What's happening in Jeffersontown (or as locals commonly refer to it as: Jtown) these days? The small city within the city of Louisville is abundantly growing, from the restaurant scene to parks and recreation, and from the Louisville beer scene to arts, culture, and learning. This new series on louisville.com will take a closer look into the vibrant neighborhoods of Louisville, and Jtown is no stranger. Although most people know Jeffersontown for its famous fall festival, the Gaslight Festival, Jtown is quickly emerging as a place to go explore more often than once a year.
I must preface this by saying, I live, breathe, play, and work in Jtown. Every chance I get I become excited about the goings on in my backyard. Anyone who knows me knows I love Jtown! There's a LOT happening in Jeffersontown recently. It recently completed some of its streetscape project with new Jeffersontown signs leading into the historic Gaslight district, as well as adding new brick lined sidewalks throughout the city's downtown. There are signs in the middle of town that talk about the history of where Jeffersontown all started. Let's start with the food and dining (and beer) scene!
Eateries:
Ann Marie's Bacon Bar opened up not too long ago, and it's a bar with a seemingly evident focus on bacon. Enough said.
Delfino's Italian Bistro is a new place opening up just on the outskirts of Jeffersontown near the Tyler Village Shopping Center by the Taylorsville Road/Gene Snyder exchange. I will be reviewing it as soon as possible! They are set to have a grand opening on June 5, according to their Facebook page.
3rd Turn Brewing is also moving into a space in downtown Jeffersontown on College Drive that is currently occupied by the Moose Lodge. According to Jeffersontown Councilman Mark Blum, "3rd Turn Brewing will operate in the old Moose Lodge building. They plan to restore a lot of the original church like the stained glass windows."
Bearno's in Jeffersontown is getting an updated outdoor patio seating area.
Mussel&burgerbar is obviously doing very well in their location near Stony Brook on Taylorsville Road. Their Facebook photos and posts speak for themselves.
Cafe at Main Street is a quaint breakfast and lunch place on Watterson Trail near the heart of Gaslight Square.
Loui Loui's Pizza has been open for some time now in the building that was the former Ferd Grisanti's. They serve authentic Detroit style pizza.
Chubby Ray's Original Pizza Co has been operating for quite some time on Ruckriegel Parkway. They have a fabulous covered outdoor seating area and are packed during game days, especially when UofL or UK is playing.
Johnny V's-last but not least, is a great spot for families to grab a pizza and chill for an early evening dinner.
(So... they like pizza in Jtown!)
Louisville Coffee Company is probably by far by favorite newest establishment in Jeffersontown. It's a great local coffee shop open daily and serving up yummy lattes and coffee as well as sweets and treats made by hand by a local gal. They have open mic nights and a reading room that can be reserved for groups and larger parties. It's a perfect spot for a meeting or your book discussion group!
A Summer Craft Beer Fest is set for Saturday, June 6, 2pm-6pm.
"Tap into the surging craft beer scene at The Chamber Jeffersontown’s Summer Craft Beer Fest. Attend to explore local & regional brews that are sure to please the palate of both novice and experienced beer enthusiasts. Sip samples from a selection of 50 beers, ciders & local wines while enjoying live music, good eats and a good time in the heart of downtown Jeffersontown! The event will take place at the Jeffersontown Pavilion (10434 Watterson Trail). This is a ticketed event, and will take place rain or shine. No refunds. You must be 21 years of age to purchase a ticket and enter the gate. No children, dogs or outside alcohol. Tickets are $35 in advance for the tasting card and commemorative glass; $45 day of the event."
Participating breweries:
Alltech, Angry Orchard, Blue Moon, Bluegrass Brewing Company (Good Wood), Cumberland Brewing, Falls City, Flat 12, Gordon Biersch, Great Flood, Highland, Leinenkugel's, Magic Hat, New Albanian Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing, Samuel Adams, Shiner, Sierra Nevada, Southern Tier, Sterling, Sweetwater, Tin Man, Traveler Bee Company, Upland, Victory, West 6th Brewing Company, Woodchuck Ciders
Read the details on the Facebook event page.
Arts, Culture, and Learning
Jeffersontown Library is bustling with programming from children's weekly storytimes to offerings for adults to learn different computer classes. They have a meeting room that can be booked and many evening programs as well as a monthly adult book discussion group. Find all of their offerings on the website.
Jeffersontown Historical Museum shares the building space with the library and is a smaller museum with big time charm. It houses much of the historical documents about the city of Jeffersontown and is open Monday through Friday from 10am-5pm.
Jeffersontown Senior Citizens Center is a gathering place for seniors in the community. They have many programs going on throughout the day all week long and they take excursions together. Check them out online or call 267-9112.
The Jeffersontown Fire Department also conducts Family and Friends CPR classes.
The Mayor's House just opened up across from the Jeffersontown Police Station and is an antiques shop.
The King's Table is a wonderful children's consignment store located along Taylorsville Road. They have great bargains!
The city is putting forth its first Jeffersontown Summer Art Camp in collaboration with the Jeffersontown Historical Museum and the Louisville Visual Arts Association. They invite children ages 7-12 to "Find Your Inner Artist!" Here is a description from the website:
July 13-17, 2015 - 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Jeffersontown Community Center
10617 Taylorsville Road, 40299
In this art exploration camp, children will experiment with a variety of techniques and all sorts of different materials! The art supply cabinet will be wide open as they explore mixed-media, drawing and collage. They will learn a variety of printmaking techniques using unusual tools and materials, from vegetables to shaving cream and experiment with re-purposed and recycled materials to craft wild and whimsical sculptures. This is sure to be an adventurous week of art-making!
Registration required, $85.00 cash or check due on or before first day of camp. To register, contact Rhonda Rowland, Jeffersontown Arts Manager at (502) 261-8290 or the Jeffersontown Historical Museum located at 10635 Watterson Trail (behind the library).
Parks and Recreation
Jeffersontown boasts two great popular parks, Veterans Memorial Park and Skyview Park. Both are wonderful places for families to play together and enjoy picnics in the pavilions or play some basketball. At Skyview Park, you can drive by any night of the week in spring and summer and see the place lit up for little league baseball games. Last summer, the Skyview Splash Park opened at the park and is a wonderful addition to this great park.
The Jeffersontown Farmers' Market just opened up its 2015 season on May 9 and will be open every Saturday from now through October. It's open from 8am-12:30pm in Gaslight Square at 10434 Watterson Trail.
Recently I also filled out a survey questionnaire from the YMCA of Greater Louisville about the possibility of adding a Jeffersontown branch to their locations. That would be just fabulous, and another great addition to the city.
Find City of Jeffersontown on Facebook for constant updates and great photo shares.
Cover photo courtesy of Erin Nevitt
