Originally intended to be a longer getaway, work commitments and my husband's competing work trip to Milwaukee condensed my stay in Louisville into a solo, three-day weekend. In town to attend a wedding, I spent my off-hours touring Butchertown and NuLu districts to enjoy the local cuisine and culture.

Butchertown Mural

The Story on Story Avenue by Tara Remington & Aron Conaway

A multi-wall mural by artists Tara Remington & Aron Conaway, The Story on Story Avenue was commissioned by JBS Louisville Pork Plant to commemorate a transitioning Butchertown. The 5,000 square-foot mural, which took two years to complete, highlights the eclectic history of a redeveloping industrial NuLu district. Historically a stockyards and butcher "town", Butchertown is a hip neighborhood on the rise rich with culture, vibrant food, and a love and appreciation for its industrial origins.

Story Avenue, Louisville

Story Avenue, Louisville

Story Avenue, Louisville
Canal in Butchertown

A canal along my walk to dinner

Story Avenue, Louisville

Architecture of Story Avenue, Louisville KY

Orange and Green Maple Tree Leaves

Butchertown Suites on Story Ave.

I enjoyed a comfortable three-night getaway at this Butchertown Suites room along Story Avenue. Conveniently located within walking distance to several restaurants and access to I-64 Highway, this Airbnb was an ideal place to stay. I loved the industrial-modern vibe of this room and proximity to some delicious eateries.


Day 1 Dinner: Chik'n & Mi


Chik'n & Mi is a cozy Asian Fusion restaurant located just a short walk from my Airbnb on Story Ave. I wanted to try so many dishes on the menu, but ultimately selected the Asian Slaw and Pork Belly Steam Buns for my first dinner in Butchertown. The Asian Slaw was delicious. I loved the incorporation of fried ramen into slaw, providing a crispy crunchy texture. The Pork Belly Steam Buns were also a delight. The brine of the pickled onion and crunch of the cucumber perfectly complimented the indulgently springy pork belly center. The soft and billowy bun was the perfect vehicle to deliver this tasty treat. If I were a local, I could imagine myself visiting Chik'n & Mi often.

Pork Belly Steam Buns

Pork Belly Steam Buns. Seared pork belly, marinated cucumber, hoisin, hot mustard, pickled red onion

Asian Slaw. Napa cabbage, red cabbage, heirloom carrots, fried ramen, sliced almonds, sesame seeds, mint

Pork Belly Steam Buns

The pork belly steam buns were a favorite!

Sunset on Story Ave

Sunset on Story Ave


Day 2 Breakfast: Biscuit Belly - NuLu


One of my most favorite savory breakfast dishes is biscuits and gravy - so Day 2 started bright and early with a visit Biscuit Belly - NuLu. I opted for a "lighter" breakfast of one flaky biscuit and a sidecar of their deliciously rich Goetta sausage gravy. After breakfast I toured the wedding event venue and later that evening, photographed a wedding rehearsal.

Biscuit Belly Nulu

Biscuit Belly NuLu

Iced Latte

Iced Latte

Biscuit & Goetta sausage gravy

Biscuit & Goetta sausage gravy

View from the Ice House Rooftop

View from the Ice House Rooftop

Ice House East Terrace

Waterfront Park Place

Waterfront Park Place


Day 2 Dinner: Naive Kitchen + Bar


I have a tendency to eat more vegetarian meals while on vacation, and so I was excited to find veggie-centric Naive Kitchen + Bar. Though nestled just one block from the bustle of Main Street, Washington Street's ambiance feels more neighborhood than entertainment district.

Naive Kitchen + Bar

Naive Kitchen + Bar

East Washington Street, Butcherville

East Washington Street, Butchertown

For my Day 2 dinner in Louisville, I sat at the bar and enjoyed the bourbon aperol cocktail with a marinated cucumber salad and roasted cauliflower. I am typically hesitant to appreciate olives, but was pleased with how the flavor complimented the hummus and golden raisins in the dish.

Plants adorn this veggie-forward eatery.

Cocktail

Now Boarding Cocktail. Bourbon, aperol, lemon, amaro, peach tea

Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower. Charred scallion hummus, olives, garlic chip, golden raisins


Day 3: On the Road Again


I could stay a full week in Louisville and find plenty of things to do. My quick three-day solo trip was spent mostly photographing wedding events, but I did thoroughly enjoy my short time experiencing the sights and cuisine of the NuLu and Butchertown Districts. I plan to make a return trip later this Fall, to distillery-hop and learn more about the rich history of Louisville.

The Sherman Minton Bridge

The Sherman Minton Bridge (Restoration)


Locations: Story Avenue, Ice House Louisville, Chik'n & Mi, Biscuit Belly NuLu, Naive

Technical: Fujifilm X-T4 + Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens