The Countdown is on for 4th St Live! Check Out This New Year’s Spectacular Schedule

If you are spending New Year's Eve in Louisville, Kentucky this year, you are likely to come across several great and popular events where residents ring in the coming year. Although there are many different options for celebrating the New Year in Louisville, there is one particular event that stands out from the crowd. The Fourth Street Live event is Louisville's largest New Year's Eve party, and the one that most Louisville locals will suggest to other locals and visitors alike. Here’s what to expect this year.

The Largest Party Any Tuesday Has Ever Seen

As what will likely become the largest party you'll ever attend on a Tuesday evening, this event will stand strong in comparison to your other New Year's Eve experiences of the past years. Bud Light hosts this event, which has been a favorite among Louisville locals and visitors in its past years. Ringing in the New Year and welcoming 2014 at Fourth Street Live in Louisville means watching the ball drop in New York's Times Square on the large LED screen, being showered with balloons and confetti at midnight, and enjoying the open bar from 9 PM to 1 AM. You can dance the night away to the on-stage live music that will fill your evening with great moves.

Light Up the Sky with Fireworks

The fireworks display put on by the Fourth Street Live New Year's Eve event has become well known and popular among Louisville locals, and is the largest and most prominent fireworks show in downtown Louisville. Families, couples, and singles can visit the event free of charge to watch the fireworks, which take place at the central part of the city on 4th Street near Liberty Street. Drawing thousands of Louisville locals every year - and some lucky visitors as well – this is one event you can’t miss. You can enjoy the fireworks from the main event itself or some lucky nearby vantage points.

Locals and Visitors: Tickets for the Main Event

The cost of the New Year's Eve main event at Fourth Street Live hosted by Bud Light is $90 for singles and $170 for couples. If you are visiting Louisville for the holidays and need a place to stay, the Hyatt Regency Louisville offers a package that includes access to the Fourth Street Live event. For an extra $100 per adult, you'll receive luxurious accommodations, entry and open bar at Fourth Street Live, as well as an all-access pass to PBR Louisville, the Sports and Social Club, Marquee Bar, Kill Devil Club, and Tengo Sed Cantina.

The positive reviews for this event are long and detailed. With such a wide variety of options that suit all kinds of locals and visitors, it is no wonder Fourth Street Live has quickly become the city's most sought-after New Year's Eve event. Ringing in the New Year has never looked better, with options for enjoying the fireworks with your family free of charge, or partying the night away to confetti and live music with an open bar.

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

The Ultimate Guide to Pubs in Germantown

Whether you're vying for a place with good food and great beer or you're just looking for a Louisville pub for a night out with your friends, there are more than a few options for getting a sip and whetting your appetite in Germantown. Here’s everything you need to know about Germantown’s best pubs.

Hammerheads

Located at 921 Swan Street in a building that has been home to a variety of bars and eateries since its beginning, Hammerheads recently opened in Germantown in 2013. Owned and operated by Adam Burress and Chase Mucerino, Hammerheads is the space's latest incarnation and may be one of its most culinary. While the room has been left much the same, the menu is what makes the difference. Featuring affordable options like hand-cut fries with truffle oil, potato chips fried in duck fat and even a smoked catfish fried fish sandwich, Hammerheads kicks up the notch on the local food scene and even adds an impressive offering of bottle and draft beers from all over the country.

Four Pegs Beer Lounge

Owned by Smitty and Becky Smith, this Germantown spot brings inexpensive fun to the mix of drinking establishments in the area. Formerly the Germantown Cafe, the space was renovated with lamps, bistro tables, booths and soft light to give it a casual, laid back vibe. Whether you're a beer aficionado or you're just looking for a casual drink, Four Pegs is a great place to hang out with friend and have a few sips. Featuring a classic, concise pub menu and a great selection of rotating beers, Four Pegs is ideal for those on a budget, because every menu item is under eleven dollars!

Nachbar

Located at 969 Charles Street and housed in a building that dates back to the 1930's, Nachbar still features a lot of the decor of the past in addition to the updated signage and stained glass windows. With small, wooden tables and a selection of carefully chosen craft beers, Nachbar has an eclectic and extremely casual atmosphere that's perfect for a younger crowd that is just looking to have a drink. Hosting many unique events and featuring live jazz once a week, this hipster hangout has a great beer selection with a no-fuss flare.

Coach Lamp Restaurant and Pub

Like most buildings in the area, the Coach Lamp Restaurant and Pub building dates back to 1872 when it was used as a coaching inn. Having gone through many different incarnations, the Coach Lamp still alludes to its old history by serving the same prime rib and mashed potatoes as the olden days. Currently owned by Gail and Billy Darling, the Coach Lamp now features an eclectic dining experience with items ranging from seared scallops to catfish to fried chicken and the beers to match it. With reasonable prices and quality food, the Coach Lamp interior surpasses its unassuming exterior.

