I personally want to welcome you to our wonderful community and encourage you explore our city and enjoy all the exciting places, businesses and neighborhoods Jeffersontown has to offer.
There are more than 50 places to eat across our community from the Historic Gaslight Square District in downtown Jeffersontown to our bustling Hurstbourne Parkway and Blankenbaker Parkway corridors. You can start the day with breakfast on Gaslight Square, stroll down historic Watterson Trail and shop a little, visit our history museum or enjoy a walk through our Veterans Memorial Park on your way to Skyview Park to watch many of the little league baseball games our citizens enjoy with their family.
If you are looking for a book to read, old-time pinball arcade games, or brew with friends our city center is the place to be. Jeffersontown is home to the Bluegrass Commerce Park, the largest concentration of employment in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Jeffersontown is truly a great place to LIVE, WORK and PLAY.
Come Explore Jeffersontown.
Thank you for choosing our great city as a place to visit. We value you and your time here and we hope you come back soon.
Carol Pike, Mayor City of Jeffersontown
Dear Jeffersontown Guest,
A Letter from the Mayor
I personally want to welcome you to our wonderful community and encourage you explore our city and enjoy all the exciting places, businesses and neighborhoods Jeffersontown has to offer.
There are more than 50 places to eat across our community from the Historic Gaslight Square District in downtown Jeffersontown to our bustling Hurstbourne Parkway and Blankenbaker Parkway corridors. You can start the day with breakfast on Gaslight Square, stroll down historic Watterson Trail and shop a little, visit our history museum or enjoy a walk through our Veterans Memorial Park on your way to Skyview Park to watch many of the little league baseball games our citizens enjoy with their family.
If you are looking for a book to read, old-time pinball arcade games, or brew with friends our city center is the place to be. Jeffersontown is home to the Bluegrass Commerce Park, the largest concentration of employment in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Jeffersontown is truly a great place to LIVE, WORK and PLAY.
Come Explore Jeffersontown.
Thank you for choosing our great city as a place to visit. We value you and your time here and we hope you come back soon.
Carol Pike, Mayor City of Jeffersontown
THE HISTORY OF JEFFERSONTOWN
Jeffersontown was founded in the late 1700s when Revolutionary War veterans and other colonizers began to settle in the area. In 1794 Abraham Bruner purchased 122 acres of land near Chenoweth Run Creek to establish a town along the intersection of two roads that were commonly traveled by new settlers. The town quickly became a resting stop for those traveling into Louisville.
Some who traveled to Jeffersontown were fond of the arable land and fresh water. The town, formerly known as Brunerstown, named after Abraham Bruner, was home to 30 families by the end of the 1700s. Business
OTHER MEMORABLE MOMENTS
DEVELOPING JEFFERSONTOWN
Edwin Ruth Sprowl helped establish the Jefferson County Bank and the Jefferson Heights subdivision, and also donated land for the Jeffersontown school.
owners began buying plots from Bruner and establishing businesses on what’s now called Watterson Trail and Taylorsville Road. The intersection quickly became home to taverns, hotels, blacksmiths and other merchants.
The location of Brunerstown made it easily accessible and a perfect place for economic development. The town was incorporated and formally recognized as Jeffersontown in 1797, named after the current vice president, Thomas Jefferson, although the residents would still refer to it as Brunerstown for the next century.
KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER
In 1913, Kentucky Derby winner Donerail was ridden to victory by Jeffersontown native, Roscoe Goose.
1921 AND 1925 FIRES
There was a fire in Gaslight Square that destroyed buildings in 1921. Later in 1925, another fire engulfed the Jeffersontown Garage and posed a threat to half of the buildings downtown. Unfortunately the town’s only fire truck was in the garage where the fire was started. The fire spread quickly due to the building’s wooden structures and over half of the town square was destroyed. By 1927 the structure of downtown Jeffer-
sontown was built in response to the 1921 and 1925 fires. New buildings were built including the Jefferson County Bank. Next to the bank was a drugstore, and next to that a movie theater, grocery store, pool room and barber shop, all within what’s currently 10501-10507 Watterson Trail.
