Is the Chow Wagon Open in Louisville Kentucky? The Ultimate Guide

The Chow Wagon is a beloved Louisville tradition, serving up classic comfort food from its downtown location since 1969. This local favorite is best known for its Hot Brown sandwich, a decadent open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich covered in cheesy Mornay sauce. If you‘re wondering whether the Chow Wagon is still open in Louisville, the answer is a definitive yes! Here‘s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about this iconic Louisville eatery.

What is the Chow Wagon?

The Chow Wagon is a restaurant located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky that has been in operation since 1969. Originally a mobile food truck, the Chow Wagon has been serving hungry locals and tourists from its brick and mortar location on West Main Street for over 50 years.

The Chow Wagon serves classic American comfort food like burgers, fries, shakes, and their signature Hot Brown sandwich. The menu also features soups, salads, and sides like mac and cheese and green beans. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor patio seating.

Chow Wagon Hours and Location

The Chow Wagon is open 7 days a week:

• Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm
• Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm

The restaurant is located at:

119 W Main St
Louisville, KY 40202

The Chow Wagon is conveniently located in downtown Louisville, within easy walking distance of major attractions like the KFC Yum! Center, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Louisville Slugger Museum. There is also a small parking lot for the restaurant.

Chow Wagon‘s Famous Menu Items

Here are some of the most popular dishes you‘ll find on the Chow Wagon‘s menu:

• Hot Brown Sandwich – Open faced turkey and bacon smothered in Mornay cheese sauce, a Louisville specialty

• Cheeseburger – Classic burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and your choice of cheese

• Fried Green Tomatoes – Hand breaded and fried green tomato slices served with remoulade sauce

• Milkshakes – Thick, old-fashioned milkshakes in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and more

• Homemade Soups – Rotating selection including chef‘s soup of the day

• House Salad – Fresh greens, cheddar, tomatoes, croutons and your choice of dressing

In addition to dine-in, the Chow Wagon also offers takeout, delivery, and catering services. It‘s a perfect spot to get a true taste of Louisville!

Do You Need a Pegasus Pin for Thunder Over Louisville?

Thunder Over Louisville is one of the biggest fireworks shows in the country, kicking off the annual Kentucky Derby Festival. The event draws hundreds of thousands of spectators along the Ohio River waterfront.

You do not need a Pegasus pin to view Thunder Over Louisville. There are many areas that provide free public viewing, including Waterfront Park, the Big Four Lawn, and the Interstate 64 bridges.

However, purchasing a Pegasus pin provides access to exclusive viewing areas and amenities. Pins can be purchased online or at various retail locations for $5-15. They are available in multiple levels, with higher level pins providing the best riverfront access.

Some key benefits of Pegasus pins include:

• Access to Thunder Chow Wagon with food and drinks
• Reserved seating areas right along the river
• Fast access through security lines
• Commemorative souvenir pin and lanyard

So while pins are not required, they do allow guests to get premier views and perks during the event.

Best Viewing Locations for Thunder Over Louisville

While the exact locations are kept secret until just before the show, here are some of the most popular places to watch the fireworks along the Ohio River:

• Waterfront Park Great Lawn – Sprawling grassy area with excellent sightlines to the fireworks barges.

• River Road/River Road Plaza – Close to the barge launching area, these spots offer brilliant views.

• Indiana Shoreline – Areas like New Albany Riverfront and Clarksville offer unobstructed views across the river.

• Bridges – Walking out on the 2nd Street, Kennedy, or Lincoln bridges provides unique vantage points surrounded by fireworks.

• Tall Buildings – Views from heights like the Galt House hotel or office buildings are fantastic but require admission/access.

Arrive early to claim your spot! Public viewing areas fill up quickly with thousands of spectators.

