Thanks to a dear friend’s 30th Birthday, I recently had a great excuse to visit Louisville, KY for the second time. The first time I went, I stayed downtown and went to the Forecastle Festival, which took up most of my site-seeing time.
This time, I stayed near the Highlands neighborhood, which is much more residential, eclectic, and full of excellent shopping. In addition, we saw the horse country outside of town and visited a few distilleries. I felt like I was able to see much more and really get to know the town this time. A big “Thank You” goes to a local gal named Allison. Here are a few suggested outings from my wanderlust list to yours.
DAY 1
Brunch at Butchertown Grocery (1076 E. Washington St. Louisville, KY 40206)
This food pic does no dish on the menu at Butchertown Grocery justice. The trendy restaurant has marble tables and floor-to-ceiling paintings. It could be mistaken as a new experimental foodie hot spot, but the menu is full of simple southern food at its best. I had the Butcherblock Sandwich and I think it is still the last best thing I ate (that was a month ago!). Around the table, there were entrees of scallops, burgers, and salads. Everyone was stuffed and a little buzzed.
Shopping at Work the Metal (1201 Story Ave, Louisville, KY 40206)
After you’re good and full from brunch, walk a block away and spend an hour or more in Work the Metal. It’s been a while since I’ve seen so many great finds under one roof. Work the Metal has a large collection of jewelry with plenty of pieces under $20. I scoped out the clothing and found a variety of statement dressed and pants to get excited over. Our crew uncovered books, chocolate, furniture, prints, and more. This place is worth the visit, ya’ll!
Bourbon Slushies at Feast (909 East Market Street, Louisville, KY 40206)
Thirsty? Hungry? A 10-minute walk will get you to a famous Bourbon Slushi and loaded tots from Feast. This was the perfect pitstop before more shopping (though you may still be full from brunch at Butchertown!). We also got some pretty adorable pictures in front of the huge American Flag in the BBQ restaurant.
Shopping in NuLu
During the 5-minute walk between Feast and your next two foodie destinations, you’ll pass several shops that carry local art, boho clothes, and skincare. Take it slow. Smell the soaps. Pose for an Insta pic with the giant Mint Julep (top photo). Bermuda Highway is depicted above. It was one of my favorite stops, but just announced it is closing its doors. I’m sure a new fashion spot will come right in. Signs that this neighborhood is growing are everywhere…
Dessert at Macaron Bar (707 E. Market Street, Louisville, KY 40202)
We happened to stumble upon Macaron Bar’s “Pop-Up” store on Market Street. This colorful dessert spot offered prepackaged boxes of macarons. You can order small boxes for one person or large boxes with 12 macarons. We tasted most of them and were all very pleased. Then, we were thirsty again…
Drinks at Garage Bar (700 E. Market Street, Louisville, KY 40202)
I’ve admittedly only know what Garage Bar drinks taste like. The drinking hole has giant pots of fresh basil outside they pull from to make drinks fresh. The bartenders are friendly and ready to make you something different. The outdoor area features ping pong tables, green turf benches and lots of room for activities. This is a place you can stay a while if you’re ready to settle in somewhere. Taste the pizza if you can!
Shopping in Westport Village (1315 Herr Lane, Louisville, KY 40222)
This little hub is full of surprises. Watch your wallet here! Stores like Chartreuse Boutique, Darling State of Mind, and Apricot Lane will have you rebuilding your whole wardrobe. Bright statement pieces, high quality staples and few out-of-the-ordinary items were stuffed inside these fun and girly boutiques at Westport Village. I didn’t see many prices over $100. There are plenty of places to eat and drink when you’re all done.
DAY 2
A Morning at Claiborne Farm (703 Winchester Road, Paris, Kentucky 40361)
If you’re a nerd of any kind, this will feed your soul. We took about a 45-minute trip to visit this famous home to 22 Kentucky Derby winners. You will not only soak up the beautiful views of the 3,000 acre Claiborne Farm, but you’ll learn some really fun facts about horses, how they’re bred, and the business of racing. It’s truly a slice of American history.
Taste Some Bourbon
Our group took a tour bus through a few distilleries including the enormous Buffalo Trace Distillery. It felt very much like a public relations setup. I’d recommend planning your own tour. Try to get a different viewpoint of the whiskey scene in and around Louisville. Map it out and drive yourselves or get an Uber when needed. It’s not really about tasting the bourbon as much as a winery tour, is in my opinion. These distilleries all share a unique histories that tell an even deeper story about the Derby capital. Check out this list of 5 Distilleries Opening in 2016 to get started.
DAY 3
Recovery Breakfast at Coffee Zone (1052 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204)
This hidden gem is what all good coffee shops are made of. The Coffee Zone has an excellent selection of books to read, eclectic furniture, staff who talks to you like family, obvious regulars, and a really good menu of smoothies, sandwiches, pastries and, of course, coffee. Try the Bourbon Latte for a real local treat. They just announced they are opening a shop in Westport Village (above).
Shopping and Snacking Along Bardstown Road
If I had another day, I would have spent it walking, shopping, people watching, eating, and drinking in this funky area of town. Consignment stores, music shops, antique spots, gift shops, and bookstores line this lively street. I would take it slow, leave the map at home and put my phone in my bag. Stop for snacks at Steel City Pops, eat lunch at Jack Frys, and enjoy a long dinner at LouVino.
What do you think guys? Which parts would you take or leave? Any Louisville tips to share?
Thanks for all of these ideas. I live in dayton, and have a sister that lives in kentucky and was looking for some fun stuff to do there.