If you're in Germantown and you're looking for a good beer and a meal to go with it, one of these pubs might suit your fancy. Whether you want something casual and cheap or a unique pub experience, there's an option in Germantown that might be exactly what you're looking for.

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

Orchestrating Greatness: Four Things You Never Knew About the Louisville Orchestra

To some, the Louisville Orchestra may seem like any other American big-city orchestra. But for those in the know, this orchestra has a rich history full of surprises and one-of-a-kind achievements. Today the Louisville Orchestra continues their legacy by performing classics as well as newly commissioned pieces. Here are four facts about the Louisville Orchestra that might surprise you.

The Orchestra Started With a Flood

The Louisville Orchestra first started in 1937, not long after a major flood ravaged the city. While the city was still recovering from the flood damage, and while the country was struggling to deal with the effects of the Great Depression, an ambitious young conductor named Robert Whitney decided that Louisville would be the best place to build up the world's next great orchestral ensemble. Whitney soon became known as America's hardest working conductor, as he took the group from dingy back-room rehearsals to fame on the world stage.

The Orchestra Became World Famous in the 1950s Thanks to a Grant From the Rockefeller Foundation

Thanks to Whitney's hard work, and the willing partnership of Louisville's arts-loving mayor Charles Farnsley, the Louisville orchestra grew in popularity during the 1940s. Then, in 1948, Farnsley had a novel idea - one that would eventually put Louisville on the map in the international music scene. Farnsley decided that, instead of relying on older pieces, the orchestra would focus on commissioning new works from contemporary composers around the world. This impressed the Rockefeller Foundation, which gave the orchestra a grant of $400,000 in 1953 (the equivalent of $3.5 million today, an unprecedented figure at the time). Thanks to this grant, the Louisville orchestra was able to commission 156 new pieces in over the next three years. From then on, Louisville became known as the "house of new music" in the classical world.

The Orchestra Played a Part in the Cold War

With the threat of war with the Soviet Union looming in the late 1950s, Louisville played its own role in creating "detente" with the Soviets. Thanks to the ongoing commissioning project, the orchestra was able to bring Soviet composers like Dmitri Shostakovich and Dmitri Kabalevsky to America in 1957. The famous composers saw for themselves what the U.S. was like, and also provided the American audience with a thrilling taste of their passionate and fiery Russian compositions.

The Orchestra Was Locked Out From May 2011 to April 2012

Despite its success and popularity, the Louisville Orchestra has struggled with finances over the years, just as many other orchestras have. In May 2011, the Louisville Orchestra Musicians' Association (LOMA) officially began strike action in protest of layoffs and other cuts by the orchestra management. This led to the cancelling of several performances, but fortunately for classical music fans in Louisville, the LOMA reached an agreement with the orchestra management in April 2012, and the orchestra is now back on track delivering great performances all year round.

Nowadays, the orchestra continues to please audience with classic pieces such as Brahms' Violin Concerto, pops favorites with hits from movies like "Gone With the Wind" and "the Wizard of Oz," and modern twists like their take on Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon." Come see for yourself what this orchestra, which has been around for over 75 years, has to offer.

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

Visions of Tibet at the Muhammad Ali Center

The Muhammad Ali Center is holding a temporary exhibit featuring photographic work of Sonam Zoksang. Born in Kyirong, Tibet in 1960, Zoksang lived through the brutal Chinese invasion. His parents escaped to India when Zoksand was one month old. He grew up in refugee schools, earned a degree in Buddhist Dialects and taught himself photography. Zoksand moved to the United States in 1985 and began Vision of Tibet, which specializes in selling the finest handicrafts from Tibet, Nepal and India.

Zoksang is active in the Tibetan Community as an advocate for human rights and political change. He sits on the Board of Directors of the US Tibet Committee and has been president of the Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey. His mission is to tell the story of his homeland through photography. His photos document Tibetans and Tibetan life, both in and out of Tibet. Whenever he can, Zoksang returns to his homeland to continue to document the conditions in his Chinese-occupied homeland.

To find other events in the area, please visit our Louisville Homes website.

Louisville's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Starting October 10th and running through November 2nd, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is taking place at Louisville's Iroquois Park. This tradition began in Oxford, Massachusetts in 1988 and is entertainment for the whole family!

Guests can expect to be impressed with 5,000 carved pumpkins lining a 1/4 mile trail, illuminated at night as an "art-show" and carved into veritable works of art. Proceeds benefit the Louisville Metro Parks Foundation and Kosair Charities. Tickets can be purchased online or buy calling 502-363-7766.

To find other events in the area, please visit our Louisville Homes website.

