Louisville is home to Churchill Downs with a live racing season in May, June, September and early October. After a day at the races, the lobby bar makes for a perfect place to celebrate your winnings or drown your losses with a tumbler of smooth Kentucky bourbon. Walking through the lobby, you can almost feel money dripping from the ceiling and oozing from the walls. Who it’s for: Kentucky Derby bucket listers Why it’s great: With more than 100 years of refined elegance, The Brown Hotel is the pride of Louisville. Must-do list: 1875: The Steakhouse ( 8670 W., IN-56, French Lick, IN, 81), Hoosier National Forest Where to stay: French Lick Resort ( 8670 IN-56, French Lick, IN, 88) First song on your playlist: “Night and Day” by Diana Krall The trek: Seven hours east more: Visit to read Joan Whitaker’s story about her experience in French Lick. Bonus: French Lick is the childhood home of basketball great Larry Bird. Be sure to make a reservation for a window table in 1875: The Steakhouse at French Lick Springs Hotel for a romantic dinner. Today though, guests come to enjoy a poolside afternoon, hike miles of trails in the adjacent Hoosier National Forest, saddle up for a trail ride, take aim on the shooting clay range, try their luck in the onsite casino, hit the links or just sit on the expansive front porch with a cool drink and watch the world go by. Both earned notoriety from the medicinal waters that flow through the property. Who it’s for: Couples on a romantic anniversary trip Why it’s great: The resort is actually two beautiful hotels-French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel-set a mile apart.

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