I don’t know about you, but every summer I get the blues looking at my friends post pictures at the beach or somewhere across Europe. Lucky for us, it’s not all bad to stay home! We live in a city where the possibilities are endless. It may not be the Caribbean, but it is home. Here’s a list of summer fun that every Louisvillian needs to experience:
1. Go for a dip at a Quarry
Unfortunately, Louisville is not in a prime location to have a beach, but a quarry is close enough! Whether it is in La Grange or the Southside Quarry, this little oasis is a must-visit for every summer with music, picnic tables, cliffs to jump off, and floating surfaces. At the Southside quarry, it is only costs a $10 donation toward charity to enter, so this good time goes toward a good cause! Grab your noodles, coolers, and friends and make a day trip to the Quarry.
2. Visit the new Kentucky Kingdom
As everyone has seen, Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay reopened at the end of May this year. Since its opening, people have been raving about having this amusement park so close to home. What better way to spend the summer with the wind blowing through your hair on a roller coaster? If roller coasters are too much for you, it’s time to brave the water slides or float away down Castaway Creek.
3. Hop on the FAT Friday Trolley Hop
The FAT Friday Trolley Hop started in 2004 and since then has grown to be a must-do activity for Louisvillians. This Trolley Hop is the last Friday of each month from 6:00-10:30 pm and offers a free ride to explore the Clifton, Butchertown, and Crescent Hill areas. The Trolley Hop opens the door to great shopping, food, and entertainment by the local businesses. Hop on board the next one on July 25!
4. Rock out at Waterfront Wednesday
Free concert down by the Waterfront? Yes please! 91.9 WFPK presents this concert series from April-September every year. Each month, a different set of bands make their way to the Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park to perform for free to the public. Check out the website for the schedule for the rest of the 2014 season, and don’t miss the next concert on July 30!
5. Take a stroll across the Big Four Bridge
While you’re down at the Big Four Lawn for Waterfront Wednesday, take a stroll across the Big Four Bridge. As we saw a few weeks ago, the Big Four Bridge celebrated its grand opening with a parade on both sides of the bridge. After the prolonged wait, it’s time to start enjoying this new bridge. What makes it even better is that once you make it across, there are a variety of places to visit in downtown Jeffersonville. Grab some dinner or a drink before you head back across the bridge.
6. Attend Shakespeare in the Park
The Kentucky Shakespeare, Official Shakespeare Company of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is presenting a season of 8 productions over 10 weeks at the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheatre in Old Louisville’s Central Park at 8 PM. Not only do you get to enjoy Shakespeare’s finest plays, but there’s also food and a bar available each production. Make sure you get there early for a good seat!
7. Slide into Slugger Field
Slugger Field is a big hit in the summer. Whether your family is in town and they want to check out the museum or if you want to catch a Bats game, this is the place to be! We already gave our 5 reasons to visit Slugger Field, but now it is time to see for yourself! A Bats game is a great opportunity for a family day and for those of you on a summer budget, the games are affordable for everyone.
8. Cruise down the river on the Belle of Louisville
Board a cruise down the river on the “oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world”. A National Historic Landmark, this boat has a lot of history behind it. Whether you are with a large group or maybe on a date, the Belle of Louisville has a variety of options for you. Grab lunch or dinner and sightsee from the river on the Belle of Louisville this summer.
9. Explore Flea Off Market
We wish the Flea Off Market happened every weekend, but we’ll have to settle for the first weekend of every month. While it is year round, it is definitely best to go in the summer when you can walk in the sun and take in all that it has to offer. Louisville loves The Flea Off Market and don’t miss it next month!
10. Watch a movie under the stars at Iroquois Amphitheater
As every Louisvillian knows, the weather here can be a bit bipolar. One minute it’ll be sunny with 100% humidity and the next minute it’ll rain like there’s going to be a tsunami here. That being said, you need to enjoy this sunny weather while we have it! If Shakespeare in the Park wasn’t your cup of tea, don’t miss out on watching movies outside. Iroquois Amphitheater offers free movies sporadically throughout the summer, which many of them are family friendly.
Didn't see your favorite summer activity? Leave it in the comments!
Photo provided by Belle of Louisville and Spirit of Jefferson Facebook page.