Aimee Mann to Perform at the Clifton Center

Aimee Mann is performing at the Clifton Center on Sunday, October 6th at 7:30 p.m. with special guest Ted Leo. Mann rose to stardom in the late 90s, following the release of her soundtrack to the movie Magnolias, which included the Academy Award nominated hit single, Save Me. Since then, Mann has recorded several critically acclaimed albums, including her most recent effort, Charmer.

 

To find other concerts and events in the area, please visit our website at www.JoeHaydenRealtor.com.

NuLu Festival 2013

As Idea Festival 2013 wraps up in Louisville, locals can look forward to the NuLu Festival on Saturday, September 28th! NuLu is hosting the street festival celebrating the revitalization of Louisville's East Market District and invites guests to come enjoy live music by Sonablast Records, micro-brewed beers by Louisville Beer Store, and numerous food and retail booths by local vendors.

This area in Louisville has undergone a total transformation in the past several years and is best known for its art galleries, unique specialty stores, antique shops and a growing number of upscale restaurants. In addition, the neighborhood is home to two LEED certified commercial buildings, many historic restoration projects, as well as several restaurants offering organic and locally sourced ingredients.

To find other great events in the area, please visit the website of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team.

Clifton Center to Host Concert by Miro String Quartet

The Miro String Quartet is performing at the Clifton Center on Wednesday, October 2nd at 7:30 p.m. The Quartet will perform two is their most famous pieces - Schubert's Quartet No. 14 in D minor, known as "Death and the Maiden", and Beethoven's Quartet in B flat Major, Op. 130/133.

The Miro String Quartet has been hailed by the New York Times as possessing "explosive vigor and technical finesse" and has become one of America's highest-profile chamber groups. Since entering it's second decade, the group continues to captivate audiences and critics around the world with it's startling intensity, fresh perspective and mature approach.

To find other events in the area, please visit the website of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team.

2013 Hermitage Classic in Prospect

The Hermitage Classic takes place this weekend at Hermitage Farm, a world-class equine operation in Oldham County. Purchased in the 1800's as part of a land grant, Hermitage has been a working farm for nearly two centuries. Today broodmares, foals, and yearlings graze the land that has long been recognized as some of the most fertile and productive in Kentucky.

 

This year's festivities kick off on Friday, September 13th with a dressage competition beginning at 9am. This highly skilled event is often compared to figure skating, testing a sequence of movements judged against a standard of absolute perfection. Saturday's events start with a marathon competition, watching teams of horses and ponies tackles challenging obstacles at high speed. Additionally, there will be a KidZone with petting zoo and pony-pulled carriage rides, local merchants and food vendors.

Lastly on Sunday, check out the cones competition. This competition tests the fitness and agility of the horse and the accuracy and skill of the driver. Other Sunday activities include, a special Louisville Concours d'Elegance preview, local merchants and food vendors.

To search for other events going on in the area, please visit www.JoeHaydenRealtor.com.

Exploring the Waterways of Metro Louisville

This metro government is hoping to show locals how to explore some of Jefferson County's 790 miles of streams and rivers, through a 6 week course. The instruction will be led by Dr. David Wicks, a certified instructor for the American Canoe Association, president of the Kentucky Conservation Committee and owner of Get Outdoors Kentucky, along with Anne Littlebird and Scott Workman, certified instructors for the American Canoe Association.

 

The course begins on September 5th and proceeds through October 14th with the locations varying from the Community Boat House, Waterfront Park and five other launching sites. Additionally, participants will learn about our region's water quality and showcase people in the community who are working to restore our creeks, and revitalize our sewer and flood infrastructure.

To find other community events in the Louisville area, please visit the website of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team.

Portland Pride Project in Louisville

The Louisville government is turning their attention to the Portland neighborhood through the Portland Pride Project, which aims to renovate homes and revitalize the neighborhood. Seventy five homes in the historic neighborhood have been selected to receive renovations as part of the initiative, which is focused on preserving home ownership, strengthening the neighborhood and increasing economic development opportunities.

The revitalization effort is funded by $2 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds that were awarded when Portland was selected to be Louisville's first Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area in 2011.  This award came as a result of Portland meeting federal criteria as a distressed neighborhood. The NSRA focuses on rehabbing the exteriors of homes and making facade improvements, resolving property code violations and reducing lead paint in homes.

To find other interesting articles about community development, please visit our Louisville Homes page.

WorldFest 2013 at the Belvedere in Louisville

See the world without leaving town at the 2013 WorldFest! WorldFest is one of the region's largest international festivals and is celebrating its 11th anniversary with four days of expanded world food, music, dance, culture and education this Labor Day weekend.

