Louisville Influencers Showing Off the Derby City

Situated on the Ohio River, Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and home to the famous Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and the Muhammad Ali Center. Nicknamed “Bourbon City,” Louisville has become a destination for its restaurants, arts and culture, history, and, of course, bourbon. These Louisville influencers are showing off the best of the Derby City.

11 Louisville influencers with their finger on the pulse of the Derby City

Tonya Straab

Originally from Australia, Tonya’s Instagram bio reads, “From the outback to the bourbon trail.” She’s a Louisville lifestyle blogger who posts about bourbon tasting, finding waterfalls, and capturing sunsets in the Derby City. She’s the one to follow to find unique spots to visit, like this funky covered bridge. 

Clay Cook

Clay is a Louisville-based, award-winning photographer who specializes in tourism advertising projects in Kentucky. His shoots have taken him to a variety of locations, including Louisville bars and distilleries, as well as horse stables and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His 57K followers on Facebook are some of the first to see not only his final projects, but also some behind-the-scenes photos during shoots.

Kaelin Dunn

A Louisville blogger and mom of five, Kaelin posts family-friendly content on her Instagram ranging from recipes and toys to kids’ clothes and supplements. She’s done partnerships with a variety of Louisville and national businesses and frequently shows her “finds” from her local Walmart. Once in a while, she even gets to sneak away to favorite spots in Louisville for some child-free fun.

Katie Rank

With 131K followers on Instagram, Katie keeps them entertained with posts and videos about family, affordable fashion, and local businesses. She sometimes posts about local charity initiatives, her outings around Louisville, and fashionable finds from her travels. Sometimes Katie hosts her own fundraisers to help Kentucky residents.

Everything Louisville

As the name implies, this Louisville-centered Instagram account is a mix of cityscapes, memes about Kentucky, announcements about local events, and news about new businesses. There are promos for Louisville companies and giveaways for a variety of local festivals and restaurants. Join the 86.5K followers who look to this account for updates on the Kentucky Derby, mask mandates in schools, and commerce.

Sydney White

Sydney is a cosmetologist and “curly hair enthusiast” who educates her 58.5K followers on products and techniques to keep their curly hair looking healthy in the Louisville climate. She also promotes local businesses that she supports and shows clips from her Louisville salon. She’s also a huge BTS fan.

Courtney Wafzig

Courtney is a Louisville-based interior designer and artist who helps her local clients create beautiful living spaces. She frequently promotes the companies whose products she uses, including wall murals, dishes, and panels. Her colorful designs are impressive enough to get her featured in an issue of Figs and Feta Magazine.    

Grace White

Louisville born and raised, Grace’s “A Southern Drawl” Instagram account has accrued 304K followers for her fashion, fitness, and food posts. She loves to stay active outside in Louisville and frequently showcases photos of her beautiful East Louisville home. Don’t miss her fabulous Derby Day ensemble! 

JC Phelps

JC describes himself as a “southern gentleman and culinarian” and his Instagram account truly reflects both. In addition to sumptuous recipes for snacks, soups, entrees, and desserts, he sometimes shares his food purchases from Louisville stores. With a focus on Kentucky foods, beverages, and restaurants, you’ll know what to buy if you visit the Bluegrass State.

Meagan Shaver

Meagan is the founder of LouisvilleScoop, a city guide that helps visitors see the area. She updates the Instagram site with new hotel alerts, food features of the week, and restaurant suggestions. She also celebrates local artists, shares Louisville landscapes taken by her fans, and has a flair for artistic shots. 

Josh Johnson – The Kentucky Gent

A Louisville influencer and award-winning blogger, Josh runs the Kentucky Gent site that focuses on things to see, eat, and do in Bourbon City. From snaps inside his neighborhood restaurants, quaint markets, and DIY candle shops, this Southern gentleman shares suggestions for Louisville visitors.