The Glitter Ball City Walking Tour with the Author Himself

Louisville , United States

The Glitter Ball City Walking Tour with the Author Himself

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(11 reviews)

2h - 3h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Since 2004, Louisville Historic Tours offers the ORIGINAL guided walks of Old Louisville. This recent addition to our line-up is unique in that it is always guided by our founder and local writer, David Dominé, himself!

Because of the success of his recent true-crime memoir, A DARK ROOM IN GLITTER BALL CITY, throngs of visitors have been flocking our way to check out the sites featured in the story, which reviewers have referred to as "the next Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." This narrated jaunt through Old Louisville provides the perfect opportunity for fans to spend time with the author while learning about his writing process and inspirations.

Included in this adventure are a visit inside the stunning Conrad-Caldwell Mansion, as well a welcome cocktail and souvenirs. Each participant also receives an autographed, personalized copy of the book, in addition to a sweet treat. The group size is kept small, so sign up now and reserve your spot for when David is in town!

Available options

The Glitter Ball City Walking Tour with the Author Himself

What's included

Alcoholic Beverages

Glitter Ball City Souvenir!

Autographed Copy of A DARK ROOM IN GLITTER BALL CITY

A Sweet Treat!

Detailed itinerary

With more than a thousand structures spread out over 40 square blocks, Old Louisville is one of the largest historic districts in the United States. This is a transitional neighborhood and you should expect to encounter things you would in any larger city. Panhandlers and homeless people, for example, are often found along Fourth Street at the north edge of the neighborhood. This is a walking tour and we do not enter any structures, as most of the houses in Old Louisville are private residences. We do stop in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, and you can arrange with them to tour the mansion for a fee.

This is a walking tour and we do not enter any structures, as most of the houses in Old Louisville are private residences. We do stop in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, and you can arrange with them to tour the mansion for a fee.

Just like its famous cousin in New York City, Louisville's Central Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. With 14 acres of native tree species and shaded walkways, this four-square-block space counts as the green heart of the neighborhood. It's also where Shakespeare in the Park takes place each summer, since 1961, making it the nation's oldest free outdoor Shakespeare event.

Built in 1905, the Ferguson Mansion once counted as the grandest home in the city. A splendid example of Beaux Arts architecture, it today is headquarters for the Filson Historical Society. Visits can be arranged separately.

At the heart of the old Millionaires Row, the Bernheim Mansion features green men arranged around a triple Roman-arched porch. This is just one of the features that sets this impressive Richardsonian Romanesque mansion apart.

Hear the legend of a famous gnarled and twisted tree where witches used to meet!

Since the 1890s, this lovely fountain featuring a statue of Venus rising from the sea has been the symbol of Old Louisville.

What's not included

Public transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for visitors with mobility issues

Meeting point

Get to the Old Louisville Brewery (625 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208) 10-15 minutes early, check in at the bar, and enjoy your Glitter Ball Cocktail (or Mocktail)! Be ready to depart on time! There is usually plenty of free street parking.

Important notes

Meet DAVID DOMINÉ several minutes before the tour start time and wear comfortable walking shoes. Tours depart from in front of the "Welcome to Old Louisville" sign at the southwest corner of South Fourth Street and West Ormsby Avenue. Plan on about 2 1/2 hours for the tour. Please treat your tour tickets as you would concert or theater tickets. If you miss your tour, there are no refunds; if you arrive late, it is up to you to find your guide. The tour may be cancelled if there are not enough people signed up. In that case, you will be refunded or you may move to a different time or day.

About Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and the famous Kentucky Derby. Nestled along the Ohio River, it offers a unique blend of Southern charm and Midwestern hospitality, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Churchill Downs

Home of the Kentucky Derby, this historic racetrack offers tours and year-round racing events.

Historical/Entertainment 2-3 hours for a tour Free to enter, tours from $18

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

A must-visit for baseball fans, this museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Louisville Slugger bats.

Museum 1-2 hours $20 for adults, $15 for children

Muhammad Ali Center

Dedicated to the life and legacy of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, this museum offers interactive exhibits and a glimpse into his personal and professional life.

Museum/Cultural 1-2 hours $22 for adults, $15 for children

The Frazier History Museum

This museum offers a comprehensive look at Kentucky's history, with exhibits ranging from frontier life to modern times.

Museum 1-2 hours $14 for adults, $10 for children

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

A beautiful arboretum and forest offering hiking trails, scenic views, and a chance to see wildlife.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free entry, parking fee for non-members

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hot Brown

An open-faced turkey sandwich topped with mushrooms, bacon, and a rich cheese sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains dairy, meat

Bourbon Ball

A chocolate truffle-like candy filled with bourbon-infused cream.

Dessert Contains dairy, alcohol

Bourbon Chicken

Chicken marinated in a bourbon-based sauce, often served with rice and vegetables.

Dinner Contains meat, alcohol

Derby Pie

A chocolate and walnut pie, a traditional treat during the Kentucky Derby.

Dessert Contains nuts, dairy

Popular Activities

Cave exploration Hiking Horseback riding Spa treatments River cruises Park picnics Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The Kentucky Derby in May is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Louisville is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs at night

Getting there

By air

Louisville International Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown

By train

Louisville Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with various routes covering major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown The Highlands Nulu (NuLu District) Old Louisville

Day trips

Mammoth Cave National Park

90 miles (145 km) • Full day

The world's longest known cave system, offering guided tours and stunning underground landscapes.

Bardstown

35 miles (56 km) • Half day to full day

A charming small town known for its historic sites, bourbon distilleries, and beautiful architecture.

Kentucky Horse Park

10 miles (16 km) • Half day to full day

A working horse farm and educational theme park dedicated to horses and horse-related activities.

Festivals

Kentucky Derby • First Saturday in May Louisville Jazz Festival • July Bourbon & Beyond • September

Pro tips

Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum even if you can't attend the Derby itself
Explore the NuLu District for unique shopping and dining experiences
Take a bourbon distillery tour to learn about Louisville's rich history in bourbon production
Check out local events and festivals for a taste of Louisville's vibrant culture
Use the TARC app for easy navigation of the public transportation system