Review of O'Line Sport Grill in Louisville

I recently purchased a deal voucher for half off to try out the O'Line Sports Grill near Westport Rd. and Hurstbourne Pkwy. I like to try new places, especially those that claim to be family-friendly right there on their website.

We dined on a Wednesday night and it was pretty quiet.  Mainly, the patrons seemed to be the after-work crowd unwinding at the bar.  We sat in a booth and the wait staff was prompt - our waitress was very nice.  The place is simple.  Booths, tables, bar, several TVs and basic bar decor.  The kids selected their kids meals first. There are several to choose from - your normal fare of pizza, chicken tenders, mac n cheese etc.  The kids chose pizza with chips and mini corn dogs with fruit and the meals came with drinks.  Then, I browse the regular menu.  They have a long list of appetizers and burgers along with some sandwiches and salads.  I went with a burger and onion rings, the chipotle burger to be specific.

Our food arrived quickly.  The portions were just right. I was assuming, like most places, that I would get way too much food but that wasn't the case.  The kids preferred the fried mini corn dogs over the pizza and both of them liked the homemade chips.  The fruit did not seem like it was cut up that day or maybe it was sitting in juice and it made it look less fresh.  My burger was good, nothing overwhelming but I did like the onion rings - big and crisp.  Good thing they didn't load me up on those!

We all dined for under $20 with drinks. I actually had to order a salad to go in order to meet the $20 threshold to redeem my voucher because the food is moderately priced. With tip and my to-go salad, it was finally around $25.  If you are looking for a simple burger type place to enjoy a beer, watch a game with the family and eat your heart out in appetizers, this is a good option.  From my one-time experience, I don't think you'll leave thinking it's the best food you've ever had but it was good, the waitress was attentive and everything was reasonably priced.


Stephanie

Outdoor Dining in and around Louisville, KY: Top Ten Places to Dine Al Fresco

These Louisville local restaurants await your company in their superb outdoor seating venues. All of these were highly recommended by LouFamFun readers.

KingFish on Upper River Road  Did you know the first KingFish restaurant opened in Louisville on Derby Day in 1948? They have a longstanding tradition of good food, service, and atmosphere. This location offers family fun outdoors with their mini golf and other entertainment.

The Irish Rover   This staple on Frankfort Avenue is a lovely place to people watch the traffic up and down historic Frankfort Ave. I have been here a handful of times both with family and with just my husband and have absolutely loved the atmosphere and the food.

The Grape Leaf   My husband and I recently dined here for the first time for an anniversary celebration. We have definitely put it on our "to do again" list. Dine outside and feel like you've been transported to a romantic, quaint city faraway.

Captain's Quarters  This is going on my summer bucket list to try. I have always heard of this restaurant but have yet to try it. Their seafood menu is loaded, they offer a reasonably priced kid's menu, and have a Sunday brunch.

Corbett's   A great patio awaits you at this little gem near the Old Brownsboro Crossing shopping center. Step away from the hustle and bustle of all the shopping from Cabela's and The Summit and dine in peace.

Village Anchor   A great brunch spot tucked away in quaint Anchorage.

The Cafe   Just discovered this jewel on the eastern side of downtown. Check out their Facebook page for updates-they have a patio that cannot be passed up!

August Moon   This Chinese Bistro serving up contemporary and Southeast Asian inspired cuisine looks like a fantastic choice for a date night.

Johnny Brusco's NY Style Pizza   Located in Norton Commons in Prospect, this locally owned franchise has great outdoor seating and delicious pizza. They really cater to families with their $1 cheese slice nights on Mondays and kids night Tuesdays where kids get a free cheese slice with a paying adult.

Cunningham's Creekside   Enjoy your meal a bit more relaxed, right on the creek! Have a good ole'fashioned fish sandwich this summer - I've heard it's one of the tastiest around.

