It’s easier than ever today to drive straight into your garage, close the door, and head inside without a wave or a word to the people you live next to. But have we lost something in our hyper-individualized, ever more virtual and private lives? Do we know our neighbors?
Explore how some local neighborhoods are cultivating a sense of community today, from gathering spaces to events, favorite locales, social media pages, and even apps.
Small-town character across the bridge
Sitting next to the Ohio River, Jeffersonville, Indiana, is rich in good ol’ small-town feels. Holiday markets, public park activities, and festivals by the Big Four Bridge are only a handful of the fun events you’ll find. For those who enjoy a competitive sport (while seated), there’s weekly bingo, Bunco, and euchre at the Ken Ellis Center. Or if you need to get in your steps, you can make new friends or meet old ones in historic downtown Jeffersonville at the weekend farmers market or events like the Christmas Cookie Stroll through shops and restaurants.
Don’t forget the NoCo Arts and Cultural District, named for its location north of Court Avenue. NoCo and the NoCo Arts Center support an artistic culture with community-centric programming to inspire and support — bringing the artist and art lover together in spaces that celebrate creativity.
A historic revival
Smoketown was named for the smoke-producing kilns of the brick-making industry in the 1800s. Southeast of downtown Louisville, this up-and-coming area is home to great restaurants, Idlewild Butterfly Farm and Insectarium, and Logan Street Market. With more than 25 locally owned restaurants and shops, Logan Street has food, handmade crafts, events, and tons of space to connect with locals. Yoga classes and weekly brunches are a few of the activities you can check out here.
Designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Shelby Park has it going on if you need some time in the great outdoors. Bring a picnic to one of many summer concerts, or a stein for fresh beer and food trucks during their October festival. Shelby Park also has a community garden where pros and newbies alike can grow fresh produce that anyone can harvest. Gardens such as these join people in a common interest and can boost public health.
By Tonilyn Hornung
P.S. You may also like: Grow Your Mind — Learn Something New
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