Scout is located in Louisville's hip NuLu district, and since 2004 it has plied cool little trinkets and things for the home that are hard to find anywhere else. It's more than just home furnishings however, because the shop has other items that make great gifts. Scout also carries some trendy brands that still have a small, non-exposed presence in the U.S. like Goorin Bros., Surya and Hobo Handbags, to name a few. If you find yourself on East Market Street, saunter inside, you won't regret it.
Evolve is another cool shop on Frankfort Avenue that has devoted its entire selection of items to men. From jackets, wallets, belts and socks to full suits and ties, Evolve is a consignment store that relies on recycling gently used menswear. Oftentimes some great steals can be found on the racks, where designer shirts and jeans are always found at better-than-retail prices. If you join their mailing list, the shop keeps you in the know about what is coming-and-going through the doors.
Fourth Street Live is one of the main attractions for nightlife and dinner in downtown Louisville. Its a mega-entertainment area that primarily features restaurants and bars all under one roof. The dining options run the gamut, from Brazilian BBQ at Brazeiros to American fare at Gordon Biersch Brewery, there is usually something for everyone. Club options are also varied, from the hip Marquee Bar to Country Western camaraderie at PBR Louisville, all crowds are welcome.
Frankfort Avenue is a thoroughfare that starts in the suburb of St. Matthews and ends at the conjunction with Brownsboro Road near the Ohio River. Along the way, visitors will find many hip restaurants, bookstores, boutiques, bakeries and much, much more. Most of the shops are locally owned and operated; in fact, there is nary a trace of a big-box store. The Avenue also traverses through the historic, charming neighborhoods of Crescent Hill and Clifton, which are treasures in themselves.
Butchertown Market is housed inside a building that dates back to 1890, and its huge retail space draws tons of locals as well as tourists almost every day of the year. The shops inside include Work the Metal for home decor, Cellar Door Chocolates which showcases the splendor of cacao, Moss Hill Bath & Body to pamper yourself and finally Bourbon Barrell Foods, where all the products have a touch of that hometown bourbon. All of the shops have eclectic gifts that are one-of-a-kind and most will hardly be found outside of Louisville.
This shop on busy Frankfort Avenue features a curated collection of women's clothing and accessories. The upscale designers on the racks include the popular Anna Sui and Helmut Lang as well as some lesser known ones like Malene Birger and Rachel Pally. Many of the designs are quite eclectic and sometimes garish, but then again the store prides itself on the idea that it's always good to "ruffle some feathers."
Surface Noise opened its doors to the folks of Louisville in 2016 and has been a local favorite since then. Touted as the city's leading vinyl record store, their collections include albums from various eras. It also functions as a used bookstore, an art gallery, and a venue for small-scale music performances.
A fast favorite with Louisville natives, as well as the occasional tourist, Nord's is a Germantown institution known for its decadent donuts and sweet treats. Locals head here for their early morning sugar high - the bakery opens at 6a - of fresh-made donuts that fly off the shelves. Regulars swear by the maple bacon, cherry cinnamon, french fry twist, and pineapple danish. The neighborhood charm and friendly service make it an enjoyable visit, but be forewarned, lines can get long in the mornings and favorites sell out quickly.