Guests can look forward to multiple performances on three stages of local and international talent, a world of cuisine, shops around the world and a parade of cultures. There will be delicious samples of authentic food from nations around the world, including Germany, Thailand, Jamaica, Ethiopia and more. Additionally, there will be a plethora of shops so you won't leave empty handed! There will be craft booths selling handmade products with styles from Africa, Asia, Europe and Central and South America.

To find other events in the area, please visit our Louisville Real Estate website.

Events at the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

There are several events happening at the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood this late summer and early fall! The first is the Hummingbird Festival, which takes place on Saturday, August 24th. This event is an opportunity to learn about these amazing little birds, how to attract them, how to keep them coming back and a whole lot more. Local experts will catch and band birds, offering an excellent opportunity to see them up close. Hummingbird plants will also be sold, along with several kid's activities, refreshments and tours. Tickets are purchased at the door with prices being $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and free for kids under 12.

Another highly anticipated Yew Dell event, Twilight in the Garden, is happening on September 25th and has become one of the most anticipated fundraising events of the year. Additionally, there are teaching classes all year long with Dividing Perennials occurring on October 12th. You don't want to miss this workshop - come for a class and go home with an armful of great plants!

To find other fun community events in the area, please visit our Louisville Homes website.

The Wizard of Oz at Derby Dinner Playhouse

If you're in the mood for dinner and a show, consider attending a show they have playing at the Derby Dinner Playhouse. Located convenient to Louisville, the Derby Dinner Playhouse is situated just across the river in Clarksville, IN, and is proud to be one of the oldest and largest continually operating professional dinner theaters in the country.

Currently playing is one of MGM's grandest and most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz. Follow Dorothy and her friends down the yellow brick road to the land where dreams really do come true. Guests of the show are treated to a lavish buffet of Classic American Cuisine, with several food choices, as well as pre-show entertainment by the "Footnotes" - the Playhouse's talented vocal ensemble.

To find other fun events in the area, please visit our Louisville Homes website.

12th Annual Antique Tractor, Car and Engine Show

This Saturday is the 12th Annual Antique Tractor, Car and Engine Show at Dale and Betty Rich's 60-acre farm benefiting Kosair Charities. At the event, guests can enjoy an abundance of antique tractors, cars and motorcycles. In addition to this, there will be a live auction, live music, barbecue and a wealth of family fun! All of the proceeds raised by the event benefit Kosair Charities.

This event, which happens every year, was started by Dale and Betty Rich and has raised almost $140,000 since 2002. They invite guests to their farm to check out vintage farm machinery and automobiles, plus bouncy houses, tractor rides, a dunking machine and much more!

To find other fun events in the area, please visit the website of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team.

Forecastle Festival 2013

Forecastle Festival 2013 is kicking off this weekend with a great mix of music! Founded in 2002 by Louisville native JK McKnight, Forecastle has grown from a community event to one of the country’s most anticipated summer festivals. The festival now draws tens of thousands of fans from across the world to Louisville’s scenic 85-acre Waterfront Park.

 

Voted as 1 of the 31 Coolest Tours and Festivals of 2012 by Rolling Stone magazine and in the top 15 Outdoor Festivals by Outdoor Magazine, Forecastle is looking forward to having artists such as Old Crow Medicine Show, Young the Giant, The Pass, The Black Keys, plus many more. Additionally, there will be a Bourbon Lounge for bourbon enthusiasts. Several other activities will be available as well, making for an awesome 2013 Forecastle!

To find other local events, please visit our Louisville Real Estate page.

Crescent Hill's Fourth of July Celebration

Crescent Hill will host a two day Independence Day event this year, the Crescent Hill 4th of July Celebration. The party takes place on Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th with a wide range of activities

The antique car parade will take place on Thursday, beginning at the Masonic Home at 11:30 a.m. and will travel down Frankfort Avenue to the Peterson-Dumesnil House. Guests will be treated to various activities after arriving, including an art fair, music festival, pet show and beer and food booths. There is something fun to do for everyone. Additionally, there will be a fireworks display beginning at 10 p.m. on both nights!

To find other events in the area, please visit our Homes in Louisville website.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park

Debating between a vacation and a stay-cation? Consider visiting My Old Kentucky Home State Park this summer! Located a short drive from Louisville in Bardstown, Kentucky, My Old Kentucky Home offers visitors a great vacation experience.

Guests can admire the beautiful grounds in the 39-site campground, which offers convenient utility hookups, a central service building housing showers and rest rooms, and a dump station. Additionally, the park offers a grocery store and laundry which are nearby across the street. Pets are also allowed if restrained. If you're a golfer, test your golfing skills on the Kenny Rapier Golf Course, an 18-hole regulation golf course. A fully equipped pro shop caters to the golfer’s every need with rental clubs, pull carts, and riding carts.

