Louisville is a city steadily growing in its size and diversity. It’s already been recognized as a hotspot for foodies and those interested in the arts, but broadening cultural development may help expand that list. One unique aspect of Louisville is the various opportunities younger citizens have to explore both the city and different interests. Here are some things to check out what the city and world has to offer. 

Climb Nulu

Climb Nulu is an indoor bouldering gym featuring multiple walls of varying difficulty, as well as a minimalist gym in the back. First time day passes are only $15, and that includes shoe rentals. All you have to do is fill out a waiver and reserve a time to rock climb. Pop in some earbuds or bring a couple of friends. The facility is definitely large enough to accommodate for any social distancing concerns and presents a laid back and community oriented climate. 

Climb Nulu features gender inclusive restrooms, a front desk typically staffed by college students and is truly a no-judgement zone. This is a great place to hang out for a couple hours and is located near several popular eateries. 

Little Mount Lavender Company

This shop and bakery/cafe sources all of their products locally, either from local artists or their organic lavender farm in Taylorsville, Kentucky. Little Mount Lavender Company features a plethora of handcrafted items, from goat milk soaps, aromatherapy products, candles, teas and even lavender sachets. 

This quaint building in Simpsonville offers another relaxing and unique atmosphere, showcasing the many talents our neighbors have. Meet up with some friends for lunch (they offer charcuterie boards and homemade baked goods), give the family dog a belly rub and poke around the shop. There’s so much to smell, observe and appreciate. Not to mention at a decent price. 

Visit their website for more information.  

Mellwood Art Center

The Mellwood Art Center hosts over 170 spaces and a gallery in addition to the various art forms strewn throughout the complex. Visitors can support small local businesses, artists of all specialties and the truly unique culture Mellwood helps keep alive. Specialty events include plays (like the annual Halloween production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show) and its many festivals, such as the seasonal Market on Mellwood. 

Ghost Tours 

Old Louisville has been dubbed one of America’s most haunted neighborhoods, with supposedly haunted houses, churches, parks and more. Those interested in the paranormal allure may find themselves fascinated by taking a Louisville ghost tour or in participating in a Victorian ghost walk. Historic ghost tours run from March through November, seven days a week starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 each and take you through an around 90 minute  guided tour of Old Louisville, complete with countless supernatural stories and wealth of ghostly lore. 

No Louisville ghost story would be complete without mentioning Waverly Hills Sanatorium. Waverly Hills originally opened in 1910 to serve tuberculosis patients, growing tremendously into its own community in order to accommodate the massive case load. It’s no longer in operation and instead run by the Waverly Hills Historical Society, which bought and restored the property, as well as the countless creepy stories that will send chills down your spine. Nearly 50,000 individuals died at Waverly and were disposed of through a 53-foot tunnel that led to Dixie Highway. Allegedly, a nurse who hung herself still roams the halls, as does Timmy, a young boy seeking someone to play with. 

A variety of tours are conducted year-round, including “public investigations” for new ghost hunters, historical tours and paranormal tours. The price range extends from $25-$100, depending on the length and type of tour you choose. You can also drop off those turned off by the paranormal side of things at the nearby Waverly Park, where they may instead mountain biking or go for a day stroll. It’s a win-win for everyone. 

Waterfront Art Walk 

Waterfront Park is known throughout the city as a unique and popular location to visit. However, few notice the collection of public art displayed all throughout this park. Go alone or take some friends to journey around and enjoy the local artwork. A map can be viewed here. Sculptures such as “Flock of Fins” and “Tetra” were donated to the park, another testament to the grand beauties of our city’s community. 

Todd Smith’s “Bike Sense” is definitely a worthwhile thing to check out. This public art project is a temporary art installation on the Big Four Bridge. The Big Four Bridge offers a different type of walking path for residents to journey between states and is rarely vacant. Take time to slow down and notice the different sounds and people present.