By: Holly Freeland
Holly@louisville.com

St. Matthews is a small city within the city of Louisville.  Originally settled in 1779, it is home to Trinity High School, Seneca Park and “Fun Is Bowling”: Ten Pin Lanes.  While known for its small-town feel with close-knit neighbors, multiple churches and little leagues galore, it also has some of the best shopping and nightlife the Louisville area has to offer.  The city offers visitors anything from a day trip to LeBliss Salon & Spa to bakery goods at Plehn’s, all the way to a night cap cocktail at Bluegrass Brewing Company.

When asked how to describe St. Matthews in one word, District Representative Ken Fleming says “Enduring - St. Matthews area has a small city, quaint historic charm, providing residents with easy access to shopping, restaurants, entertainment and downtown.”

The area has undergone significant changes over the last few years including new landscaping, specialty shops, improved sidewalks and new businesses.  The revived Warwick Park recently underwent more than $300,000 in upgrades, including refurbished basketball courts, a walking track, new playground equipment and a new pavilion.  In addition, Westport Village, the former Camelot Shopping Center, is being transformed from an eyesore into a premier shopping destination, offering a variety of unique restaurants and shops.

The newly renovated Vogue Theater and its neighboring shops are just a start for those visitors looking for unique styles and gifts.  At Clodhopper’s, My Epiphany, Peppermint Palm & House of Denim, even the pickiest shoppers will find something of interest.  Looking for a more of a boutique?  Try Blink for more formal styles.  Searching for a unique gift?  Dandelion, Poppie Designs or Edible Arrangements may have just what you’ll need.  For those who love monogramming, try You’re Sew Vain, where local resident Keri Knight Feldkamp says “They’ll monogram almost anything.  In fact, I think they’d monogram you if you stay still long enough.”

For the more traditional shoppers, of course there is Mall St. Matthews and Shelbyville Road Plaza where you’ll find the national retailers like Dillard’s, Pottery Barn, Linen’s-N-Things & World Market.   If you’re looking for a familiar place to dine, be sure to check out Logan’s Roadhouse or The Cheesecake Factory and Tumbleweed located in The Mall St. Matthews.

It’s a little known fact that St. Matthews was once one of the largest potato producing areas in the United States.  For now and the future, though, the focus is on redeveloping the area with a more modern approach.  Fleming goes on to say “While the area is largely a residential district, commercial property is being redeveloped to meet the needs of this top-notch locale. Projects revitalizing the Heart of St. Matthews, Westport Village, and several areas along Shelbyville Road enhance this renowned community. “

In celebrating what St. Matthews has to offer, we’ve highlighted some places of interest for those looking to sp/files/storyimages/time in this area:

Best Happy Hour: Brendan’s

A Good Game Of Pool: Diamond’s

Check Out Local Music: Gerstle’s or Dutch’s Tavern

Great Pizza: Tony Boomboz or Bearno’s

Cure For A Sweet Tooth: The Pie Kitchen, Phlen’s

Somewhere Different: The Fishery, Havana Rumba, Lotsa Pasta

Best Cup Of Coffee: Heine Brothers

Pubs:
Best Under 30 Bar: Saint’s

Best Under 40 Bar: Brendan’s

Best Under 50 Bar: Jack’s Lounge

Bar You Can’t Miss: Frankfort Ave. Beer Depot (FABD)

Best Place To Watch A Game: Buffalo Wild Wings

Best Beer You’ve Never Had: Bluegrass Brewing Company

As life-long resident Liz Bowling, niece of current St. Matthews Mayor Bernard Bowling, Jr tells us “St. Matthews has unique eateries, bars and shopping encompassing Shelbyville & Lexington Roads, Frankfort Ave & Breckenridge Lane.  It’s a great place for families, singles and professionals alike!”