Old Louisville - Louisville, KY Area Guide

The area that became Old Louisville got its start in the 1850s, when new streets enabled easier access to the forests and fields. The neighborhood attracted Kentucky's elite, who built enormous mansions there until the early 1900s. World War I saw a change in fortune for many residents, who converted their homes into apartments for lower-income tenants. The area became drug-infested, staying that way until local property owners took restorative action in the 1970s.

Old Louisville now serves as a hub for fine arts and culture. The Filson Museum and the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum draw visitors looking to learn about the history of the neighborhood. Just north, the Bunbury Theatre and the Louisville Palace Theatre provide a regular lineup of live shows. The neighborhood hosts a series of annual events, including the St. James Court Art Show, the Garvin Gate Blues Festival and the Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour.

Whether you want a slice of pizza after a night of dancing or an upscale meal for a first-date, Old Louisville has the perfect restaurant. Most restaurants serve a variation of American cuisine, with the occasional Asian or Italian option thrown in for good measure. A quick wander down 3rd Street brings you past most of the neighborhood's eateries.

Satisfy your sustainable foodie dreams at 610 Magnolia, a high-end farm-to-table restaurant headed by celebrated Chef Edward Lee. The menu changes every week, and standouts include the foie gras BLT, the line-caught Scottish salmon and the cornmeal savarin. Make reservations well in advance as the restaurant only opens three nights each week and seats diners only once per evening.

On the other end of the spectrum, Pizza Donisi on 2nd Street sells pizza by slice in an ultra-casual environment. The tiny dining area doesn't offer much in the way of seating, but local revelers often take slices to go after a night of live music at the popular Magnolia Bar next door. Head to Buck's Restaurant for a comfortable yet romantic dining experience. Choose from the long list of smooth Kentucky bourbons to complement one of the many hearty dishes. Local favorites include the pan-seared scallops and the risotto.

After dinner, take advantage of Old Louisville's casual nightlife scene with a visit to Magnolia Bar, a dive bar with a great jukebox selection. On weeknights, join local sports fans at Granville Inn to watch the game and enjoy a hand-mixed Bloody Mary.

The streets of Old Louisville provide safe transportation, whether you're walking, biking or driving. Residents have no problem walking to work or daily errands on the neighborhood's many sidewalks. Some streets feature bike lanes, and local drivers usually take well to sharing the road. You're unlikely to find a cab on the street in most areas, so you should call for a pickup or request a ride with Uber.

When you don't want to walk or get behind the wheel, simply hop on one of the many bus routes that run along the neighborhood's main north-south streets. The 4th Street Circulator and the Main Street Circulator trolleys also run through the neighborhood.

If you own a car, park with care; many residential areas in Old Louisville require permits for street parking. Free two-hour parking spots line 2nd Street. Getting to other areas of the city takes minutes using Interstate 65, which runs along the entire eastern border of the neighborhood.

Although it covers nearly 48 city blocks, Old Louisville has just a few parks within its boundaries. All parks provide free admission and welcome pets on leashes. Kids that live in the southern end of the neighborhood enjoy the playground at the compact Memorial Park. Just to the north, Toonerville Trolley Park entertains families with its playground, horseshoe pit and tennis courts.

Central Park, the largest park in the neighborhood, serves as the center of outdoor activity. Year round, runners and walkers make use of the park's paths. Send the kids to play in the playground or spray ground and enjoy a game of volleyball on the park's court. During the summer, catch a free Shakespearean performance at the park's C. Douglass Ramey Amphitheater.

The cost of living in Old Louisville hovers slightly higher than the Louisville average, almost entirely due to high housing costs. Renters in the neighborhood can expect an average monthly rate of $673 a month.

On a daily basis, costs in Old Louisville come close to the citywide average. You'll pay $1.75 for a bus ride downtown or $0.75 on the 4th Street Circulator. Nights out in Old Louisville won't set you back much; a beer at a neighborhood pub usually costs $5 or less. The neighborhood gas average stays about 10 percent less than the national average.

In keeping with the overall vibe of Old Louisville, neighborhood stores effortlessly blend a sense of history with modern influences. Indie stores reign supreme, but you won't find much in the way of high-end boutiques or national chains. To find the best shops, walk down West Oak Street, 2nd Street and 3rd Street. Get ready for a trip to Churchill Downs with a custom-made hat from 1875 Millinery Couture. Bring in photos of your outfit or browse the store's collection for inspiration. If the Kentucky Derby is too traditional for your tastes, then head to the UnFair, an annual renegade art fair on 2nd Street. Here, you can buy locally made products straight from the artist.

You can also travel right outside of the neighborhood to Block Party Handmade Boutique which features handmade art, jewelry, sweets, accessories, and gifts. This great local store also allows you to unleash your inner artist with arts and crafts workshops taught by local artists and creators.

Residents of Old Louisville restock their pantries at the large Kroger store on 2nd Street and grab beer or quick snacks at the Circle K on Arthur Street. If you're in a rush, pick up a last-minute can of soup or roll of paper towels at Old Louisville Grocery, a tiny but centrally located convenience store. From May through October, buy fresh vegetables at the Old Louisville Farm Works Market in the parking lot of the Walnut Street Baptist Church.