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Sites & Bites Walking Tours

Author: NuLu Tours

  • Experience the Best of Louisville on the NuLu Sites and Bites Walking Tour!

    Experience the Best of Louisville on the NuLu Sites and Bites Walking Tour!

    Looking for the ultimate food tour in Louisville? Discover the NuLu Sites and Bites Walking Tour, a unique blend of history, culture, and incredible local flavors. Hosted by Louisville Historic Tours, this immersive Louisville walking tour takes you through one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods—NuLu, short for New Louisville—where historic charm meets modern culinary excellence.

    Now Open to the Public!

    Since 2004, Louisville Historic Tours has been showcasing the best of the Derby City with expert storytelling and insider knowledge. Previously only available to private parties and coach groups, the NuLu Sites and Bites tour is now open to individuals and couples who want to experience the city’s thriving food scene. Whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong Louisvillian, this tour will take you off the beaten path and straight to the heart of NuLu’s top-rated eateries and hidden gems.

    Tour Details

    • Time: 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Friday–Sunday (Private groups by appointment)
    • Cost: $129 for 1 person | $239 for 2 people
    • Distance: 2 miles (flat terrain)
    • Duration: 3 hours
    • Capacity: 12 maximum per tour
    • Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly

    Discover NuLu: Louisville’s Hottest Neighborhood

    NuLu is one of the most dynamic and talked-about neighborhoods in Louisville, known for its historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and vibrant culinary scene. On this NuLu tour, you’ll walk through the East Market District, where 19th-century buildings have been transformed into some of the city’s most beloved shops, cafés, and restaurants. Along the way, our expert guides will share captivating stories about Louisville’s bourbon heritage, Prohibition-era secrets, and the area’s fascinating evolution.

    A Louisville Food Tour You Won’t Forget

    No Louisville food tour would be complete without tasting the local flavors that make the city’s dining scene so special. The Sites and Bites tour includes multiple stops at some of NuLu’s best eateries, where you’ll sample a variety of delicious bites—ranging from Southern comfort food to innovative takes on Kentucky classics. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a fun and flavorful experience, this tour is a must-do for anyone who loves great food and great stories.

    Why Choose the NuLu Sites and Bites Tour?

    • A perfect blend of history and cuisine—this isn’t just a food tour, and it’s not just a history walk—it’s the best of both!
    • Led by passionate local guides with deep knowledge of Louisville’s past and present.
    • A small-group experience (maximum 12 people) ensures a more personal and engaging tour.
    • Ideal for visitors and locals—whether it’s your first time in Louisville or you’re rediscovering your city, there’s always something new to explore.

    Book Your NuLu Food Tour Today!

    Join us for an unforgettable Louisville walking tour that celebrates the best of the city—one story and one bite at a time!

  • A Stop-By-Stop Guide for a Perfect Day in NuLu

    A Stop-By-Stop Guide for a Perfect Day in NuLu

    Welcome to NuLu—Louisville’s most vibrant neighborhood where history meets modern flavor, and every street corner has a story to tell. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover the city or a first-time visitor eager to experience the best of Louisville, NuLu offers a perfect blend of southern charm, award-winning eats, and locally crafted drinks.

    If you only have one day to explore NuLu, here’s how to do it right.

    Morning: Coffee & Curiosities

    Start your day with a perfectly brewed coffee from Quills Coffee or Please & Thank You—two of NuLu’s most beloved coffee spots. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, grab one of Please & Thank You’s famous chocolate chip cookies (trust us, they’ve been called the best in the United States!).

    With caffeine in hand, take a leisurely stroll down East Market Street and pop into some of the unique shops that make NuLu so special:

    • Mahonia – A dreamy plant and home décor store that feels like stepping into a Pinterest board.
    • Why Louisville – A quirky gift shop where you can pick up a funky “Keep Louisville Weird” tee.
    • Muth’s Candies – A Louisville institution since 1921, famous for the Modjeska—a gooey caramel-covered marshmallow treat that’s a local legend.

    Midday: A True NuLu Lunch

    By now, you’ve worked up an appetite, and NuLu delivers when it comes to incredible lunch spots. If you’re craving classic Louisville flavors, you can’t go wrong with a Hot Brown pizza from Garage Bar or a bourbon-smoked brisket sandwich from Feast BBQ.

