NuLu is New Louisville

On one end of the East Market District known as New Louisville, two giant outdoor chalk boards welcome visitors to the eclectic shopping and dining district simply known as NuLu.

A community art project, people of all walks of life have publicly answered the one question permanently inscribed and repeated across the board several dozen times, “Before I die, I want to: _____________”.

Before I DieIdeal for people watching and window-shopping, NuLu is a cross between New York’s SoHo and 6th Street in Austin, Texas with a serving of Portland, Oregon on the side. A hub for local artists, sustainable food, and some of the kitschiest shopping in the city, the NuLu district is emblematic of the downtown revitalization over the past decade.

Geographically speaking, NuLu is contained between Main and Jefferson (to the north and south) and Hancock and Wenzel (to the east and west). The district is home to over sixteen dining establishments, twenty-two retail shops, and fourteen galleries and theaters.

Vibrant day and night, NuLu appeals to hipsters, professionals, families, and retirees. With something for everyone, here are some places to begin:

Joey Ley Antiques:

Joe Ley Antiques_800_533Joey Ley Antiques is home to three-stories of treasure hunting bliss. Housing two acres of antiques in the building and the property, the building was once a schoolhouse. A place for reminiscing as much as deal hunting, leave extra time to take it all in.

Decca Restaurant:

DeccaOccupying three levels and the courtyard of a historic building, Decca’s menu features regional food and drinks creatively paired with the ambiance of talented local musicians and artists. Dining at Decca feels like celebrating a special occasion with the intimacy of being at home.

Muth’s Candies:

Muth's Candies_800_533Home to the famous Modjeskas—a caramel-covered marshmallow named for the Polish actress Helena Modjeska—Muth’s Candies has been satisfying Louisville’s chocolate cravings for over nine decades. Offering the original dime-store nostalgia, at Muth’s it’s okay to be a kid in a candy shop.

Garage Bar:

IMG_3697The scene of a slow-motion collision car crash, the Garage Bar features the evolution of art traveling along a pneumatic track. Aglow at night with twinkle lights and glow-in-the dark outdoor Ping-Pong tables, bar patrons can enjoy a beer or bourbon from their barstool or on a bench covered in all-weather turf grass.

About the Author

Julie Henning
Julie Henning is a freelance writer and journalist based out of Eugene, Oregon. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and owner of the family-travel website RoadTripsForFamilies.com. She is a recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. In March 2018 Julie Henning published the book "100 Things to Do in Eugene Before You Die" (Reedy Press). She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. She has been published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Wisconsin State Journal, Travel Wisconsin, Travel Oregon, Hometown News Group, The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Illinois), the Rochester Post Bulletin, Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine (DNR publication), Experience Michigan Magazine, the Official Oregon Wine Touring Guide, Metro Parent Milwaukee Magazine, Eugene Cascades & Coast Official Visitors Guide, Trivago, Intercom Magazine, Roadtrippers.com, Amtrak.com, Eugene Magazine, and FTF Geocacher Magazine. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio. She has produced episodes for Journey of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. Julie has also produced travel apps with Sutro Media and Bindu Media. She works full time in marketing. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio and is an affiliate producer with the Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. She has blogged for TravelWisconsin.com, Travel Oregon, and VISIT Milwaukee. Julie travels with her three kids and black lab as much as possible and lives by the motto, "Not all who wander are lost." Check out some of her best work at www.juliehenning.com.