Honorable Mentions:

(El Toro Mexican Restaurante, Selena's in Anchorage)

By guest contributor: Erin

Review of 2 Dips & a Shake

321 West Main Street 

(located on the bottom of the Waterfront Plaza building on the corner of 3rd and Main).

Hours: M-Th 11am to 9pm, F & Sat 11am to 10pm, Closed Sunday

Our family set out for a fun-filled Friday evening spent entirely downtown. After strolling across the Big Four Bridge, and playing at Waterfront Park, we had dinner on the river and wanted to end out the evening in style - What better than to indulge in some yummy dessert?!?

Being that 2 Dips & a Shake had just opened that same week, we hoped it would make the perfect place. It is easily accessible, as the Waterfront Plaza Garage (off 3rd) has parking on the same ground floor level, and a marked door that leads into the back of the parlor.

Upon entering, the first thing I noticed was that there is no seating; literally a counter to order from and that is all. Inquiring with one of the workers, I was informed that there is seating outside (cafe-style tables), which are located under a large awning in case of rain. Patrons are also permitted to sit in the attached restaurant, Down One Bourbon Bar. The bar/restaurant and 321deli, which is located directly next door, are all locally owned and operated by the same company. I also took note that there are no bathrooms attached to the parlor, and was informed that patrons also utilize the restaurant for this purpose as well. *Note, there are no changing tables in the bathrooms.


As for the ice cream - well, it is quite yummy! They have 12 Comfy Cow flavors to choose from, including all your basic flavors as well as some fun ones - Derby & Bourbon Ball. They also offer 5 different sundaes, which include some with flair - Super Coffee Sundae made up of coffee ice cream, coffee syrup, espresso grounds and chocolate-covered espresso beans, and a Mint Julep sundae made up of mint chip ice cream with bourbon syrup! There are also 8 different shake choices, that which include your basics, as well as some usually ones - Bourbon & Nutella! Lastly, they offer a variety of unusual fountain drinks, including Mojito, Spicy Mango, & Pineapple/Chipotle, just to name a few!

As for the prices, I think they are to be expected for fine ice cream/desserts - $3.50/scoop $4.75 for a double, $5.50-7.50 for sundaes, and $4.50/6.00 for shakes.

Overall, the desserts are yummy (per my kids' happy, messy faces), and the atmosphere (as least outdoors) is pretty neat. Given the location, it's a perfect stop for some after- theater or post-game dessert, especially in the summer months where seating outside is optimal. If not on an outing with the family, it would certainly provide the perfect cute little "date-night" stop with your loved one ... especially after dining nextdoor at Down One Bourbon Bar! ;-)

By guest contributor: Karen

Contest! Tickets for Day Out with Thomas

This is a sponsored contest about a fabuLOUs upcoming event

Thomas the Tank Engine® is adored by little engineers everywhere. He is pulling into the station for a larger than life experience at Day Out With Thomas®:The GO GO Thomas Tour 2013, visiting the Kentucky Railway Museum on June 1-2nd and 8-9th . 

Day Out with Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 is a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends themed activities. For two back to back weekends, little engineers and their families are invited to take a train ride on their favorite engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt®, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas& Friends themed activities including arts & crafts, storytelling and more.

For tickets, click here. Use code lvillefamilyfun13 to save $2 per ticket!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends

Twitter: www.twitter.com/trueblueengine

YouTube: www.youtube.com/thomasandfriends

We have 2 family 4 packs of tickets 

to give away to lucky readers!

WINNER! Atlantis Water Park + Hotel Staycation

There's a Holiday Inn Lakeview room and the Atlantis Water Park tickets for a lucky winner!  


The Water Park opens Memorial Day and is open through early August. It features water slides, a wave pool and a kids splash area.  Of course, there's lots of lounge chairs for sunning or shaded spots for cooling off as well as concessions.

They have an Atlantis & Holiday Inn Package Special that you can take advantage of all summer!
It includes one night stay at Holiday Inn Lakeview 4 Day Passes to Atlantis for just $99.00 plus tax
(Pass MUST be used during time of stay)

THE WINNER IS.................TIA RUTTER

email info@louisvillefamilyfun.net to claim your prize!

