Caregiving: Favorite Spots For a Local Outing

Sometimes you are looking for a place to go out for a few hours that is not too taxing on you or the person you are caring for. Or maybe you’re looking for a place to take a friend who needs a little cheer or a parent who wants to spend some one-on-one time with you. We pulled together a list of some of our tried and true local places.

Trips Into History

Locust Grove: This Georgian brick mansion was the last home of General George Rogers Clark from 1809 until his death in 1818. It was the estate of his sister Lucy Clark Croghan and her husband William and family. A tour of the circa-1792 house gives visitors a glimpse into life before Louisville became the noisy metropolis it is today. During the summer there are many special events, concerts, an antique market, and more.

Farmington, finished in 1816, is an 18-acre site that was once the center of a hemp plantation owned by John and Lucy Speed. The 14room, Federal-style brick plantation house is said to be based on a design by Thomas Jefferson and has several Jeffersonian architectural features.

Historic Cave Hill Cemetery might seem an odd place for an outing, but believe us, the peace and beauty found here in the middle of the busy Highlands is, well, heavensent. Visit the ducks at the lake as generations of Louisvillians have done. See the graves of Colonel Sanders, Muhammad Ali, George Rogers Clark, and many other locals whose names you will recognize: Bullitt, Grinstead, Speed. Make sure to drive through the National Cemetery located within Cave Hill, the burial spot of more than 5,500 soldiers killed in the Civil War and other American wars. They also give tours and presentations throughout the year.

A trip into Fleur de Flea Vintage Indoor Market will either be a trip down memory lane or a glimpse into an earlier time — think rotary phones, needlepoint purses, and colorful clothing. In Paristown, close to downtown Louisville, you will find these curated vendor booths that feature just about anything imaginable, from jewelry to furniture to books to plants to art and who knows what else. A veritable feast of Flea!

Kentucky Influenced

Any stop along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, with the starting point at the Frazier History Museum, can be great fun. Consider the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience at Stitzel-Weller Distillery. It originally opened to the public on Derby Day 1935 and reopened again in 2014. Or try the Rabbit Hole Distillery in the Nulu area.

What’s a cooler way to spend some time in the summer than at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory at 8th and Main? You can’t miss the huge,120-foot baseball bat out front marking the entrance to this bit of fascinating local history. Take the factory tour and see bats emerge from planks of northern white ash or maple. Touch the Great Wall, which features the signatures of famous Louisville Slugger swingers such as Cal Ripken, Tony Gwynn, or Sparky Anderson. Batter up and take a swing in the indoor batting cage. Through the Muhammad Ali Center’s exhibits, films, and immersive environments, you’ll follow Ali’s journey from his Louisville childhood through the three world heavyweight titles and humanitarian efforts that made him a global icon.

Local Retail Browsing

Red Tree features imported furniture, gifts, and lighting. You can get lost in the many rooms of this multi-storied shop on the corner. Red Tree also gives many local artists a place to feature their skillful work. From hand-blown glass pieces to one-of-a-kind paintings, Red Tree encourages patrons to “shop local,” and these amazing pieces certainly make that an easy decision.

Once inside Digs, you’ll find an array of indoor and outdoor furniture beautifully staged to give you decorating ideas. You’ll also find accessories such as pillows, lamps, outdoor tableware, wall art, and some of the most realistic faux plants. Digs is a favorite place to get inspired.

If you like nature and garden gifts, you will enjoy browsing in the Secret Garden shop, a place to get practical tools, wind chimes, art poles, and fountains as well as fusion mineral paint. Many gifts beyond the garden can be found in this locally owned store. Shopping in Westport Village offers a little bit of everything: food, shopping, and some walking between stores. You can choose your passion, but don’t miss Tunies, Bliss Home, or the Comfy Cow.

Immersion Opportunities

People of any age can enjoy pickleball, so a lesson or a drop-in clinic might be a fun, active way to enjoy some time with a friend. There are many new pickleball clubs around the area. One example is the Genesis Blairwood club, which has a weekly clinic that covers a different skill of the game in each class.

Mahonia in the Nulu area is a beautiful plant experience, and it’s fun to stop in to choose the next green growing thing for your home or find the perfect pot. They also have workshops, one of which is a guided sand-art terrarium experience. You don’t have to have experience to enjoy painting — stop at Whet Your Palette to create your own piece of art. Wake up your inner artist in this comfortable, home-like atmosphere. A drop-in fee at Whet Your Palette includes an 8-by-10-inch canvas, paints, an apron, brushes, inspiration cards, and partial guidance.

Stop For Lunch

From athletes to movie stars to political figures — and a racehorse or two thrown in for good measure — half the fun of eating in the historic Jack Fry’s Restaurant is trying to see how many faces you recognize in the photographs on its walls. And of course, the food never fails to please. I cannot resist the shrimp and grits, although I hear that Jack’s burger is delicious and hearty. Any of the lunch entrees from the chicken salad to the cobb salad to the short ribs are sure to please as well. Having a reservation is recommended, and I like to request a booth in the front room with its sophisticated bar and lively atmosphere. Save room for dessert.

Located in an unassuming former manufacturing facility, The Café is known for its chandeliered ceilings, luscious patio, Southernstyle breakfasts, and hearty luncheon fare. Nothing pretentious here. From three-egg omelets as big as the plate to a piled-up chicken salad sandwich, there is much to choose from. My favorite is the demure #3 combination of half a sandwich, a cup of soup, one side, and a cookie.

The art-filled Proof on Main in the 21c Museum Hotel is a delight both for your eyes and your tastebuds. Pick from an array of choices, but consider the weekly inspired Derby City lunch. Quench your thirst with a seasonal soda or Proof Ginger Ale, made with house syrups.

Known for its wood-fired brick oven pizza, Garage Bar is located in the Nulu neighborhood at 700 E. Market St. Garage Bar’s interesting and dramatic exterior display pays tribute to its rich history as a historic saloon and auto service garage. It now provides a wide selection of craft beers, and some of the best pizza in Louisville comes from that woodfired brick oven.

Located right across from Churchill Downs, Wagner’s Pharmacy is an absolute must on your Derby-themed bucket list. Stop in for breakfast or lunch, but don’t come without your latest and greatest knowledge of all things horse racing. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger and fries or your typical country-style breakfast spread, Wagner’s has you covered in the comfort food department.

If you are feeling adventurous, Game offers anything from a kangaroo burger to fried frog legs to some of the best Scotch eggs you’ll ever have. Aside from its specialty exotic meats, the restaurant also serves up one of the best veggie burgers I’ve ever eaten. For out-of-this world flavor, try the grilled corn, poblano, and garbanzo veggie burger and add truffle oil to your side of hand-cut fries.

By Staff Writers | Photos by Melissa Donald

Today's Transitions | Summer 2024