Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
A trip to Louisville for GIE+EXPO is supposed to be filled with business-improving knowledge and connections. But make sure you make some time to enjoy the outdoors while in Kentucky. You might bring your kids along to some of these locations, or have your employees who made the trip with you join in on the fun. Your furry friends can also tag along for some adventures!
1. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
Only 30 minutes from the Kentucky Exposition Center, Yew Dell has gardens, an arboretum and hiking trails. Dogs are welcome every Sunday in October. If you wander the grounds with your pup, be sure to share a photo with us on social media using the hashtag #petslovelawns!
2. The Parklands of Floyds Park
A combined total of 4,000 acres makes the Parklands a one-stop destination for hiking, biking and fishing. The Strand connects all four parks for even more exploring. The Sky Dome, within Turkey Run Park, is one of the highest points of the Parklands for a great 360-degree view. If you aren’t planning to bring a bicycle along to GIE+EXPO, you can rent a bike in Pope Lick Park.
3. Jefferson Memorial Forest
The largest municipal urban forest in the U.S., visitors can camp for the full outdoor experience. Go Ape! Treetop Adventures is a two- or three-hour journey atop the trees with various zip lines, swings and obstacles to test your skills.
4. McNeely Lake Park
Owned by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, the 46-acre lake is a popular fishing spot. The pier can also accommodate boaters. There are also wide-open spaces dedicated to flying model airplanes.
5. The Louisville Zoo
For those business owners who bring family along to GIE+EXPO, the zoo is only about 5 miles from the Kentucky Exposition Center. The zoo will host “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” while you’re in town, so be sure to visit the Adopt-a-Garden program. It is the zoo’s volunteer botanical gardening program geared toward experienced gardeners who are assigned a site within the zoo to plant and maintain throughout the season.
6. Iroquois Park
Beginning at dusk every night, guests can walk through a 1/4-mile pathway decorated with the spirit of Halloween. About 5,000 lit up jack-o’-lanterns will line the walkway.
Bonus picks:
- University of Louisville campus and stadium
- Churchill Downs