Kentucky's Bustling Louisville Suburb Is A Charming Basecamp With Boutiques And Local Restaurants

Known as Derby City and the "Gateway to the South," Louisville is not only Kentucky's largest city, but also a prime culinary and cultural getaway. While bringing a significant buzz to the city (and plenty of events and glamorous parties), world-renowned events such as the Kentucky Derby can transform Louisville into an extremely busy, crowded hub. If you are looking for a quieter basecamp with a small-town community feel while still being well connected to big-city amenities, the small city of Mt. Washington is a good option within easy reach. Located just 25 miles southeast of Louisville, Mt. Washington's cozy community boasts a collection of independently-owned shops, as well as quaint cafes and casual restaurants showcasing Southern cuisine. Think barbecue and grits, but also specialty coffee and ice cream.

Visitors can plan their visit to coincide with festivals and community events taking place year-round. From the seasonal Spring and Fall festivals and farmers' market to en plein air concerts like Summer Jam at the Amp, which takes place at the local amphitheater. Travelers can expect to find just as much to do during the colder months; while winter is when the celebration called "Light up Mt. Washington" kicks off the festive period, the fall season brings in the flavors of the Bourbon Trail.

Louisville is no stranger to chic neighborhoods, from the golf and galleries of Crescent Hill to hip NuLu (New Louisville), considered the artsiest district in town. In Mt. Washington, visitors can enjoy similar experiences, albeit on a smaller scale.

Start at MW Florist & Coffee Bar for a cup of joe surrounded by floral displays — a "brew with a bloom" experience, if you like. Afterward, amble down the charming main street and business district along North Bardstown Road for your pick of independent shops. You can find size-inclusive clothing and glamorous gifts at boutiques The Modern Market and Grace on Main, as well as general apparel and gifts made by local artisans at Main Street Mercantile.

The city's business district is also where you can find community-oriented shops like Wild Grace Refillery, which sells zero-waste soaps, perfumes, and various homewares, or thrift stores for affordable vintage and second-hand wares, such as Dis & Dat Thrift Store. For fans of the Kentucky Derby and other sporty collectors, there's even a dedicated memorabilia and collectibles shop — Derby and Sports Memorabilia LLC — right in the heart of Mt. Washington.

It might not be the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken (that title is already taken by Corbin in Whitley and Knox Counties), but Mt. Washington still offers visitors a taste of the region. For example, microbrewery Gallant Fox Brewing Company specializes in beer and bourbon, boasting more than 150 varieties of the latter in its collection. You will also find Southern-inspired pub grub on their menu (think Nashville hot-sauce doused tots and cheese curds), as well as beers on tap and cocktails. 

After a tipple or two, you can head to Crystal's Country Diner for an old-style diner meal featuring a 'barnyard burger', or alternatively drive to Bootleg Bar-B-Q, along Old Bardstown Road on the way to Louisville. This casual spot serves traditional Southern barbecue dishes. And for a "cool" ending to the night, visit Zoe's Ice-Cream for milkshakes, sundaes, and sweet treats. Aside from restaurants showcasing Kentucky flavors, the city also boasts a few eateries dedicated to global cuisines, such as the laid-back Hometown Pizza and the Italian Amore Mio Restaurant.

If driving from downtown Louisville, you can reach Mt. Washington within a half-hour drive (25 miles). For travelers arriving at the busiest airport in Kentucky, the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), downtown Mt. Washington is about 20 miles southeast.