Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop: Putting the 'Art' in 'Party'
On the final Friday of every month (except December), hundreds of Louisvillians participate in the Frankfort Avenue trolley hop to experience the artistic bounty of the area's talent. More formally known as the F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop, the Frankfort Avenue trolley hop route stretches along Frankfort Avenue from Stilz Avenue in historic Crescent Hill before taking detours to East Market Street and onto Mellwood and Story avenues to and from the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center.
Trolley rides are free, and there's plenty of free parking. The trolley runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on most F.A.T. Fridays.
The atmosphere is "Mardi Gras meets Kentucky Derby Festival" for an evening. F.A.T. Friday provides the perfect excuse to shop for just the thing for the living room or a new dress — whether brand new or from one of the many consignment shops on Frankfort Avenue. Check out a painting in a gallery or a finely crafted sideboard at an antiques store. Most shops keep extended hours on F.A.T. Friday.
While the galleries, shops, boutiques and restaurants enchant F.A.T. Friday patrons, it's the special events that make F.A.T. Fridays something to remember. Demonstrations, musicians and eye-opening surprises keep Louisvillians coming back month after month. Louisville's Belly Dance Studio, which resides on the second floor of the Mellwood Arts Center, held an open house on a recent F.A.T. Friday. Gauzy scarves and tinkling bells added to the exotic atmosphere of the dancing. A few years ago, monks from the the Drepung Gomang Monastery in Tibet visited Kaviar Forge and Gallery and performed their distinctive, haunting chants. Musicians and other performers provide entertainment for passers-by on Frankfort Avenue and at the Mellwood Arts Center.
So many sights and sounds can build quite an appetite. It's a good thing there are plenty of eateries, from coffee shops to quirky bistros to old-time pubs to white-tablecloth restaurants, along the Frankfort Avenue corridor! So rest your feet, drink a smoothie or a latte, or have something delicious to eat as you savor an evening well spent.
HelloLouisville Tip: Also check out the First Friday Trolley Hop in downtown Louisville held on--you guessed it--the first Friday of every month.
Posted on Jan 24, 2011 by Ivonne Rovira
