Love Louisville: Old Louisville

by Elizabeth Yeiser

Old Louisville is not really the oldest part of Louisville, but it is one of the most unique. I grew fond of Old Louisville in college at UofL. My first apartment was in Old Louisville as were most of my friend’s apartments. When David and I got married we chose to make our first home there in an apartment on the second story of an old house. Why do we love Old Louisville so much? Well let me tell you.

Old Louisville has history around every corner. The neighborhood grew rapidly after the Southern Exposition was held in what is now St. James Court and Central Park from 1883 to 1887. The Exposition was an event that brought millions to Louisville to view Thomas Edison’s first public display of the light bulb; as well as 4,600 electric lamps at a time when electric lighting was still brand new.

The Southern Exposition helped make Old Louisville what it is today – the largest preserved Victorian district in the United States. Victorian homes are known for being large and ornate, and Old Louisville is no exception. It contains many different Victorian styles including Romanesque, Italianate, Gothic, Queen Anne, Chateauesque and Renaissance Revival.

If you’re bored one Saturday then take a walk down 3rd or 4th Street between Cardinal and Oak to view some of these amazing homes, including Louisville’s most expensive home, the Ferguson Mansion. You can also walk among the United States’ largest collection of pedestrian-only streets. There are eleven of these located in Old Louisville, and most are along 4th Street. See if you can find them all! Two of my favorite can be found in St. James Court.

Besides the amazing architecture, Old Louisville features some great places to eat. For a great burger and some game-watching (Go Cards!) head to the Granville Inn at 3rd and Gaulbert. If you’re wanting something a little fancier, try Amici for some romantic Italian or Carly Rae’s House of Blues if you’re in the mood for Southern Cajun (during the warmer months Carly Rae’s has a great patio). What about lunch? Don’t worry, you can try Third Avenue Café, which has a unique spin on traditional lunch fare. I’m getting hungry so let’s move on.

Finally there are three events that I highly recommend. In July, you must check out the Old Louisville Garden Tour. Many of the homes have hidden backyard gardens, either out-of-sight behind the house or surrounded by high brick walls. For a small fee you can tour 10-15 of these gardens that range from simple to elaborate. At one house they even had a woman painting in the garden and allowed visitors to tour the house as well.

If you would rather see the interior of the homes instead of the gardens, then come to the Christmas Homes Tour. This was my gift to David last Christmas and I enjoyed it just as much as he did. There were about 10-15 homes that opened their doors and allowed you to walk through every room in the house. Each was decorated for Christmas and ranged from small houses to large mansions, including the Conrad-Caldwell house.

Last but not least is the St. James Court Art Show. The show is a juried fine arts and fine crafts fair which takes place every October in Old Louisville. You can find, view and buy many wonderful hand-crafted pieces while walking the lovely streets of Old Louisville. I cannot describe the Art Fair as well as its website can (designed by our very own David Yeiser) so check it out!

I could go on and on about Old Louisville but I better stop now before I overwhelm you! If you love the Highlands and Frankfort Avenue but need a change of scenery, or if you just want to experience something uniquely Louisville then come see Old Louisville, and don’t forget your camera!