By Rachel Gruber
It's the first Saturday in May. A soft breeze carries a perfume with notes of dirt, bourbon, and roses between two towering spires that pierce the blue sky, just ruffling the feathers on top of the rainbow of elaborate hats and fascinators.
Below those spires, the sun reflects off the glossy brownish-black hues of the horses, warming their hair as dandy brushes furrow their coats. Silver mint julep cups drip with condensation, and the cool mint cuts the rich, oaky flavor of the bourbon with every sip.
A bugler blares the staccatoed notes of the call to post. The juleps are cold, the horses' focus is colder, and nerves and stakes are high.
Welcome to Louisville—a city built by and for trailblazers.
A Legacy of Pioneers
For centuries, Louisville has been home to those who dare to lead the way.
Whether steamboat captains who navigated uncharted waters, the entrepreneurs who built bourbon empires, the athletes who broke barriers, or women who shattered glass ceilings—this city has always been a launching pad for pioneers. It's fitting that Muhammad Ali, who blazed trails both in and out of the ring, called this place home.
More Than Just the Derby
While the Kentucky Derby may be one of the most distinctive parts of Louisville (and the biggest two-week party!), the city offers much more than that thunderous two-minute race.
Beyond horse racing, Louisville bears the history of baseball legends, boxing champions, and countless other trailblazers. We have connections to F. Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone.
People come to Louisville not only to tour but to eat—the food here is worthy of an entire trip in itself, and the bourbon industry throughout the state tells the story of generations of innovators who perfected their craft.
The Louisville Spirit
But what I love most about Louisville is the people and their spirit.
Louisville encompasses a unique blend of Southern hospitality and elegance with a Midwestern work ethic and community. We are proud of who we are, what we do, and doing it well. We look for unique ways to do things while preserving timelessness, and we love sharing it with others.
Most importantly, we celebrate those who dare to be first, who choose to lead, and who aren't afraid to forge new trails while honoring what got us here.
Your Trailblazing Community Awaits
WITness Success offers a valuable opportunity to experience not only the city but also the people who have roots here, put down roots here, and have discovered their calling here. You'll join a community centered around women in tech who, like Louisville itself, understand that the greatest achievements come from those willing to venture into uncharted territory.
Ready to explore? Here's everything you need to know about making the most of your time in Louisville. The included distances are relative to the Brown Hotel.
Things to Do
Louisville Public Library
2 minute walk to the south
If you need a place to work or meet, the main branch of our local library is just a short walk away. The original portion of the building was built with Andrew Carnegie’s help as part of his locally-focused philanthropic efforts around the nation. It’s open until 9:00 during the week.
4th Street Live
0.4 miles away, 9 minute walk
If you’re looking for nightlife and live music, 4th Street Live offers it all. It’s a walkable, open-air strip filled with bars, restaurants, and concert venues. Events include concerts, festivals, and MMA fighting, but depend on the time of yeaår and schedule. Notable mentions include Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, a Brazilian steakhouse, a dueling piano bar, and a country bar complete with a mechanical bull.
Vendors, events, and other information is available online.
Old Louisville
0.9 miles away, 3 minute drive
We love and appreciate thoughtful architecture, and Old Louisville has some of the best. Old Louisville is the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the US (or, in my case, the perfect place to indulge my childhood dream of living in a historic home).
The neighborhood is bordered by downtown and the Speed Art Museum and is just a delight to visit, whether driving or taking one of the walking tours. Visit the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum to really live that dream. Swoon.
Muhammad Ali Center & Muhammad Ali’s Grave
1 mile away; 5 minutes drive
Visit the museum dedicated to Muhammad Ali’s boxing and social activism.
He grew up in the West End, began boxing training at Spalding University in 1954, and started professional boxing at Freedom Hall (the Kentucky Expo Center) six years later, all in Louisville.
His grave is at Cave Hill Cemetery (2.3 miles away; 9 minute drive), tucked away in a corner and marked with a simple “Ali.”
21C Museum
1.3 miles away, 6 minute drive
The 21C Museum Hotel is the world’s first museum hotel. Its eclectic exhibits make a fun (free) experience that’s open around the clock. Look for the giant replica of Michelangelo’s David outside and the hot pink penguins on the roof, and you won’t miss it (yes, you can see them on Google Maps).
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
1.3 miles away; 5-6 minute drive
If you think summer = baseball, you can’t miss the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Watch bats as they’re hand-turned, hold bats that legends used or your favorite MLB team (we’re talking like Babe Ruth-level legend), and learn more about the evolution of teams, bats, and baseball as a sport through the years.
The museum also tells the fascinating story of African American players’ and teams’ contributions to the sport. At the end of the tour, you get your own mini Slugger bat.
Belle of Louisville and Mary M. Miller Steamboats
1.3 miles away, 5-6 minute drive
The Belle of Louisville and Mary M. Miller steamboats are two National Historic Landmarks that dock in Louisville. The Belle is one of the few remaining authentic steamboats, the only one from the packet boat era in the 1800s that focused on transporting mail and freight.
The Mary M. Miller, also an authentic steamboat, is named after America’s first female licensed steamboat captain who was born in Louisville.
As of May, the Belle of Louisville is under repair, but the Mary M. Miller offers a variety of cruises on the Ohio River. Highly recommended to make reservations beforehand - be sure to check the sunset cruises!