BLUEGRASS INDUSTRIAL PARK
In the 1950s, Fred Weber came up with the idea to build an industrial park just north of Jeffersontown with 627 acres. The land was annexed in 1964. The grand opening of the Bluegrass Research and Industrial Park was in 1967. The business park was ideally located next to corn and wheat fields and the southern railroad line, giving Jeffersontown an economic boom. By 1997, 33,000 people were employed in the industrial park.
Henry Watterson is Jeffersontown’s most famous resident, known mostly for founding The Courier Journal and serving as its editor for 50 years.
HISTORICAL PLACES TO VISIT
LEATHERMAN LOG CABIN
Leatherman Log Cabin is the only remaining house from the original city plan. It managed to survive both fires in 1921 and 1925. The house is two stories and was built by a blacksmith, John Leatherman. The house has been occupied by various owners and businesses over the years.
SEATON HOUSE
Seaton House is a two-story house that dates back to 1803, when Valentine Conrad purchased the lots to build his home and kiln for his redware pottery business. Redware is an old, rather soft form of pottery supplanted by stoneware by the mid-19th century. Conrad’s pottery is not found only in Jeffersontown, however; it has been found all over Jefferson County, and it is known to have been shipped as far south as New Orleans. Conrad eventually moved to Six Mile Lane and passed down the pottery business to either his son or brother. The house is named after Dr. John S Seaton, who enlarged the original log structure in the 1840s.
BLACK ACRE NATURE PRESERVE
Black Acre is one of Kentucky’s first and oldest homesteads. It features the Moses Tyler homestead. Tyler came from present-day West Virginia in 1780 with his father and two brothers, and settled on this land within the Floyds Fork watershed in 1792, where he farmed and operated a distillery until the 1830s. The farmstead includes a small stone house, a two-story limestone spring house, and a double-crib, Appalachian-style log barn built in the 1790s. Black Acre was established as a nature conservancy in 1979.
Today you can learn about the history of Black Acre and the Revolutionary War, and also enjoy a hike or meet and feed the farm animals.
GERMAN REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CEMETERY
At the corner of Watterson Trail and Shelby Street stands the fourth-oldest cemetery in Kentucky, the German Reformed Presbyterian Cemetery, and to the right of it is the Lutheran Church Cemetery.
THE MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
The Jeffersontown Library and Museum is a great place to visit to learn more about the history of Jeffersontown and see some artifacts that once belonged to the residents of Jeffersontown. You can also learn about the people who played a role in their community, and read about the historical events that took place in the city, including the formation of the Gaslight Festival.
THE SENIOR CENTER
Just around the corner from the library is the Senior Center, which was once home to the Jeffersontown Poor Farm, where poor and homeless residents could work the farm in exchange for bed and board. The farm extended from Colonial Manor to what is now Skyview Park. After the Poor Farm closed in 1920, it sat idle for years until it was converted into the Sunshine Lodge, which housed children under 12 who faced broken family situations or homelessness. It wasn’t until the late 1900s that the building became what it is today. The senior center provides a day space for Jeffersontown’s seniors to participate in varying activities day-to-day, including aerobics, bingo, bunco and card games.
VINTAGE 99 MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM
Brand new to downtown Jeffersontown, Vintage 99 Motorcycle Museum pays tribute to the art and history of motocross in Kentucky. When you’re not admiring the history, you can also enjoy your time at the Vintage 99 Bed & Breakfast, which also serves as an event space and wedding venue.
Jeffersontown
ATTRACTIONS
ACTIVATE - LOUISVILLE
INTERACTIVE FULL-BODY GAMES
Enter the game where you become the player in the world’s first active gaming facility. Jump, climb, problem solve and laugh, as you and your friends move between challenges. Each dynamic game room has interactive technology that reacts in real time, ensuring an adrenaline-filled adventure.
