The GreatOutdoors

Get Inspired In The Great (Local) Outdoors

“To sit in the shade of a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment,” says Jane Austen’s character, Fanny, in Mansfield Park. Research continues to support the sage advice to get outside and clear our hearts and minds. Blood pressure, heart rate, and stress lower; energy, focus, and immunity increase. Getting outside, whether alone or in company, brightens our spirits and helps to keep us younger. Not only is this simple practice great for our health, it also allows a chance for exploration and adventure. Here are a few spots to check out in the Great (Local) Outdoors to whet your appetite for fun this spring!

Waterfront Park

129 W River Road, Louisville, KY 40202 | ourwaterfront.org | 502.574.3768 | Hours of Operation: 6am-11pm Daily

Louisville’s Waterfront Park prides itself on being a front door to our beautiful city. All are welcome to enjoy its riches, whether that be to bike ride, have a picnic, do yoga, play frisbee, or trek across the Big Four Bridge. One can find solitude watching the sunset or choose to join the masses at a concert or athletic event.

The following events return in April: PNC Tour de Lou, a cycling experience for beginner to experienced riders of all ages; Thunder Over Louisville; Bark & Brunch By The Bridge, a pop-up food truck event with dogs; WFPK Waterfront Wednesday concert season kickoff; and Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.

“Waterfront Park is a treasured community asset with more than 85 acres of welcoming green space along the Ohio River in downtown Louisville. More than 2.2 million people visit the park each year to enjoy its public art, special events, the Big Four Pedestrian/ Bicycle Bridge, tranquil picnic areas, award-winning riverwalk, children’s playgrounds, and unparalleled sunsets. There is an experience for everyone at Waterfront Park.” — Deborah Bilitski, president/executive director of Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park | facebook.com/waterfrontparklou

Norton Commons Farmers Market

North Village Market, 6301 Moonseed Street, Prospect, KY 40058 | nortoncommons.com/events | 502.412.5085 (Norton Commons office number) | Hours of Operation: Sundays through November 6, 12-4pm

This weekly market offers locally-made food and other goods.

“The Norton Commons Farmers Market is unique and separates itself from others in a few different ways. First and foremost, the setting. It’s in the middle of the North Village of the neighborhood and is surrounded by six pop-up shops. So, you have a setting that combines the market vendors with the small businesses. This provides attendees with a good mix of fresh produce, coffee, meat, flowers, pastries, clothes, jewelry, etc. In addition, the neighborhood alone is a reason to attend. There are always things going on, the amphitheater is a stone’s throw away, and the walking paths are a hidden treasure.” — Karla and Matt Taylor, Norton Commons residents

Norton Commons Farmers Market | facebook.com/NortonCommonsKY

NACHAND CANOE & KAYAK

7001 River Road, Prospect, KY 40059 | nachandkayaks.com | 502.753.9271 | Hours of Operation: Varies Depending on Season

Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards to venture out on beautiful Harrods Creek. No previous experience is necessary; Nachand staff will review basic techniques and safety guidelines. Rentals are available in half day (4-hour) and full day (8-hour) increments. Rentals include canoe/kayak/paddleboard, paddles, and life vests. Pets are welcome, as long as they’re wearing a life vest (not provided by Nachand). Bringing your own vessel is permissible as well, but it’s important to call ahead to confirm.

This is a great chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and embrace the peace and calm of Harrods Creek.

NOUVELLE BAR & BOTTLE

214 S Clay Street, Louisville, KY 40202 | nouvellewine.com | 502.631.9428 | Hours of Operation: 4-10pm Tuesday-Thursday; 4-11pm Friday; 2-11pm Saturday; 2-8pm Sunday

Nouvelle Bar & Bottle is a neighborhood wine bar with a focus on bringing delicious, quality wine to the community. And, the outdoor garden oasis is tucked into the city where guests can sip their wine or craft cocktails and sample small plates. Good music, leafy trees, fountains, and string lights add to the ambiance that fosters good conversation.

“Nouvelle’s mission is to be a leading (wine) bar in the region that cultivates a passionate community through the engaging experience of wine, beverage, and food. We accomplish this by making sure our wine program is focused with an emphasis on quality wines made by smaller/iconic producers that showcase the essence of the land they come from. We do a monthly wine class focused on different topics in the region, and we put on special events that create awesome parties for the community.” — John Grisanti, Nouvelle Bar & Bottle owner and sommelier

Iroquois Amphitheater

1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, KY 40214 | iroquoisamphitheater.com | 502.368.5865 | Hours of Operation: Varies

The historic Iroquois Amphitheater, built in 1938 as a project of the Federal Works Progress Administration, is a 2400-seat outdoor venue. Operated by Louisville Metro Government and Louisville Department of Parks and Recreation, visitors will find themselves immersed in cultural and community treasures such as plays, concerts, festivals, and movie nights.

Today’s Transitions Tip: Kansas will be rockin’ the Amphitheater on May 21 at 7pm.