An Overview of Biscuit Belly in Louisville

Biscuit Belly is a popular breakfast and brunch spot in Louisville known for its fluffy, homemade biscuits and inventive Southern-inspired menu. They have 3 locations across the city:

Original Location
564 S 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202

Butchertown Location
1618-A Story Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206

Downtown Express Location
411 S 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202

All locations are open 7am-2pm daily serving dishes like Chicken and Waffles, BBQ Pork Muffins, and specialty biscuit sandwiches. Everything is made from scratch using quality local ingredients.

In addition to dine-in and takeout, Biscuit Belly offers online ordering for pickup and delivery through services like DoorDash and Grubhub. It‘s a go-to spot for a taste of Louisville‘s thriving brunch scene!

What‘s Made at the Louisville Assembly Plant?

The Louisville Assembly Plant is one of Ford‘s major production facilities, employing over 12,000 people. Owned and operated by Ford Motor Company, it has been manufacturing vehicles since 1955.

Today, the plant produces the Ford Escape, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition. It also makes engines, powertrains, and components that are used across Ford‘s vehicle lineup.

Some iconic vehicles made at the Louisville Assembly Plant over the years include:

• Ford Mustang II (1974-1978)
• Ford Taurus (1996-2006)
• Ford Explorer (1990s)
• Ford Contour (1995-2000)

In total, the plant produces around 600,000 vehicles per year. The facility combines Ford‘s heavy truck operations with their regular automotive production.

WHAS11 – Louisville‘s Leading Local News Station

WHAS11 is Louisville‘s ABC affiliated television station, owned by TEGNA Media. They broadcast on channels 11 and 11.1, with studios located on West Chestnut Street.

WHAS11 produces 40 hours of locally focused news coverage each week, covering breaking news and weather across Louisville and Kentuckiana. Their team of anchors, reporters, meteorologists and sports journalists provide in-depth local reporting.

In addition to news, WHAS11 airs syndicated programming, sports, and ABC network shows. Viewers can stream their newscasts and on demand content through the WHAS11 app and website.

WHAS11 has served as Louisville‘s go-to local news source since 1950. Their transmitter in Nelson County allows them to broadcast across the metro area.

The Louisville Zoo Train Fire and Plans for Repair

The Louisville Zoo was home to a beloved miniature train ride that chugged around a portion of the zoo, delighting generations of visitors. However, in January 2021 an electrical fire badly damaged the train and forced the closure of the ride.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed faulty wiring triggered an engine fire that then spread and destroyed much of the train. No guests were injured during the incident.

In the aftermath, the Louisville Zoo made the difficult decision to permanently close the train ride rather than pay for costly repairs. They cited budget constraints and a need to prioritize resources towards animal care and conservation.

The Zoo acknowledged guest nostalgia for the train, but ultimately determined it was no longer cost-effective. They continue to explore new ways to enhance the guest experience, including behind-the-scenes zookeeper talks and animal encounters.

Hours for the Louisville Farm Machinery Show

The Louisville Farm Machinery Show is one of the biggest indoor farm equipment expos in the country. Sprawling across 1 million square feet at the Kentucky Expo Center, it showcases the latest tractors, implements, technology and more.

The show takes place every February over 4 days:

Wednesday: 9am – 5pm
Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Friday: 9am – 7pm
Saturday: 9am – 4pm

Please note the show closes 45 minutes prior to the above end times each day. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online, with discounts for advance purchase. Kids under 10 get in free.

With 16 acres under one roof, the Louisville Farm Machinery Show is an unmissable event for anyone in agriculture. Attendees can comparison shop equipment, attend seminars, and network with others in the industry.

What You Can and Can‘t Bring to Thunder Over Louisville

Thunder Over Louisville celebrates Kentucky Derby Festival with air shows, concerts, and the largest annual fireworks display in North America. Here are some guidelines on what you can and cannot bring:

Permitted Items

• Blankets, towels, lawn chairs – for sitting on event grounds
• Strollers and wagons – for children
• Non-professional cameras – no detachable lenses
• Small snack items – subject to search
• Reusable water bottles – must be empty upon entry
• Small umbrellas – personal use only

Prohibited Items

• Weapons of any kind
• Fireworks and explosives
• Alcohol and recreational drugs
• Coolers, backpacks, bags – subject to search
• Pets – only documented service animals
• Drones or remote operated aircraft
• Bikes, skates, scooters, hoverboards
• Laser pointers, spray paint

Be sure to arrive early to allow time for security screening. Items such as chairs and blankets cannot be used to reserve large areas. Thunder Over Louisville is designed as a safe, fun community event for all ages.

