Only 20 minutes from downtown Louisville, Oldham County is a perfect destination for a summer day trip. We reached out to the experts — Oldham County residents — for recommendations and were overwhelmed by the many enthusiastic responses. Here are some favorite stops to add to your itinerary.
LA GRANGE
La Grange became known as “The Kindness Capital of Kentucky” due to the vision of two young sisters back in 2020. Let us re-introduce you to the Richen sisters, Raegan and Rylyn, now 16 and 14, who became known for their handpainted ‘Be Kind’ yard signs still seen throughout Oldham and Jefferson counties. Proceeds from the sale of signs have been donated to numerous nonprofits, most recently Relay for Life. Raegan and Rylyn were featured in Today’s Woman magazine in 2020, and shortly after, their story was picked up by Southern Living and the Today Show’s Hoda and Jenna, who surprised the girls with a Times Square billboard in their honor! La Grange now features a beautiful mural honoring kindness.
Many of the La Grange recommendations can be rolled up into one great experience: Main Street. Shops line both sides of Main Street, which is bisected down the middle by active train tracks. In fact, it is said that La Grange is the only town in the world with a freight train (up to 23 per day) running right on its Main Street. The trains rumble along at 10 miles per hour through town, with friendly waves from the conductor adding to the charm of this historic shopping district. I parked my car (once) and strolled along several blocks, beginning at the La Grange Tourism Offices, then on to Springs Park and Bill Lammlein Splash Park, then past the Farmers Market Pavilion, home to the farmers market every Saturday through October.
For a great start to your day, stop at Dough Baby Donuts, just a couple of blocks from Main Street in La Grange. This third-generation family business was started 20 years ago here in its current location. Owner Spencer Mills recalls his grandfather referring to the rising bundles of dough as “dough babies.” I tried the glazed cake donut and snagged a sprinkle-covered donut for my granddaughters.
La Grange Coffee Roasters is a family-owned and -operated business specializing in artisan-roasted specialty coffees from around the world, with everything roasted in-house by master roaster Landen Cockrell. Owners Chris and Lea Cockrell started their business as home roasters, gradually evolving from farmers market sales in 2008 to opening in their current location at 110 East Main in 2014. With indoor and outdoor seating, this is a great summer spot to grab a specialty coffee drink with a made-from-scratch scone.
Friends and Fiber at 106 E. Main is celebrating its 30th year in business. Its wide array of yarn products will satisfy any crafter. A round table in the window of the shop is where you will find a welcoming and encouraging group of yarn crafters. Bring your project and join the fun!
Mainly Creative at 200 E. Main offers unique gifts and original paintings. Karen Prather curates the front of the store with local artisans’ creations made from ceramics, metal, bourbon barrel wood art, and more. Full of natural light, the working studio of Karen’s husband, well-known painter Mike Prather, occupies the back part of the shop. Mike is possibly best known for his commissioned project of repainting the Kentucky Derby Museum’s sculpture of the current Derby winner and jockey each year for the past 25 years. His studio showcases his equestrian-themed paintings and also offers classes to aspiring adult artists.
Blooms Boutique at 111 W. Main offers unique decor, one-of-a-kind gifts, clothing, jewelry, and exceptional florals created for any occasion.
La Grange Railroad Museum and Education Center anchors the downtown area at 412 Main Street. A perfect destination spot for train enthusiasts both young and old, the museum itself is housed in an original L&N Train Depot, which was constructed in 1914. Historical exhibits on the main floor include railroad artifacts and displays, while the lower level is completely dedicated to functioning model trains. Outside, visitors can see and tour a steam engine constructed in 1952 in England, an authentic 1929 Louisville & Nashville (L&N) Dining Car, a 1953 L&N Caboose, and two other railyard units.
The alleys of La Grange have been transformed into the AlleyLoop Historic District Walk beginning at the corner of Walnut and Main. A series of locally painted murals, seating areas, and activity sites fill the walkable alleys and are the perfect backdrop for a selfie. AlleyLoop was a featured project on HGTV’s Home Town Kickstart.
WESTPORT
A 15-minute drive from La Grange, Knock On Wood Mercantile, 7001 Main Street in Westport, came highly recommended for its great food, gift shop, and proximity to picnic tables with a river view. Lea Nachter and her husband Dave opened the gift shop 25 years ago, adding the cafe around 14 years ago. I tried the stuffed spicy pimento cheese sandwich, homemade broccoli salad, and a thick slice of house-made coconut lime layer cake. The monthly Pickin’ On The Porch event runs here from May through September, featuring local bands, special menu items, and Louisville’s own Milewide Beer.
CRESTWOOD
Maples Park is a beautiful 22-acre park named for the abundance of maple trees lining the former entrance. It features a beautiful playground with farm-replica climbing structures, water features, and a splash park.
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, 6220 Old LaGrange Road in Crestwood, features more than 200 acres of walking trails, greenhouses, a fairy garden, educational and entertainment opportunities, and plant sales. A thriving center of horticulture and a cultural cornerstone for the community, Yew Dell was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. Look forward this summer to the completion of the Castle Gardens project, with a ribbon cutting open to the public on June 22, followed by tours, plant walks, children’s activities, and more.
3rd Turn Brewing Oldham Gardens in Crestwood is the largest outdoor beer garden in Kentucky. Pick your spot in the plentiful outdoor seating under blooming wisteria vines and twinkling lights. Enjoy the rotating selection of more than 20 expertly crafted brews, as well as handcrafted cocktails. Check the website for events throughout the summer, including live music performances from local artists in genres from folk to jazz.
Foxhollow Farm, located on Highway 329 in Crestwood, has been a family-run farm for more than 65 years. Maggie Keith is the current — and fourth-generation female — steward of the farm. The White Barn is a center of activity and the place to purchase meats and vegetables sustainably produced on the farm’s 1,300 acres. Visitors are also encouraged to hike the nature trail and explore the property. Be sure to check the website for upcoming events throughout the summer.
Story and photos by Patti Hartog
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