Iroquois Amphitheater | facebook.com/IroquoisAmphitheater

THE PARKLANDS OF FLOYDS FORK

Beckley Creek Park: 1411 Beckley Creek Parkway, Louisville, KY 40245

Pope Lick Park: 4002 South Pope Lick Road, Louisville, KY 40299

The Strand: 6510 Echo Trail, Louisville, KY 40299

Turkey Run Park: Seatonville Road, Louisville, KY 40299

Broad Run Park: 11551 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40291

theparklands.org | 502.584.0350 | Hours of Operation: 7am-9:30pm Daily

Four parks (Beckley Creek, Pope Lick, Turkey Run, and Broad Run) are the main park areas of the Parklands of Floyds Fork. A land area called the Strand connects these four parks to make the area one of the nation’s largest metropolitan parks projects. Patrons can enjoy 19 miles of the Louisville Loop, and more than 60 miles of hiking, biking, and paddling trails. Birding, sight-seeing, gardening, and outdoor activities with human and furry friends alike abound at the The Parklands.

Anyone is welcome to join The Parklands Walking Club. These leisurely guided walks are hosted by an Interpretive Ranger. There are two walks in May 2023, both from 8:30-10:30am. Bring your mug and fill up on coffee or tea before the hike begins. May 9: Beckley Creek Park, meet at the PNC Achievement Center. May 20: Broad Run Park, meet at the Woodland Pavilion.

“The Parklands is an extraordinary asset to the community. There is something for everyone, from a top-notch playground to miles of hiking and biking trails.” — Marguerite Thomas, Hikes Point resident

The Parklands at Floyds Fork facebook.com/ theparklandsoffloydsfork. Photo taken by park visitor, Anupa, enjoying The Parklands.

WOODLAND FARM

4716 Greenhaven Lane, Goshen, KY 40026 | touroldham.com/woodland-bison-farm | 502.222.7051 | Hours of Operation: 8am-4pm Tuesday-Friday

Woodland Farm has been a working farm for more than 150 years. Sustainability is the name of the game across the farm: there are no pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides used anywhere. Those conscientious practices produce delicious harvests which can be enjoyed at local restaurants such as Proof on Main and Garage Bar. Visitors will not only find bison grazing in the pastures but will also be delighted by contemporary art installations throughout the property. A guest house called The Chapel welcomes visitors and artists-in-residence, and a plethora of learning opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages are abundant.

Bison Farm Tours are open to the public April – October. Groups of less than 10 people should call the farm directly at 502.222.7051; groups larger than 10 need to schedule through the Oldham KY Tourism Office at 502.222.0056. Tour prices are $12 for adults and $6 for children.

Woodland Farm facebook.com/ TourOldhamCountyKY/

WOODFORD RESERVE

7855 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383 | woodfordreserve.com | 859.879.1812 | Hours of Operation: Tours & Tastings (by reservation); Gift Shop (9am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday); Cocktail Bar (11am-4:30pm Tuesday-Saturday)

A visit to Woodford Reserve provides a glimpse into the history of bourbon making in Kentucky. The distillery, which is a National Historic Landmark, produced its first batch in 1812. It’s also a deep-dive into the present and future of bourbon making, one of Kentucky’s greatest (and world-renowned) treasures. Visitors can select the tour and tasting of their choice from a variety of options, shop the gift store, and revel in the beautiful countryside surrounding the property.

“Nothing elevates sweet spring air like walking into one of the old rick houses at Woodford Reserve. Step inside and catch a scent of bourbon that has escaped from its captive barrel; it’s perfection before you even taste it.” — John Burgin, Southern Indiana resident

JEFFERSONVILLE RIVERSTAGE

101 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 | jeffparks.org | 812.285.6440 | Hours of Operation: Varies

This floating stage is anchored in Jeffersonville along the banks of the Ohio River and offers a gorgeous view of the downtown Louisville skyline. Free concerts and plays are offered throughout the season, and the area is surrounded by some of Southern Indiana’s best bars and restaurants. The 2023 concert lineup will feature the traditional opening night show with The Crashers and the season finale with The Juice Box Heroes, as well as some great new shows that are yet to be announced.

“Riverstage is truly a magical place to enjoy live music, especially when the sun goes down, the walking bridge lights up, and fireworks from the Louisville Bats game pop off in the background. The city of Jeffersonville takes a lot of pride in providing free, family-friendly events for everyone in the community to enjoy.” — Amber Powell, manager of Special Events and Riverstage for the City of Jeffersonville

Jeffersonville Riverstage facebook.com/JeffParksandEvents

HUBER’S ORCHARD AND WINERY

19816 Huber Road, Borden, IN 47106 | huberwinery.com | 812.923.9463 | Hours of Operation: 10am-6pm Daily

Seven generations of the Huber family have worked this farmland, growing fruit and making wines. The winery itself opened in 1978 and has continued to grow and thrive over the years. Huber’s fields produce fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, and Christmas trees, and the local community flocks each season to either shop or pick-their-own from the harvest. Visitors will also find a children’s farm park, farm market, cheese shoppe, ice cream shop, and gift shop. Banquet space is available for events large and small. Not only is Huber’s featured as one of nine wineries on The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail (Indiana’s first wine trail), it is also the site of Indiana’s first distillery, The Starlight Distillery.

Huber’s Orchard and Winery facebook.com/HuberWinery

By Megan S. Willman

Today's Transitions | Spring 2023