There is also a chance to experience the tradition of Kentucky's longest-running outdoor drama, the Stephen Foster Story. This celebrated musical features colorful period costumes, lively choreography and more than 50 Foster songs, including his most famous ballad "My Old Kentucky Home."

To find other great summer activities, please visit our Louisville Real Estate website.

The Clifton Center Aims to Raise $150,000 for Capital Improvements

The Clifton Center, which serves as a gathering place for art, culture and ideas that enrich the community, has recently announced the launch of a fundraising campaign aimed at raising $150,000 before the end of 2013. The title of the campaign, Setting the Stage, highlights the fact that this relatively small campaign is intended to address the Center's short-term needs, while setting the stage for major improvements that the Center hopes to undertake in several years. The funds will be used for facility improvements including new lighting, carpet, and paint in the Reception Hall and Clifton Room, renovations to the Eifler Theater stage and theater infrastructure, and the purchase of equipment and furnishings. The goal is to raise $75,000 by August 1st, and the remaining $75,000 by the end of the year. Currently, more than $39,850 had been committed!

In 2010, the Clifton Center's Board of Directors adopted a new vision for the organization and began pursuing an ambitious new course that would position the Center to become one of the region's leading cultural institutions. Over the past two years, the Center has presented an eclectic series of concerts, films and lectures, as well as established new arts education and outreach programs, and more than 15 events are already booked for the 2013-2014 season. The current campaign will address the much needed improvements to the Eifler Theatre, thus raising the quality of productions and programming the Center can offer and furthering its mission. 

To find other current events happening in the Louisville areas, please visit our Louisville Homes website.

21st Annual Taste of Frankfort Avenue

On Sunday, June 23rd, head down to The Clifton Center for the 21st Annual Taste of Frankfort Avenue! This is the organization's biggest fundraiser and will feature food tasting from more than twenty of Frankfort Avenue's finest restaurants. Outside, there will be a cash bar, a stage with live music and a silent auction! Those interested in advanced tickets, they're now on sale for $50 and will increase to $60 on the day of the event.

New this year, the event will include an "After Taste", which will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a $5 suggested donation to the Clifton Center's Setting the Stage campaign. The Taste of Frankfort Avenue is sponsored by MINI of Louisville, Brown-Forman, D.D. Williamson, Bluegrass Brewing Company, plus many more!

To find other fun events in the area, please visit www.JoeHaydenRealtor.com.

The Smith-Berry Winery's Dinner & Concert Events

This weekend marks the beginning of summer, so why not enjoy it with some good food, wine and music? You can do just that at Smith-Berry Winery on Saturday night!

Head out to the winery, just 36 miles North of Louisville in New Castle, Kentucky, to begin the festivities at 6:00. The popular, local band, Nervous Melvin and the Mistakes, open up the event season with high energy dance music.

The menu will include pulled-pork bar-b-que, grilled marinated chicken breasts, green beans, cheese grits and much more! Guests are encouraged to arrive early and to bring your own chairs, blankets, tables, etc.

To find other fun, local events, please visit our Louisville Real Estate website.

6206 Jeffrey Dr, Louisville, KY 40258

Welcome to 6206 Jeffrey Drive in Louisville

This adorable one owner 3 bedroom, 2 full bath brick ranch features lots of updates including hardwood flooring, new furnace and air conditioning, ceramic tile and neutral paint throughout.

The kitchen includes plenty of cabinet space (note: all appliances to remain) and connects to a convenient laundry room.

The master bedroom features a tray ceiling, huge closet, master bath and french doors that lead out to a nice patio area.

The living room boasts a tall vaulted ceiling and opens to the dining room. The home also features a huge fenced back yard with lots of privacy and a beautiful view.

Close to great shopping and priced to sell! Call for your private showing today!!

Louisville Area Art Gallery and Museum Events in May 2013

Louisville, Kentucky is home to a number of world-class art galleries and museums. With spring in the air and everyone wanting to get out and about in May, there are a number of exciting art and museum events to take in, both indoors and outdoors. Here's a slice of what's going on in Louisville in May 2013, art-wise:

Wilson Art Works (May 2)

Thomas D. Wilson has made a name for himself in Louisville with his unique take on the classic mint julep cup. "The Wilson Cup," as it has become known, is an artisan-made silver-plated julep cup, adorned with handcrafted designs such as the classic horse and jockey logo as well as some of Wilson's own custom creations. These cups have been sold worldwide since 1983, and have become a mainstay of the Kentucky Derby Festival. On May 2, Wilson Art Works will unveil a number of these classic pieces for viewing at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Annemarie’s Art Breakfast on Derby (May 4)

This annual event in honor of Louisville artist Annemarie Campbell will take place in the Brown-Forman Playroom on the morning of the Kentucky Derby. The event is based around a breakfast buffet, and will include exhibitions by local artists, a silent art auction, and live entertainment such as music and ballroom dancing. The event will also feature a collection of Annemarie Campbell's own work. Tickets for the breakfast are $35, and the day's proceeds will go to support art and environmental initiatives in the Louisville region.

