Featuring a gorgeous 2.3-mile scenic loop, Cherokee Park is a terrific place for a run, hike, or bike ride. The park\u2019s designer is Frederick Law Olmsted. Yep, the same guy who designed Central Park in NYC! Here you\u2019ll find quaint woodlands, open meadows, rolling hills, and trickling streams. All the delights of mother nature without having to leave the city!<\/p>\n
Restaurants & More<\/h2>\nBlue Dog Bakery & Caf\u00e9<\/h3>\n I have to confess that my mouth was watering while checking out Blue Dog Bakery & Caf\u00e9\u2018s menu. This place is no joke, you guys. This Louisville local favorite has been dishing out European style breads and pastries since 1998. It\u2019s especially famous for its artisan bread, which takes 48 hours to produce each loaf from start to finish.<\/p>\n
Blue Dog took their bakery to the next level by expanding the business to include a caf\u00e9 which serves sandwiches, soups, salads, and flatbreads. Imagine those delicious crusty loaves with all kinds of sandwich toppings\u2026YUM. The caf\u00e9 is a popular lunch spot, but gets quite busy during lunch time, so try to get there early!<\/p>\n
Heine Bros. Coffee<\/h3>\n If you\u2019re craving a warm cup of coffee and want to avoid Starbucks and Dunkin, head to Heine Bros. Coffee. This is a local favorite which specializes in organic and fair trade coffee. Not only that, but Heine Bros. has a philanthropic mission and is committed to supporting the local community, priding itself on operating responsibly and sustainably.<\/p>\n
With 18 shops all in the Louisville area, you\u2019ll find plenty of Heine Bros. Coffee locations to supply you with your caffeine fix. After all, you\u2019ll need to stay pepped up so you can see all the awesome sights in Louisville while you visit!<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s Envy Distillery<\/h3>\n Part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Angel\u2019s Envy Distillery is THE place to fully immerse yourself in all things bourbon. This beautiful distillery is fairly new to the scene and offered an elevated and artistic take on the classic liquor that the state is famous for.<\/p>\n
The best way to enjoy everything Angel\u2019s Envy Distillery has to offer is to take a guided tour. There are a few tour options: The Angel\u2019s Envy Welcome Tour, The Signature Tour, and the Bottle Your Own Tour. Each one offers a different experience, so choose the one that best suits you.<\/p>\n
Jack Fry\u2019s<\/h3>\n There\u2019s a rumor that the best burger in Louisville is at Jack Fry\u2019s and is called the Jack\u2019s Burger. The burger is topped with caramelized onions, three kinds of cheese, and bacon. Meat lovers rejoice! <\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t go to Jack Fry\u2019s for the burger, you\u2019ll still want to check it out for the atmosphere. The restaurant has a neat history, dating back to when the restaurant opened its doors in 1933. The place has a sweet retro vibe with comfy booths and a hearty menu.<\/p>\n
Shirley Mae\u2019s Caf\u00e9 & Bar<\/h3>\n It\u2019s the moment you\u2019ve been waiting for\u2026 It\u2019s fried chicken time. Not only is Shirley Mae\u2018s fried chicken among the best in Louisville, it actually made it onto Thrillist\u2019s best fried chicken in the country list. Yes, it\u2019s that good. <\/p>\n
This small cash-only soul food spot is a wholesome place to have a satisfying meal. Although Shirley Mae\u2019s is known for its impeccable fried chicken, don\u2019t forget to order a side of Shirley Mae\u2019s Famous Hot Water Cornbread while you\u2019re there. Everything about this place screams \u201cgrandma\u2019s kitchen\u201d in the best way and you have to stop in while you visit Louisville.<\/p>\n
Unique Stays<\/h2>\nBuffalo Springs Distillery<\/h3>\n If your visit to Louisville is fueled by your bourbon fascination, this is the ultimate place to stay for you. Buffalo Springs Distillery is old distillery which opened in 1868 and now houses an Airbnb that you can rent. That\u2019s right, you can sleep in this historic building where some of Kentucky\u2019s best bourbon was made!<\/p>\n
A night in Buffalo Springs Distillery runs around $200 per night, depending on the season. Make sure to reserve well in advance as this unique piece of history is often booked!<\/p>\n
1974 Airstream<\/h3>\n Your glamping dreams are about to come true with a stay in this vintage RV on the edge of a quaint pond. The Grace Airstream is a sovereign land yacht with all of the amenities of a hotel, plus the added bonus of being right in Progress Park. This park is on the outskirts of Louisville and has a pond perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming.<\/p>\n
Rates here start at around $200 per night, depending on the season and there\u2019s a 2-night minimum. Book your stay in advance, especially if visiting during high season in the summer!<\/p>\n
Historic Romantic Cabin<\/h3>\n This dreamy cabin fully encapsulates southern country charm. Although it\u2019s just a 10-minute drive away from downtown Louisville, its location next to Charlie Vettiner Park creates the illusion of leaving the city completely. Captain\u2019s Cabin is a popular staycation spot for locals and makes a perfect romantic getaway: with or without a partner! Looking at the pictures, it looks perfect for a self care weekend.<\/p>\n
A night in Captain\u2019s Cabin will run about $325. Amenities include a bathtub, indoor fireplace, patio, and even a waterfront.<\/p>\n
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Good news! You are now totally ready to take Louisville by storm with this guide. With so many cool places to check out in this vibrant small city, you might find that Louisville surprises you in the best way. Oh, and don\u2019t forget to ask a local how the name of the city is actually <\/em>pronounced\u2026 Don\u2019t be that guy that says it like \u201cLoo-ee-vill\u201d.<\/p>\nGet every new post delivered via email (3x posts per week, no spam, ever. Read our privacy policy here.)<\/label><\/p>\n
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