Labor Day weekend is right around the corner (for some, it may start today). You don't have to leave town to have a fun and relaxing weekend. There are some great things to do right here in the Louisville Area.
- Get Outside! Louisville has a great park system (http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metroparks/), some of which were designed by renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted (best known for his design of Central Park in Manhattan). Many of the parks offer walking paths, hiking trails and playgrounds for the kids or the child inside. Also a part of the Metroparks System is Jefferson Memorial Forest, which is one of the largest urban forests in the nation, with over 6,000 acres. Just south of Louisville is Bernheim Forest (full disclosure, Bernheim is my full-time employer), with a 600 acre arboretum and 14,000 acres of natural areas to explore. Both Jefferson Memorial Forest (http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metroparks/parks/jeffersonmemorialforest/) and Bernheim Forest (www.bernheim.org) have over 35 miles of hiking trails to enjoy. Also, don't forget to take one last dip in your local swimming pool before they close down for the winter season.
- If you are more the indoor type, there is plenty to do as well (besides watching the Governor's Cup game, of course). As always, plenty of stores have great Labor Day sales, so you can get your fall wardrobe ready or get the clearance items to really fill your summer wardrobe for next year. You can see a movie - many new movies come out this weekend, as it marks the end of the summer movie season.
- Make it a staycation at home! Catch up on some of last season's great TV shows by renting the full seasons on Netflix or downloading them on iTunes (a new feature just released this week). It will get you ready for this season's premiere dates, many of which are in the next two to three weeks. You can also try out a new recipe. The summer fruits and vegetables are on their last bounties of the season, so take advantage and make some pesto to keep for the winter, or use your tomatoes for a fresh caprese salad.
- Finally, enjoy one of the local festivals this weekend - there are plenty. WorldFest is a celebration of cultures across the globe on the Belvedere (www.worldfestlouisville.com). The Kentucky Bluegrass Music Festival is being held at the Water Tower on Saturday and Sunday.
Happy Labor Day - enjoy yourself no matter what activity you choose to do.
Photo: Courtesy of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
