Irving Berlin and Louisville

Not sure what to do with Grandma and Grandpa while they are visiting Louisville for the holidays? Queue up a copy of Irving Berlin's White Christmas from 1954. Netflix streams it, and your local library and video stores likely have copies for borrowing. Enjoy the music and watch the family friendly film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. The story is about a song and dance team who meet a pair of sisters, also entertainers, and follow them to the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding officer.

White Christmas at the Frazier History Museum

The next day pay a visit to the Frazier History Museum at 829 W. Main Street where Irving Berlin's White Christmas, The Exhibit is on display until January 11. The exhibit features memorabilia and costumes that are on loan from the Rosemary Clooney House in Augusta, Kentucky. Getting a glimpse of these items immediately following or preceding the viewing of the movie adds an unusual connection to the film enhancing its entertainment value.

When You're Down in Louisville

Irving Berlin was a prolific song writer with a catalog of work that is overwhelming. A search through his body of work reveals that long before he wrote White Christmas, Irving Berlin wrote a song titled When You're Down in Louisville. The lyrics are especially appropriate to the holidays, as Louisville is welcoming out of town visitors

Goodbye, ev'rybody, I'm on my way to Louisville
I feel, oh, so happy I hardly can keep still
Although my home is very small, I invite you all
If you will come, you'll be welcome any time you call

Don't forget Don't forget
When you're down in Louisville Louisville, Louisville
Just call around, I'll be found in the town directory

I'll have the table set
No fancy dishes
But the things you get
Will all be delicious
And you're just as welcome as can be

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

Are you Ready for Tax Time, Louisville?

Ringing in the new year means gathering up all your financial information for tax preparation. The last week of December is the time to make sure you have completed all of the transactions for the year and organize your financial records. You still have a few days to take advantage of year end tax benefits.

Is Your Wallet Too Fat?

If you let your favorite local charity take your extra money off your hands in 2014, you will be able to write off the contribution on this year's tax return. If you don't have a favorite, consider giving to one of the local animal shelters or homeless shelters. If your passion is children, Home of the Innocents at 1100 E. Market Street may be the right choice. Music lovers may choose to support the Louisville Orchestra. The choice is yours to make, but time is running out to realize the tax benefits for 2014.

Is There a Shredder in Your Life?

Post holiday sales are insane. If you don't have a shredder, now may be the time to get one cheap. Put a shredder on your shopping list and check the prices during the after-Christmas sales. As you sort through your financial documents and old records, shredding the unwanted as you go will keep you on top of the clutter. You may decide to keep tearing everything up by hand. If not, you will hopefully save a few bucks on your purchase during the last week of December.

Are Your Closets Overly Full?

Load up your unwanted things and get them to donation centers during the last week of December. Those receipts they hand you equal tax deductions for 2014. Put them all together and make notes about the 2014 donations. What was donated and its value are all information you will need when you start to prepare the tax forms. Doing it while it is still fresh in your mind will lead to a more accurate accounting of the donation. If you are in a hurry, snap a few photos of the items.  Print and attach to the receipt for a quick reminder at a later date.

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

New Year's Resolution to Eat Louisville

While everyone else is resolving to eat less and work out more, a better resolution to make is to eat your way through the Louisville in 2015.  Louisville chefs are culinary geniuses who will introduce you to new foods and beverages all year long. The new experiences will widen your view of the world and your social activities have the opportunity to grow during this adventure, both desirable attributes of a resolution resulting in a better you for 2015.

Forming the Resolution

This is not an inexpensive endeavor, so some front end planning will be necessary. Your resolution details can be tailored to your budget. Selecting a menu price range and frequency of visits should be first. Do you want to explore appetizers only?  Is fine dining your preference? Are afternoon visits for dessert only the way to go? Do you prefer to explore brunch or breakfast around the city?

 After narrowing your food focus, compare it to your budget to determine the proper frequency for your visits. Is this a 52 restaurant visits adventure with one per week or is it going to be a fine dining all out extravaganza on a once per month basis? Do you want to eat your way through the alphabet with a restaurant starting with each letter on a bi-weekly basis?

Making the List

The key to success with a resolution is the specifics. You must make the list. You must include dates. Researching restaurants is easily done via internet. Identify the targets. Whether you want to eat through a food blogger's recommendations or a magazine's top picks of 2014, is irrelevant. Find what appeals to you and tie it to the dates on your calendar.  Once your calendar is set, you can invite friends or family to join you in the successful implementation of your New Year's resolution.

Engaging Others in Your Activities

Completion and success are more likely to occur when you announce your intentions. Blogging about your resolution experiences or sharing it through social media will make it known that you have set a goal and that the progress is fun. You will be eating prime rib while your fitness bound friends are on the treadmill checking Facebook. Within a few weeks, they will be calling to join you. Creating blog posts about your food adventures will add another aspect of growth to the resolution through becoming a better writer and/or developing a new skill set. This resolution has winner written all over it. Bon appetite!

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

Out of Control December Calorie Consumption

It starts with the leftover pieces of pumpkin and pecan pie on Thanksgiving Day. Someone had to eat them. Then there are the beautifully decorated cookies on the community food counter in the office, they were irresistible.  The next thing you know the neighbors are bringing over a tub full of fudge, and Poof! it disappears. Two cocktail parties later, you can't get the zipper closed on your little black dress and don't understand how it happened so quickly.

Countering the Intake with Ice Skating in Louisville

The antidote to holiday pound creep is ice skating. Burning off the calories consumed when you ate the garage from the gingerbread house is easy when you hit the ice at one of Louisville's skating rinks. Two outdoor skating areas are open in December. WinterSkate is located at the Steinbaugh Pavilion in Historic Downtown Louisville at 824 Front Street. WinterSkate offers the old-fashioned outdoor, holiday ice skating experience complete with traditional holiday music.

 
Concessions are available at WinterSkate, but you might consider skipping the snacks if your purpose for the trip is to reduce. The other outdoor skating option in Louisville is at Fourth Street Live! through December 26 as part of the Forty Nights of Lights celebration. The rink uses a synthetic ice which means it is open for your calorie burning laps even if temperatures are above freezing.

Indoor Skating Rinks in Louisville

Don't let the weather be a deterrent to adding ice skating to your workout regime. Louisville is home to two indoor ice rinks, too. Iceland Sports Complex at 1701 UPS Drive and Alpine Ice Arena at 1825 Gardiner Lane both have regular public skating hours listed on their schedules. A word of warning as you dream of perfecting your double axle or triple toe loop - the ice is hard, so remember your limitations!