AMC STONYBROOK MOVIE THEATRE
Catch a movie at closest Jeffersontown AMC theater. Cineplex with 3D and jumbo digital screens showing first-run films, opera productions and sports events.
BREAKOUT GAMESLOUISVILLE ESCAPE ROOMS
Play the top Louisville escape rooms. For 60 minutes, experience five-star, immersive entertainment with friends and family, escape normal life and be the hero of the story. Explore an island, find the kidnapper or restore ancient relics to their rightful owner. Each Breakout location has unique challenges.
COMMONWEALTH CANDLE MAKE YOUR OWN CANDLE
Visit the Commonwealth Candle Shop + Candle Bar. Shopping and walk-in candle pouring available during all open hours. No reservation required.
COUNTDOWN LOUISVILLE ESCAPE ROOMS
Countdown Louisville offers a variety of top-rated escape rooms that range from casual to complex. Each room offers immersive scenery that makes you feel like you’re in a movie.
FULL THROTTLE GO-KARTING, AXE THROWING AND RAGE ROOM
Full Throttle Adrenaline Park is THE goto, premier entertainment destination for adrenaline-inducing fun! We provide safe and enjoyable kick-axe activities that appeal to thrill seekers of all types.
J-TOWN BEACH VOLLEYBALL BAR
Kick back and dig your feet into the sand while watching a game of volleyball and enjoying an ice-cold beverage - or participate in a game yourself on one of the two sand volleyball courts that the beach offers. If volleyball isn’t your thing, catch a game of cornhole or use our brand-new shuffleboard table inside the shack. Next door is Wine Down By The Beach, where you can enjoy tap wine or grab a bottle. Wine Down offers charcuterie boards to pair with your wine.
KINGPIN LANES BOWLING ALLEY AND ARCADE
Family-oriented bowling alley featuring 50 lanes, as well as arcade games and a cafe.
J-TOWN BINGO BINGO HALL
Our large hall is well-lit, safe, clean and comfortable. We host a diverse group including St. Gabriel and St. Bartholomew churches, Hand in Hand Ministries, Male High School and Butler Traditional High School alumni, and the Louisville Soccer Alliance. Come support our charities.
MAIN EVENT BOWLING, GRAVITY ROPES, BILLIARDS AND ARCADE
A trip to Main Event is a chance for the whole family to reconnect, celebrate, compete, eat and play. When you’re with us, each and every moment together is the Main Event.
MALIBU JACK’S GO-KARTING, MINI GOLF, LASER TAG, ARCADE AND MORE
Malibu Jack’s offers fun for all ages including go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, 4D motion theater ride, bounce beach, spin zone, wave ride and even an indoor coaster. Malibu Jacks also offers a full service restaurant and bar.
RECBAR ARCADE, PINBALL, RESTAURANT & BAR
Playful hangout supplying an eclectic range of comfort eats and craft beer, plus games such as pinball, Skee-Ball, air hockey and arcade hoop. Catch a game on one of our many TVs or enjoy a night out on our covered patio.
ROCKSPORT ROCK-CLIMBING GYM
Looking for a way to have fun and get your body moving? RockSport may be the place for you. We offer over 12,000 square feet of bouldering, top roping and lead climbing, as well as a resistance training area, co-working space, and climbing-specific training area.
XSCAPE THEATRE MOVIE THEATRE
Relax and recline - your gateway to thrilling movie experiences and endless Xcitement. Join us for unforgettable cinematic journeys.
Jeffersontown ANNUAL EVENTS
EASTERFEST
Saturday before Easter
Meet and have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! Go on an egg hunt and enjoy a variety of activities and refreshments.
Jeffersontown Veterans Park 10707 Taylorsville Road www.jeffersontownky.gov
MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE
Sunday before Memorial Day
The City of Jeffersontown hosts veterans, active-duty military, and the public in honoring the men and women who have served our country valiantly.