This to do this weekend in an around Louisville - May 17,18,19

Sunday!  Head to Kingfish (River Road) for the Louisville Children's Museum "Dine to Donate" event to celebrate mother's with Susan G. Komen (Louisville affiliate).  The awesome band Kudmani is providing fantastic entertainment from 4-7pm and you can get your food and sit out by the river and enjoy the tunes. There's also children's activities and the kids can do ALL of them for just $1 - wow!
Help these two great causes by attending this event and ordering everything on the menu - wink wink ;)

In other news - how about a free walking tour downtown?  They have them all month on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as part of Hometown Tourist month! Click here for more info.  The families that tour together, snore together -never heard that? Well, yeah, I just made that up. Get it, touring....you get tired...then you snore and sleep well. Ok, it's a terrible saying.

Don't forget the UofL Baseball games that are FREE. The season is wrapping up and it's your last regular season opportunity to see the Cards in action for free family fun.  There's games all Friday and Saturday, click here for details.

Also for Friday and Saturday, it's the Old Louisville Springfest!  5-10pm on Friday and noon-10pm on Saturday.

On Saturday from 4-11, head to the Pitt Academy fundraiser Bar-B-Q festival! Games, food, music, food, children's area, food. Get it!

The Magic and the Wonder is Sunday at the Louisville Palace at 5pm. Save $2 on tickets using the code KOSAIR. It benefits Kosair Charities.  Click here for tickets!

And, don't forget, SPRAYGROUNDS are starting to open up.  Check with your favorite to make sure but a lot of them are already open. fabuLOUs free family fun!

Stephanie

Summer Reading Programs, Promotions and Contests around Louisville (and nationwide)

Summer reading programs are a great way to keep your child motivated over the summer and ready for school in the fall!  Check out this Louisville.am podcast on the topic!

Here's all of the great programs we found:

Barnes & Noble
Imagination Destination Summer Reading programs at Barnes & Noble  bookstores! - Kids read any 8 books, record them on the reading log and bring the log to their store for a free book (listed on the reading log)! The program runs from May 21st to Sept. 3rd.

Chuck E. Cheese's reading reward chart (you can do this at any time, not just the summer) - Kids log their reading for 2 weeks and redeem for free tokens!

Pottery Barn  - Summer Reading Challenge - This free challenge is for kids 10 and under. The stores have story time on Tuesdays (confirm with local stores) where you can read their recommended books, the kids log the reading and can win prizes. It goes May 16th - August 26th (confirm participation with local stores).

Scholastic 2013 Summer Reading Challenge It's for kids  birth - 12 years old. They enter their reading minutes in Scholastic's Read for the World Record challenge. You register your child online and they record their reading minutes online and can earn prizes. Parents and Teachers can monitor their reading.

New York Times: 4th Annual Summer Reading Contest - a contest for teens (13 - 19 years old).  They submit editorial comments on an article, video, photo or other New York Times post from June 14th - August 16th. Then, each week, a winning post is chosen and featured on NYT blog. Contest rules and details can be found here.

Book It! From Pizza Hut has a summer reading sweepstakes and a really nice website for family reading ideas!

Half-Price Books - Feed Your Brain Summer Reading -  Kids can read for at least 15 minutes each day in the months of June and July. (Grown-ups may read aloud to kids who are still learning.) and add up the minutes. Read 300 minutes, turn in the completed log and earn HPB Bookworm Bucks for each month. They award one top reader per age group each month with a TOP READER prize - a $20 HPB Gift Card!

LPFL  - Build Your Brain! They have a kick off party June 1st from 10-12:30 at the Main Library.  Then, all summer, kids birth to 5th grade can participate in the program. Pick up a form at any branch or download it here,  log the books and turn them in for an awesome prize pack full of coupons for family fun and goodies.

