First Friday Trolley Hop: See Downtown Louisville on the Toonerville Trolley
Equal parts street party, art show and night on the town, the First Friday Trolley Hop shows off downtown Louisville to its best advantage. Visitors to the First Friday Trolley Hop ride the Toonerville Trolley on any first Friday of the month and stop along the way to shop, dine or just have fun. It's not unusual for 3,000 and more to partake on any particular Friday.
The First Friday Trolley Hop got its start in 2001 when a group of artists and art gallery owners on Main and Market streets came up with the idea of using TARC's (Transit Authority of River City) historic trolleys to connect the increasing number of galleries downtown. The idea later spawned the Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop that cruises the Frankfort Avenue corridor before heading to the Mellwood Arts Center and then looping back.
Stroll down Market and Main streets, browsing the exquisite paintings, sculptures and watercolors at the various galleries. Drop in at the Louisville Science Center, which stays open late on Friday nights; sometimes, the Frazier International History Museum also stays open until 9 p.m. Browse for clothing, jewelry or even antiques and consignment items. Dine at one of the many eateries that line Main and Market streets. After sunset, visit one of the many night spots that make downtown Louisville so vibrant. Or maybe you and a friend want to curl up for a quiet drink somewhere. The Trolly Hop offers so many options!
The Trolley Hop lasts from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., rain or shine. The route heads east from 10th Street on Market Street loops on Campbell Street and then continues west on Main Street before turning on to 10th Street and starting its route all over again. You can view the trolley route online. Most galleries close at 9 p.m., but the restaurants, clubs, boutiques and shops keep much later hours. Trolleys run until 11 p.m.
Trolley Hop rides are free, and there's free parking at Louisville Slugger Field on Main Street at Jackson Street, and in the Fourth Street Live garage after 6 p.m. Free parking is also available on the street after 6 p.m.
Posted on Jun 2, 2011 by Ivonne Rovira
