This weekend and all summer long in South Louisville, there are several events and places to visit that deserve some attention. From a hike through Jefferson Memorial Forest to an ice cream cone from the counter of a longstanding business in Valley Station, there are many options.
10. Riverview Park and Sprayground and a pit stop at Mike Linnig’s. This is a great area for families to walk along the river together and the splash park is a great summer outing for the kids. Located at 8202 Greenwood Road.
9. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is located approximately 20 minutes south of Louisville, an easy trip down I-65 at exit 112. There are so many ways to explore at Bernheim, and their family events calendar and more is jam-packed! The Forest is also listed on the Vision Louisville Cultural Pass, so be sure to use it to try it free. It is free to enter Bernheim on the weekdays; on weekends there is a $5 per car environmental fee. Members can always enter free. Located at HWY 245 and Clermont Road.
8. Barrel of Fun Ice Cream: Ice cream served from a barrel? Go for it! Pair up an outing at McNeely Lake Park, whether just playing on the grounds or spending a day fishing with your loved ones. You can also visit the Korean War Memorial here or check out the model airplane flying field. Located at 10500 Cedar Creek Road off of Cooper Chapel and Preston Highway.
7. Iroquois Park and Amphitheater – a walk-or-watch-a-movie or play-and-spray kind of place, Iroquois Park has a lot going on this summer. Stop across the street at one of my favorite coffee places when I’m in the area, Sister Beans Coffee House. The park is located at 5216 New Cut Road.
6. Riverside the Farnsley-Moremen Landing: Every year, the annual Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social (which occurs in July) is a huge hit for vistiors. All through the year, the Landing hosts many educational programs for kids and families, as well as events and lectures geared toward adults. Located at 7410 Moorman Road.
5. Little Loomhouse: What can families do at this tiny little gem in Louisville? I first learned of this educational venue when my family and I rode the New Cut Corridor Trolley Hop (which unfortunately has now ceased operation). You can learn about the art of spinning and weaving, watch demonstrations, visit the art and museum gallery on site, and learn about the preservation of textile art and the work of Lou Tate, for whom the Little Loomhouse operates. Did you know this house is on the National Register of Historic Places? Located at 328 Kenwood Hill Road.
4. Jefferson Memorial Forest: Night hikes and moon walks: that’s what I want to go explore with my family at Jefferson Memorial Forest. Their calendar of event listings is huge and caters to everyone, from young preschoolers to the young at heart. It is located just 15 miles from downtown Louisville and offers thousands of acres of trails and woods to hike or walk. See their calendar of events here. Located at 11311 Mitchell Hill Road in Fairdale.
3. Jimbo’s Bar-B-Que: First of all, I have the pleasure of knowing the owner of Jimbo’s, and I recently had the pleasure of grabbing a bite to eat here. It is a great little pit stop for lunch or early dinner. When they’re in season, try their fried green tomatoes. Located directly across the street from Iroquois Park, check them out next time you’re out that way. Located at 801 W. Kenwood Drive.
2. Valley Dairy Freeze: Serving up frozen concoctions for Louisville locals since 1955. (Yes, I listed two ice cream shops on this list, priorities!) They have a huge list of soft serve flavors, not just your typical chocolate and vanilla. The orange sherbert and vanilla swirl is a Dreamsicle lover’s pick! Find them on Facebook. Located at 10300 Deering Road off of Valley Station.
1. The New Southwest Regional Library is set to open this coming summer. It is located near Kendall Road and Valley Station High School, at 9725 Dixie Highway. Progress is coming along, according to their Facebook page. This new state of the art library will be a wonderful and much needed addition for residents and visitors of the south end of Louisville.
South Louisville is home to great family oriented sites, parks, libraries, and other venues. Check them out and spend a day in south Louisville!
Photos courtesy of the Facebook pages of the following: Barrel of Fun Ice Cream, Louisville Free Public Library, The Little Loomhouse, Jimbo’s Bar-B-Que, Iroquois Park and Amphitheater, Riverside Farnsley-Moremen Landing, and Valley Dairy Freeze; Cover photo courtesy of Keep South Louisville Weird, Facebook
