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Show Preview 14 Landscape and Irrigation September 2014 www.landscapeirrigation.com G IE+EXPO returns to Louisville Oct. 22-24 for the 31st annual gathering of the lawn, land- scape and outdoor power equipment industries. A city known for its southern hospitality, and named a "Hot Pick" in 2013 by ConventionSouth magazine, Louisville has been recognized for its central location, numerous lodging options and visitor-friendly traditions. The city of Louisville is within a day's drive of 60 percent of the U.S. population and has an international airport serviced by most major airlines. Once in town, the city has more than 17,000 hotel rooms with several new hotels under construction in the downtown area. Louisville was also named one of the "Top 10 Cities for Affordable Vacations" by liveability.com and one of the "Top 12 Best Weekend Getaway Cities" by U.S. News. The variety of attractions and entertainment options, and mix of budget-friendly museums and outdoor recreation opportunities, contribute to these rankings. These attractions are a great reason to extend your GIE+EXPO visit into the weekend. A few of the top attractions to take in while visiting Louisville include the following: * The most famous racetrack in America, Churchill Downs is home to the Kentucky Derby. While live racing isn't sched- uled during the week of GIE+EXPO, the Kentucky Derby Museum, located next to the track, captures the thrill and tra- ditions of the Derby every day in a 360-degree high-definition multimedia show. The museum features exhibits, memorabilia and art, as well as tours of Churchill Downs. A tour of the general admission areas is included with museum admission. With an upgraded ticket, you can get a look at the barn and backside, or a tour of some of the exclusive areas. In October, there's a Horses and Haunts Walking Tour that will take visitors back in time to hear legends and lore during a guided tour from the museum's cemetery to the sixth floor of Churchill Downs. For information, visit www.churchilldowns.com or www.derbymuseum.org. * The Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, which connects Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana, opened in February 2013 to bicyclists and pedestrians. With the bridge crossing over the Ohio River, it provides breathtaking views of the river at all hours of the day and night, as well as a convenient way to check out the Southern Indiana shoreline. You'll find the ramp to the bridge in Waterfront Park, which includes a promenade along the river, playgrounds and a Lincoln Memorial, which commemorates Abraham Lincoln's lifelong Kentucky connections. * Also along the Ohio River you'll find the Belle of Louisville, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year. Lunch, dinner and evening dance cruises are available on this historic riverboat. For information, visit www.belleoflouisville.com. * If museums are your thing, Museum Row on Main features 10 original attractions within four walkable blocks. From history to sports to the arts, there's something for everyone. The list of attractions includes Frazier History Museum, Glassworks, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Kentucky Science Center, Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, 21C Museum Hotel, The Muhammad Ali Center, The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, KentuckyShow! and Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Offers Southern Hospitality at its Finest Photos courtesy of Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau Louisville skyline illustration ©istockphoto.com/paulrommer