Butchertown District, Louisville

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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