Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, Bellarmine is surrounded by bustling streets lined with the eclectic second-hand stores and trendy restaurants Bardstown Road is known for.
Bellarmine communication major Cheyenne Grogean shares five standout places worth a visit.
1. Ramen House
It might not be surprising that Ramen House is a restaurant specializing in ramen, buns, and dumplings. The atmosphere here is almost as good as the food, with high ceilings and warm lighting highlighting the colorful wall decor inspired by Japanese pop culture.
Conveniently tucked into the corner of Mid-City Mall, it’s no surprise that people flock to Ramen House for a late dinner – their miso ramen is a personal favorite!
2. Baxter Avenue Theatres
Many native Louisvillians feel nostalgic for the Baxter Avenue Theatres. Stepping into the bright purple entrance feels like entering 1996 when they opened. This cinema's timeless energy pairs well with its unique selection of first-run, independent, and foreign films.
Located right behind Ramen House and discounting student tickets for $8.50, a movie at the Baxter Avenue Theatres makes for a great date night or evening with friends.
3. The Great Escape
The Great Escape is a staple of the Highlands. The eye-catching visuals across the storefront only hint at the staggering variety of music, comics, and collectibles sold inside. The shelves are filled with every form of media imaginable, so even the pickiest of music buffs can find something.
Being fixed in a walkable area with cool stores makes The Great Escape a fun pit stop on a shopping trip.
4. Vintage Banana
Indicated by a kitschy sign on the street, the door to Vintage Banana can be found at the end of an alleyway – they take “hole in the wall” to a whole new level. The interior is retro and mod, with rows upon rows of second-hand clothing strung up around the store.
The clothing styles at Vintage Banana seem to be endless, so it’s easy to dress sustainably while adhering to personal taste.
5. Sunergos Coffee
It makes sense that Bellarmine students often frequent Sunergos Coffee, as it’s only a short ten-minute walk from campus. Open windows and a garage-door style storefront make the space bright and open, and the menu has cafe classics.
The cozy aura, short distance, and lure of caffeinated drinks have made Sunergos a hot spot for students looking to get a change of scenery.
With so much to see and do, it's almost impossible to be bored in the Highlands.
Learn more about Bellarmine’s location and see the Highlands for yourself on our Trolley Tour when you schedule a campus visit.