How Much Do Pegasus Pins Cost?

Pegasus pins grant access to exclusive areas and amenities at Kentucky Derby Festival events like Thunder Over Louisville. The amount you‘ll pay depends on the level of access provided:

• Bronze Pins – $5-10. Basic event entry and souvenir pin.

• Silver Pins – $10-15. Preferred viewing areas, shorter entry lines.

• Gold Pins – $15-25. Prime seating, VIP Chow Wagons, fast entry.

• Platinum Pins – $50+. Reserved tables/seating, premium bars, parking.

Pins can be purchased online through the Kentucky Derby Festival website or at Kroger stores in the Louisville area. Higher level pins often sell out early.

There are also specialty and souvenir pins beyond the main access levels. Many collectors try to acquire a complete set each year.

Do You Need Pins for the Balloon Glow?

The Balloon Glow is one of the most popular events of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Multiple hot air balloons launch at dusk and illuminate against the night sky.

Pins are not required for general admission to view the Kentucky Derby Festival Balloon Glow. It is a free public event that takes place at Bowman Field.

However, there are exclusive VIP ticket packages that include reserved seating, catering, and indoor restrooms. Those can be purchased from the Kentucky Derby Festival website.

Arrive early to get a good spot for the Balloon Glow, as crowds line the perimeter of Bowman Field. Make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating.

How to Register Your Gold Pegasus Pin

If you purchased a gold level Pegasus Pin, here are the steps to successfully register it:

1. Visit www.pegasuspins.com and create an account

2. Provide your name, email, and mailing address

3. Click "Register a Pin" and enter the serial number on the back of your pin

4. Enter the activation code that came with your pin packaging

5. Agree to the terms and conditions

6. Your pin will now be registered to your account!

Registration allows you to collect points and redeem rewards. You can also purchase discounted tickets to other Kentucky Derby Festival events.

Be sure to register your pin within 30 days of activation. Contact customer service for any registration issues.

Why the Louisville Zoo Discontinued Its Train Ride

The Louisville Zoo was once home to a guided train ride that allowed guests to tour portions of the zoo. However, in 2019 the attraction was permanently closed.

There were a few key reasons the Zoo decided to end the train ride:

• Aging Equipment – The train had been in operation since the 1960s and was becoming difficult to maintain.

• Budget Priorities – The cost of repairing and operating the train did not fit into the Zoo‘s conservation goals.

• Decreased Popularity – Ridership and revenue had declined over the years.

• Safety Concerns – Parts of the track passed very close to exhibits, posing safety risks.

While the train held nostalgia for many guests, ultimately the Zoo determined it was no longer the best use of resources. They chose to shift their focus fully to improving exhibits and animal care programs.

Tuition at Kentucky Country Day School

Kentucky Country Day School is a private school in Louisville serving grades Pre-K through 12. Tuition varies by student type and grade level.

For the 2020-2021 school year, annual tuition is:

• Lower School Day Students (Pre-K to 4th grade): $18,337

• Middle School Day Students (5th to 8th grade): $19,256

• Upper School Day Students (9th to 12th grade): $21,613

• Lower School 5-Day Boarding Students: $56,780

• Middle School 7-Day Boarding Students: $58,364

• Upper School 7-Day Boarding Students: $63,179

Tuition is billed separately from fees like lunch, transportation, and technology which equal $900 annually.

Payment plans and financial assistance are available through the school. Prospective families are encouraged to contact Kentucky Country Day directly for details on tuition and the admissions process.