While downtown Louisville is in the midst of an amazing transformation, the folks just across the river are being equally diligent in their efforts to enhance Southern Indiana's midwestern charm, making it a worthy shopping, dining, and cultural destination.

"Consider the Indiana side of the river your 'north Louisville connection,'" said Michael Dalby, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana, an organization dedicated to fostering southern Indiana's economic development. "Indiana is just a mile across the river. There are a number of unique stores, places to eat, and numerous choices for groceries and basic household needs."
Jeffersonville, the southern Indiana city closest to downtown Louisville, is a quick, five-minute drive across the Second Street Bridge.

"Our city is in growth mode," said Dana Young, executive assistant to Jeffersonville Mayor Tom Galligan. "In fact, we view our downtown area as a target destination for future charter bus tours and others wishing to visit and easily park, shop and eat."

A $100 million city hotel and convention center complex is also in the works, added Larry Thomas, communications director for the City of Jeffersonville. As the convention center is built, it will initiate the redevelopment of housing and various business opportunities, further increasing the attraction of shopping and dining in Jeffersonville.

Jeffersonville's beautifully restored, historical Spring Street area is the showcase of the city, featuring a unique array of shopping and dining choices. Several Riverside Drive restaurants dot the river's edge, affording opportunities to dine al fresco and enjoy a view of the spectacular Louisville skyscape.

Perhaps one of the best representations of the historical charm of Jeffersonville is Schimpff's Confectionery, one of the oldest, family-owned candy businesses in the United States. The shop, located on Spring Street, includes a 1950s soda fountain, lunch room, and candy museum. Schimpff's makes most of the candy it sells there on the premises and offers candy-making demonstrations and tours. The shop has been featured on national TV on both the History Channel and Food Network.

Cultural and entertainment events are also a big part of the small town. RiverStage, a floating performance barge anchored along the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Jeffersonville, offers a full summer calendar of free concerts, movies, and Broadway stage performances. Rounding out the warm weather months are the "Smokin' on the River" barbeque and blues festival, two Italian festivals, and the Clark County Farmers' Market. The market, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, not only sells locally grown produce, meats, eggs, and baked goods, but features cooking demonstrations and live musical entertainment throughout the summer.

Just next door to Jeffersonville, Clarksville is also experiencing growth. "Clarksville is really working hard to make itself a showcase," noted Dalby.

The location of a former Colgate plant has a future as mixed-use development, both Green Tree and River Falls malls grace the area with luxury shopping, and exceptional franchise and chain establishments are available throughout the town. But Clarksville struts more than its commercial development—the city is just as well known for The Falls of the Ohio State Park, which features 386-million-year-old fossil beds that are among the largest, naturally exposed, Devonian fossil beds in the world.

On the other side of Clarksville and about a ten-minute drive from downtown Louisville is New Albany. New Albany boasts various styles of architecture and painstakingly restored buildings within its historical districts. A number of pubs, locally-owned restaurants, and art galleries have been springing up in this city.

"There's a partnering relationship between Jeffersonville and New Albany," said Becky Hutchens, ambassador for Jeffersonville City Hall. "It's helpful for both downtown areas because both cities feature a number of quaint shops and restaurants and are in growth mode. Together, the two cities together make this area a destination spot."

And for downtown Louisville residents, it's a destination that requires minimal travel time with little or no traffic issues.

"Southern Indiana is convenient," agreed downtown Louisville developer Merrill Moter. Moter, whose projects have included Broadway Lofts, Fifth Street Terraces, and the design of Bycks Lofts, lives in downtown Louisville. "There's plenty of shopping, eating, and retail. In the past, the river has been a separation between the two states, but the separation is disappearing. We're becoming more of a partnership, and I view it as a positive, growing relationship."

Phil Scherer, developer of Billy Goat Strut and Fleur-de-lis on Main and resident of downtown Louisville's Preston Pointe, said that he appreciates how convenient it is to take part in what southern Indiana has to offer.

"When I look at Indiana, I'm looking at shopping opportunities," he said. "Drive over to Lewis and Clark Parkway or Veteran's Parkway and there's at least one of everything you could ever need. Often times it's more convenient for me to run over to Indiana than it is to shop on the Kentucky side. There's less traffic to contend with, and I can buy gas there as well."

As both downtown areas on either side of the river continue to develop, the future appears to hold a sharing of resources, as well as a sharing of both Midwestern and Southern cultures.

"Crossing over the river from downtown Louisville makes sense," said Dalby. "It's easy access to swing over into southern Indiana to enjoy its cultural offerings and have different places to eat, as well as purchase the basics you need while living downtown. And, there's absolutely no question that some of the best views of downtown Louisville are from this side of the river."