For centuries, Broad Field's landmarks have attracted people who appreciate the silent whisper of a once rural community, although today the area is firmly anchored in the urban fabric of Louisville. I remember the first time I drove over the old road that once linked the farms of 1800s, and suddenly saw today's residential area with its wide avenues and the typical red brick houses – a mix of history and modern suburbs, which at the same time fascinates me and makes me a little skeptical. Who comes here quickly realizes that the heart of Broad Fields does not strike in a museum, but in the small gardens cultivated by neighbors, where peach trees flourish in spring and the neighborhood BBQs are almost ritual. The connection is surprisingly practical: a short trip to the I‐64 will take you to the city centre in a few minutes, and the local bus lines of the TARC will stop at the main intersection, so you can explore the surroundings without a car. I don't understand the hype about the “Suburban Idyll”, but the mixture of historical calm and the quiet pulse of a growing community makes Broad Fields a underestimated gem. And yes, if you're looking for Broad Field's attractions, you'll find that the real highlight is the authentic everyday life you only experience when you take a little time to cross the road and catch the smile of the inhabitants.
With the map tool, you can plan the ideal location for a photo online in advance – taking into account the sun's path and the surroundings.
Here's how it works:
Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Broad Fields, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was Jefferson Memorial Forestthat extends only a few minutes south of Broad Fields and sells itself as a “big forest piece in the middle of the big city jungle”. I spent half a day there because I thought a bit of hiking would justify my city flight – and I was not disappointed. The trails are well marked, the parking is a Klack, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field becomes the battlefield-Parking Arena. The view from the view tower over the gentle hills is almost as if you were stretching over the entire Jefferson County, only without the usual tourist-kicher.
A short detour to the south leads to Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. There are more trees per square meter than in my favorite café per seat, and this is a compliment. I ran into the artistically designed sculpture gardens – not because I couldn't read the map, but because I was simply too distracted by the huge oaks. The entrance is free, parking is generous, and the café serves an apple cake that is almost as good as the view of the lake. A little hint: If you are there in autumn, bring an umbrella; the leaves have their own life and can suddenly become a slip.
A bit further west, in the hills of Clermont, lies this Jim Beam American Stillhouse. I have to admit, I was skeptical because I am not the type that can be “enchanted” by a distillery – but the leadership was surprisingly entertaining. The guide told Anekdoten about the founding of the distillery that made me laugh more than most comedy shows in Louisville. The best thing: the tasting at the end, where I tried a few rare vintages that you never get to face. Parking is a bit tight at the entrance, but with some patience you always find a place.
Back to the city, but not to the center, the route leads me to Louisville Mega Cavern. Who would have thought that under the streets of Louisville there is a huge artificial cave system? I made a guided Zip-Line tour there – a bit childish, but the adrenaline was real. The cave is air conditioned, so no sweat, only the quiet echo of my own voice. Parking is directly at the entrance, but on the weekend it can be a small traffic jam because the families with children use the attraction as a “children’s birthday”.
A short jump to the east brings me to Frazier History Museum. I was there because I thought history was boring and came out with the impression that the museum proves the opposite. The exhibition about the Bourbon history has tied me particularly – I learned more about the burning of whiskey than I have ever found in a book. The museum is located near the Ohio River, parking is free and the staff is friendly as long as you do not try to touch the exhibits.
At the end of my small tour, I have another trip to Old Louisville made with its Victorian town houses almost like a film set. I took a walk there to admire the artistic façades, and I almost stumbled over a street artist who played a saxophone while at the same time eating a sandwich – an image I don't forget so fast. The roads are narrow, the parking is limited, but a few free places you always find when you drive a bit further down the road.
If you ask yourself what to discover in the vicinity of Broad Fields, then let the above highlights convince you – they show that the Broad Fields Attractions have more to offer than just suburbs and shopping malls. From forest walks to whiskey stories to underground adventures – there is enough material for a long, slightly cynical, yet enthusiastic guide.
This guide invites you to discover the hidden corners of Broad Fields – yes, just the small but fine neighborhood in Lexington, Kentucky, which you can easily overlook if you are looking for horse stables and Bourbon.
I must confess at the beginning that this Broad Fields Golf Course is my personal favorite place, not only because I think a bit about the green space status, but because there the true Kentucky feeling pulsates. The 18-hole course is located directly on Broadfields Drive and is open to the public – that is, no elite club that rejects you at the door. I remember a rainy Tuesday when I almost threw the towel after a misfortune knock in the bunker; suddenly an elderly man came from the clubhouse, offered me a coffee and told me he was playing here since the 80s. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the local tournaments are going off.
A short walk (or a short Uber if you don't have too much pleasure on foot muscles) leads you to Broad Fields Community Center. The building is a true chameleon: during the day a gym, in the evening a dance course for seniors and on the weekend a place for pop-up art. I took part in a yoga course where the instructor spoke more about her cat than about the Asanas – a real one local charm. The center has a small café serving surprisingly good ice cream coffee, and parking is always free there as long as you don't come at the same time as the weekly Bingo night.
If you are looking for a place where you can withdraw with a book without being overrun by tourists, then this is Broad Fields Library That's right. The library is part of the Fayette County Public Library network and is located close to the golf course. I once found a rare specimen of the history of the Kentucky Mines – a real discovery for history lovers. The atmosphere is quiet, the staff friendly, and the WLAN actually works (a rare lucky case). A little hint: the car can be parked at the rear entrance, but the places are limited, so it's better to come early.
Another highlight that is often overlooked is the Broad Fields Park. It is not a huge city park, rather a cozy green stripe with a playground, a few benches and a small pond where ducks are strolling. I often spent my lunch break there, because the noise of the water is almost like a natural soundtrack. The park is ideal for families, and the best: parking is right at the entrance, no stress, no ticket.
For those who like a little nostalgia, the Broad Fields Elementary School an interesting stop. The building from the 70s has a distinctive retro charm, and the wall with the old class photos is a real eye-catcher. I took part in a school event where the children performed a play about the history of Lexington – a bit cheesy, but honestly rather sweet. The school area is not an official tourist resort, but a short look is worth it because you can feel the real everyday life of the municipality.
And because I can't forget, here's a short hint for those who are planning their trip: if you're looking for an overview, simply tap "Broad Fields Sights" into your search engine – that gives you a compact list that I don't repeat completely here, because I prefer to share my own, slightly cynical comments.
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