admit being three floors up walking across a single braid of rope with only a looped rope to hold onto certainly gets your heart going. We all survived and moved on to see lots of great animals including a rather large rattle snake preparing to enjoy his main entree of freshly killed RAT! YUM!!! NOT!!! Anyone that knows me well, understands there are only two animals I hate and am terrified of, snakes and spiders. Well, the Louisville Zoo is a great place to experience both! YIKES! This zoo even has its own water park which we chose to pass on. After the zoo, it was back over to Churchill Downs only this time not for a race but a behinds the scenes tour and a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum. Churchill downs, I was impressed to learn, houses up to 1400 horses at a time and the approximately 500 of the hired hands reside on the property. I was disappointed to learn that many of these people are illegal’s and that they live there for free but I was equally surprised by the fact the entire back of Churchill is like a small community with a church and a school and a little store. We were privileged to see one of the current stars…. “MIND THAT BIRD” hanging out in his stall! We learned all about the working of the track, the jockeys, the trainers, and the Kentucky Derby Race itself. We experienced a 360 degree movie, and enjoyed a truly awesome derby museum. It was really a great experience. Being that we were famished, we decided to try a local favorite that was recommended to us, “Beef O Bradys.” Lets just say that if you are in Louisville and want to have some great wings and watch a ton of sports with a few friends and cocktails head on over. If it’s a meal you want, pass this one by. Finally, we headed over to the Louisville Slugger Stadium for a AAA game. We watched the Louisville Bats vs the Philly Iron Pigs. It was a great game with great seats and a very family friendly atmosphere. The tickets prices were very reasonable but the food, well it’s a ball field so of course they were crazy. We left a in the top of the 7th but the Bats were up by two with a score of 6-4. Great Day? ABSOLUTELY! We’re loading up and heading off for some cave exploring tomorrow!! Stay Tuned!
Money Saving Tip: When traveling, never stay in a hotel without a complimentary breakfast. Four a family of four traveling for a week, you will save an average of $200 for the week.
