Stalwart Books is awesome! This retail shop where you'll find not only books, but also gifts and…read morecrafts, is located in Logan Street Market. All proceeds from the shop go to support a non-profit called OneWord, which provides literacy access and education for those in need in the Louisville area. Stalwart accepts donated books, so if you have any you're looking to clear out of your house, you should definitely consider donating here! Any and all books are accepted, everything from adult novels to children's books, so don't toss anything, just bring them here instead. The owner of the shop is a social worker who has worked in the non-profit world. She had a dream to own a bookstore that would support community literacy, a cause that is personally dear to her, and she's realized that dream with Stalwart! (I recommend reading the bio of the shop on the Logan Street Market website, there's more awesome information there.) I really can't speak highly enough of this shop. It's easily accessible within the market, offers tons of merchandise to shop for such a small space, takes donations, and all proceeds go to benefit an important cause. Plus, you'll receive great service! Stephanie is really friendly, and she's there to help if you're looking for something specific. If you're in the market for books or gifts, definitely make Stalwart one of your first stops!

This is another rule library call the Lawrence Ryan little library. It is located in the Mount…read moreWashington sports complex. You can find it on the walking trail across from the amphitheater

The so-called sharing economy is often dismissed by those who still would otherwise happily grab a…read morebook from the public library. But to every person out there who has borrowed a post hole digger or a pair of folding chairs or a hand truck from a neighbor, the introduction of a legitimately awesome tool library helps institutionalize and democratize the sharing of such things. You don't need to be planning your own barnraising to benefit. It's still early days for the library, but I'm blown away by the progress they've made here. What's driving this is a small handful of dedicated gearheads who have really done their homework, carefully modeling the enterprise on successful programs implemented in other cities. There's an annual membership fee, but it's a lot cheaper than a gym membership and it's on a sliding scale if your income is lower. And sure, they have 25 kinds of saws, but they also have a lot more than tools. They have craft tools, sewing machines, yard tools, moving supplies, cookware. Blow-up kayaks. A telescope. A hammock. Board games. And yes, books too. Best of all, they can be a place to take all the crap in your house that you used once and kept around because you might need it again someday. Why not put it in a place where it can get some use? (And where you can still use it again one day?)

Truly a fantastic resource. I am a recent college graduate, so I simultaneously don't have tools,…read moredon't have the money for tools, and don't have the space for tools, and maybe of my friends are in similar situations as I am, so it's not like I can borrow from them. There is a really good selection of tools, from basic stuff to more specialized items. It's more than just tools, too. They have a ton of sewing equipment, craft stuff, camping stuff, and more. They are donation based, so there's a shortage of some items. I wish they had more car items. Staff was really helpful and welcoming. I just showed up to look around and one person just offered me a tour. He explained the tools, mission and how the library was growing. It was unexpected, but welcome. They have some workshops, too, which I haven't attended yet, but people I know who have been have only said positive things. Right now their hours are super limited because they are completely volunteer based, but they told me that is hopefully going to change soon.

After lunch on Frankfort Avenue we headed to the Printing House for the 2 pm tour. Reservations…read morewere not required. It was only my 2 friends and I on the tour which took about an hour. The tour is fasinating and informative. The Printing House takes up an entire block, which houses, sound studios for recording audio books, printing presses for the printing of text books and a huge museum. There is parking at the side of the building and the tour is free, donations accepted.

This is one of those local gems that gets lost in the shuffle but absolutely shouldn't. The work…read morethat American Printing House for the Blind does for the visually impaired is really astonishing. They produce a laundry list of braille books - everything from classics to new releases to textbooks - in addition to other tactile educational products like globes. They also have a robust books on tape program which utilizes local and celebrity voice talent. The day we were there, we got to hear a bit of a local voice artist who's voice sounded strongly familiar. Turns out he's also the voice of the moving sidewalk at the Muhammad Ali Airport. The free tour is absolutely worth your time to learn about the great printing work that they do there, and how they accomplish it. But don't miss the second floor museum. They have a number of really neat items - including Helen Keller's desk and Stevie Wonder's childhood piano - in addition to hands on exhibits like braille writers with which you can type your own name. A great way to spend a couple of hours with a really important organization.

The Goodwill West Louisville Opportunity Center is such a hub of activity! When I visited recently…read moreto enjoy some breakfast at Blak Koffee, the coffeshop in this center, I was so impressed by the activity. This very clearly is a community center with busy classrooms and other meetings and trainings taking place. The center houses local organizations like KentuckianaWorks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, YMCA, Volunteers of America, Park Community Credit Union, Kentucky College of Barbering, the UofL College of Dentistry and Legal Aid Society. And according to its website it offers a technology lab, business center, conference rooms and a full-scale resource center. It has a large parking lot and outdoor seating as well. On the day I visited, it looked like several people were taking meetings outside. There's also a great playground. I pass this center whenever I drop my kid off at school and applaud the services and connections it offers.

This little garden charmed our frost-bitten socks off, especially with the seasonal touches that…read moremade it feel extra cute. The statues--like froggies under umbrellas and a bear holding a welcome sign--super cute and a lil quirky, making it a perfect stop for a quick breather in downtown Jeffersonville or after crossing the Big Four Bridge. It's a great place to snap a few pics, especially on the stationary bike. I love how well it's kept up; it has a great mix of being approachable and well-loved. Definitely worth checking out if you're nearby!

Very cool and relaxing public garden in the downtown and riverfront portion of Jeffersonville…read moreIndiana perfectly situated near all the eateries and pubs of the area. This Tiny siting park not only provides some peaceful shade but it also has some cool and creative arts to enjoy as well. Interesting and fun idea that more towns should incorporate in popular places for dining. Me and my buddy and fellow yelper Jeremy j stumbled upon this place after dining at the red yeti across the street and we both thought this www really cool and we both enjoyed it.

I had a chance to tour the Goodwill Excel Center recently and I am blow away by this campus and all…read morethe good they are putting back into our community. If you're not familiar (I wasn't) Excel is the non traditional education arm of Goodwill Kentucky. This campus focuses on empowering people who were not able to complete high school for whatever reason to come back and get their high school diploma as non-traditional students. The campus is light, fresh, airy. They have a daycare on-site, a cafeteria and wellness room, coaches to help you figure out any barriers between you and your diploma, and teachers ready to teach the subjects you need to get to your goals. I got to meet some faculty and administration and see students coming in and out of class. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there and full of energy. The last thing that was asked at the end of our tour was - please tell the people you know that we are here and ready to help new students. So, here I am. There are informational sessions regularly and new classes start every 8 weeks. If you (or someone you know) are looking to make a new professional path for yourself and getting your high school diploma is a big step to get there, reach out to this center.

Clifton courtyard is a Small and simple little sitting area or courtyard that is the Clifton…read moreneighborhood of Louisville. Located just off popular shopping, drink and play area of Frankfort avenue. Me and my buddy was walking around exploring Frankfort ave the other night when we noticed what we thought was a hidden little park. Being in a high end and nicer area we was expecting something well maintained and nice. Are was kinda ran down and does not look like it is maintained very well. Not much of a courtyard or much to explore. There are some apartments next to This courtyard so I'm sure the residents or children of those residents use this area as a spacious play area. So it could very well be useful for something like that.

This is a nice courtyard that I visited while i was in the area exploring. I really enjoy seeing…read morenew places and checking out spots to walk and visit. This is a nice spot to relax with benches and flowers and trees to looks at and enjoy. I would recommend checking it out.