Oldham Library - Summer seedlings program starts with a June 1st kick off party from 11-2 at the Main Library where kids can sign up for the summer reading program.

Bullitt Library  - Dig In! Summer reading program for kids preschool to 5th grade. Stories, crafts and prizes.  Specific dates and locations listed on their website.

Shelby County Public Library- from their website June 3rd 3-6pm  "The library is kicking off the 2013 summer reading season with an ice cream social on Monday, June 3. Stop by the library anytime between 3-6pm to sign up for summer reading, get ice cream, and enjoy the children's activities. Ronald McDonald will be making a special appearance from 3-4pm. The Kurt Vonnegut traveling museum provided through the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library will also be on exhibit in the library. This is a free event. Donations for the roof repairs and Carnegie East Wing renovation will be accepted. Bake sale items will also be sold to raise funds for children's educational resources."

Jeffersonville - Summer reading club - They have special programs during the summer plus kids can sign up starting June 3, and the club runs through July 31. The club is a WIN – WIN activity for everyone as the kids read and learn, they win and when they track their books, they win prizes and coupons!

New Albany/Floyd County -
Kick off if May 31st from 10am-3:30pm (drop in) From their website:  "Drop in to the Children's Room any time between 10:00am and 3:30pm for fun and activities to kick off the 2013 Summer Reading Club! We'll have craft stations set up throughout the Children's Room where kids can create their own posters, make a mummy bookmark, contribute to a cave painting, and more! While you're here, sign up for the Summer Reading Club and check out some great books to read!"

Happy Reading!

Louisville - Support those with Food Allergies - FARE Walk for Food Allergies

Do you read every label, on every package of food, every week, at the grocery store? Have you ever feared for your child’s life as you took them to a friend’s birthday party or school celebration? Do you bake most things from scratch so you can control the ingredients? Chances are no, unless you have a child or family member with a life threatening food allergy. It is estimated that 1 in 13 children have food allergies and there has been a dramatic increase in the last few years by those affected by food allergies. If you are not personally dealing with a food allergy, chances are you are in contact with someone who does. As a parent of a children with a severe food allergies, I can say with certainty that having support from non-allergic families is key.

This is Food Allergy Awareness Week sponsored by FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education). Take some time this week to learn more about food allergies and how you can help to keep everyone safe. You can start by clicking here to learn more about how you can be a PAL to those with food allergies.

 You can also show support for Louisville friends who are dealing with food allergies by participating in the FARE Walk for Food Allergies. This walk will be held for the first time in Louisville on August 10, 2013. Bring your whole family for a fun walk on the riverfront and show your support for the millions that deal with food allergies every day. For more information on the walk, to register a team, or find out how to be a sponsor visit www.foodallergywalk.org/louisville.

By guest contributor: Tami

The Best list of Pediatricians in and around Louisville

Are you a new parent? New to Louisville? Or, just looking for a new pediatrician?  Here's a list of all of the pediatricians or groups of pediatricians that we could find!

All Children Pediatrics 244-6373 (Middletown)
All Star Pediatrics 762-0498 (Fern Creek)
Beverly M. Gaines & Associates 585-2924 (Downtown)
Brownsboro Park Pediatrics 897-3232 (St. Matthews)
Children's Health Pediatrics 897-1727 (St. Matthews)
East Louisville Pediatrics 896-8868 (St. Matthews)
Iroquois Pediatrics 361-1197 (Iroquois)
Jeffersonville Pediatrics 812-288-9141 (Jeffersonville)
Kaplan Barron Pediatric Group 452-6337 (Buechel)
Kidz Life Pediatrics  425-7827 (Norton Commons)
Louisville Area Pediatrics PSC 245-7337 (Middletown)
Louisville Pediatric Specialists 935-5633 (Dixie Highway)
Metro Pediatric Associates 412-0597 (East End)
Middletown Pediatrics 244-9858 (Middletown)
Oldham County Pediatrics 225-6277 (Crestwood)
Pediatric Associates of Louisville 231-1144 (Bardstown Rd.)
Pediatric Associates of Southern Indiana 812-945-2229 (New Albany)
Prospect Pediatrics 228-1312 (Prospect)
South Louisville Pediatrics 448-7853 (Dixie Highway)
Springhurst Pediatrics 339-0444 (Springhurst)
Springs Pediatrics 895-0524 (St. Matthews)
Tender Care Pediatrics 966-3918 (South End)
The Best Kids 895-9421 (St. Matthews)
University Health Child Specialists 852-3361 (Downtown)


