April 26, 2014 – Jayden’s 6th birthday
Our first full day in Louisville was full of fun. While it was barely spring back at home, summer was in full effect in Louisville. Some warm southern comfort was just what we needed after a long winter and fickle transition into spring. Jayden had grown quite a bit within the year and we discovered that one of the outfits that we packed was too small. Sooo we had to make another dash to Walmart for an outfit which he would wear on day 3. Talk about unprepared!
We continued our way downtown to celebrate the birthday boy. Downtown Louisville is such a beautiful sight!
We found ourselves a parking spot for the Sienna and began our journey. While trying to snap a photo of the van, I captured Greg and Juicy – total paparazzi moment!
First stop, Louisville Slugger museum!
The Louisville Slugger Museum is relatively small, filled with interesting exhibits and nuggets of history, but the baseball factory tour is what really makes it shine. We were able to get a behind the scenes look at how the world famous Louisville Slugger bats are crafted. I was kind of bummed that we were unable to take photos in the factory, but the miniature bats we got to take home made up for it.
After our tour, we spent some time perusing different areas of the museum. Jayden got in on the batting cages and the juicy one watched from the dugout.
In the Looney Tunes room, we got in a family photo. What’s a family vacation without ’em?
Before heading off to our next stop, we paused outside for a mommy and her cublets photo. It’s my most favoritist photo ever. You may have seen it around all my online hangout spots. 😉
We ventured on over to the Kentucky Science Center and I wasn’t ready for the hours we’d spend there. The museum consists of several floors of zones for kids to play and let their imaginations run wild. With that said, it truly should be called “The Kentucky Children’s Museum”. There are only a few exhibits for adults, but the offering for kids is pretty amazing.
We spent what seemed like an eternity at the science museum. Seriously, if you are looking to keep your littles occupied for a while, stop by the Kentucky Science Center. Bored would be a word long forgotten.
We wrapped up our museum hopping and headed to Bristol Bar and Grille for dinner. It was packed and under normal circumstances, we would have needed a reservation, but the host was able to seat us outside. Hallelu! I was starving.
The boys enjoyed chicken strips and chips. Greg had the Kentucky Bourbon Shrimp and Steak Sandwich. I had the famous Green Chili Wontons and a creole pasta dish no longer on the menu. Greg really enjoyed his entire meal. Both dishes were very well flavored and the steak was tender and juicy. I wish I had ordered the same.
My Chili Wontons were enjoyable, very cheesy, but I would have liked to taste more of the peppers. I had worked myself up for a savory creole dish and the pasta dish was on the bland side. Truthfully, I was in my feelings since we rarely dine out. I wanted to be blown away, and sadly, I wasn’t. The dining experience was great though. Our waiter was extremely attentive and took care of us.
What’s a birthday without ice cream?
After dinner, we were pretty wiped out, so it was back to the hotel to rest up for our final day in Louisville.
See // Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Pros: The factory tour is amazing. The museum is small enough to enjoy and not become overwhelmed.
Cons: None!
Play // Kentucky Science Center
Pros: Several floors of exciting exhibits for children.
Cons: None.
Eat // Bristol Bar and Grille Downtown
Pros: Excellent, accommodating staff. Chill environment outside on the patio.
Cons: The Chili Wontons are good, but could use more kick from the peppers. It seems they’ve removed the creole pasta dish from the menu, so maybe I wasn’t the only who didn’t enjoy it?
MORE FROM THE SERIES:
Weekending In Louisville: Day 1
This post was in partnership with Toyota who provided us with a Sienna to drive and a stipend for activities throughout the #SiennaDiaries campaign. We also received complimentary tickets to attractions courtesy of the folks at Louisville. Per usual, all opinions are my own.