By Marah Harbison
Bardstown Road is a weekend Mecca for people all throughout the Louisville Metro area, and there are countless activities available for people of all ages. Since it is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Floyd County, many FC students are among those who make the pilgrimage to this center of creativity. There are many things that can be done while on Bardstown Road, but certain things must be done.
First of all, the shopping on Bardstown Road is unrivaled. Most of the shops of interest are in a three block area, so walking from place to place is very easy.
For the ladies there are stores like the Pink Door Boutique and General Eccentric. The Pink Door Boutique has a wide selection of vintage dresses and accessories, many of which are from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s. While most of the clothing is pretty formal, it is fun to look at regardless. General Eccentric has more mainstream clothing with a wide selection of colorful dresses, tops, skirts, and accessories.
Stores that please both the ladies and gentlemen include Cherry Bomb, Hey Tiger, and Dot Fox. Cherry Bomb is a trifecta of American Apparel brand clothes, locally designed clothes, and quirky vintage pieces. They are also known for their great sales in which everything in the back room is only five bucks.
Hey Tiger, which is very similar to Cherry Bomb, is also a great place to shop quirky vintage. It is a go to for cute accessories like earrings and hair pieces. All of these accessories are handmade by local designers so they’re bound to last and buying them is a great way to support locals. For the boys there’s a wide selection of quirky t-shirts for low prices.
Dot Fox is the most mainstream and priciest of these three, but it also promotes local designers. While there are no second-hand selections at Dot Fox, something unique is bound to be found. There are only a few of each piece in the store and since there is only one location two visitors buying the same item is very unlikely.
For those who are not so much interested in shopping for clothing, there are places like WHY Louisville, Book and Music Exchange, and the ever popular Ear-Xtacy.
While WHY Louisville is mostly known as a gift shop for visitors to the Louisville Metro area, locals will be equally as entertained. They can purchase quirky t-shirts that will help them sport they’re pride of being a Louisville native including shirts with fleur de lis and the lyrics to “My Old Kentucky Home.” There are also fun gifts like humorous books and art made by local artists available at this store.
WHY Louisville owner Will Russell chimes in on why he chose Bardstown Road for the location of his store.
“WHY Louisville represents the creative culture in Louisville and Bardstown Road in the Highlands is the heart of Louisville’s artists and eccentrics,” said Russell.
Book and Music Exchange is a fun place to look for cheap CDs and DVDs and uncover long lost treasures. Movies from ages ago that were sure to never be found again will surely be dug up at this location. While there is another Book and Music Exchange closer to home in downtown New Albany, this one on Bardstown Road’s collection is much more extensive and eclectic.
Lastly, Ear-Xtacy is a must see while on Bardstown Road. Although it has recently moved locations, it is as cool as ever and definitely a crowd pleaser. Its primary purpose is a record store, with extensive vinyl collection and many Cd’s as well. It also has frequent live performers and you can purchase DVDs, books, posters, and t-shirts saying “Keep Louisville Weird,” as well.
Senior Nathan Hughes agrees that Ear-Xtacy is at the top of the list of things to do while on Bardstown Road. “Go to Ear-Xtacy and browse through the eclectic selection. They have something for everyone,” said Hughes.
After all this shopping, visitors are sure to have worked up an appetite. While on Bardstown Road there is only one thing you must eat: sushi. With places like Oiishi and Wild Ginger it is the best bet.
Don’t be fooled by Oiishi’s small facade, it is the biggest sushi in town. The prices are low and the amount of food provided is huge, and not to mention delicious. There isn’t much room for seating so if visitors have a group larger than two they should try to eat an early dinner.
Wild Ginger is a little more expensive, but just as delicious. With a little more room for seating and a little more of a creative menu it is a great destination for groups who are willing to cough up the cash.
Senior Ryan Clark agrees that sushi is the best choice for cuisine on Bardstown Road.
“My favorite thing to do there is eat sushi. No other sushi compares with places like Oiishi and Wild Ginger so it’s a real shame to go to Bardstown Road and not eat sushi,” said Clark.
Not into sushi? No worries, there is always Ramsi’s. This self-proclaimed world cafe has something for everyone. With many vegan and vegetarian selections and exotic foods, experimental eaters will definitely be satisfied. Picky eaters will be satisfied as well, as they have the best chicken parmesan sandwich and hamburger in town. The ambiance of the restaurant is truly that of a world cafe with decorations from all around the world. If visitors are going on a weekend night they should call an hour before and save a table because it gets crowded very quickly.
When it’s time for desert, visitors must visit the newly opened Sweet Cece’s. It is a build-your-own frozen yogurt sundae shop. With eight different flavors of yogurt and countless toppings to choose from visitors truly will feel like kids in a candy store. The prices are determined by the weight of the treat, and be warned it can be a little pricey. This fun, delicious treat is well worth the money.
There is no mystery as to why Bardstown Road is such a popular destination. With something for everyone and a feeling unique to this special area, there is no wonder that Bardstown Road is the hidden gem of the Highlands.
“Bardstown Road is a fascinating corridor of local, independent stores, restaurants and coffee shops that offer a true flavor of the local experience,” said Russell.