The Bolder Life: A Little Louisville Loving

I’m a sucker for a quaint main street, filled with cozy restaurants tucked inside remolded historic houses shaded by giant oak trees and surrounded with sidewalk patios.

I love spending the afternoon browsing in cutesy antique stores and inhaling the musty scent of a used bookstore followed by a refreshing adult beverage at a good beer bar with more than ten beers on draft.

I’m a huge fan of small town festivals—especially ones that shut down streets and intersections in downtown. The kind with plenty of live music and street food where you’re bound to run into a handful of your closest acquaintances.

In summary: I love Louisville.

Louisville truly embodies everything that is good about a small town. There is always a tremendous amount of community involvement and pride and it’s most apparent when you visit the downtown area.

Plus, there’s always something going on in downtown Louisville. There always seems to be an excuse to throw a big event to entice people to wander the streets of their charming community.

Downtown Louisville is full of great events this summer starting with some art-centric and dining-centric events coming up this weekend followed by the kick-off of the Louisville Street Faire on June 15th! If I were you I would totally take my advice and check out these events. Maybe grab a bite at Huckleberry, or a beer a Lucky Pie. Take a stroll over to Front Steet and check out the quirky, vintage-inspired furniture and household items in Old Friends—I hear they’re open on Sundays now…

A little downtown Louisville loving is good for the soul.

Friday, June 1st | First Friday Art Walk | 6:00-9:00 p.m.
First Friday Art Walk action is back in downtown Louisville and will feature artwork by several artists at the Creative Framing Art Gallery, Creations Gallery – Gifts and Fine Art, the Anthony Grant Studio as well as the grand opening of Bella Frieda, a store featuring “clothing and folk art de Mexico”. Enjoy refreshments at the Anthony Grant Gallery and listen to live music while helping Creations Gallery celebrate their 3rd birthday. Click here for more Art Walk info including a First Friday Art Walk map.

Saturday, June 2nd | Taste of Louisville & Taste of Louisville Half Marathon and 5K run | Running Events Begin at 8:00 a.m. & Taste of Pearl Begins at 10 a.m.
Why wouldn’t you throw a half marathon and a taste of the best dining in your town on the same day? It’s really a win-win for everyone. Gather a ton of people downtown, throw an event that’s sure to work up an appetite, plan out a race course that passes just close enough to see and smell all of the vendor booths that will be set up in the street. Genius. Well played, downtown Louisville! Enjoy food served by local restaurants, check out craft booths, keep the kids occupied with kid-specific events and listen to music by The Low Flying Knobs, Back Pocket, I’m on Fire, 2 Dog Tuesday, The Whiskey Bottles and Highway 50—a band made up of Al Laughlin from the Sables and Brian Nevin from Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Get more info: here.

Saturday, June 2nd |Opening Day of Louisville Farmers’ Market | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
As if there isn’t enough going on in downtown Louisville this weekend, why don’t we throw in the opening day of the Farmers’ Market! Located in the Steinbaugh Pavilion on Front Street, the Louisville Farmers’ Market features locally grown products and live music. Get inspired by the delicious food you sample at the Taste of Louisville, then head over to the Farmers’ Market and pick up some fresh food items to create a tasty meal of your own.