Art in the Arbor (May 4 and 5)

As part of the annual Metro Fest celebration, the city of Louisville will play host to the outdoor "Art in the Arbor" festival this year on May 4 and 5 in the arbor at 4936 Brownsboro Road. The festivities over these two days will include selections from over one hundred juried artists, live music and entertainment, a wine garden, a food court, and live art and artisan demos, as well as a selection children's entertainment. And, just to sweeten the deal, this event is also free to the public.

"Mythic Creatures" Opening Day: A Founder's Day Celebration (May 11)

If you've never visited the Frazier History Museum before, May 11 might be a good day for your first trip. On this day, the museum will host an event in honor of its ninth birthday as well as the opening of its newest exhibition: "Mythic Creatures." The activities planned for the day include performances from live costumed actors, "unicorn" rides, face painting, refreshments, and a visit from some of the creatures of the Louisville Zoo. And, while admission to the museum is normally $18.50, on May 11 all tickets will be only $5.00. This ticket will also give guests access to the museum's other exhibitions, which include an American history exhibition, a Royal Armories display, and a special exhibition on the story of the transatlantic slave trade. So if you've ever thought about checking out this history museum before, May 11 would be the perfect time to make your first trip.

With the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, there is also plenty for Louisville Art lovers to take in. These events should provide plenty of opportunities for family fun, as well as a chance for to experience some of Louisville's finest works of art.

To learn about other fun things to do in the area, please visit the website of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team.

"Fire Under the Snow" Screening at the Clifton Center

The Clifton Center is hosting a screening of the inspirational documentary "Fire Under the Snow" as part of the Wild and Woolly Film Series on Sunday, May 12th at 7:00 p.m. As Louisville awaits the arrival of the Dalai Lama on May 12th, this event is being co-presented by Drepung Gomang Institute who will host a display of Tibetan Crafts available for sale at the event.

The film tells the story of Palden Gyartso, a Buddhist monk, that was arrested by the Chinese Communist Army in 1959. For the next 33 years, Gyatso, was imprisoned for the "crimes" of peaceful demonstration and refusal to denounce his apolitical teacher as an Indian spy. Tortured, starved and sentenced to hard labor, he watched his nation and culture destroyed, his teachers, friends and family displaced, jailed or killed under Chinese occupation.

To find more information on this event, please visit Fire Under the Snow.

To find other events in the area, please visit our Louisville Homes website.

The Great Bed Race & Parade Preview Party

If you're getting into the swing of all things Derby, be sure to check out two popular events coming next week! The Great Bed Race will be taking place on Monday, April 29th and the Derby Parade Preview Party will take place the following day, Tuesday, April 30th!

The Great Bed Race features thousands of enthusiasts gathering together, building a bed on wheels, decorating it, dressing in ridiculous costumes and then racing! There are more than 40 teams and local news channels cover the exciting and entertaining event! Awards are given out for the fastest course times for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, best decoration and entertainment, people's choice award plus more! To learn more about this fan favorite event, please visit The Great Bed Race!

Another beloved event of the Kentucky Derby Festival is the Derby Parade Preview Party. This event takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in the North Wing. The event promises to explode with larger-than-life animation! Each float and inflatable that will be featured in the parade will be there, complete with dancing costumed characters! To learn more about this event, please visit Derby Parade Preview Party!

To find more events in the area, please visit Louisville Area Homes for Sale.

Derby Eve Jam Concert featuring Kix Brooks

If you're looking for a great time on Derby Eve, consider heading down to the waterfront for a concert hosted by Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront! Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the concert will feature Kix Brooks with special guest, Greg Bates!

Kix Brooks is a country music artist, probably best known for being apart of the duo Brooks & Dunn. Prior to the duo’s foundation, he was a singer and songwriter, charting twice on Hot Country Songs and releasing an album for Capitol Records. Brooks and Ronnie Dunn comprised Brooks & Dunn for 20 years, with both members beginning solo careers. Brooks’ solo career after Brooks & Dunn has included the album New to Town.

Additionally, there will be free admission into the concert for all those wearing a Pegasus Pin! And if you're worried about getting home safely, Miller Lite Free Rides will be available for all from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on all regularly scheduled TARC bus and trolley routes, plus a special trolley service which will run every 10 minutes until midnight on the Main-Market route, just south of Waterfront Park.

To find other Derby events in the area, please visit Louisville Homes for Sale.

