Best Place to Have an Event/Party Mellwood Arts Center Mellwood Arts Center has three rooms to pick from, ranging from a smaller, more-intimate setting to one that can fit hundreds of people. It is the perfect place to have a wedding, considering Mellwood doesn’t charge extra if you bring in a caterer, and you are allowed to throw rose pedals (let’s be honest, that’s way better than bubbles). Not sold yet, not to worry — you can even bring your own alcohol. —Aleeza Gardner #2. Copper & Kings #3. Ice House
Best Local Landmark Churchill Downs I grew up near Churchill Downs, and, throughout the years, I have been lucky enough to see all sides of this historic racing grounds, from Millionaires Row to the infield and from the backside to the boxes. Every area has its own vibe, but no matter what area you’re in, one thing is always true: Everyone is there to have a good time, and they don’t mind if join in. —Ethan Smith #2. Big Four Bridge #3. Louisville Slugger Museum
Best Neighborhood The Highlands How can you pick just one neighborhood? What’s great about Louisville is that offers a diversity of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor of food, shopping and feel. But to be certain, The Highlands has a high concentration of restaurants and places to drink, dance and see comedy or plays (Oh, and buy vape and pot supplies). It also has beautiful Victorians and bungalows, and it is close to Cherokee Park. Perhaps, it also is where many LEO readers live, which could account for its winning. —Keith Stone #2. Germantown #3. Clifton
Best Place to take your Dog Cherokee Park My dog is hyper. She likes to run laps around the apartment for hours and then go on a run afterward. That kind of hyper. But one thing is guaranteed to settle her down, and that is taking her to Cherokee Park. We walk the many beautiful trails, play around in the creeks, and, if I’m feeling lazy, I can just let her run around in the Cherokee dog park. —Ethan Smith #2. The Parklands at Floyds Fork #3. Barkstown Road
Best Parade Kentucky Derby Festival It almost seems unfair to let the Pegasus Parade even compete in this category. As if anything in Louisville can compete with the pageantry and excitement surrounding Derby. Some people are fans of the celebrity guests, or the increasingly complicated floats and balloons from local business and non-profits, but, for me, the draw will always be the marching bands and the step teams, as Louisville’s teens and tweens show out for the whole city. —Eli Keel #2. St. Patrick’s Day Parade #3. Kentuckiana Pride Parade
Best Park Cherokee Park I’ve spent a lot of time in Cherokee Park: Going on hikes, walking my dog, meeting friends, having picnics, having barbecues, driving around to clear my mind, enjoying the summer, fall, and winter weather and going sledding when it snows. And since it’s right between Bardstown Road and Frankfort Avenue, I always end up eating some delicious food afterward. So it’s fair to say my hours (maybe even days) in the park were well-spent. —Ethan Smith #2. The Parklands at Floyds Fork #3. Seneca Park
Best Place to Take Kids in the Summer Kentucky Kingdom The summer fun is back (in local hands) where it began nearly 30 years ago. Kentucky Kingdom is the Louisville destination for summer days, filled with rides, roller coasters, games and attractions. With five roller coasters, dozens of other rides, a 5-D cinema, Hurricane Bay water park and King Louie’s Playland, for the younger patrons, the Kingdom promises days of fun for the whole family. If you missed making it there this summer, be sure to plan some summer fun in 2017 at Kentucky Kingdom. —Aaron Yarmuth #2. Louisville Zoo #3. Louisville Waterfront Park