    For a light yet flavorful dining experience in NuLu, consider Mayan Café—a restaurant that brings the vibrant flavors of the Yucatán to Louisville. Their menu features unique, veggie-centric offerings made from fresh ingredients. A standout dish is their tok-sel lima beans, a traditional Mayan recipe that has become a local favorite.

    Looking for a liquid lunch? We don’t judge! Stop by Rabbit Hole Distillery for a bourbon tasting with skyline views. This architecturally stunning distillery is right in the heart of NuLu and offers guided tastings that walk you through the history (and deliciousness) of Kentucky’s signature spirit.

    Afternoon: Art, History, and a Sweet Treat

    After lunch, it’s time to explore NuLu’s artistic side. The neighborhood is home to some of Louisville’s best murals, street art, and contemporary galleries. Snap a selfie in front of the iconic “Before I Die” wall, then check out the Revelry Boutique Gallery for a mix of handmade art, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

    For history lovers, a walking tour of NuLu offers a deeper dive into the area’s past. Once a bustling industrial district, NuLu has transformed into Louisville’s trendiest hotspot, all while preserving its historic charm. (Pro tip: If you love a side of history with your food, check out the NuLu “Sites & Bites” Walking Tour—you’ll learn all about NuLu’s evolution while sampling some of its best eats!)

    Before you move on to dinner, grab an afternoon treat. You can’t visit NuLu without stopping at Macaron Bar—where delicate, colorful French macarons are the star. If you’re craving something cold, Louisville Cream serves up some of the creamiest, most decadent ice cream in the city. (Try the Bourbon Smoked Pecan flavor—it’s a local favorite!)

    Evening: Dinner & Drinks in NuLu

    As the sun sets, NuLu’s nightlife begins to shine. Whether you’re in the mood for elevated dining or a laid-back dinner, this neighborhood has it all.

    For a refined yet relaxed dining experience in Louisville, consider Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse. Opened in 2023 by acclaimed Chef Edward Lee, Nami offers an elevated take on Korean cuisine within a modern steakhouse setting. The menu showcases premium cuts of meat alongside traditional Korean flavors, providing a unique culinary fusion. Nami was recognized on USA Today’s Best Restaurants list in 2024.

    If you prefer a bustling atmosphere, Butchertown Grocery offers an upscale yet approachable menu, where dishes like duck fat fries and bourbon-glazed pork chops steal the show.

    After dinner, keep the night going with a cocktail or bourbon flight at one of NuLu’s standout bars:

    • Hell or High Water – A speakeasy-style bar with dramatic decor and masterfully crafted cocktails.
    • Garage Bar – A laid-back neighborhood bar housed in a former garage, with a killer Old Fashioned.
    • Copper & Kings – A brandy distillery with a rooftop bar and stunning views of the city skyline.

    The Perfect Nightcap

    No NuLu adventure is complete without one last sweet treat. For a delightful dish in NuLu, consider visiting Louisville Cream—a small-batch gourmet ice cream shop known for its inventive flavors and rich, creamy textures. Located at 632 East Market Street, this local favorite crafts unique offerings like Bourbon Smoked Pecan and Salted Caramel Swirl, providing a memorable end to your NuLu adventure. ​

    Or, if you want a classic Louisville experience, sip on a Bourbon Ball cocktail—a dessert-inspired drink that blends bourbon, crème de cacao, and cream. You’ll find a great one at The Silver Dollar or Meta.

    Final Thoughts

    NuLu isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s an experience. From historic charm and bold flavors to craft cocktails and boutique shopping, this little district packs a big punch. Whether you’re eating your way through the city, sipping on Kentucky’s finest, or uncovering Louisville’s artistic gems, NuLu is the place to be.

    And if you want to make the most of your visit? Join a guided NuLu tour to taste, sip, and explore like a true insider. Because once you experience NuLu, you’ll understand why it’s Louisville’s most exciting neighborhood.

  • The Modjeska: Louisville’s Beloved Hometown Sweet

    The Modjeska: Louisville’s Beloved Hometown Sweet

    Kentucky is known for its rich culinary traditions, and nowhere is this more evident than in its beloved confections. Bourbon balls and pulled cream candy are among the most well-known treats throughout the Bluegrass State, offering a taste of Southern sweetness. But in Louisville, one candy stands above the rest: the modjeska, a delightful combination of soft caramel and marshmallow that has been satisfying sweet tooths for more than a century.