Waterfront Park
1.9 miles away; 7-8 minute drive
If you love water, you’ll love Waterfront Park. Hang out and enjoy the views of the four bridges over the river. Grab some food on the way for a peaceful picnic, or walk the paths along the riverfront that lead to the Big Four Bridge. A must-do if sunny.
Big Four Bridge
2 miles away, 7-8 minute drive
This former railroad truss bridge spans Kentucky and Indiana as a walkable pedestrian bridge and immortalizes a late-1800s railway company’s nickname. The bridge is 1 mile long from Louisville’s ramp base to Indiana’s ramp base; a round trip is 2 miles.
In addition to a scenic workout, the Indiana side promises good pizza (Parlour), fun games (Union Restaurant & Gameyard), and even better memories with some of your favorite people.
Other Indiana gems include Schimpff’s Confectionery for a classic soda and candy shop feel and The Widow's Walk Ice Creamery for fantastic views of Louisville and the Ohio River (check on social media if Widow's Walk is open).
Speed Art Museum
2.1 miles away; 7-8 minute drive
One of the most prominent art museums in Louisville, August exhibits highlight everything from Kentucky artistic traditions to glass artists to one of the first Black artists to graduate with a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Louisville.
After Hours (held on the third Thursday of the month) offers a unique, nightlife view of the museum with food, drinks, and performances. On Sundays, admission is free!
Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum
3.5 miles away; 11 minute drive
You simply cannot come to Louisville and not visit Churchill Downs. 2025 marks the 150th birthday of Churchill Downs and the 40th birthday of the Kentucky Derby Museum at the same location.
Tour the two-level museum and walk out next to the track—its awe-inducing grandiosity will surprise you. Exhibits highlight women and minorities in the Derby’s history.
The Derby is just one of many races each year. While racing runs from April through June, Churchill Downs is worth a return visit to attend one of the many horse races that are part of the spring meet.
Urban Bourbon Trail
Locations and distances vary
If you love bourbon or want to learn more about it, the Urban Bourbon Trail is a must-do. The trail is a collection of local restaurants and bars that complement distillery tours - experience each unique spin on the cornerstone spirit of Kentucky.
Locations on the trail include the historic (with connections to F. Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone), innovative, and retro made modern. Check in to six locations on the trail and earn an Urban Bourbon Trailblazer t-shirt.
Places to Shop
Space and time prevent me from listing stores individually, so I’ve noted the closest place for necessities or emergencies, some specific stores, and other areas or neighborhoods!
CVS and Walgreens
0.2-0.3 miles away, 5-6 minute walk
First things first - if you’ve forgotten a charger, need pick-me-up snacks, or get sick, these are your go-to! They’re both about 1-2 blocks north of the Brown on 4th Street. Walgreens closes in the afternoon, like many downtown locations; CVS is open late.
Market Street/Nulu
1.6 miles away, 6 minute drive
Louisville’s Nulu neighborhood has some of the best local shops and restaurants near the downtown area. You could easily spend at least half a day just here.
Notable favorites include Mahonia (all things plants), Macaron Bar (you can’t eat just one), Clayton and Crume (you’ll sniff everything in the store), Hazel and Hunt (easy and comfy KY-inspired wares), and Muth’s Candies (get the modjeskas).
Logan Street Market
1.7 miles away, 6 minute drive
Logan Street Market is a 25,000 square foot warehouse with over 25 artisan shops and food and drink vendors. They have weekend popups with more vendors that aren’t part of the standard residencies. I’ve heard the arepa shop here is the best.
Fleur de Flea
1.9 miles away, 6 minute drive
If you’re a fan of the vintage hunt, Louisville isn’t short on shopping. Fleur de Flea is one of the largest vintage shops in Lousiville with over 150 vendors and one of my favorite places to spend a Saturday. I get lost every time, so visit a local coffee shop first to get breakfast while you browse and leaving is the last of your worries.
Bardstown Road/The Highlands
2 miles away, 7 minute drive
Bardstown Road is also a good place for shops and restaurants. Located in the Highlands, you’ll find the most eclectic places in the entire city here. It’s very walkable.
Bardstown Road and the Highlands offers tons of shops for music and vinyl lovers, vintage lovers, apparel, comic lovers, and a psychedelic twist.
Blaze Your Own Trail
Louisville has always been a city that celebrates the bold—from the jockeys who risk everything for two minutes of glory to the distillers who spent decades perfecting their craft, from the steamboat captains who were the first to navigate these waters to the women who were the first in their fields. This is a city that understands what it means to be a trailblazer because it was built by them.
As you gather for WITness Success, you're walking in the footsteps of pioneers, innovating in a city that has always welcomed those who dare to lead the way.
Whether you're debugging a flow by day and sipping bourbon by night, networking over Kentucky Hot Browns, or connecting with new friends along the Big Four Bridge at sunset, you'll discover the home and stories of trailblazers in Louisville, including yours.
You’ll discover a community of people who gather here, who support each other's journeys, and believe that the best trails are blazed together—bourbon or otherwise!
So come for the conference, stay for the bourbon (or museum or shopping or…), and leave as part of a Salesforce community that empowers and cheers for you as you lead on. In a city where legends are made and barriers are broken, who knows what trail you'll blaze next?
Welcome to Louisville.