If you want to see a distinctly Louisville event in a famous area of the city, go to this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade. This annual event, part of the larger Derby Festival, has grown to become one of the biggest parades in the United States. Marching Down Broadway The Pegasus Parade starts on Broadway and marches west for about 17 blocks. The entire parade is about 2 hours long, but there’s a whole lot of entertainment packed into it. Almost 100 percent of the route allows for free public viewing. The giant Pegasus balloon marches in front of the parade every single year, to be followed by various floats, marching bands, performing horses and celebrities. Each year, the parade gets a new theme. This year, it’s “Call of the Wild.” Storied Past The Pegasus Parade has bec... 04/28/2014

Are you going to the Kentucky Derby? If you wanted to hob knob with the rich and famous or even have a seat at the Derby, you probably planned your trip long ago. Traditionally, Derby tickets for the next year's race go on sale the day after the current race is run. Now, a week before the Derby, there are 4,200 tickets available in Lower Clubhouse 110 that range from $500-$1270 each, and random tickets available throughout the park that can cost well into the thousands. The most widely available tickets are General Admission tickets for standing in the infield.  Your Derby Experience In The Infield The infield tickets are $50, each plus parking. They are offer access to first-floor paddock and infield areas, but not to reserved seating areas or hospitality areas. As a general admission ... 04/27/2014

  Today, the last Sunday in April, 30 hot air balloons lifted off into the sky from Bowman's Field as part of the Great Balloon Race, the first event in the week leading up to the Kentucky Derby. The winners of the race are determined by which crew member throws a bag of Kentucky bluegrass closest to a big white X on the ground, but the crowd-pleasing event is a great way to promote Louisville and community fun.  Many families start off the day at the race and then continue on to the ongoing Kroger's Fest-A-Ville on the Waterfront, a series of events involving music, food, and the outdoors that will run through May 2.  What's On Tap For Today?  Highlights for Sunday include:  Mayor’s Derby Brunch on the River - festive brunch featuring a traditional Kentucky breakfast, live riverboat ja... 04/27/2014

WELCOME TO THIS UPGRADED CAPE COD STYLE HOME IN BANNON CROSSINGS! Home features an open floor plan & neutral colors throughout. Great Room is vaulted & offers large windows for lots of light. Large Eat-in Kitchen features lots of cabinetry, breakfast bar, pendant lighting, large pantry, & appliances to remain: stainless steel refrigerator, smooth top range, built-in microwave, & dishwasher. Kitchen conveniently opens to garage & patio for easy grocery carrying & outdoor grilling. Large First Floor Master features a walk-in closet & large Master Bath w/double vanity. First Floor also offers a laundry room and half bath. Second floor features another spacious bedroom, full bath, & large loft area perfect for an office, den, play area, or easily converted into a 3rd bedroom!         04/25/2014

Visit the Highlands on April 26th or 27th to see the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair, an event that celebrates local artisans. Over 200 booths will offer entertainment, food, activities and arts and crafts of all types. In an eclectic and unique neighborhood like Cherokee Triangle, you’re sure to find something for everyone at this local fair. Getting Crafty The Art Fair takes place on April 26th and 27th from 10 am to 6 pm. It’s a free event that’s open to all, and because it’s being held in one of Louisville’s most unique neighborhoods it promises to be a feast for the eyes. The Cherokee Triangle area is one of the prettiest parts of the city. The fair itself is situated along the beautiful tree-lined Cherokee Parkway, between Willow Avenue and Cherokee Road. Stroll through the fair to see... 04/22/2014

Louisville, Kentucky has quickly in the past decade become one of the most magical & critically acclaimed restaurant towns in America.  The evolution of East Market Street's NuLu Gallery District has spawned several trendy restaurants and bars.  The Louisville food truck scene has shifted into high gear.  Breakfast spots are gaining an audience like they haven't in decades, and the choices are endless. In order to provide for you the very best in Louisville restaurant information, I point you to my partnter's blog for good takes on various dining options in and around Louisville: My real estate partner, Justin Thomas, blogs over at http://www.highlandshomeplace.com and it's there that the majority of my dining info comes from. Beginning with "the most important meal of the day", Justin... 04/18/2014

Downtown today, I hear a thunderous roar and feel the ever slight vibration of a jet engine approaching. I know that this isn’t just any plane, the sound is different.  Like a kid at Christmas, I anxiously step outside just in time to see the Blue Angels fly overhead in a tight group. They are so close that I can make out the detailed golden designs that adorn the blue planes and they fly so closely to one another that they look like they are almost touching. My heart flutters, Thunder Over Louisville and the amazing air show is just a few days away. The Blue Angels and various other aircraft are practicing for the upcoming airshow. There is rarely a better time to live in Louisville. It’s the most wonderful time of the year; Derby season!   Thunder Over Louisville is scheduled for Sat... 04/11/2014

The Rauch Planetarium is located on the University of Louisville's Belknap Campus in the heart of Louisville.  The planetarium is presenting a full schedule of weekend events in April and May including shows and workshops, all of which are open to the public. Stargazers, Sky Watchers and Aspiring Astronomers Mark Your Calendars If the Big Dipper is the only constellation in your arsenal of astronomy knowledge, then an educational evening at Rauch Planetarium may be just the ticket for you.  The shining star in this month's schedule is Spring Skies Over Louisville. The presentation is designed to help you locate stars, constellations and planets in the spring sky. Ticket prices for shows at the planetarium range from $5.50 to $8.00.  Tickets are sold on a first-come first served basis on... 04/10/2014

Never heard of Nulu before? Don't worry; you're not the only one. Even to natives of Louisville, "Nulu" is a relatively new word. The word refers to Louisville's newest unofficial district, which is situated along historic East Market Street between Downtown and the Highlands. This quarter was actually called the "East Market District" for many years (and still is today, depending on who you talk to), but the area has recently gone through a re-branding of sorts, out of which a new Louisville destination has emerged. Let's get better acquainted with this district and learn more of what Nulu is all about. Louisville's Newest District: Think "New Louisville" The area now known as Nulu has gone through some major transformations over the years. Back in the early days of Louisville, East Ma... 04/06/2014

 Warning! This is a trashy blog!  Now that spring is here, you will soon be drumming up plenty of trash. When cleaning your yard after a long winter, you will have bags of yard waste. As you clean and declutter your house, what you don't give away, you may pitch in the trash. You may even have old tires, construction debris, and appliances as you clean out the garage and basement. What are the rules for disposing of these items in Louisville?  The city of Louisville, which became larger in 2003 through annexation of the rest of Jefferson County, only picks up trash from people who live in the old city of Louisville or in the newly created Urban Services District. If you live in an incorporated city, your own locale will have its own rules for waste disposal. If you live in an unincorpor... 03/31/2014

If none of the prebuilt homes in the Louisville housing market appeal to you, you might want to consider new construction or build a new custom home. Whether you are looking for a home in the development or you take your plans to a custom builder, what should you include in the home?  What To Consider In Your Newly Built Home  According to George Davis from Pro Built Homes in Mentor, Ohio here are a few things to consider.  Go green. To keep your utility bills out of the stratosphere, consider an Energy Star rated home that will offer the best features for keeping your heating and cooling bills low and your energy usage socially responsible. Click here to find builders who are Energy Star partners in our area.  Consider energy efficient options. If you are looking for a home in a devel... 03/28/2014

If you grew up in the city of Louisville, there's a good chance that you missed a lot of the tourist attractions that have made the city famous, even if you've known about them forever! Whether you're bored on the weekend or you're just interested in learning more about your hometown, here are some Louisville attractions you might have missed. Get Down With the Derby at Kentucky Derby Museum Located at 704 Central Avenue, you might know all about the famous Kentucky Derby without having made a visit to this classic Louisville museum. A good alternative to the Derby, this museum will immerse you in the history and significance of the Kentucky Derby with a variety of exhibits that will take you through the birth of the Derby horses all the way to the finish line. Right at the foot of Chur... 03/24/2014

If you're looking for your first home in Louisville this spring, you are putting into action the dream of many Americans. According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, most people value buying a home. Regardless of ethnicity or age, most buyers surveyed had many of the same things on their mind when they went home shopping. How do your dreams match up with what buyers want in the home?  The Homeownership Dream  The survey looked at a group of white, black, Hispanic, and Asian homebuyers between 18 and 64 and determined that between 79 and 82% saw buying a home as part of the American Dream. In the 18 to 34 group of Millennial buyers, there was a concern as to whether they can reach the goal.  35% said they had no down paym... 03/23/2014

