Things to Do in Lyndon

Since 1815, Louisville Stoneware's artisans have been transforming natural stoneware clay, harvested from deposits in Kentucky and Indiana, into elaborate table fixtures through an awe-inspiring series of crafting techniques. Twenty pairs of skilled specialist hands conspire to mix, form, and paint each functional art piece before professional fire tamers arrange finished items in the factory kiln, which reaches 2,350 degrees, to melt glazes into a glassy, durable surface. Hundreds of stoneware possibilities emerge from this artistic inferno, filling the firm's shelves with bake ware and home decor. Personalized mugs commemorate special occasions, and birdhouses work to fill yards with the melodies of avian pop stars.

Alternatively, visitors can decorate their own stoneware using vibrant paints and included supplies. After customers finish their work, staff members glaze, fire, and verbally quiz creations to ready them for lifetimes atop fireplace mantels.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the city, Louisville Nature Center offers a tranquil escape from urban sprawl. At its 41-acre Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve, more than 2 miles of hiking trails wind past a verdant forest populated by 180 species of tree, shrub, and wildflower. The latter blooms in a native pond and garden, and dragonflies and 30 butterfly species in other gardens pay homage to Lord of the Flies by trying to collectively lift a conch. More creatures soar skyward inside one of Louisville's only bird blinds, where visitors can watch 150 species of resident and migratory birds fluttering about.

After exploring on their own, guests can relax on one the picnic tables or beneath the covered gazebo before joining in on special events such as owl hikes. Youngsters, meanwhile, can discover more nature factoids at summer camps, educational programs, or birthday parties, which include guided hikes and live animal presentations.

The Tennis Club at Springhurst places USPTA- and PTR-certified instructors at the helm of both of its professional-level facilities, where programs, camps, and classes help players of all ages develop their skills. Opened in 1998, the multifaceted Springhurst location combines 10 indoor tennis courts with areas for golf, field hockey, volleyball, and basketball to form a one-stop training haven. The club’s other location, Top Gun Tennis Academy, has sprawled its 16-court campus before competitors since 2010, and includes smaller-scale QuickStart courts for pint-size players and baby ball machines not yet strong enough to rifle shots across full courts. Dually dedicated to tennis's future, both facilities offer programs that have helped produce college-level players and championship teams.

Strong Hold Climbing Gym at Hester's Family Fitness beckons to rock clingers of all skill levels with more than 4,000 square feet of top-rope routes, bouldering, and peerless climbing classes. With padded floors throughout, Strong Hold's crew of climbers can scale the multicolored routes with no fear of hard falls, and Strong Hold equips each climber with the harness, shoes, and cliff-badger bait necessary for topping its walls. Introductory classes, taught by master stone whisperers, cover the basics of rope work, proper knots, and the techniques required for pulling on slopers or crimps.

Professional football player Corey Taylor always knew he was born to fling the pigskin, but it wasn’t until a serious knee injury that he discovered his true passion was coaching. It was during this time off the field when Corey began working as a performance coach at the Institute for Sports and Medicine, developing an appreciation and talent for the work while earning his credentials. Even after returning to football, Corey continued to work as a trainer at sports-performance facilities around the US for years.

Today, Corey teams up with a staff of fellow fitness aficionados to conduct a variety of sports-training and fitness programs at his facility. The coaches have trained athletes from all walks of life and disciplines—from youngsters to professional-football players to champion MMA fighters. Amidst the advanced training equipment of local fitness facilities, the trainers lead challenging workouts designed to enhance speed and agility, build strength, and prevent injuries. They also strive to impart mental techniques for performing under pressure, whether on the field, in the ring, or at a karaoke bar alongside professional Freddy Mercury impersonators.

The saga of the world-famous Putt-Putt chain dates back to 1954, when founder Don Clayton opened his first course in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After the hole-in-one, Don started selling franchises the next year, and now his miniature empire counts the Louisville Putt-Putt Fun Center among its ranks. Three 18-hole indoor courses test mini golfers' mettle with distinct challenges and themes. On one course, a waterfall scintillates soothingly, and on another, animals stand watch and try to store errant golf balls for winter's semipermanent nap. An arcade tests hand-eye-screen coordination, and an outdoor party pavilion hosts birthday parties and events.