Louisville's Art Gallery and Museum Events for April 2013

If the only thing that comes to mind when you think of Louisville is the Kentucky Derby, then it’s time that you discover the cultural side of the city. Louisville locals are hungry for art, and there are a number of museums and galleries in the city. No trip to this city would be complete without at least one day dedicated solely to taking in all that these galleries have to offer.

21C Museum: Contemporary Art Museum

A non-profit organization dedicated to the collection and exhibition of modern art, 21C museum is the place to be for anyone interested in the contemporary scene. Specializing in both group and solo exhibitions, this 9,000 square feet location is home to both permanent and rotating exhibits. This beautiful gallery features street-level and atrium spaces, as well as a specialized video lounge. A beautiful place to visit and learn, 21C museum is not to be missed.

Wild Card: The Art of Michael Combs

15 years of survey and speculation culminates in this exciting, evocative exhibition by celebrated American artist, Michael Combs. On display at the 21C museum, this stunning exhibit examines our concepts of gender identity and myth, and the effects these concepts have on our culture as a whole. Examined in relation to the culture of games and sport, this exhibit cuts deep into concepts of competition, power, control and reward. Wild Card is a mixed media exhibit that fully showcases Combs' masterful sculpture and his ability to use every day objects in a thought-provoking and unexpected manner.

The Kentucky Arts and Crafts Museum

The Kentucky Arts and Crafts museum is another essential stop on any tour of the city's art scene. Located deep in Louisville's museum district, this beautiful gallery is comprised of four separate galleries packed with pottery, textiles, ceramic and more.

Bluegrass Bourbon: By the Bottle, By the Ounce

April's exhibition at the Kentucky Arts and Crafts museum is a fascinating exploration of Kentucky's fascination with bourbon. Artists from all across the country have contributed to this memorable show with their diverse interpretations of the iconic bourbon bottle and shot glass. Beautiful, whimsical, vintage, and modern, these bottles are sure to both amuse and impress.

The Speed Art Museum

Founded in the early 1920s, the Speed Art Museum is one of the oldest museums in the city. A cultural institution with a fascinating history, this museum is run entirely on donations, endowments, memberships, and grants. Hosting both traveling and permanent exhibits, the museum strives to stock its galleries with a comprehensive selection of art from ancient to modern.

Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough and the Gold Age of Painting

This exhibit at the Speed Art Museum is a must for any art lover. Portraits, landscapes, still lives, and religious interpretations are all celebrated, allowing for a fascinating peek into the 17th to 19th century.

A vibrant and constantly expanding arts scene is quickly making Louisville one of the biggest art hubs in the country. To not spend at least a few hours roaming Louisville's many museums would be a loss. Experience for yourself all the art that Louisville has to offer - you'll be glad you did!

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

2013 Thunder Over Louisville

If you still haven't decided what your plans are for the upcoming Thunder Over Louisville celebration, there are plenty of places to catch all the action! Consider changing your location for this year's Thunder to across the river at the Jeffersonville Bristol Bar and Grille or hop on the historic Belle of Louisville for a relaxing day!

The Jeffersonville Bristol Bar and Grille has reservations available to experience a spectacular view of the nation's largest fireworks show! Guests may begin arriving at 3pm to catch the launch of the air show before the fireworks display.With a spectacular view of downtown Louisville, the Bristol is offering appetizers, dinner and desserts all while enjoying the sights and sounds of Thunder!

If staying in Louisville is more your style, think about relaxing on the Belle of Louisville, which will be dockside all day, so passengers can go on and off the boat as much as they wish. Additionally, there will be a buffet dinner and dessert table available!

To learn more information about these 2013 Thunder Over Louisville events, please visit Jeffersonville Bristol and Belle of Louisville.

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

The 2013 Kentucky Derby Festival

It looks as if Spring has finally sprung in The 'Ville and that means the Kentucky Derby Festival is getting into full swing! There are several events planned throughout the month of April and first few days of May, leading up to Oaks and Derby.

On Wednesday, April 17th, kick off your Derby celebration by sampling some of Louisville's best dishes! The Taste of Derby will take place at Louisville Slugger Field with all proceeds from the event benefiting Dare to Care Food Bank. Over 65 of Louisville's finest restaurants and beverage companies will feature signature dishes along with bourbon tasting, a Bloody Mary contest, wine tasting and a silent auction.

Another much anticipated event is the $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest! 2013 marks the 24th year for this event, with over 60,000 shots taken last year to qualify for a chance to advance to the final round! Unfortunately, the money has still yet to be given away, but there are several other great prizes that participants can win!

To find other fun area events, please visit our Homes for Sale in Louisville website.

13711 Forest Bend Cir, Louisville, KY 40243

Having trouble finding a great home? Look no further than 13711 Forest Bend Circle in the desirable and convenient Forest Springs subdivision. One of the newer homes in the entire subdivision, this all-brick, maintenance-free exterior home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and is in move-in condition. 

