Businesses tend to come and go, but there are some we hold dear to our hearts. Not every place that closes is missed, but those that are, tend to leave scars. There might even be similar places open in different counties, but that doesn’t fill the void in our own backyards.
Here are 10 places in Kentucky that are either already gone or near extinction:
- AK Steel Demolition
WN This Ashland factory closed its doors and was demolished in 2011, putting over 300 locals out of work.
- 11th Street Bridge
WN This old Covington Bridge once crossed over the CSX railroad, but safety concerns shut it down in 2013. Pedestrians can still walk across the North side, but safety is a concern for vehicles.
- Patriot Coal and Others
WKMS This is one of many coal companies to close down mines and increase the Appalachian unemployment rates. Not that mining is a healthy career, but it was all many people had for generations.
- Drive In Theater
Wiki A decade or so ago there were drive in theaters in Louisville, but they have since all closed. There are still a few drive ins scattered across the state, but none close to Derby City.
- Fruit of the Loom
Road Junkie This Jamestown factory was a stable part of the community until it closed its doors permanently in 2014, putting over 600 people out of work.
- Louisville & Nashville Rail Road
Wiki Many a Kentuckian has an ancestor or three that spent some time working the railroad… or possibly riding it. The Louisville Nashville Rail Road was founded by James Guthrie, who was also a founder for University of Louisville. A lot of tracks were laid and ridden by L&N trains all across the Bluegrass carrying coal, supplies and passengers.
- Sousleys Parrot Garden and River Boat Restaurant
Wiki This Clay’s Ferry restaurant offered live entertainment daily with a colorful parrot collection in a botanical garden. The food was great too, but the entire theme combined with its position on Kentucky River is what made it interesting.
- Lynn’s Paradise Cafe
WIki This was the place to be Derby week in Louisville, but sadly, it closed its doors. Lynn’s was well known for her unique décor and insane contests. It was a favorite of visiting celebrities.
- Mom & Pop Shops
Wiki The entire barrage of Mom & Pop stores that once had a place in every town or city, are now becoming extinct. This refers to the ones where you could get an ice cream scoop, or bar. If you still have one in your town, count yourself lucky and patronize when you can.
- Ohio RIver Steam Boats
Wiki We still have the Belle of Louisville and a few others, but the Ohio used to be alive with steam boats and trade. Now there are only barges and some recreational boaters.
Every town in Kentucky probably has something they’d love to have back. It’s just part of life… everything goes away at some point to be replaced by something new, or different. These are just a few things that are now fading memories to many Kentuckians. Please feel free to share places or things that are now gone you’d like to see return.
WN
This Ashland factory closed its doors and was demolished in 2011, putting over 300 locals out of work.
This old Covington Bridge once crossed over the CSX railroad, but safety concerns shut it down in 2013. Pedestrians can still walk across the North side, but safety is a concern for vehicles.
WKMS
This is one of many coal companies to close down mines and increase the Appalachian unemployment rates. Not that mining is a healthy career, but it was all many people had for generations.
Wiki
A decade or so ago there were drive in theaters in Louisville, but they have since all closed. There are still a few drive ins scattered across the state, but none close to Derby City.
Road Junkie
This Jamestown factory was a stable part of the community until it closed its doors permanently in 2014, putting over 600 people out of work.
Wiki
Many a Kentuckian has an ancestor or three that spent some time working the railroad… or possibly riding it. The Louisville Nashville Rail Road was founded by James Guthrie, who was also a founder for University of Louisville. A lot of tracks were laid and ridden by L&N trains all across the Bluegrass carrying coal, supplies and passengers.
This Clay’s Ferry restaurant offered live entertainment daily with a colorful parrot collection in a botanical garden. The food was great too, but the entire theme combined with its position on Kentucky River is what made it interesting.
WIki
This was the place to be Derby week in Louisville, but sadly, it closed its doors. Lynn’s was well known for her unique décor and insane contests. It was a favorite of visiting celebrities.
The entire barrage of Mom & Pop stores that once had a place in every town or city, are now becoming extinct. This refers to the ones where you could get an ice cream scoop, or bar. If you still have one in your town, count yourself lucky and patronize when you can.
We still have the Belle of Louisville and a few others, but the Ohio used to be alive with steam boats and trade. Now there are only barges and some recreational boaters.
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