    The odjeska’s origins trace back to the late 1800s when Louisville confectioner Anton Busath first created the sweet. Busath, an immigrant from France, originally called his caramel-coated marshmallow confection the “caramel biscuit,” however, this would change in 1883, when renowned Polish actress Helena Modjeska visited Louisville for a theatrical performance. Enchanted by her talent and presence as the lead role in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Busath renamed the candy in her honor, giving rise to the modjeska we know today.

    Since its invention, the Modjeska has remained a treasured local treat, crafted with care and tradition. The candy-making process involves dipping pillowy homemade marshmallow into rich, buttery caramel to create a perfect balance of chewy and creamy textures. Today, several confectioners in Kentucky continue to produce this iconic sweet, ensuring that new generations can enjoy its timeless appeal.

    Visitors to NuLu can experience the best of Louisville’s sweet traditions at Muth’s Candies, a family-run confectionery that has been serving the community since 1921. Known for its dipped chocolates and bourbon barrels, Muth’s most sought-after product is its handmade modjeska, something that offers a taste of history with every bite. For over 100 years, they have been keeping tradition alive in the heart of what today counts as the city’s trendiest neighborhood.

    For those looking to explore NuLu’s culinary and cultural scene, Muth’s Candies is a featured stop on the popular NuLu Sites and Bites walking tour offered by Louisville Historic Tours. Join us for a journey through history, flavors, and stories, and discover why the modjeska remains Louisville’s most beloved hometown sweet.

  • NuLu: Louisville’s Trendiest Neighborhood

    NuLu: Louisville’s Trendiest Neighborhood

    Also known as the East Market District, the vibrant NuLu neighborhood has become the city’s hotspot for both locals and visitors, blending history, art, and a thriving food scene. For those looking to experience Louisville like a true insider, NuLu—short for New Louisville—is the perfect starting point. Once an overlooked warehouse district, NuLu has transformed into a popular destination, where restored historic buildings now house trendy boutiques, innovative restaurants, and cutting-edge galleries. Whether you’re a foodie eager to taste the latest farm-to-table creations, a history buff fascinated by Louisville’s past, or an art lover drawn to contemporary exhibits, NuLu offers something for everyone. The energy here is contagious, making it an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the Derby City’s creative pulse and cultural renaissance.

    NuLu’s streets tell a story of transformation. Once a hub for manufacturing and commerce in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the district experienced a rebirth in the early 2000s, thanks in large part to local visionaries like developer Gill Holland, the “Mayor of NuLu” and a beloved local fixture. His investment in the area helped spark a wave of restoration, turning NuLu into a modern hotspot for tourists while promoting its historic charm. Today, this former warehouse district is a hub for independent businesses, art galleries, and some of the city’s best restaurants.

    While attracting national attention, NuLu has been drawing big names to its streets and cementing its reputation as one of Louisville’s most dynamic neighborhoods, especially when it comes to gastronomy. Edward Lee, restaurateur and celebrity chef who has played a significant role in shaping the city’s food scene, recently opened Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse here, to much acclaim.

    His influence extends beyond the kitchen, as he has been a driving force in elevating Louisville’s culinary profile on a national scale with his books and numerous television appearances. 

    Meanwhile, the legendary Bob Dylan, Nobel Laureate, is also lending a hand in the transformation of NuLu. Not only does he showcase his artwork in a local gallery, but he has jumped on the bourbon bandwagon with his new line of award-winning Heaven’s Door whiskeys. He also recently opened The Last Refuge, an innovative eatery that blends themed dining with an intimate atmosphere in a repurposed church from the 1800s. Thanks to passionate locals and creative entrepreneurs, NuLu continues adding new and interesting layers to its ever-evolving cultural landscape. This is the place to be in Louisville, where history meets innovation and every street corner offers something new to explore.

    Nestled just east of Louisville’s official downtown business district, NuLu runs along East Market Street, roughly between Hancock and Baxter Avenues. It’s an easily walkable area, making it perfect for exploring boutiques, art installations, and some of the biggest buzzes on the local culinary scene. Close to the heart of Louisville, NuLu serves as a bridge between downtown’s corporate energy and the city’s more eclectic, creative side.

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