Lexington, KY - La Grange, Ky., is 25 miles northeast of Louisville off Interstate 71 and Highway 53. It appears to be a sleepy, little town, and with a bit over 6,000 folks, that would seem an accurate observation. But with the nearby interstate, vibrant shops, well-attended events, farmer's market and its position as the Oldham County seat, La Grange can also appear fairly hip and happening.
Keeping locals and tourists supplied with Kentucky and Irish fare, there is the Irish Rover Too (117 E. Main St. (502) 222-2286. www.theirishroverky.com), opened by Irish owners Siobhan and Michael Reidy. The Guinness is shipped directly from Dublin, and dining on "bangers and mash" (handmade mild, Irish sausages and mashed potatoes) while watching the CSX trains go by just 10 feet away from the window certainly fits my definition of unique.
Even though the real trains outside slow down, they do roll right down Main Street, so look and listen as you cross from the Irish Rover Too to the Gallery 104 (104 E. Main St., 502-222-3822, www.gallery104.org) across the street. This bright and colorful shop features a display of a group of artists who cooperatively share duties under the organization of the Arts Association of Oldham County. I met David W. Kent, a stained glass artist cheerfully watching the store. Since I had once done copper foil stained glass I chatted with him and learned more about the other artists and the gallery. Gallery 104 houses art shows, arts and crafts workshops, and other events, with ample space in a back room. I saw artsy greeting cards, wood sculpture, jewelry, pottery, paintings, silk fabrics, metal work and photography displayed there. The gallery houses the work of more than 30 artists.
When I finished talking with David, I left the gallery to return to the east side of Main Street, walking over to The Treasured Child (115 E. Main St., 502-225-9646, www.thetreasuredchild.com). This former grocery store has been a toyshop for 13 years. As you walk inside, to the right and on the counter sits a large, brass 1912 cash register. Various historic photos are displayed on the wall, which my eye followed up to the tall ceilings and the second floor of toys and crafts space. I scanned the boxes and shelves, looking for a present for a friend. Options included puzzles, games, fantasy figures, plastic dinosaurs, stuffed animals, collectible figures, dolls, educational toys, trains, trucks, electronic toys and of course much more.
The Treasured Child hosts fun events, such as Family Fun Nights every first Friday of the month from 6 - 8 p.m. and a Game Night every fourth Friday. These nights include such activities as demonstrations, crafts, beading and more.
With my treasure in hand, I left their shop to visit one more La Grange business before heading home. Staying on the same Main Street, I walked north for a short distance to the end of the block to enter Karen's Book Barn and Java Stop (127 E. Main St. (502) 222-0918. www.karensbookbarn.com). Both Karen and her store are friendly and welcoming. With over 30,000 books, from Kentucky interests to romantic novels to used, recent thrillers, Karen's has plenty of shelves to intrigue the bibliophile. She hosts local author book signings, and the sweet treats and coffee from Safari Enterprises brings in lots of customers, too.
To Get There
To Get There
To get to Main Street in La Grange from Lexington, take I-64 West toward Louisville. Take exit 48 for KY-151 toward Graefenburg/Lawrenceburg, then turn right at KY-151 N. In just under a mile, turn left at Louisville Road, US-60 W. Follow US-60 W for over 13 miles to turn right at KY-53 N (Smithfield Road). After 18 miles, look to turn right at East Main Street in La Grange. Park conveniently on either side and there are more parking spaces and additional shops off Main Street.
For more information on downtown La Grange, visit www.discoverlagrange.org.