Retta’s has all kinds of dessert options, but you can keep it simple with a cup of ice cream too. | Photo courtesy of Retta’s.
Whether you like it in a cone, a dish, a milkshake, or a sundae, ice cream season is upon us.
Louisville has seen several new spots to snag a sweet treat open recently, each with its own spin on the creamy dessert we all love to scream for.
Retta’s, Clifton
What started as an ice cream cart by pastry chef Ben Deutsch is now a fully fledged dessert bar. The soft opening is this Thursday, May 22.
What to expect: Handmade ice cream, espresso, cocktails, and dessert bowls
Scoops N Such, Mount Washington + Jeffersontown
This family-owned ice cream joint caters events like birthday parties and picnics in addition to running a storefront. The new location in J-Town opens this week.
What to expect: Cones + bowls with customized toppings, apple dumpling sundaes, and frozen drinks
We Scream Ice Cream Parlor, Germantown
This ice cream locale opened on Valentine’s Day of this year after serving the neighborhood as a pop-up stand.
What to expect: Over 30 classic flavors in cones, bowls, floats, and sundaes
Asked
Asked
Which Louisville ice cream flavor would you most like to try?
A. Mint Julep Chip
B. Bourbon Barrel Caramel
C. Derby Pie® Crunch
D. Hot Brown
Shadowlands ft. S. Carey + John Raymond | 8 p.m. | Zanzabar | $18 | The Bon Iver drummer joins jazz musician John Raymond to perform songs from their new album.
Wednesday, May 21
International Family + Engagement Night | 6-8 p.m. | Hartstern Elementary | Free | Asia Institute – Crane House will demonstrate Chinese calligraphy + Japanese origami.
Tabletop Planter DIY Activity | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Pretty Decent | $48 | Design your own dish garden on a bamboo saucer, and tastefully arrange polished stones to complete the home for your succulents.
Thursday, May 22
Abbey Road On The River | Thursday, May 22-Monday, May 26 | Times vary | Big Four Station Park, Jeffersonville, IN | $50+ | Hear 50+ bands playing the music of the Fab Four and other 1960s darlings in a weekend of peace and love.
Friday, May 23
Trail Cameras: Making the Unknown Known | 10-11 a.m. | Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont | $15 | See how the pros use trail cameras to monitor wildlife, then learn to set up your own to track the animals in your backyard.
90’s Weekend | Friday, May 23-Saturday, May 24 | Howl at the Moon Louisville | Price of Purchase | Return to the 1990s with themed cocktails, pop anthems, and baggy jeans as far as the eye can see.
The Cottage Inn and Restaurant has officially closed after almost 100 years in business. New ownership will reopen the eatery as Parkway Diner tomorrow, serving breakfast and lunch daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (WHAS11)
Coming Soon
High Horse Bar will reopen on Market Street this summer. The bar closed up shop at its Story Avenue location back in October. Expect a similar dive bar atmosphere in a slightly smaller, more intimate space. (Courier Journal)
Legacy
Jefferson County Attorney Michael O’Connell is spearheading a project to install a statue of Alberta O. Jones in front of the Hall of Justice. Jones was among the first Black women to pass the Kentucky Bar exam + a civil rights leader. The statue is planned to be installed by next spring. (Louisville Public Media)
Development
City leaders broke ground on the LOUMED Commons yesterday. The new park will connect JCTC, Norton Health, and UofL facilities with green space, public art, and walking paths.
Biz
Logan Street Market has new leadership + new vendors coming soon. Jerusalem Kitchen is now open inside the market, with K-bop coming Sunday, June 1. There are also new events coming, including video game, karaoke, and pickleball tournaments.
Concert
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are coming to the Mercury Ballroom this August — yes, you read that right. The bagpipe rock band is celebrating their 25th anniversary album “Back to Roots,” featuring covers, medleys, and originals.
Sports
NBA Academy Africa standout Mouhamed Camara has committed to Louisville’s 2025-2026 men’s basketball roster. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
Hit the road to Milwaukee for a one-of-a-kind Memorial Day Weekend getaway at the Harley-Davidson Museum. With 20+ acres of fun in downtown Milwaukee, it’s the ultimate moto experience (think: 120+ years of legendary motorcycle history to explore). Plan your visit.*
Jobs
Calling all business owners and hiring managers — we’re growing our LOUtoday Job Board, which means you can post unlimited job listings for free. No tricks or gimmicks — simply create an account and start posting.
One of our favorite trends of the summer: textured handbags. From straw to beaded, these are our top five picks:
🌟 This standout wood bead bracelet handle bag is the perfect accessory for your beach vacation.
🌟 This versatile braided tote made with 70% recycled plastic is available in 35+ colors.
🌟 MANGO’s woven canvas crossbody with smooth faux leather detailing offers fun textural interplay.
🌟 This crescent straw bag with an adjustable shoulder strap will be our go-to all summer long.
🌟 An elegant rope clutch is a must for summertime weddings and cocktail parties.
A 17-year brood of cicadas has begun emerging around the south, including here in Louisville.
I’m working on a history of Louisville through the eyes of the cicada — so if you have Derby City memories or stories from 2008, 1991, or 1974, drop me a line for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter.
This photo was sent to me by my cousin in Bowling Green — the cicadas are here.
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