WHERE TO EAT + DRINK
The Blind Pig
Aside from house-cured meats, this cozy gastropub offers sophisticated takes on European comfort food such as oyster fritters with champagne butter. theblindpiglouisville.com
Harvest
Fresh, local, and refined: A recent menu at Harvest included a burger with chèvre and hog jowl bacon, as well as lighter fare, like herb ricotta gnocchi with asparagus, smoked onions, and ramps. harvestlouisville.com
Holy Grale
Tucked into a former church on Bardstown Road between Cherokee Park and the waterfront, Holy Grale specializes in hard-to-find imported and domestic beers and serves high-end versions of bar snack classics, such as poutine and Gruyère grilled cheeses on brioche. holygralelouisville.com
Milkwood
Southern soul food married with Asian flavors—think collard greens with spicy kimchi and pork—makes up the menu at chef Edward Lee’s new restaurant, located in the basement of the venerable Actors Theatre of Louisville.milkwoodrestaurant.com
Quills Coffee
Situated across from the meet-up spot for one of the Louisville Bicycle Club’s regular rides, Quills is a cyclist hangout. And the coffee is a welcome perk. Baristas can trace the origins of the beans used for each select-grade roast. quillscoffee.com
WHAT TO SEE + DO
Bardstown Road Bicycle Company
Along with new bikes and gear for sale, this locally owned shop houses a mini bike museum that includes antique high-wheel models dating back to the 1880s. You can also rent comfortable upright cruisers that are ideal for city touring. bardstownroadbicycles.com
Big Four Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge
This onetime railroad truss bridge has been updated to create a car-free path across the Ohio River. The ramp to Indiana isn’t expected to be open until October, but you can take in river views with access via the on-ramp at the Louisville waterfront. louisvillewaterfront.com
Cherokee Park
This Frederick Law Olmsted–designed park brings rural serenity to metro Louisville. Rugged trails offer a challenge for mountain bikers, and the paved scenic loop is perfect for family rides. louisvilleky.gov/metroparks
Eva Bandman Park
The city’s cyclo-cross park attracts some of the best riders in the world. Come to check out a race or tackle the obstacles and rolling hills on your own. louisvilleky.gov/metroparks
Hike, Bike & Paddle
Join thousands for this event on Labor Day, when you can paddle up Beargrass Creek, pedal through Old Louisville to Iroquois Park, or hike the eastern section of Waterfront Park. louisvilleky.gov/HealthyHometown
Louisville Bicycle Club
More than 1,200 members strong, the 116-year-old group organizes rides for every skill set. Enthusiasts gather for the Old Kentucky Home Tour (September 7–8), a two-day ride through rural Kentucky with an overnight stopover in bourbon-centric Bardstown. louisvillebicycleclub.org
Photo: Tec Petaja
Gear Shift
Vic’s owner Victor Miller with a vintage model.
Vic’s Classic Bikes
The spot to find finely crafted and fully restored seventies and eighties road bikes. Shop more than three hundred retro styles or bring in a rusty old favorite for a handle-to-fender makeover. vicsclassicbikes.com
WHERE TO STAY
21C Museum Hotel
Close to both Eva Bandman Park and the growing restaurant and shopping scene on East Market Street, the sophisticated 21c doubles as a contemporary art museum, so you can browse current exhibits before hitting the pavement. On weekends, downtown traffic is easily navigated on two wheels. 21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville