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

Louisville's Last Minute Shopping Guide for Christmas

Gift buying procrastinators of all varieties, read up. The calendar pages were torn off one by one while everyone around you was out shopping and preparing for the holidays. The clock is ticking now and you have a few short hours remaining to both start and finish your shopping. Here is a last-minute shopping guide for Christmas shopping in Louisville.

Hours on the Last Day of Shopping

Mall St. Mathews will be open from 8:00am until 6:00pm on Christmas Eve. Oxmoor Center is following the same schedule. Jefferson Mall will open at 7:00am and give you until 6:00pm to finish your shopping. If you are among the worst of the waiters or thought inspiration would strike and it didn't, the old standbys can still save the day. Target and Wal-mart are open later. The Bashford Manor Target at 3600 Mall Road is open until 10:00pm on Christmas Eve as are several other mass retailers.

Ideas for Last Minute Gifts

Google a drink recipe that sounds good. Print, or better still, hand write a recipe card. Your neighborhood liquor store will have the ingredients and you can wrap everything to look like you were well-prepared. Grab a bunch of fresh flowers at the grocery for your host. Gift cards are nice, but get a whole lot more interesting when they are creatively presented. Put one inside a deck of themed playing cards and include a cigar or snack item as part of the gift.

The Hail Mary Gift

When the clock is striking one hour until the gathering and you are still gift-less, the options are diminishing too. The ATM is still open and so are the gas stations. Lottery tickets, cash and candy bars become the options. The coupon book for redeeming your services throughout the year is a go to for some, and as long as you follow through, it is a respectable gift. Consider wash your car, mow your grass and cook you dinner as opposed to the hug coupon if you want some real appreciation for this gift.

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

Big Closet Clean Out of 2014

Killing two birds with one stone has long been the statement used to describe the epitome of efficiency.  During the busiest time of the year we certainly look for these opportunities whenever possible. One is upon us. The holidays mean visitors to Louisville from out of town and big family gatherings for many of us. This also means that we have to make room for the guests to feel at home and have the storage space to support the extra food requirements and a place to hide gifts. Unfortunately, most of us have closets that are a mess and packed beyond full meaning it is the perfect time for the Big Closet Clean Out of 2014. That second bird gets killed when you have it completed before the end of the year, and a receipt for a big fat tax deduction is in your hand.

Tips for Clearing Space in the Closets

A few tips for getting started may help.  Start with the guest room closet, the kitchen pantry and the coat closet. These three spots are the most likely to get a real holiday workout. Tackle one per evening, completely clearing it and setting aside all items that are unused and/or unwanted. To keep the task manageable remember that single closet clean out should consume no more than thirty minutes of your time.

 Make your goal a defined amount of empty space in each closet. At the end of the three days, assess your donation pile for any items that may garner more cash as a sale item than a tax deduction. On the fourth day list your sale items on your favorite sale site and load your vehicle with the donation items.

Where to Make a Donation

Louisville is home to several organizations who accept donations of clothing and household goods for resale in their thrift stores. Many offer a pickup service. St. Vincent de Paul has three Louisville thrift store locations. The profits from these stores are used in direct support of facilities for the homeless. Well known national organizations like Salvation Army and Goodwill have a presence in Louisville and locations scattered around the city. Selecting a local organization who accepts donations is the preference of many people who like to see their items benefit the community in which they live. Louisville has no shortage of organizations who will assist you in disposing of the donate pile from your Big Closet Clean Out of 2014.

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

Light Up Louisville November 28

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he is going to light it up! The 2014 Light Up Louisville festivities, which have become a tradition for many of Louisville's families, have expanded to create an even bigger and better celebration of the kickoff of the holiday season. A parade, fireworks and the introduction of Forty Nights of Lights are all set to occur downtown starting at Fourth and Main Streets and running to Fourth Street Live! The parade begins at 6:30pm.

LOL Themed Parade and Festivities

Santa Claus will arrive in the parade via his own personal float, designed in 1945, officially marking Day One of the Forty Nights of Lights when he presents Mayor Greg Fischer with the "Magic Plug" necessary for the lighting of the city. The anticipation over placing it in the socket will be overcome by cheers as Louisville's holiday lights are illuminated.

 
There is something truly magical about a night parade and all of its light covered participants. Residents are encouraged to create award worthy, original entries and participate in the festive parade. This year's theme is LOL - Lots of Lights.

Forty Nights of Lights

A new addition to Louisville's holiday celebration is the Forty Nights of Lights show along the Fourth Street corridor. The tree and street lights will be synchronized to music and light projections are planned for the sides of the buildings along the street. Put a handful of peppermints in your pocket, fill your thermos full of hot cocoa and head downtown for this wonderful Louisville holiday tradition.

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

See the Holiday Classic Come to Life November 25

“A Christmas Carol” is one of the most-told stories in all of literature, and for good reason: it’s a great story. See it come to life this November 25 at the Actors Theater, one of Louisville’s best theaters. It’s the story you know, but you haven’t seen it told this way before.

A New Carol

Fifth Third Bank is presenting this version of “A Christmas Carol,” which features lots of music and elaborate visuals .  The entire play takes about one hour and 45 minutes, and there will be a 15-minute intermission. The Actors Theater is at 316 West Main Street, in Louisville’s theater district. This is a center of culture and excitement in the city, particularly during the holiday season.

New sets, costumes and classic holiday music will bring the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge to life on the stage. You’ll see all the classic characters, including the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Student matinee and evening performances will be held all through the holiday season. The show is suitable for everyone aged 5 and up.

New and Old

The Actors Theater is just a few blocks north of historic Old Louisville. Some of the building here were built while Charles Dickens was writing stories like “A Christmas Carol” and all his other iconic novels. You’ll feel a little like you’ve transported to the time of Ebenezer Scrooge as you walk down the shaded streets. The tall, Victorian-era buildings tell the tale of Louisville’s past.

Old Louisville today is considered to be a modern, popular place to live. The people in the community appreciate the history, and love the convenience of living so close to all the excitement and amusement of downtown Louisville. Take the chance to take another look at Old Louisville when you go to see the show, and you may experience some Dickens-esque inspiration.

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

Louisville City Football Club Tryouts November 22 and 23

Louisville City Football Club is the city's new professional soccer team. The team is a member of the USL Pro league, which is the third tier of Major League Soccer. The league has carved out a niche in smaller market cities around the country and become incredibly popular through local support in the highly competitive sport. Tryouts for the team are being held November 22 and 23 at Collegiate Fields. The tryouts are by invitation, but players may apply to be invited.

Meet the Coach on November 20

The excitement around the arrival of professional soccer in Louisville has prompted an enthusiastic season ticket sale.  Founding members of the club already have mailed their deposits to hold their place in line for preferred seats and are on the recipient list for all the benefits bestowed upon season ticket holders. Slugger Field open houses are scheduled for season ticket holders to choose their specific seats.

 

Following seat selection on November 20, Louisville City Football Club is hosting a gathering from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Against the Grain, which is located at Slugger Field. Happy hour is being extended for this event where Head Coach James O'Connor and LCFC President Djorn Buchholz will answer fan questions.

Louisville City Football Club Season Tickets on Sale November 25

Season tickets to see the Louisville City Football Club in action start at $180 for the fifteen game regular season package. LCFC has assembled an enticing set of benefits including meet and greets and merchandise discounts for its season ticket holders. Season tickets are available to to general public on November 25.

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

Two for the Road at Clifton Center November 16

Dick Sisto and Jeremy Allen will return to the stage at the Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street in Louisville on Sunday night, November 16. The well known musicians have put together a project and show they have named ìTwo For the Roadî and are treating audiences to a performance of eclectic music that was selected for its contemplative and exciting aspects.

The set list includes both esoteric and classic jazz, Broadway standards and show tunes, original music, classical and easily recognized rock/pop compilations. The performance will be one of a kind with the uniqueness of interplay and freedom during the show.

Sit on the Eifler Theater Stage with the Duo

Dick Sisto has become a show regular this year at the Clifton Center and is joined for this show by his long time friend and band mate, Jeremy Allen. The audience will be seated directly on the stage with the duo at the Eifler Theater. This on stage audience location provides for the most intimate of musical performance seating. The ticket cost of ten dollars provides a value price for a close up seat to see the duo of vibraphonist, Dick Sisto, and bassist, Jeremy Allen, play in a cozy Louisville setting.

Both men are accomplished musicians who have enjoyed success beyond the reaches of the Midwest's regional jazz music scene. Allen has a masters degree in bass performance and shares a lot of the same perspectives on music with Sisto. Their interplay will be like a conversation during this show with solos that speak to one another in the tradition of many of the great jazz duos.

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

Spirit Ball October 25 at Conrad-Caldwell House

Old Louisville's haunted streets will set the scene for boarding the steamboat usually referred to as the Conrad-Caldwell House for the 9th Annual Spirit Ball. The masquerade and dance is held the Saturday before Halloween, this year on the night of October 25.

Celebrating the Spirits of the Belle

Calliope and ragtime tunes will fill the space that is said to be inhabited by five spirits according to local legends. On the night of the ball, themed "Celebrating the Spirits of the Belle", the house will be overrun with masked revelers in addition to the resident spirits.

 The Spirit Ball's haunted steamboat theme honors the 100th anniversary of the Belle of Louisville. All three floors of the house at 1402 St. James Court will be transformed and open for this fun event celebrating the Halloween season in steamboat style.

Spirit Ball Entertainment and Costumes

The evening's entertainment includes a palm reader, dancing, bourbon tastings, blackjack, fortune teller, live music and auctions. Gourmet cuisine and specialty cocktails will be served. The costume contest is a highlight of the evening. With the haunted steamboat theme, creativity in costuming will be abundant. Steampunk style is sure to appear as is a steamboat captain or two. Organizers advise attendees to dress as they like: in black tie, formal or cocktail dress, as Mark Twain, Marie Antoinette, Frankenstein, Grace Caldwell or Fred Flintstone. The only guideline is to be whimsical and have fun. A decorated mask may be all the whimsy you need for the Spirit Ball.

Benefit for the Maintenance of Conrad-Caldwell House

The $150 ticket price includes entrance to the Spirit Ball and the speakeasy style After Party with entertainment by Sheryl Rouse Crawford. Tickets for just the After Party are available at a reduced price. Proceeds from the ticket sales are directed to the upkeep and maintenance of the Conrad-Caldwell House.

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

Walk With the Ghosts October 17 – 19

Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, there’s nothing like a nighttime stroll through Old Louisville. The annual Victorian ghost walk may not include paranormal entities, but you will get a good look at some of the most beautiful architecture and gardens you’ll find anywhere in the city.

Walking With Ghosts

The walk is a pleasant two-hour stroll that’s scheduled for 7 pm to 9 pm every night on October 17, 18 and 19. You’ll see more than architecture while you’re walking through Old Louisville. Many actors also participate to put on an amazing show during the event. The outdoor play shows you some of the history that’s unique to this community. Every 15 minutes, a new group will be guided through the neighborhood to hear storytellers in full costume. They’ll tell you some of the ghostly tales of the community, and you’ll heart about Old Louisville’s past. The tour takes about 90 minutes.

 Alfred Victor Dupont, Jennie Bowman, the Stick Witch and Annie Whipple will come back to life for the event. The gas lighting creates the perfect atmosphere, and it allows you to view the beautiful Victorian architecture the way it was meant to be seen. Tickets cost $25 per person.

The walk begins at 1340 South Fourth Street, right in the heart of beautiful Old Louisville at Central Park. This area is known for foot traffic. You’ll see students on their way to class, dog walkers out enjoying the scenery, and professionals hurrying toward downtown.

The ghost tour is all about the history of Old Louisville, but this is a popular community even in today’s modern times. Today, this Louisville neighborhood is one of the city’s most diverse. It’s filled with beautiful trees and gardens, and yet it’s within walking distance of some of downtown Louisville’s best attractions. 

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

Get Louder Than Life October 4 -5

Like live music? Feel like getting out of the house? Did you ever rock out during the 1990s or 2000s? If this sounds like you, the Louder Than Life festival is exactly where you want to be. The Louder Than Life festival offers two days, 30 bands and lots of stuff to do.

Get Loud

The acts coming to the stage for the festival include Judas Priest, Korn, Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit, Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington, Papa Roach and lots more. With so many big names on the ticket, you need an entire weekend to enjoy it all. The lineup includes many of the biggest names from the 1990s and 2000s. If you were listening to the radio in these decades and you like rock n’ roll, then you’re probably familiar with most of the bands.

Don’t worry about getting hungry while you’re there. A wide selection of affordable gourmet food will be available. An entire display of “gourmet man food” will be offered, in fact, so you can try something unique but still familiar. Look out for the celebrity chefs while you’re shopping for food. Some of Louisville’s kitchen leaders will be at the event. And if you get thirsty, wash it all down with local craft beers. Stop by the bourbon exhibition before you go. It’s just not Kentucky without bourbon, right?

If you don’t want to leave the party, camping is available onsite. This event takes place in Champions Park, on Louisville’s beautiful waterfront, so it’s not a bad campsite at all. Find it all at 2050 River Road. For one day, the festival costs $64.50. For both days, general admission tickets cost $109.50.

Along the Water

Champions Park is close to the sprawling Mockingbird Valley neighborhood. It's very close to downtown Louisville, but it feels like a whole different world. This neighborhood has an isolated feeling to it, though you'll be close to all the excitement of the city.

Hills, large lots and plenty of leafy trees give the Mockingbird Valley neighborhood the feeling of being out in the country, instead of close to the city. The houses are set back from the road to create privacy. Natural rock outcroppings have been left undisturbed to preserve the natural beauty of this community. The first home in the neighborhood was built back in 1840, and the community has improved and expanded ever since. The Louisville Country Club is conveniently close by.

Go visit Louisville’s waterfront this fall, and you’ll see that there’s a lot of stuff to discover out there.

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

Shop in the Garden at Nunnlea October 3 – 4

If you’ve never been to the beautiful Nunnlea historic home, now’s your chance. The Nunnlea Craft Fair gives you the opportunity to browse handmade arts and crafts in a beautiful garden that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped back in time.

Nunnlea, and Other Beautiful Homes

The Nunnlea historic home was built in 1860. You’ll find this pretty piece of the past at 1940 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, near the Hurstbourne Acres community.

 Hurstbourne Acres is its own city with a dedicated police department. More than 1,500 people live here in more than 1,000 different types of housing. Many beautiful Louisville homes are in this neighborhood, which has its own large park where community events and gatherings take place. It’s a city within the city, and it’s in the East End of Louisville where you’ll find theaters, shopping and lots of other attractions.

Shopping for Art

Local artists and crafters of all types will set up their booths inside the house and on the front porch of the Nunnlea property. You’ll shop among needlework, glasswork, wooden items, pottery, even art made with gourds. There is parking on site and plenty of space for you to walk around and get a look at the place.

If you get hungry while you shop, go to the on-site Calico Café. The café offers homemade soups, gourmet sandwiches and desserts made with seasonal ingredients.

The craft fair is open from 11 am to 7 pm on October 3 and on October 4 from 9 am to 5 pm. Visit both days to enjoy the Nunnlea property and all the beautiful Louisville homes nearby.

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

Secrets of Louisville Chefs Taping September 27

VIP tickets are available to watch the taping of two episodes of the program Secrets of Louisville Chefs. The $50 ticket will gain its holder entry to the studio at 9:30am for a champagne welcome and a meet and greet with the program's hosts and producers. The show's hosts are Tim Laird, Brown-Forman's Chief Entertaining Officer and Kevin Harned, WAVE 3 TV Chief Meteorologist, who reportedly have a terrific rapport and do not script the show. Their banter is said to be great entertainment in itself and is largely edited out of the show for squeezing the proper content into the program's allotted amount of time. Taping will begin at 10:00am.

Be Part of a Live Studio Audience in Louisville

The taping on September 27 in front of a live audience will feature Allen Hubbard, Executive Chef of Martini Italian Bistro at 4021 Summit Plaza Drive. Allen Hubbard got his start in the culinary arts in his grandmother's kitchen where she assigned him tasks of food preparation for family and church gatherings.

 The second taping will center around the secrets of the innovative dishes created by Chef Peng Looi from Asiatique Restaurant at 1767 Bardstown Road. The show is in its twelfth year making it a predecessor to many of today's popular programs featuring chefs.

In Studio Experience Includes Samples

Taping is expected to last no longer than two and one half hours ending by 12:30pm. VIP ticket holders will then be invited to sample the food that the chefs have prepared. The taping occurs at the Kitchen Studio at Bourbon Barrel Foods located at1201 Story Avenue in the Butchertown Market. The program, Secrets of Louisville Chefs, airs in Louisville on Sundays at 11:30am on WAVE TV and Monday through Friday at 6:00pm on WBNA TV channel 21. 

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

Got Coins? Visit Fern Valley September 25 - 27

If you’re a coin enthusiast, you can’t miss the 54th annual coin show on September 25. There will be dozens of tables of coins and lots of attendants who enjoy this hobby just as much as you. It’s all coins, and it’s all taking place in one of Louisville’s best neighborhoods.

All Coins, All Day

More than 80 tables of coins will be set up for the casual observer as well as the die-hard collector. Even if you already have an expert level of knowledge when it comes to coins, you may learn something new or see something you haven’t seen before. And if you know nothing about coins, this is a perfect reason to start learning.

 
There’s a lot to learn, and a whole lot to see. The event is so big, it lasts for three days. On the 25th, the event is open from 1 pm to 5:30 pm. It’s open the 26th from 10 am to 5:30 pm, and on the 27th from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admission and parking are both free, so you can attend all three days of the event and still have money to spend on coins. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll have the chance to rub elbows with some of Louisville’s most knowledgeable collectors, along with beginners who are new to the coin game.

Fern Valley

Find the annual coin show at the Fern Valley Conference Center at 2715 Fern Valley Road. Fern Valley is close to the lively Highlands area, which is full of shopping and other attractions. The Fern Valley community is near several large Louisville neighborhoods. It’s right next to the Highlands, and close to both Newburg and Poplar Hills.

More than 20,000 people live in the Newburg neighborhood alone. The community is constantly improving itself. As recently as 2009, Newburg funded and built an 8300-square-foot library that focuses on education and technology.

Go see some of the community for yourself, and learn about coins beginning this September 25. 

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

Beauties and the Beast Golf Tournament September 17

The Persimmon Ridge Ladies Golf Association is hosting a golf tournament on Wednesday, September 17. The Beauties and the Beast Golf Tournament is being played with teams of two golfers in a 6-6-6 format. The 6-6-6 format means that six of the holes will be played shamble style, six holes will be played taking the best ball and the final six holes will be played in an alternate shot format.

6-6-6 Format Components

A shamble is a format where the best drive is used by both players on the team, then they both play their own shots from that point forward. Best ball is traditional play by which each team member will play his own ball. The best score from the hole becomes the team's score. The alternate shot format is as the name implies where the players will take turns playing the ball from their partner's last shot. The mix of formats makes the day more fun and allows the golfers of lesser to skill to be competitive.

Donations of Beauty Products Requested

The tournament is a benefit for Maryhurst. The Persimmon Ridge Ladies Golf Association requests that  players bring beauty products appropriate for teenagers for donation to Maryhurst's girls. Lip gloss, eyeshadow, body wash, and even jewelry are on the request list. Maryhurst is self-described as a place for new beginnings for young people who have suffered abuse and neglect. Maryhurst works to offer healing and hope to those who have nowhere else to turn. The tournament entry fee is $160 per team and includes breakfast, range balls, the 18 hole tournament with your cart, prizes, a Beau-tee gift and a delicious lunch. By coming out for a day of golf and fun at Persimmon Ridge Golf Club, you will help Maryhurst continue their work to end the cycle of abuse. 

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

Learn More about Kentucky All Through August

The KentuckyShow! is playing all August long at the Kentucky Center, and even lifelong residents will learn something new about the state at this event. The show will play on the hour every Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Living in Kentucky

The KentuckyShow! is completely unique. It’s a large-screen production featuring music and images. Movie star and Kentucky native Ashley Judd narrates the story. The show takes a close look at the one-of-a-kind culture, music, history and spirit of Kentucky.

Children 5 and under attend the show for free. Seniors and children under the age of 18 cost just $5. For adults, the price is $7 per ticket. The show itself lasts just 32 minutes, so even young kids won’t get too antsy during the presentation.

The Kentucky Center is located at 501 West Main Street, in the heart of one of downtown Louisville’s most historic neighborhoods.

In Downtown Louisville

The Kentucky Center is nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, near Waterfront Park and the Great Lawn. It’s in the West Main District of downtown Louisville, an area that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This part of the city has the largest group of buildings with cast iron facades anywhere in the country outside New York’s famed SoHo neighborhood. This part of Main is also where you’ll find the famous “Museum Row,” a center of culture for the city.

A few miles east of West Main, you’ll find the Phoenix Hill neighborhood. This area was settled prior to the 1850s, which makes it even older than the Civil War. Phoenix Hill has something for everyone, including its own arts and entertainment district. Many family-owned businesses are in the commercial district, mixed right in with larger corporate interests and industries.

Phoenix Hill has its own Neighborhood Association. Go to the historic part of the community to find the Farmer’s Market, where anyone can purchase fresh vegetables. The area is famous for its shotgun houses and newer, large residential housing complexes.

Learn more about Phoenix Hill, and the rest of the state, at the Kentucky Center this August. This one-of-a-kind show is a must-see for all residents of Kentucky. 

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

Eat Like a New Yorker August 8

New York City is famous for its street food, but you don’t have to go that far to find delicious eats from various vendors. Louisville has a pretty nice street food scene, too, and you can taste it for yourself on August 8. Go to the Phoenix Hill Tavern to enjoy food, games and fun for the whole family.

Eating Local

Live music will play outside while you shop through different food trucks all parked outside Phoenix Hill Tavern. This is a well-known Louisville nightspot in the Phoenix Hill neighborhood, and this is a family-friendly event. Games help keep everyone busy, and there’s a beer garden area for the adults.

The event begins at 5 pm and goes until the food trucks close down for the night. Black Rock Grille, Boss Hog BBQ, Holy Mole, Longshot Lobsta, Traveling Kitchen and many others will gather to give you a wide variety of stuff to eat. The beer garden will feature local beers, but you’ll find the name-brand labels as well.

Show up early, and you can spend some time exploring Phoenix Hill before the food is served.

Around the Hill

Phoenix Hill is just east of downtown Louisville, close to all the city’s major attractions. Phoenix Hill has its own unique character and a sort of self-sustaining charm. In the community, you’ll find a medical district, arts district, many small businesses, even an entertainment district. Phoenix Hill has its own historic district where many gorgeous homes are located. Teddy Roosevelt once spoke in the park next to the Phoenix Hill Brewery, a building that was closed in 1919 due to Prohibition.

The community has a thriving neighborhood association that has helped bring lots of new homes to the area. The association has created a sense of community in the Phoenix Hill area, where locals enjoy regular events and activities. In additional to other events, the neighborhood association hosts a regular farmer’s market where locals can purchase fresh food.

Visit Phoenix Hill in August to see unique and historic Louisville homes, and taste local cuisine in a relaxed, fun setting. No matter when you go, it’s always a good time to see a new Louisville neighborhood. 

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

ACA Tropical Fish Auction at the Crowne Plaza Hotel

Like pretty fish? If “Finding Nemo” is your favorite comfort movie, you’ve got to see the ACA tropical fish auction at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The event begins at 10 am and doesn’t end until 7 pm. During the day, you’ll have lots of opportunities to see amazing tropical fish. And if you’ve got your own fish to sell or buy, of course this is a can’t-miss event.

Fishing with the Experts

The tropical fish auction is the final day for the ACA’s annual convention. The ACA, American Cichlid Association, is all about the rarest fish. The auction itself is only for cichlid and catfish species, and will include rare fish that aren’t even available at retail stores.

 
Why does the auction take so many hours? Because there are hundreds of bags of fish to sell. This auction is one of the largest of its kind in the entire country, and fish experts and sellers from all over the nation will be in attendance. This is the biggest fish auction Louisville has seen since 1992, so now’s your chance to swim among the biggest fish experts. Registration begins at 8 am.

A Day at the Crowne

The Crowne Plaza is located near the Louisville Airport Expo Center, at 830 Phillips Lane. This hotel is by the airport, but not too far away is Southern Parkway and the famous Churchill Downs. This is an historic section of Louisville where you can still see some of the remnants of the city's earliest days.

The neighborhood is known as Wyandotte or Oakdale, part of the larger community known as South Louisville. This pretty community is marked by its cozy homes. The neighborhood sprang to life around 1890, shortly after nearby Iroquois Park opened. People wanted to live in the area, and this created a housing craze that turned South Louisville intro a thriving section of the city. The original name was Oakdale, and though it was later changed to Wyandotte in the 1970s some still call it by its first name.

Because of the proximity of the University of Louisville and Churchill Downs, this part of the city is ideal for college students, teachers and sports enthusiasts. And this July, it’s going to be ideal for fish enthusiasts, too. Visit the auction, and see all the action for yourself.

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

Derby City Roller Girls All-Stars July 12th

Go to Champs Rollerdrome to cheer on the home team on July 12. The Derby City Roller Girls All-Stars will take on the Fox City Foxz in a real roller derby. This all-ages event is a can’t-miss, especially if you’ve never seen a live roller derby before.

Rolling at Champs

The doors open at 7 pm on July 12, though the game doesn’t start until 8. All tickets are general admission, so come early to get a good seat. The game is expected to end around 10 pm. Tickets are $9 for adults ages 13 and up. Children aged 7 to 12 are $5, and kids under 6 get to watch for free.

Roller derbies are action-packed. The athletic and competitive nature of the event is appealing to boys, and roller derbies are empowering for girls. If your family likes sporting events, the roller derby is a great choice.

You’ll find Champs Rollerdome at 9851 LaGrange Road, in Louisville’s East End. This is a large community of neighborhoods and homes, not to mention plenty of amusements.

The East Side of Town

Near LaGrange Road and Hurstbourne Parkway, Champ's is near Keeneland, Briarwood, Hickory Hill, Rolling Hills and several Louisville communities known for large, sprawling homes. E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is just blocks away. Many neighborhoods and schools give this area of the city a quiet, suburban feel. But if you're looking for shopping, eating and other stuff to do, Westport Road is just a short distance away. This is where you'll find a large concentration of commercial businesses, and plenty of stuff to keep yourself occupied.

So if you’re in the neighborhood this July, stop by the rollerdrome to see the Derby City Roller Girls in action. Louisville has a proud tradition when it comes to sports, and that includes the ones that are conducted on roller skates.

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

Louisville Quest on June 21st

The Louisville Quest! is so exciting, it has its own exclamation point. If you want to do a little bit of everything, this is the event for you. It’s an adventurous scavenger hunt. It’s also a thrilling race. And it’s even an historical tour. So go on a quest through Louisville this June. Who knows what you’ll find?

Questing

The Louisville Quest! begins at 10:30 am, and the event is so big that this year there’s a brand-new route to choose from. So even if you’ve taken this adventure before, you can enjoy it in a whole new way.

Teams of two to five people group up to answer questions, solve puzzles and race against each other to visit locations throughout the city. The original route, which began in 2012, features some of the city’s best museums. The New Adventure, route 2, includes the downtown shopping area of Louisville. The newest path, route 3, takes you to some of the trendiest downtown locations. Each Quest ends with an Awards Ceremony where outstanding teams will be honored. Winners also receive awards to go to downtown restaurants and other nearby attractions.

Racing Through Downtown Louisville

Travel just a few miles away from downtown Louisville and you'll get to the Highlands, one of the more colorful areas of the city. Famous for its shopping, the Highlands is peppered with one-of-a-kind shops selling everything from housewares to fashion. The commercial district of the Highlands is centered on Bardstown Road, but the surrounding area is largely residential. The Highlands is between Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue.

Several different neighborhoods exist within the Highlands, including Cherokee Triangle and Tyler Park. Both these neighborhoods are close to downtown Louisville, so your Quest could take you into these communities. Take a quest through Louisville this June, and discover things you’ve never noticed about the city before.

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

20th Annual Crescent Hill Garden Tour June 7th

For just $10, anyone can see 10 different gardens in the beautiful Crescent Hill neighborhood on June 7. It’s the 20th Annual Crescent Hill Garden Tour, and it’s an event that no garden enthusiast will want to miss.

Traipsing Through the Tulips

The Crescent Hill Garden Club works hard every year to organize the Garden Tour, and this year is unique because it marks the 20th anniversary of this neighborhood stroll. The tour takes guests to 10 colorful, unique gardens in the Crescent Hill neighborhood. Be prepared to participate starting at 9 am. The event ends at 5 pm.

The tour begins at one of Crescent Hill’s most distinct landmarks: the Peterson Dumesnil House. It’s located at 301 South Peterson Avenue. And since you’re already participating in the tour, you will have the chance to tour this historic house before the day is over. Some of the prettiest gardens in all of Louisville will be on the tour. You’ll see unique plants and flowers, not to mention a lot of the Crescent Hill neighborhood itself.

Up on the Hill

Because it’s located between two forks of Beargrass Creek, the Crescent Hill neighborhood used to be known as “Beargrass.” The area was first developed in the 1850s, and it’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.

Today, Crescent Hill is known for its beautiful homes (and their gardens!). The neighborhood is primarily Colonial Revival and Classical Revival architecture, which was a popular style when the area was first being built. It reaches to the St. Matthews city limits. Frankfort Avenue runs, roughly, right through the center of the community.

You’ll get a good look at this historic beauty when you take the garden tour, a neighborhood event that will delight any nature lover.

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

Rainbow Colored Runners to Cover 5 Kilometers in Louisville

The Color Run 5k is coming to Louisville on June 7. You may have seen the aftermath of a similar event in Louisville, another city or in Facebook post photos and wondered what had happened. Event goers are often seen out and about covered in color as if they had been doused with paints leaving passersby to try to figure out what happened.

Popular Twist on an Old Concept

The Color Run bills itself as the Happiest 5k on the Planet. Registered participants come out to run, skip, walk, crawl or leapfrog themselves along the five kilometer path. Since health and happiness are the goals, only participation is encouraged and method of movement is not monitored. At marked points along the path, color is tossed on the participants as they pass. They begin dressed in white and by the end look like they have run through a rainbow.

Happiness, Healthiness and Individuality Celebrated

The Color Run encourages participants of all levels of ability for this event which isn't timed. The event recognizes and celebrates the diversity of its participants and these differences are symbolized by the color splashes that are different on each and every person.

No Where to Wear Your Tutu?

The grand finale of the Color Run is a finish festival where the onlookers are encouraged to get involved in the fun, too. For anyone who wants to get in the mix, color packets are sold at the Color Run. The start and finish lines are at the South Great Lawn at Waterfront Park. The race begins at 8:00am on Saturday, June 7. Tutus are appropriate attire for this event.

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

All Day Board Games by the Louisville Board Gamers on May 31st

It’s time to get your game on at the All Day Board Games hosted by the Louisville Board Gamers on Saturday, May 31st. No matter the age, there will be a fun game for everyone and plenty of group activities. This gaming event will take place at the Ramada Plaza Hotel located at 9700 Bluegrass Parkway in Louisville. Admission is only $5 and the doors will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., or until the last dice is rolled. Children aged 8 or under may attend for free if accompanied by an adult.

The All Day Board Games event offers a great way to meet new people who enjoy the same types of games. Game enthusiasts will find hundreds of games to choose from within the extensive board game library, so there is sure to be something fun for any age. Gamers will find genres ranging from social and card games to unique Euro games. The favored classics like chess and checkers will also be open for those that prefer more traditional games.

Families and friends that love a good board game will not want to miss the All Day Board Games hosted by The Louisville Board Gamers this Saturday. Over 100 board games will be available starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Ramada Plaza Hotel on Bluegrass Parkway. Players are also welcome to bring their own favorites from home. The admission is $5 for ages 9 and older, with children aged 8 or under admitted free with an adult.

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

Pitt Academy’s 30th Annual Bar-B-Q Festival May 17th

You don’t have to be an alum of Pitt Academy to visit their annual Bar-B-Q Festival. The event begins at 4 pm on May 17th, and ends at 11 pm. Best of all: anyone is welcome to attend. Delicious BBQ will be served the whole time, but there are plenty of activities outside of eating to keep you busy.

BBQ on Preston

Pitt Academy’s 30th annual Bar-B-Q Festival is this year, and if you’ve never been now is the time. The festival has truly taken on a carnival atmosphere over the years, but the food alone makes this event worth visiting.

Barbecue chefs from Ole Hickory Pitt oversee the meat, which is slow-cooked over natural wood. That’s the way BBQ is meant to be cooked. Feast on chicken, mutton or pork – or taste it all. Of course, you’ll have a full range of side dishes to choose from as well. Cole slaw, potato salad and baked beans are all on the menu, naturally.

While you’re at the festival, listen to the live music and walk among the many booths that ring the event. Game booths provide plenty of adult fun. Send the kids to the children’s area, where they’ll find games and activities made for them. All the proceeds of the festival go to a worthy cause, and you’ll get a day of fun in return.

Community Influence

Pitt Academy is a private school that teaches alternative learning methods to students who have difficulty functioning in a more traditional school environment. The school is non-profit, so all of the proceeds of the BBQ festival benefit Pitt Academy.

The school is located at 6010 Preston Highway, where it’s surrounded by several Louisville communities. Pitt is near Okolona, Poplar Hills and Lynnview. These residential areas are surrounded by shopping, restaurants, parks and other family-oriented attractions. This part of Louisville is so packed with stuff to do and places to go, it functions almost like its own mini-city.

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

Library Hosts Its Annual How-To Festival May 10th

The Louisville Free Public Library hosts its How-To Festival on Saturday, May 10 from 10am to 3pm. The Festival will be held at the Main Library at 301 York Street in Louisville.  This is a free event where presentations are held throughout the library and may be the only place you could possibly overhear someone ask "Do I want to learn to tie a bow tie or learn to repair drywall next?"

Learn More Than 50 Things in 5 Hours for Free

The original idea for this festival was to teach on 50 topics over a 5 hour time span, but the festival has now grown to 152 topics. Presenters range from local experts in their fields to passionate volunteers who have mastered a hobby to professors on this expansive list of subjects. The schedule has been created with the location of each presentation shown on an included map of the library.

Most presentations are scheduled for 45 minutes at the designated location with a 15 minute break before the next set of presentations begin, but there are exceptions.  It is recommended that you download and review the schedule prior to heading out for the festival.

How to Decide

With so many choices it will be difficult to decide between learning to yodel and learning to make shadow puppets.  Luckily there is not a conflict between the presentations for making ice cream in a bag and the one on learning how to age gracefully. Learn how to raise chickens in the city, play mahjong and shoot a bow and arrow all on the same Saturday afternoon at the Louisville library.

Perhaps the first presentation should titled How-To Decide Which Presentations To Attend!

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

Cooking at the Cottage in Louisville on May 7th and 8th

Cooking and the culinary arts present fascinating and endless topics to explore with a delectable reward at the end of the demonstration or class.  Cooking at the Cottage in Louisville has a full list of classes that often sell out early due to their popularity.

How to Host a Shrimp Boil

On Wednesday, May 7th at 6:30 p.m., Lelia Gentle of DreamCatcher Farm will teach a class on hosting a Low Country Shrimp Boil.  The demonstration and menu include the traditional foods associated with these fun meals. Outdoor dining weather is here and a picnic table covered in newspapers and scattered with shrimp, potatoes and corn on the cob is a great alternative to grilling. With Memorial Day and Independence Day just around the corner, doesn't hosting a shrimp boil for your friends and family sound like fun?

What Do I Do with a Whole Beef Tenderloin?

Cooking at the Cottage presents Let's Meat for Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on May 8th. John Plymale of Porcini will demonstrate how to handle, trim and portion a whole beef tenderloin.  Buying whole pieces of meat is more economical and this class is designed to teach you how to take advantage of the benefits of buying an entire beef tenderloin.  The menu for this class will make your mouth water just reading it.  The menu includes Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Bearnaise Sauce, Boursin Creamed Spinach with Garlic Crumbs, Pan Seared, Twice Baked Potato Cakes with Pancetta and White Cheddar Cheese and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Ice Cream Sandwiches. Yum!!

Both of these demonstration classes are $45 per person.  The Cooking at the Cottage class schedule offers both hands-on and demonstration-type classes.  A future class at Cooking at the Cottage could make an excellent Mother's Day gift! Cooking at the Cottage is located at 3739 Lexington Road in 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 59th Annual Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade May 1st

This Thursday, May 1st welcomes one of the most highly-anticipated Kentucky Derby events, the 59th Annual Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade. This fun for the whole family event begins at 5:00 p.m. and will end around 8:00 p.m. The procession follows Broadway, beginning at Campbell Street and continuing west for 17 blocks, offering plenty of vantage points for spectators. This is a free to attend Kentucky Derby Festival event.

The Pegasus Parade is consistently voted one of Louisville’s favorite events. This isn’t surprising considering it is the one of the oldest Derby Festival events, beginning back in 1956. The first Pegasus Parade was created on a staggering budget of $640. Now, this proud procession earns Louisville’s local economy in excess of $22 million.

This year’s theme is “Call of the Wild” and the Republic Bank “Peggy Bank” balloon will lead the parade. She will be followed by an amazing array of handcrafted floats, graceful equestrian units, talented marching bands, popular inflatables and surprise celebrities.

Friends and families will not want to miss the Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade. This colorful celebration takes place this Thursday starting at 5:00 p.m. Parade lovers will find great viewpoints all along Broadway, so make plans to arrive early and stake out a great place watch the show!

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

The Cherokee Triangle Art Fair in the Highlands April 26th and 27th

The sounds of spring are in the air, along with the announcement that the 43rd Annual Cherokee Triangle Art Fair is being held on Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April 27th.  This free-to-attend event will take place in the historic Cherokee Triangle, located off Cherokee Parkway. Patrons will find entertainment and vendor booths open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. both days, with food and music extended until 8:00 p.m. Saturday.