Dr. Howell Adams, MD 895-8847 (St. Matthews)
Dr. James R. Allen, MD 897-5044  (St. Matthews)
Dr. Rowena Aquino, MD 774-8631 (Downtown)
Dr. Jerry M. Benfield, MD 327-9100 (Crescent Hill)
Dr. Ronald C. Bibb, Jr., MD 327-9100 (Crescent Hill)
Dr. Adel Bichir, MD 812-945-5246 (New Albany)
Dr. Mary Lynn Bundy, MD 812-944-5888 (New Albany)
Dr. Laura A. Chady, MD 553-5886 (St. Matthews)
Dr. Mark Charpentier, MD 812-558-5990 (Floyds Knobs)
Dr. Tim Corba, MD 812-949-1616  (New Albany)
Dr. Stephanie Eken, MD 896-2606 (St. Matthews)
Dr. Stuart Eldridge, MD 812-923-2273 (Floyd's Knobs)
Dr. Michelle Elisburg, MD 366-4747 (Taylor Blvd.)
Dr. Mary M. Fleming, MD 812-282-1367 (Jeffersonville)
Dr. Richard Greathouse, MD 459-2863 (Hikes Point)
Dr. Lynn Gulley, MD 812-282-1367 (Jeffersonville)
Dr. Susan Haffner, MD 629-7212 (Downtown)
Dr. Bobbie Hall, MD 819-5900 (Taylorsville Rd.)
Dr. Bruce Haskell, MD 964-9094 (Outer Loop)
Dr. Thomas C. Hubbs, MD 935-5633 (Dixie Highway)
Dr. Charles J. Kessler, MD 744-5074  (East End)
Dr. Susan M. King, MD 852-5128 (Downtown)
Dr. Shabnam Maghsood, MD 895-4082 (St. Matthews)
Dr. Christopher Mescia, MD 812-949-0405  (New Albany)
Dr. Patricia A. Morgan, MD 812-280-6623 (Clarksville)
Dr. Thomas Myers, MD 812-945-2198 (New Albany)
Dr. John Oliphant, MD 493-9994 (Stonybrooke)
Dr. Kathleen Palmera, MD 812-280-9145 (Clarksville)
Dr. Brian Posnansky, MD 895-9421 (4 locations)
Dr. Kelly Pringle, MD 812-280-6623 (Clarksville)
Dr. Karl Pryor, Jr., MD 585-2924 (Downtown)
Dr. Natalie Sarkanich, MD 245-6049 (East End)
Dr. Carmine Scalzitti, MD 897-6454 (St. Matthews)
Dr. Jerry W. Seligman, MD 425-2242 (East End)
Dr. Kathleen Shiner, MD 812-949-0405 (New Albany)
Dr. John T. Stutts, MD 852-7670 (Downtown)
Dr. Jeb S. Teichman, MD 812-288-9141 (Jeffersonville)
Dr. Julie A Uhlman, MD 290-7118 (East End)
Dr. Donna M. Volk, MD 456-4707 (Eastern Pkwy.)
Dr. George W. White III, MD 774-4401 (New Albany)

LouFamFun $10 Challenge - May

What FUN things can you and your family do around Louisville, KY with only $10 in your pocket??  I had an exciting challenge of making this happen and instantly realized I don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun.  My adventure took place over two weekends.

