Louisville's Hometown Tourist Celebration

Now that your Derby guests have gone, and your cousin from California has finally moved his RV from your front lawn, you can finally take advantage of Louisville’s wonderful Spring weather by becoming a tourist in your own hometown. Enjoy the city’s most popular attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels at a reduced rate as part of Louisville’s annual Hometown Tourist Celebration, underway May 4-31, 2015.

In an effort to champion the power of travel and educate the local community about everything there is to see, do and enjoy in their own backyard, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Hometown Tourist Celebration is held each year in conjunction with National Travel & Tourism Week. This year’s month-long celebration features deep discounts at more than 80 area attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels. Just show up and bring your valid Kentucky or Indiana ID, local college ID or military ID for some serious savings.

In addition to special offers, several free events will be under way in Louisville during Hometown Tourist Month. Here are some highlights:

Sidewalk Sales – Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Louisville Visitors Center (Fourth and Jefferson streets). Discounts on a variety of Louisville souvenirs.

Hometown Quest Scavenger Hunt – Saturdays May 9, 16 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at the Louisville Visitors Center (Fourth and Jefferson streets) for this part race, part scavenger hunt and part historical sightseeing tour in downtown Louisville, organized by the Louisville Quest. Once you’ve completed all of the tasks on this 60-minute adventure, return to the Louisville Visitors Center and get an official Louisville tumbler cup.

The #LouisvilleLove Photo Challenge – Locals (and visitors, too) are encouraged to share photos of their favorite places and experiences in Louisville and tag them on social media with #LouisvilleLove. Then, stop by the Louisville Visitors Center (Fourth and Jefferson streets) to show your photo to a travel counselor, who will reward you with your very own #LouisvilleLove selfie button (just plug the device into the headphone jack of your iPhone or Android, say cheese and start snapping photos). The photo challenge runs year-long – May 4, 2015 through May 2016. The photographers of the two best photos will each be awarded a $2,500 prize during the 2016 Hometown Tourist Celebration. (Selfie buttons are limited to the first 250 participants during the month of May. Limit one per person). Also, check out the #LouisvilleLove Photo Exhibit featuring photographer Michelle Seivers' collection of photos, which showcase her favorite local vantage points for taking photos of the Louisville skyline. It’s on display at the Louisville Visitors Center through the end of May.