LTPD Travels from Home to Jack-O-Lantern in Louisville, KY

Another bus trip we had planned to take this fall was to Louisville, KY for Jack O' Lantern Spectacular! This overnight trip has been really popular in the past and I know we had a lot of excitement of traveling here again, myself included! Re-scheduled for next year, we now have some time to learn more about this trip, the event and Louisville!

---

Named after King Louis XVI of France, Louisville was founded in 1778 and officially became the first incorporated city in Kentucky in 1828. Known for it's Bourbon, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), boxer Muhammed Ali, Churchill Downs, Louisville Slugger Museum and more - Louisville sure knows how to keep its tourists busy and entertained!

Things To See & Activities

Jack O' Lantern Spectacular

Going on it's 8th year with over 5,000 carved and illuminated pumpkins, Louisville's Jack O' Lantern Spectacular provides enjoyment for the whole family. With a different theme and music every time, this event keeps you coming back year after year for a walk along the jack-o-lanterns.

This year, due to COVID- 19, the event has turned into a drive-thru. Normally, you can walk the path and get a close up view of the jack-o-lanterns that catch your attention along the way! You don't have to come with a group to visit the event but if you don't you can expect anywhere from a 1-2.5 hour wait. Traveling with LTPD, you'll be able to have dinner right at the event site and have an assigned time to enter! Check out some of the pictures below!

Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

The most exciting two-minutes in sports & the most legendary racetrack in the world started in 1875; the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs! What many don't know is that the Kentucky Derby spans over one weekend in the spring, then there is other races going on throughout the year that you can attend. Floppy hats optional - but many seating areas at Churchill Downs have a dress code.

Learn more here, and watch a short clip below on the history of Churchill Downs.

Louisville Slugger Museum

Known for its 120-foot bat outside at the entrance of the building, the Louisville Slugger Museum is where guests can experience the production process in the factory!

Belle of Louisville

Built in 1914 the Belle of Louisville is an authentic steamboat and historic icon on the Ohio River. Cruises for the public offer sight-seeing options, dinner cruises and live entertainment.

Looking for adventure?

Louisville's Mega Cavern offers activities for the most adventurous & daring of tourists!

This man-made cavern began in the 1930's and now offers tourists zip-lining, tram and bike tours and walking tours to see this 100-acre limestone cavern. To learn more information and history, click here.

Activities From Home

While Louisville may be a 5 hour drive from Lockport, you can still participate in the Halloween festivities from home! Lockport Township Park District and the surrounding area have a ton to do to get you in the Halloween spirit without having to travel too far!

•Build a scarecrow and participate in Lockport Township Park Districts' "Scarecrow Lane

-Deadline to register is October 12th! Or you can participate in voting/viewing 10/18-11/1

•Drive-in movie at "Hollywood at Hassert Park" presented by Lockport Township Park District -Friday, 10/23 showing Hocus Pocus and The Ring! View more info here

•Visit your local pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin to carve at home

•Go apple picking and bake an apple pie (Recipe Here)

What to eat

Louisville isn't just about the bourbon, although you will find plenty here, their food is also a big commodity! From dishes like the Hot Brown, 'Derby Pie', and Cornbread Pancakes to drinks like the infamous Mint Julep and Sweet Tea & Bourbon Cocktail there is plenty to indulge in!

Louisville's most popular dish, The Hot Brown

Back in the 1920's The Brown Hotel in Louisville would hold evening dinner events that had over 1,000 people attend each time. Guests would stay up all night dancing and would find themselves wandering into the restaurant as the sun was coming up looking for something to eat. Thus, the hot brown was invented! Below is the recipe for the hot brown, directly from The Brown Hotel! For more history on the hotel and the famous Hot Brown click here!

THE WORLD-FAMOUS HOT BROWN

INGREDIENTS

Makes Two Hot Browns

 

•2 oz. Whole Butter •Salt and Pepper to Taste

•2 oz. All Purpose Flour •14 oz. Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast, Slice Thick

•8 oz. Heavy Cream •4 Slices of Texas Toast (Crust Trimmed)

•8 oz. Whole Milk •4 Slices of Crispy Bacon •½ Cup of Pecorino Romano Cheese •2 Roma Tomatoes, Sliced in Half Plus 1 Tablespoon for Garnish •Paprika

•Pinch of Ground Nutmeg •Parsley

In a two‑quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium‑low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk heavy cream and whole milk into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2‑3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste.

For each Hot Brown, place two slices of toast with the crusts cut off in an oven safe dish – one slice is cut in half corner to corner to make two triangles and the other slice is left in a square shape - then cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomato and two toast points and set them alongside the base of the turkey and toast. Next, pour one half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place the entire dish in the oven. Suggested bake time is 20 minutes at 350º. When the cheese begins to brown and bubble, remove from oven, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately.

Did you know? Each year, over 120,000 mint juleps are consumed at Churchill Downs!

Click here for a Mint Julep recipe straight from the Kentucky Derby!

Where to Stay

All cities have their budget friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts and Air bnbs; but with LTPD our normal plans when staying in Louisville for Jack O' Lantern Spectacular is The Galt House! This centralized and waterfront property is ideal for travelers and groups since you are just steps from some of the most popular attractions in Downtown Louisville.

The Lingo

For more information on Louisville, KY, visit https://www.gotolouisville.com/

Hopefully you enjoyed your visit to Louisville, KY from the comfort of your home! Keep a look out for more travels from home with LTPD Travel by subscribing to our blog!

LTPD Travel is a travel program through Lockport Township Park District offering day and overnight trips from Lockport, IL.

Check out our website at Lockportpark.org!