  WELCOME TO THIS BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED ST MATTHEWS HOME IN PRISTINE CONDITION! Home features hardwood floors, neutral colors, and crown molding throughout. Living Room features a wood-burning fireplace & lots of light. Formal Dining offers floor-to-ceiling windows. Eat-in Kitchen features lots of cabinetry, trey ceiling, recessed lighting, window over double sink overlooking backyard, & stainless steel appliances: gas range, dishwasher, built-in microwave. First Floor Laundry Room offers cabinetry, shelving, floor space, & full door access to a extra large crawlspace for even more storage. First Floor Bedroom could be used as a Master, guest room, or office. Full Bath is updated w/pedestal sink, & neutral colors.  Second Floor Master offer a walk-in closet & additional closet. Both bedro... 03/20/2014

Is it finally Spring in Louisville? As you look around home and yard, you  may be thinking of some repairs you need to make from the winter and some improvements you want to make for the spring. This is a good time to look over your home insurance policies and make sure that they are up to date. In case of loss, you don't want to be unpleasantly surprised about what it doesn't cover.  Would Your Home Insurance Cover This?  A recent amusing article in MSN Money points several unusual things that home insurance policies did end up covering. The homeowners noted in the examples below may not have thought to ask about coverage in advance to the incident mentioned, but they raise legitimate questions about your policy. What exactly does your home insurance cover? Here are some surprise item... 03/17/2014

The Louisville area of Kentucky has some of the most interesting places to live in the entire state. One such area is Lyndon. Situated just northeast of St. Matthews, Lyndon is a town spanning three square miles that was incorporated in 1965. Today, Lyndon has a population of approximately 11,000 people. Here is everything you should know about Lyndon before making the move. Schooling Options in Lyndon Lyndon is served by the Jefferson County School District. There are many choices for public and private schools in the area, including Anchorage Public Elementary School and Ballard High School. Lowe Elementary School and Our Savior Lutheran School are also nearby, in addition to several schools in Louisville proper. For example, all of the private schools to which Lyndon parents can send... 03/16/2014

It’s no secret that the economy has stunk like an overripe brie these past few years.  It’s delightful to see organizations like the Louisville Urban League doing something to help unemployed or under-employed Louisvillians get back on their feet!  The Louisville Urban League is hosting their 20th Annual Louisville Career Expo March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kentucky International Convention Center.  The Louisville Career Expo is free to the public and is aimed at adults eighteen and over seeking employment. The event is both for employers and job-seekers, and according to the Louisville Urban League offers, “…companies and employers the opportunity to:  1) meet face-to-face with large numbers of qualified job applicants; 2) diversify their workforce; and 3) build relatio... 03/12/2014

When a rainy day arrives in Louisville, it can seem like a bit of a downer since getting outside for fun in the sun isn't an option. The next time you and your family are in need of some less-than-fair-weather activities, look no further than the following. Pretty soon, you'll be looking forward to the next rainy day in Louisville for fun with the kids. Go for a Roll at Champ's Rollerdrome While roller skating might not be the kind of thing you’d normally venture to do even on a rainy day, Champ's Rollerdrome is a great place for the whole family to get in on a unique athletic activity and indulge in some fun at the same time! With skate rentals starting at $2.50, head down to Champ's on LaGrange road to pick up some skating skills and chase the rainy day blues away. Climb a Wall at Roc... 03/09/2014

WELCOME TO THIS UPDATE CAPE COD IN MOVE-IN CONDITION! Home features open floor plan, custom colors, throughout. Great Room features vaulted ceiling, hardwood floors, & floor to ceiling windows. Eat-in Kitchen offers oak cabinetry, neutral countertop, tile backsplash, breakfast bar, dining area, large pantry, & appliances to remain: refrigerator, dishwasher, & stainless steel smooth cooktop range. Large Laundry Room is conveniently located near kitchen. First Floor Master Suite is spacious & Master Bath includes upgraded finishes. Both Bedrooms upstairs are extremely large & main bath offers tile floor & large vanity. Large backyard is fully fenced & features patio, pool, & storage shed. Home is located in a desirable area & neighboring houses show pride of ownership. A Pleasure!     03/07/2014

Using a pod or portable storage unit can revolutionize your remodeling or moving by offering space, convenience, and accessibility at a reasonable price. The beauty of using a portable storage unit for either of these undertakings is that you can load or unload at your leisure. When remodeling, you can bring back groups of furniture a room at a time. When moving you can take a time to bring in just what you need for particular area of your home. If there is a delay getting into your new house, you can keep the unit packed until you need to unload it and can even have it stored off-site. How much do they cost? Are there any disadvantages?  Cost Considerations How costly is it to use a portable storage unit? Prices vary, of course, but just to give you an idea, one Louisville company will... 02/28/2014