What makes Louisville Nulu District sights so special is the unique mix of old industrial arms and contemporary hipster flair that you hardly find in a single quarter. I remember stumbled over the old railway bridge for the first time, which dates back to the 1880s and today serves as a silent witness to a city that can never completely decide whether to be a quiet suburban feeling or a vibrant cultural centre. The township is located in the heart of Jefferson County, and you can immediately see if you get by bus from the city centre – the ride is short, but the sounds of the city are suddenly overtoned by a quiet rustling of trees and the distant sound of a jazz band. I don't understand the hype about the trendy food trucks, but the small cafes that sit in rebuilt warehouses are really great and give the neighborhood that certain something. Those who like to stroll through narrow alleys and feel the flair of a city that attracts people for centuries who are looking for authenticity will quickly notice that the Nulu District is more than just another point on the map – it is a slightly cynical but lovable microcosm that surprises me again and again.
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The first stop I couldn't miss was that Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest – a huge green piece, which is about 30 minutes south of Nulu and yet gives the feeling that one is in another world. I drove there by car, parked at the main parking lot (which is mostly free, except on sunny Saturday afternoons, then the families with picnic baskets flowed) and wandered over the artistically designed paths lined by huge sculptures. The trees here have more character than some city dwellers, and the quiet rustling of the leaves is a welcome counterpart to the urban noise.
A short detour to Versailles brought me to Woodford Reserve Distillery. I do not quite understand the hype about “handmade” Bourbon, but what I tried there was actually a small light look in the flood of tourist scarves. The guided tour is easy, the staff likes to talk about the mash, and parking is a children's game – a small courtyard behind the building where you can leave your car almost unobserved. I even discovered an old storage cellar where a few forgotten barrels still give a quiet marble of themselves.
Further north, almost in the heart of the Appalachen Mountains, lies the Red River Gorge. I had painted the picture of steep rock gorges and endless climbing routes from Instagram, but the reality was still rough. I migrated the Natural Bridge Trail, where nature itself redefined the word “Instagram value”. Parking is a bit tricky here – a small, immobile parking at the entrance, which is quickly full when the weather is good. Nevertheless, chaos is worth it, because the view from the bridge is a real eye-catcher.
A few hours further southwest, almost to the border of Indiana, this is Mammoth Cave National Park. I have the feeling of getting into a huge underground maze built by nature itself. The tour I took wasn’t the usual “short” variant, but a longer tour where I almost felt losing time. Parking is well organised at the visitor centre, but on weekends it can be a small crowd if all “Cave-Lover” flows together from all over the country.
A short detour to Bardstown, lovingly called “Bourbon Capital of the World”, brought me to the heart of history. The Historic Downtown Bardstown is spiced with old brick buildings that tell more stories than some museums. I strolled through Main Street, seduce me from a small bookshop with handmade leather envelopes and enjoyed a quick espresso in a café that has more works of art on the walls than a small museum. Parking is a bit of a gamble here – a small, free parking behind the town hall, often occupied by locals, but if you are lucky, you will find a free place.
Only a stone's throw away My Old Kentucky Home State Park. The name sounds like cheesy tourist attraction, but the property itself has a certain charm that reminded me of the romantic novels of my childhood. I took part in a short tour where I learned more about the history of the Harrison family than I expected. Parking is an open parking lot that usually offers enough space as long as you don't come at the weekend when the school classes show up for excursions.
At the end of my small tour I visited the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg. The Shakers, known for their simple aesthetics and craftsmanship, have received a museum and a working farm. I was surprised how well the old buildings were preserved – almost as if the Shaker had signed a contract with time. Parking is right in front of the main entrance, a large, flat area that is rarely full, because most visitors prefer to walk the paths.
If you are looking for authentic experiences that expand the image of Louisville Nulu District attractions, these excursions are a must – from forest and wine to underground wonders and historical sites that have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight.
Already at first glance at the glistening neon lights from Fourth Street Live! it becomes clear why I get a little nervous every time I come back here – this is the heartbeat claw of the Nulu District, which never sleeps, and I mean it not only because I once tipped almost a drink over my new leather jacket.
I have to admit that I have the hype around the Street-Art in the Nulu Arts District not quite understand until I was standing in a tiny gallery called “The Front” on a rainy afternoon and suddenly from a huge color-exploding Murales of Julius “Juli” Kessler was overrun. That was as if a graffiti artist had re-sprayed my soul with spray can – and that, while I tried not to slip over the wet tiles. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there is a real problem because everyone tries to get a place near the bar “The Old Seville”.
A short walk over the Ohio-River-Uferpromenade leads you to the Big Four Bridge, a narrow but impressive suspension bridge that can be walked on foot and by bike. I once tried to make a selfie while a passing van with noisy country music crashed – the result was an image that looked more like “Kornfeld-Karaoke” than epic skyline. Nevertheless, the view of the river and the Louisville skyline is really great, and the whole thing is free, which is never too much for a little urban romance boost.
If you have enough of concrete, look at that. Louisville Waterfront Park on. I made a picnic with my friend there while we tried to feed the ducks that were more interested in our pommes than for the actual bread. The park is huge, with wide green areas, a huge fountain and even a small beach promenade, which is used by locals for sunbathing in the summer. A little hint: The public toilets are clean, but this is not always guaranteed – so better before have a plan B.
A bit of history? The Louisville Slugger Museum lies just one cat jump from the Nulu District and is a must for anyone who has ever wondered why baseball bats are so big and heavy. I have seen a guided tour there with a very enthusiastic guide who told me that every racket is ground by hand – and that while I tried not to laugh loudly, because I suddenly felt like a little boy holding a toy in my hand. The highlight is, of course, the huge, oversized Slugger model in the entrance area – perfect for an Instagram photo you will regret later because you spent too much time finding the perfect angle.
For football freaks among you L&N stagehome of Louisville City FC. I was there at a game that I actually only visited from curiosity, and was immediately torn by the loud, almost chaotic atmosphere. The fans sing loudly, the beer flows in streams, and the stadium is a good example of how sports and city life merge here. Parking is a nightmare here if you don't arrive early enough – I almost parked my car on the lawn of the adjacent park because the parking lots were full.
And yes, if you have a list of Louisville Nulu District Attractions look, then you now have my slightly cynical but honest opinion on the most important points. I could go on for hours, but I don't want to surprise you with too many details about the local food trucks, the constantly changing pop-up art galleries and the occasional street festivals. So, grab your shoes, your phone and a bit of patience – and be surprised by this quirky-unpredictable neighborhood.
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