The home welcomes you into the open floor plan with durable hardwood flooring and tasteful architectural features such as archways and crown molding.

The eat-in kitchen is the heart of this home, benefiting from upgraded cabinets, granite counter tops and an eye-catching tile backsplash. All appliances remain, complimenting the the stylish kitchen's decor. 

The family room and formal dining area are open to allow for traffic flow and entertaining. Both areas benefit from high ceilings, adding to the sense of space.

The master bedroom is spacious and open with a high vaulted ceiling and great natural lighting. The master bath has room to roam, including a dual sink vanity, a large soaking tub, plus a generous walk-in closet. 

The two additional bedrooms have large closets and are separated by a cute full bath. This home features a huge lower level just awaiting your finishing touches, including a full bathroom rough-in for future use and larger daylight windows. Finishing approximately 1,200 sq.ft. of the lower level will give the new homeowners almost 3,000 sq.ft. of living area in this home! 

There is lots of potential for growth. Additional features of this wonderful home include a security system, a newer water heater, a gas fireplace, a relaxing rear patio and new storm doors. Don't miss your chance to see 13711 Forest Bend Circle - this is a timely opportunity to make a great home your own!

1809 Chaucer Court, Louisville, KY 40220

Welcome to 1809 Chaucer Court in the desirable and private neighborhood of Regency Woods! This beautiful all brick updated ranch has lovely curb appeal with its gorgeous landscaping and charming front porch!

Upon entry you will notice the gleaming new hardwood floors that continue throughout the first level. The home features a wonderful open and flowing floor plan. The spacious family room is complete with gas fireplace, built in cabinetry, beautiful millwork and vaulted ceiling.

The family room flows into a delightful eat-in kitchen that features a breakfast bay window, new stainless steel appliances, spacious pantry/cabinetry and beautiful granite countertops. The formal dining room is just off the kitchen and features lots of natural light and space for a large dining table. The formal living room is just off the dining room and is a comfortable space for relaxing with family and friends.

Down the hall you will find the spacious master bedroom which offers ample closet space and a master bath that features a skylight and new tiling.

The other two bedrooms are of good size and also feature good closet space. The main bath is just down the hall and is beautifully decorated and features another skylight. The first floor laundry is conveniently off the kitchen.

Downstairs you will find a huge professionally finished space that is the perfect location for relaxing or maybe creating a play room for the kids. There is also a convenient half bath. Downstairs you will also find a large open unfinished area perfect for storage.

The backyard features many beautiful plantings and a small patio for relaxing with friends. This home also features a convenient rear/side entry 2 car garage with additional driveway turn around. Towards the back of the neighborhood you will find the Oxmoor Country Club, a wonderful 18 hole championship golf course.

The club is one of the best deals in town and features a beautiful club house, recently renovated fitness center, pools and tennis courts. 1809 Chaucer Court is located on a quiet cul-de-sac and is adjacent to Des Pres Park which offers dog walking, a children's playground, baseball and lots of outdoor space to for all to enjoy. A superior location and close to excellent schools, shopping and interstates, call today for you own personal tour of this delightful home!

3913 Old Brownsboro Hills Rd, Louisville, KY 40241

Wow!! What a beautiful home! Where else will you find a 5 (!) bedroom home for such a great price in an excellent location? Welcome to 3913 Old Brownsboro Hills Road in the peaceful Brownsboro Farms Subdivision.

This home features a maintenance-free exterior, tasteful updates and quaint sense of home that is so hard to find these days. The owners have lovingly cared for this home and their pride of ownership not only shines through, you can easily benefit from their hard work by making this your new home.

Updates include solid oak cabinets in the kitchen, Corian countertops, new lighting fixtures throughout, fresh paint, new carpet in the family room, Pex water lines, a radon mitigation system, a 30-year dimensional shingle roof, an updated electrical panel, carpet removed on the second level revealing durable hardwood flooring, plus all three bathrooms have been updated.

You have the option to relax on the huge front porch, or you can take it easy on the screened-in rear patio. All of the living spaces, including the family room, dining room, living room and eat-in kitchen are spacious, well-lit and flow in a logical way for entertaining.

The basement has just received a new coat of paint and offers plenty of storage, plus space to play and entertain. The owners have taken a house and made it into a home, and you will rarely find a property like this available for sale.

In addition, the neighborhood is conveniently located with quick access to the Summit and Springhurst shopping areas. The neighborhood also features a wonderful park, pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, volleyball court, walking trails and playground equipment.

You have to see it to believe it! The refrigerator, washer and dryer are negotiable. Schedule a showing to see this desirable home at 3913 Old Brownsboro Hills today - you will not be disappointed!