With Spring weather slowly approaching us, our first activity involved my girls and I sitting on our deck early one morning enjoying the beautiful weather, birds singing, and watching the swirling movement of the Ohio River. I had a cup of coffee while my two girls drew pictures of our beautiful surroundings.  It was quite peaceful watching them draw colorful pictures from their interpretation of the scenery.  Time seems to fly by as they were drawing and I was quite amazed an hour had gone by but…it was completely FREE!

The next activity was an idea I had found on Pinterest.  Since I’m a Pinterest follower (more like addict), I found some ideas on how to turn some of my running t-shirts into FUN Zumba workout clothes.  I’m a runner and have acquired a lot of running t-shirts through my various races that just sit in my closet.  My girls love being creative and fashionable, so they will take every chance they can to help cut, rip, and we have a plain t-shirts into new styles.  This took another hour and was absolutely FREE and lots of FUN!

To end the day, we decided to go to the Mahan Oldham County Library…which is our favorite library…to pick out some fun reading for the evening.  Since we have a passion for reading, I wanted my girls to pick out some FUN books they could read and share what they learned with the family.  We each got 1 book and my 9 year old read a book to us in the car on the way to rent a movie for “Family Movie Night”.  The girls were super excited because we hadn’t spent any of our $10 yet. 

We did stop at Red Box in Oldham County to rent “The Hobbit” which cost us $1.25.  This isn’t a movie review but I would highly recommend this movie for the family.  “The Hobbit” does have some scenes that may be frightening for small children.

Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve was next on our list for FUN the 2^nd weekend of our April challenge.  The nature preserve is located in Oldham County and happens to be located just down the road from where we live and is a great place to take your family hiking and enjoying nature.  Our family attended a recent seminar on spring flowers.  We also toured the bird observation room and various animal exhibits.  My two girls had a blast running around asking what all of the animals were.  Additionally, we went on a nature walk so the girls could visit the frog pond where they were able to find turtles sunbathing on the logs and little tad poles swimming along the shoreline. The nature preserve is completely FREE and survives based on donations from the community so the girls want to use some of the $10 to donate towards the nature preserve.  $5 was donated towards the nature preserve!

After the great fun we had at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, we drove to Thornton’s gas station in Oldham County on U.S. 42 to get free ices for the girls.  On Saturdays, kids 12 and under get free icees if an item is purchased for $.99 and higher.  So, my husband and I each bought two waters which came to $2.25 so the girls were each able to get a regular icee with the flavor of their choice for FREE!  So far, we had spent $8.50 of the $10 we had allocated towards our LFF challenge.  Yet, we had more fun planned! 

The next stop on our agenda was the Henry’s Ark petting zoo which is also located in Oldham County on North Rose Island.  This zoo is an awesome place to spend time with your family and it’s also FREE.  We were given a bag of carrots by a friend to feed the animals.  My 9 year old and I had been to Henry’s Ark about a year ago when we first moved to KY so we wanted to share this fun with my 4 year old and husband who haven’t had the experience yet.  Henry Ark’s has a lot of great animals such as zebras, llamas, peacocks, donkeys, deer, chickens, goats, pigs, and emus.  All of these animals loved the carrots we brought and my girls had a blast feeding them.  Both girls had so much fun so they wanted to take the rest of the $10 we had left which was $1.50 and put into the donation box for the zoo.

Since we spent all of our allotted $10, what was next??

Both girls had bottles of bubbles they received as gifts from their Easter baskets, so we headed home to end the awesome day with blowing bubbles in our back yard down by the Ohio River.  The girls spent most of their time chasing bubbles my husband was blowing.  I think my husband had more fun than the girls!  This was another activity that was completely FREE and was quite fun for the entire family!

I was quite impressed with all of the FUN and EXCITING activities the entire family was able to do together within a 5 mile radius of our home in Oldham County with only $10 in our pocket over two weekends!!  Although a lot of the areas we enjoyed were FREE, they need donations to remain open for everyone’s enjoyment! 

By guest contributor: Tammy