Jeffersontown Veterans Park 10707 Taylorsville Road www.jeffersontownky.gov
SUMMERFEST
Last Friday in June
SEPTEMBER
GASLIGHT FESTIVAL
First week after Labor Day
Gaslight Festival lasts over a week with something for everybody including a 5K, balloon glow, motorcycle rally, business appreciation, the Gaslight parade, a car show, and an arts and crafts fair to end the weekend!
Downtown Jeffersontown at the intersection of Watterson Trail and Taylorsville Road www.jtowngaslight.com
PUMPKINFEST
Last Saturday in October
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER MAY
A community event devoted to fun activities including an evening of music, a movie and fireworks.
Jeffersontown Veterans Park 10707 Taylorsville Road www.jeffersontownky.gov
BEER FEST
Second or Third week of July
Sample beers from all over Kentucky at the Jeffersontown Beer Fest, where over 60 breweries and vendors come together.
Pavilion at Gaslight Square 10434 Watterson Trail www.jtownbeerfest.com
NOVEMBER
Children dress in costumes and trick-or-treat along the historic Gaslight Square. Stop by the pavilion afterward to enjoy live music and lunch! A great alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.
Pavilion at Gaslight Square 10434 Watterson Trail www.jtowngaslight.com
VETERANS DAY OBSERVED
Sunday before Veterans Day
The City of Jeffersontown hosts veterans, active-duty military, and the public in honoring the men and women who have served our country valiantly.
Jeffersontown Veterans Park 10707 Taylorsville Road www.jeffersontownky.gov
CHRISTMAS ON GASLIGHT SQUARE
Sunday after Thanksgiving
Start the holiday season with Santa and the mayor as they flip the switch to light up the historic Gaslight Square! Have your picture taken with Santa, listen to carols by local choirs, take a carriage ride, and enjoy an array of activities and refreshments.
Jeffersontown Veterans Park 10707 Taylorsville Road www.jeffersontownky.gov
Jeffersontown PARKS
SKYVIEW PARK
2700 Watterson Trail
Skyview Park is home to many baseball, softball and tee-ball fields, a playground, splash park, and a pavilion - complete with restrooms, concessions and trails.
VETERANS PARK
10707 Taylorsville Road
The Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park was the first park in Kentucky to be dedicated solely to veterans. It is located on 25 beautiful acres and offers open green spaces that are ideal for recreational activities. It’s complete with baseball, softball, tee-ball and basketball courts, multiple pavilions, picnic tables, grills, a playground, restrooms, and trails.
CHARLIE VETTINER PARK
5550 Charlie Vettiner Park Road
Located just south of Jeffersontown, Charlie Vettiner Park is complete with baseball fields, basketball courts, a disc golf course, a dog run, a playground, tennis and pickleball courts, picnic tables, grills, a pavilion, and a golf course just up the road at 10207 Mary Dell Lane.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS Louisville Area
BELLE OF LOUISVILLE
Built in 1914, the Belle is the only remaining authentic steamboat from the great American packet boat era. A National Historic Landmark and an icon of the Louisville waterfront, the Belle is the most widely traveled steamboat of her size in American history.
CHURCHILL DOWNS
Experience the thrills of thoroughbred horse racing at historic Churchill Downs racetrack, the site of the Kentucky Derby and other major events.
FOURTH STREET LIVE
Enjoy a variety of bars, restaurants and entertainment at Fourth Street Live, a hub for Louisville’s nightlife.
FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM
Frazier History Museum features historic Kentucky exhibitions, Kentucky bourbon trail welcome center, bourbon tastings, event and wedding venues, history programs, and history education opportunities.
LOUISVILLE BATS
Catch a ballgame at Louisville Slugger Field and see the Louisville Bats, a Minor League Baseball team of the International League.
LOUISVILLE CITY FC
LouCity has solidified itself as the nation’s premier second-division soccer club since launching less than a decade ago. Back-toback USL Championship title winners in 2017 and 2018, the boys in purple have reached at least the league’s conference final in all nine of their seasons.