The Cherokee Triangle Art Fair is a favorite of residents of the Highland. The fair offers live music, children’s activities, plants, herbs and over 220 booths of juried art, all in one location. There will be 4 bands performing this year and on Saturday Bluegrass favorites No Tools Loaned play from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., followed by traditional blues with the Stray Cats Band from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. On Sunday, the Caribbean Appalachian music of Appalatin can be enjoyed from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., followed the Americana music of Paloverdi from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Families and friends won’t want to miss the 43rd Annual Cherokee Triangle Art Fair this Saturday and Sunday. The booth hours begin at 10 a.m., and the entertainment and food will continue until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. This is a free event and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Cherokee Triangle Association.

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

Eggstravaganza Weekend at the Louisville Zoo April 19th and 20th

Celebrate the Eggstravaganza Weekend at the Louisville Zoo located at 1100 Trevilian Way. The festivities will be happening on Saturday, April 19th and Sunday, April 20th from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and parking is $5 on the Zoo lot. General admission for adults ages 12 to 59 is $15.95 and both senior citizens and kids ages 2 to 11 will be admitted for $11.50. Safari tickets are also available which include unlimited train and carousal rides. Safari pricing is $21.95 per adult and $18.95 per child and senior citizen.

The Zoo is celebrating Easter and kids are encouraged to bring their Easter basket and join in the egg hunt. Eggs can be redeemed for prizes after the hunt is over. The kids can learn about the Zoo’s egg laying animals and even visit with the Easter Bunny as he hops in to join the festivities. The Kentucky Orchid Society will be selling orchids throughout the day and the animals will be enjoying the arrival of spring. Visitors can also visit the new BIG Bug Exhibit.

Families and friends of all ages can enjoy the Eggstravaganza at the Louisville Zoo this Saturday and Sunday. Visit the Easter Bunny, gather eggs for prizes or pick up a new orchid starting at 10:00 a.m. You can also enjoy all of the Zoo’s regular attractions, plus learn about the amazing variety of animals, all the while celebrating a fun tradition for a special holiday!

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

Batter Up! Opening Night at Louisville Slugger Field Thursday, April 10

Nothing announces the arrival of spring quite like the crack of a baseball bat, and there no place more appropriate to hear that familiar sound of America's favorite pastime than Louisville Slugger Field.  The Louisville Bats have the season off to a good start with a pair of wins on the road and are poised to open with a victory at home on Thursday, April 10.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

The Louisville Bats take on the Columbus Clippers in their first home game of the season on April 10. Gates open at 5:30pm with game time set at 6:35pm. Ticket prices start at $7 and range up to $12 for a night of baseball and fun at the beautiful downtown baseball stadium. As a bonus on Opening Night, the first 2,000 fans will receive a Jay Bruce commemorative stein. Jay Bruce is an outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds. He received a Minor League Player of the Year Award in 2007 when he played for the Louisville Bats.

 

Bats Promotions Make Louisville's Minor League Team a Major Downtown Destination

In addition to steins for the first 2,000 fans in attendance, the first 5,000 fans through the gate receive a Louisville Bats magnetic schedule.  The Bats are a Minor League Baseball team and a Triple-A affiliate ball team for the Cincinnati Reds. Triple A is the highest level of play in Minor League Baseball.  The Bats will come out swinging on Opening Night hoping to add a tally in the win column.

Louisville Baseball Fans are the Winners on Happy Hour Thursday

A baseball game is an ideal setting for gathering with friends or family after work on a weeknight. The pace of baseball play makes it the perfect spectator sport for relaxing and socializing, and the Louisville Bats have put together opportunities for their fans to enjoy inexpensive nights out at the baseball stadium. On Thursday nights fans can enjoy $1 beer throughout the stadium between 5:30pm and 7:00pm.  To make the pre-game hour even happier, you can find live music from J.D. Shelburne at the Overlook Deck.

Don't strike out and miss Opening Night of the 2014 season at Louisville Slugger Field!

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

The Insider’s Guide to Surviving the Kentucky Derby Marathon

Feeling in shape? Are you ready to put your fitness to the test? If you are, then get ready for the 2014 Kentucky Derby Marathon and Mini Marathon, which take place in Louisville on April 19. Here's the insider’s guide to surviving the Kentucky Derby Marathon.

This Year's Course: From Downtown to the Derby Track and Back

The start line for the 2014 Kentucky Derby Marathon and Mini Marathon is in downtown Louisville at the corner of Main and Floyd Street. From there, the course winds through downtown and then heads to South Louisville, where participants will make their way through the famous Churchill Downs infield. The mini marathon course heads back downtown from there, while the full marathon route takes runners all the way to Iroquois Park via the Southern Parkway, and then heads back downtown, winding through the Highlands and the outskirts of Nulu on the way. The finish line for both courses will be at the corner of Preston and Witherspoon Street (near Waterfront Park).

The Logistics: What to Do on Race Day

On race day, the start time for both events is at 7:30 AM (7:25 AM for wheelchair participants). Of course it's always recommended that you get there early, leaving plenty of time to find parking, sign in, and warm up. If you have any gear that you want to leave at the finish line, you can bring it to the Runner's Gear Truck, which will be parked at the intersection of Preston and Main Streets. Once the race is over you can pick up any gear you left at the Runners Reunite area near the finish line.

Be Prepared For Any Weather

The weather in Louisville in April is usually moderate to warm, but as with any race, you can never know quite what to expect until the race begins. Average temperatures in April here can range anywhere from 46°F to 67°F, and the average rainfall for Louisville in April is 3.91 inches. Extreme conditions have been recorded in April however, with the temperature some years dropping as low as 21°F and climbing as high as 91°F. While participants and organizers are hoping that the weather will be good this year, it's best to be prepared for any type of conditions, just in case.

Surviving the Race: Enjoy the Scenery!

The Marathon and Mini Marathon routes here are challenging courses, but are also extremely rewarding thanks to the great scenery along the way and the fun race atmosphere. Both routes lead through Louisville Central Park, Spalding University, the University of Louisville, and of course the world-famous Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby itself. The Mini Marathon is a half-marathon course, and is open to both runners and walkers. Each year over 12,000 participants cross the finish line in the Mini Marathon, and over 2,000 runners participate in the full Marathon.

Being well organized will allow you to stay focused on the race. Remember to get there early, prepare for any type of weather conditions, and most importantly, have a great time! Don’t forget that as an added bonus, the Kentucky Derby Festival hosts their annual Pasta Dinner on April 26, so you can celebrate your accomplishment and scarf down some all-important carbohydrates at the same time!

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