This Retro Bowling Alley In Kentucky Is The Perfect Place For A Dose Of Nostalgia

While time travel still only exists in my dreams, visiting historic places is one way I can come close to stepping back in time. Kentucky is home to several historic landmarks, carefully preserved to connect us to the past. Some landmarks are more serious in nature, like the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park in LaRue County or Historic Locust Grove in Louisville; others are more entertaining. Vernon Lanes is a retro bowling alley in Louisville, Kentucky, that both shows visitors a slice of history and provides loads of old-school entertainment.

Vernon Lanes is on Story Avenue in Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood.

The property was originally constructed in 1876 and functioned as a recreational center called the Delmont Club. After closing for more than six years, Vernon Lanes reopened in the spring of 2022 with some new features.

The retro bowling alley still has the same eight lanes but underwent a significant renovation before reopening.

The new owners refinished and restored the original bowling lanes and replaced the pinsetters. They also added a new HVAC system and expanded the dining area.

Vernon Lanes now has an upscale, casual restaurant and bar serving delicious food and drinks.

The restaurant's menu features crowd-pleasing appetizers like nachos, spinach artichoke dip, fried pickles, and pretzel sticks with beer cheese. It also serves salads, hot dogs, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts.

The attraction also has a full bar with a selection of beers and cocktails, many of which have clever names.

The "Old Vernon" is a cocktail made with Buffalo Trace bourbon and Amarena cherry, a variety of cherries grown in two regions of Italy. The Kingpin has whiskey, pineapple, sour, and soda, and The Ball Jam has bourbon, Amarena cherry, and cola.

Vernon Lanes serves brunch, including pancakes, an omelet, chicken and waffles, and more.

The bowling alley also sells coffee drinks made with beans from Sunergos, a Louisville roaster. There is a private event space for those interested in hosting a party or event.

Vernon Lanes has expanded its entertainment options well beyond bowling.

It has pool tables, pinball machines, darts, and an arcade. It also often hosts events like trivia, music bingo, and bands.

For more information, visit Vernon Lane's website and Facebook page.

Have you visited this retro bowling alley in Louisville, Kentucky? Is there another restored business you'd recommend others visit?

Louisville has several historical places to visit. The Belle of Louisville is a beautiful historical riverboat that visitors can ride down the Ohio River. Churchill Downs opened in 1875 and is a fantastic historic place for both locals and travelers.

There are also historic Airbnbs in Louisville, like this four-bedroom home in Old Louisville. Consider booking it for your next getaway!