LOUISVILLE’S
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER
MUSEUM & FACTORY
Connect with a genuine global icon on its hometown turf. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory celebrates the extraordinary role Louisville Slugger baseball bats have played in the sport’s past, present and future.
ANGEL’S ENVY DISTILLERY
BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY
BARRELS AND BILLETS CUSTOM BOURBON
BOUGH BROTHERS
BUZZARDS ROOST
COPPER & KINGS
LOUISVILLE WALKING BRIDGE
The Big Four Bridge one is an awesome pedestrian bridge that you can walk or bike across. Catch a scenic view of the Ohio River, and both New Albany and Louisville cities.
RACING LOUISVILLE FOOTBALL CLUB
Upon launching, Racing Louisville made its city home to a major-league sports franchise for the first time in 41 years. The club plays in the National Women’s Soccer League - the world’s top women’s soccer circuit that’s home to most members of the highly successful U.S. national team - and plays at recently opened Lynn Family Stadium.
KENTUCKY SCIENCE CENTER
Kentucky Science Center is advancing a statewide science literacy campaign to encourage people of all ages to explore science in everyday life.
SPEED ART MUSEUM
Speed Art Museum is the largest museum in Kentucky, featuring a diverse and rich collection of art from different cultures and periods.
THE KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM
With two floors of interactive, familyfriendly exhibits, the Kentucky Derby Museum takes visitors through every stage of a thoroughbred’s life, from birth to the First Saturday in May. Learn about all the great history of the race, dating back to the inaugural running in 1875 to our most recent Kentucky Derby champion, and experience all the traditions that have transformed the race into what it is today.
THE LOUISVILLE ZOO
The Louisville Zoological Gardens, a nonprofit organization and the state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to its mission to “Better the Bond Between People and Our Planet” by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors and leadership in conservation education.
MEGA CAVERN
One of the largest caverns in the United States, featuring zip lines, quests and trams to explore the deep history and fascinating geology lying below Louisville.
WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS
Waterfront Botanical Gardens is a project to build a botanical garden in Louisville that educates and enlightens visitors about the botanical world.
WATERFRONT PARK
Waterfront Park is a nonprofit public park in Louisville. It connects people to the river and ensures our waterfront remains an asset that can be enjoyed by the community forever.
WAVERLY HILLS SANITORIUM
This former sanitorium not only made its way onto the U.S. National Register of Historical Places, but it is also rumored to be one of the world’s most haunted places, featuring historical tours, paranormal tours and public investigations.
EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE
KENTUCKY ARTISAN DISTILLERY
KENTUCKY PEERLESS DISTILLERY
MICHTER’S DISTILLERY
MONK’S ROAD BOILER HOUSE
OLD FORESTER DISTILLERY
OLD LOUISVILLE WHISKEY COMPANY
PROHIBITION CRAFT SPIRITS
PURSUIT SPIRITS
RABBIT HOLE DISTILLERY
STITZEL-WELLER EXPERIENCE
EAT, DRINK & SHOP
Jeffersontown
SHOPPING
• Above the Dirt - Plant Shop
• Chelle Belle’s Creations - Boutique
