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!

1612-211 Gardiner Ln, Louisville, KY 40205

Are you looking for a peaceful, secure place to live with quick access to important amenities and lots of storage? Look no further than 1612-211 Gardiner Lane in the Ambassador East Condominiums! This condo unit is one of the largest in the entire development and features a flexible floor plan to fit your personal needs. Aside from the bonus loft space that can function as a sitting room, a spare bedroom or an office, this condo features one-floor living that is so vital to your comfort. As you enter this charming unit, you walk into the open living and dining room area, complete with access to the loft.
 

 The dining area features lighted custom built-in shelving to display your keepsakes. Double doors lead to an enclosed balcony area where you can take in the excellent view afforded by the location of this unit.You can leave the double doors open if you wish and use the balcony as extra living space because of the way it is enclosed. The main living room offers a soaring vaulted ceiling and a relaxing built-in wood burning stove.

The spacious eat-in kitchen has ample counter and cabinet space for your storage needs. There is also an attached pantry / laundry room for your convenience. The master bedroom and two spare bedrooms are available down the hall, along with a full bathroom for guests.

One of the spare bedrooms is currently set up as a den and features a wet bar for your entertainment needs. The master bedroom has three closets for storage, and the master bathroom benefits from two separate sinks, a vanity and a spacious shower/tub combination.

An incredible amount of storage is available with this condo, with 9 total closets in the unit, access to attic storage through the closet in the loft area, plus one giant storage unit in the basement (it used to be a parking space and conveys with this condo) and another smaller storage unit in the basement. A bonus for those wishing for even more space, this condo includes 3 assigned parking spots in the enclosed basement parking garage (4 total spots including the storage unit)! Ceiling fans are throughout the unit for your comfort and the heating and air conditioner were replaced in 2010.

Other features and amenities of this condo and the development are a 2-year old roof, a swimming pool, a party room, a card room, a meeting room, an exercise room and a huge beautiful entrance foyer and community area that includes an elevator for easy access. The building is secured and you have access to a videophone in the condo to see who is requesting entry into the building. The sellers are offering a $1,500 decorating allowance and 2-10 Home Warranty ($100 Trade Fee) with an acceptable offer. Schedule a showing to see this wonderful condominium at 1612-211 Gardiner Lane today!!