South Side - Louisville, KY Area Guide

Southside nestles itself within the city of Louisville, Kentucky, thereby sharing in its special history. George Rogers Clark earns credit as the founder of Louisville back in 1778. The original inhabitants lived in forts in order to seek shelter from Indian raids. By 1828, population emerged due to the area's shipping port. The first Kentucky Derby occurred on May 17, 1875 and has since brought tourists and wealth to the area. The city overcame a devastating tornado in 1890, the Great Flood of 1937, and a tornado in 1974. Since the 1980s, Downtown and Southside has flourished with residential and retail growth.

Check out the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum for a taste of Louisville. Attend the nation's largest civic celebration, the Kentucky Derby Festival in April, and view local art including handmade dinnerware and exquisite designs at the annual Louisville Art Association's exhibition in January.

People in the Southside neighborhood have access to a fine selection of restaurants. Locals head to Rubbies Barbeque and Brew for chicken wings and tender ribs, along with hickory smoked barbecue pork. Customers also enjoy the double decker rubbie burger and the sizzling steak. For quality food, live music on the weekends and ice cold brews, you won't go wrong at Rubbies. Another local favorite, DaLat's Gateaux and Cafe, features assorted cakes and baked goods along with sandwiches and smoothies. Regulars rave about the onion-bacon buns and the avocado smoothie. The nightlife scene consists of local dive bars and sports bars that make perfect hang out spots for friends to catch up over a few brews. Spectators Sports Bar and Grill has five regulated pool tables and competitive tournaments for those who want to show off their billiard skills. T

Throw back some drinks while enjoying time with friends. Locals spend time at Stooges Bar & Restaurant to watch sporting events and to play volleyball in the bar's league. When the weather permits, customers slug down beer on the outside deck. Affordable drink prices and friendly service keep regulars happy. Another local favorite, Hoops Grill and Sports Bar, has the basic American drafts with a few microbrewery and seasonal beers. The bar also serves burgers and sandwiches. Locals travel to 4th Street Live about 15 miles away for live entertainment and nightclubs such as A Cowboy Bar and Howl at the Moon.

Over 80 percent of people in the Southside area prefer to drive their own vehicles when traveling around the neighborhood. Commuters gain easy access to Interstate 65 and park for free directly in the residential section. Be prepared to pay parking fees in Downtown Louisville. Call ahead for a cab in Southside, but hailing one in downtown won't be a problem. Scheduling a ride with Uber is an option, too. For those who enjoy biking and walking, Waverly Park offers trails for cycling and strolling, so stay off the busy streets and stick to the safe paths.

On a nice day, locals enjoy spending time at Waverly Park just 9 miles outside of Southside. The park encompasses almost 300 acres of land and opens from dawn till dusk. Visitors have the opportunity to bike and hike on the free trails, or golf on the 9-hole course. Others prefer to fish, and families like to spend time together over a picnic. The kid-friendly playground keeps the little ones occupied, and dogs burn off energy by running around the open land. The park hosts the annual Guided Hike in August and a Haunted House in October.

Residents also frequent Iroquois Park, which lies approximately 12 miles away and features a free frisbee golf course and tennis court along with picnic areas and exercise-friendly trails. Kids love playing on the on-site playground, or shooting hoops at the basketball courts. Feel free to bring the pooch along as this property welcomes dogs. In the winter months, many come here to sled down the slopes.

Residents appreciate that the cost of living in Southside checks in at 6 percent less than Louisville's average. In order to rent a one-bedroom residence, expect to pay $611 per month. When jumping on the Transit Authority of River City TARC bus, riders spend $1.75 for a one-way fare. The price of a beer at a local pub costs between $5 and $8, and gas prices are 4 percent higher than the national average.

In order to reach the major shopping area nearest to Southside, residents travel approximately 15 miles to 4th Street Live in Downtown Louisville. Residents have access to a few local boutiques in Downtown Louisville as well, but upscale shopping can not be found in the immediate vicinity. The closest Macy's lies 20 miles away.

Block Party Handmade Boutique features home decor merchandise along with stationery and jewelry. With a wide variety of handcrafted items for adults and children, you'll be sure to find the perfect gift. Choose from art pieces and clothing along with candles and even pet merchandise.

The closest farmers market sits 20 miles away in Bardstown. Bardstown Road Farmers Market sells locally grown fresh produce and meat options. Customers find freshly baked bread and farm fresh eggs. The market even has live music and massages available. If you'd rather buy your groceries at a supermarket, Southside Pic-Pac rests a mere 7 miles from the neighborhood.