• Commonwealth Candle - Candle Shop/ make your own candle
• Birch & Oak Boutique - Boutique
• Darling State of Mind - Boutique
• Game X Change - Video Games
• Half Price Books - Used Book Store
• JD Becker - Fan Shop
• J-Town Hardware - Hardware
• Madeline’s Gifts - Boutique
• Moonstruck - Metaphysical shop
• One Love - Hemp
• Taylor Trunk - Travel accessories
• The Re-Tail Thrift Shop - Thrift store
• Through the Decades - Collectibles and novelties
• Toys For Trucks - Truck accessories
• Pet Wants - Craft pet food and accessories
• Wigglewow - Dog treats
• Woodcraft of Louisville - Woodworking
BLANKENBAKER PARKWAY CORRIDOR
• Cracker Barrel - Southern cooking
• El Caporal - Mexican Cuisine
• El Nopal - Mexican Cuisine
• Las Palmas - Mexican Cuisine
• Logan’s Roadhouse - Steakhouse
• Yoki Buffet - Chinese buffet
GALENE DRIVE
• Bud’s Tavern - Sports Bar
• Little Angels Wings and Burgers
- Wings and Burgers
• The Yellow Cactus - Mexican Cuisine
HURSTBOURNE ROAD CORRIDOR
• Bearno’s - Pizza
• Bonefish Grill - Seafood
• Boombozz - Pizza
• Brick House - Gastro pub
• Bucca di Beppo - Italian
• Carrabba’s - Italian grill
• Cattleman’s - Steakhouse
• Connor’s Steak & Seafood - Steakhouse
• Con Huevos! - Brunch/Mexican Cuisine
• Drake’s - Burgers and sushi
• EggHolic - Indian street food
• El Pastorcito Taqueria - Mexican Cuisine
• El Torazo - Mexican Cuisine
• Famous Dave’s - Barbecue
• Gigi’s Cupcakes - Cupcakes
• Gustavo’s - Mexican grill
• IHOP- Pancake house
• J Gumbo’s - Creole Cuisine
• Jeff’s Donuts - Doughnuts
• Jumbo Buffet - Chinese buffet
• Kyushu Japanese Steakhouse
- Hibachi & sushi
• Longhorn Steakhouse - Steakhouse
• O’Charley’s - Steakhouse
• Olive Garden - Italian
• Seven Brew - Coffee
• Shreeji - Indian street food
• Smokey Bones - Barbecue
• The Melting Pot - Fondue
LINN STATION ROAD
• Brownie’s “The Shed” Grille & Bar
- Sports bar
• CASK Southern Kitchen & Bar
- Southern food
• Derby City Pizza - Pizza
• Sichuan Garden - Chinese
• Vallarta Mexican Seafood & Grill
- Mexican Cuisine
LOCUST ROAD
• Passtime Fish House - Seafood
RUCKRIEGEL PARKWAY
• Cookie Dough Bliss - Cookie dough
• PARLOUR - Pizza
TAYLORSVILLE ROAD
• Bambu Desserts & Drinks - Bubble Tea
• Bearno’s - Pizza
• Buffalo Wild Wings - Sports Bar
• Carali’s Rotisserie Chicken
- Peruvian-style chicken
• Clean Eatz - Healthy cafe
• Club K9 - Dog bar
• Barcelona Bistro - Spanish Cuisine
• Dickey’s BBQ Pit - Barbecue
• El Taco Loco - Mexican Cuisine
• FDKY BBQ - Barbecue
• Karems Bait & Beverage - Bar
• King Donuts - Doughnuts
• I Love Tacos - Taqueria
• Maple Inn - Bar
• Mussel & Burger Bar - Burgers
• Popcorn Station - Popcorn
• RecBar - Sports bar and arcade
• Scooter’s - Coffee
• Shogun - Hibachi and sushi
• Sweet Savannah’s - Frozen Yogurt
• Taco Luchador- Taqueria
• Wild Eggs - Breakfast and lunch
• WNB Factory - Wings and burgers
WATTERSON TRAIL
• 3rd Turn - Brewery
• Boone’s Deli - Deli
• Dickey’s - Barbecue
• El Nopal - Mexican cuisine
• Gaslight Diner - Breakfast and lunch
• J-Town Beach - Bar
• A Novel Romace - Book Store
• Quills - Coffee
WHERE FRIENDS AND FAMILIES
HOURS Sunday to Wednesday 7am to 3pm
Thursday 7am to 10pm
Friday & Saturday 7am to 11pm
10509 WATTERSON TRAIL, JEFFERSONTOWN KY, 40299
• Museums
• Miles of Bike and Pedestrian Trails
• Amphitheater, Veterans Park, and Freedom Wall
• Historic Gaslight Square District with shops, restaurants, Farmers Market, and much more!
