Looking for things to do in Louisville this week or weekend? Andrew Crum has four places four you to explore in the 502.
Hey yall! I’m Andrew Crum, State of Louisville’s newest culture Contributor. Welcome to a new blog series where each week we’ll explore the unique restaurants, bars, shops, and other landmarks that shape the great 502. Each series entry, we’ll focus on new spots around the Ville that have our intrigue.
While I have lived in Louisville for nearly my entire life, there is much of this area that remains unexplored by yours truly. Especially as I have aged throughout my 20’s, it’s been easy to remain comfortable with the same restaurants, parks, bars, venues, etc. that my friends and family have frequently patronized again and again and again.
However, over the last several years, due to meeting new friends, gaining unique experiences in the workforce, or just stumbling upon whatever arises before me, my perspective has shifted to not only want to learn about the people, places and things that inhabit this city, but to truly highlight the underrated gems that make Louisville the eccentric, undefinable city that it is.
As I dive into this week’s finds, let us know some areas of town, landmarks, shops, restaurants, bars, venues, etc. we need to stop by next in the comments below!
Stop #1 – Crescent Hill Reservoir
My first stop this week has been one of my favorite recent spots to go for a run as I’ve been training for the Derby Festival Mini Marathon. Located right off Frankfort Avenue, this landmark, including the Gothic style Gatehouse building that greets guests, was built in 1879. While the Gatehouse initially contained the valves that controlled the water flowing in and out of the reservoir, this is now controlled at the Crescent Hill Filtration Plant across Frankfort Avenue.
Guests today can enjoy the tranquil views of the reservoir whether it be through a long stroll or a brisk jog around the premises. A major perk of this area is how much space that guests have in the walkways, as most pathways in nearby parks can get a bit congested depending on the time of day.
This area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is overall a fantastic spot to learn a bit of Louisville history and get a bit of exercise.
Stop #2 – Gallant Fox Brewing on Frankfort Avenue
Located just down the road on Frankfort Avenue, Gallant Fox Brewing is an excellent spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat. With a great outdoor patio where guests can enjoy their drink of choice, the taproom has a wide variety of beer selections on tap including my two choices for the day, the 8-Bit Blonde and the Straight Outta Clifton West Coast IPA. While I’m not really an IPA guy, I quite enjoyed this one as well as the blonde.
The space has a few great additional aspects including a popcorn machine in which they offer bags of popcorn at just $1 each. Every Wednesday, the taproom hosts trivia nights with one specialty trivia night each month. On the day I stopped by, the special theme was It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia! Overall, this is a great place to spend a couple of hours or a quick stop on by as you’re making your way down Frankfort Avenue.
Stop #3 – Derby City Market
For anyone that loves antiques, unique furniture, retro clothing, or really anything in between, Derby City Market is an absolute gem. Located on Barret Avenue alongside several other unique shops, this spot has something for everyone, as it was voted the no. 1 Furniture Store & no. 3 Antique Store in LEO Weekly.
It’s one of those places I feel that you can get lost in for hours, as I spent most of my time looking at the extensive collection of records, art pieces, and clothing options on display.
As my roommate is currently collecting VHS tapes for our house, and with him being the one that introduced me to Derby City Market, I chose an old copy of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and for my own record collection, I found a great Johnny Cash record, Mean as Hell. As I was leaving the store, one of the owners was laying down a putting green for patrons and anyone walking by to try their hand at a hole-in-one. While my putting game unfortunately leaves more to be desired, this is just one of the many great quirks this place has to offer.
Stop #4 – Danny Mac’s Pizza
Finally, my last stop of the week was to a familiar friend of mine, that being Danny Mac’s Pizza. Located within the Melwood Arts Center, this has been of my go-to local pizza destinations as I had lived in the area a few years back. Not only does this place offer excellent food, but it is in a prime unique location, where you can explore everything that Melwood Arts Center has to offer including Butchertown Brewing directly across from the pizza shop.
Who has the #1 pizza in town is always a hot button topic among connoisseurs in the city, but for my money this is definitely up there with the best. I went Whether you stop by to take it to go, enjoy it in their quaint dining area with plenty of Louisville memorabilia, or eat on the Melwood patio, this is absolutely a spot I recommend for those who are looking to find their new favorite pizza joint.
Stay tuned for next week’s series entry, as we dive into some spots that will help make your Derby 151 week one to remember!
