Fern Creek - Louisville, KY

As early as the 1790's, residents of Louisville demanded a straightforward route to nearby Bardstown. This route, which eventually become Bardstown Road, catalyzed the development of agriculture in the areas it passed through, including Fern Creek. During its early decades, Fern Creek existed as an independent agricultural-based community; the roots from this period still resonate through the community today. However, the 1950s and '60s saw an explosion of the middle classes in Louisville, and consequently, an increase in the development of suburbs surrounding the city. To this day, the mixture of middle class suburbanites and the original working-class farmers characterizes life in Fern Creek.

No museums reside within Fern Creek's borders, though the nearby Jeffersontown Historical Museum documents some of the area's history. The community holds several annual events, including the popular Taste of Fern Creek and Business Exposition that highlights the community's locally owned businesses and restaurants.

Bardstown Road (also known as Highway 31) transects Fern Creek, and most of the dining and nightlife options in the neighborhood cluster around this central route. Fern Creek's variety of restaurants represents several different ethnic heritages, including Oriental and Southern traditions. In fact, the large number of Chinese, Japanese and other Eastern-influenced eateries in Fern Creek helps distinguish the neighborhood's dining options from the rest of Louisville. Of these restaurants, Sake Blue Japanese Bistro in particular enjoys a status of "local favorite." This restaurant specializes in table-side hibachi techniques, and watching the chef cook one's order on the spot is often just as enjoyable as the actual food. The sushi bar also attracts hungry diners, as a trip to Sake Blue wouldn't be complete with sampling the yellow tail rolls.

For flavors more aligned with Kentucky's traditional cuisine, locals flock to Marric's. The decor in Marric's emits a comforting warmth, lending a cozy atmosphere to this small Southern establishment. When visiting Marric's, be certain to order the famed country fried steak. This signature dish helped tremendously in establishing Marric's reputation as a center for delicious Southern dining.

Because of the proximity of Louisville's city center, residents of Fern Creek often travel downtown for their nights out. However, a handful of smaller neighborhood bars line the perimeters of Bardstown Road. For instance, TK's Pub draws patrons from throughout Fern Creek and the surrounding communities. This small bar doesn't pretend to be an upbeat or trendy; instead, it attracts customers with its relaxed, anything-goes attitude and cheap prices. Furthermore, this bar offers pool tables and darts.

Due to the suburban nature of Fern Creek, the easiest method of transportation remains the automobile. Four of Louisville's major interstates (I-65, I-64, I-265, I-264) pass nearby the area as well as several minor highways. Because of the prominence of automobile travel, both free and cheap parking lots and plentiful street-side parking exists throughout Fern Creek. While it may take more effort than in downtown Louisville, taxis do pass through Fern Creek. However, many residents prefer to use ride-sharing apps such as Uber as hailing a cab often proves difficult.

Though walkers and bikers will feel safe navigating the streets of Fern Creek, few feature biking lanes. However, most of the residential streets experience low traffic levels, making them safe for observant cyclists. The community of Fern Creek contains many sidewalks, classifying the neighborhood as very walkable. Louisville's public transportation system, TARC, does an admirable job catering to Fern Creek. Several bus routes, including the 18, 45 and 43 routes, pass directly through the neighborhood.

Two parks make their presence in Fern Creek: Fern Creek Park and Charles Vettiner Park. Both of these parks charge no admission fees. The larger of the two, Charles Vettiner Park, features numerous exercise-centric amenities, including a golf course, disc golf course, baseball fields, basketball courts, a running track and muscle-building equipment. Charles Vettiner Park contains a full-size playground and fields for children to play in as well as picnic tables and grills for the adults. The park also welcomes canine visitors to its dog park.

Neither of these two parks feature regularly scheduled public events, though private events happen on a regular basis at Charles Vettiner Park.

Cost of living in Fern Creek ranks as slightly lower than the city average on most fronts. For example, housing in a one-bedroom residence costs on average $615 per month. Public transportation between Fern Creek and Louisville's city center costs $1.75. A beer at a local pub typically costs between $2 and $4. Gas prices in Fern Creek typically dip 5 percent beneath the city average and 7 percent lower than the national average.

Like Fern Creek's restaurants, most of the shopping centers lie scattered around Bardstown Road. Unfortunately, major national chains dominate the shopping markets of Fern Creek, though a handful of locally owned establishment do exist.

The Fern Creek Peddlers Mall ranks as one of the most popular shopping choices in the area. This building houses numerous booths that showcase wares from both local and traveling vendors. Peddlers Mall draws visitors from across the city seeking great deals on vintage furniture and decor items.

Just down the street from the mall sits Val's Gems & Repair. This locally owned jewelry and gem shop appears as an unassuming storefront, so few visitors know about the fantastic selection of low-priced goods and services this establishment offers patrons. Moreover, the staff earnestly tries to perform beyond the expectations of its customers and seeks to build a lasting relationship with the community. This attention to service combined with a relaxing, friendly atmosphere distinguish Val's from any of the large-chain jewelry stores.

For the most part, national retailers such as Kroger, Walmart and Save-A-Lot fill Fern Creek's grocery needs. Within the official borders of Fern Creek, no farmers markets exist. However, many Fern Creek residents make a short drive to the Jeffersontown Farmers Market on Saturdays and Tuesdays to purchase fresh produce.