Pool Party!

Since the new drain cover law is now in effect across the Commonwealth, a ton of pools opened late this year. Good news: One of my favorites, the Polo Fields Golf and Country Club pool, is finally open. I'll be sure to take my family there this weekend. I'm going to write a list of great pool recommendations after I do a little more research about where is and isn't open, so stay tuned!

It's All Fun and Games

Whether you're moving from London or Lubbock, I'm sure you're looking forward to heading out to the ballpark, getting a beer and taking in a game. A lot of newcomers grouse that there aren't any major league teams that call Possibility City home, but it's really a bonus for Louisivillians! Sporting events are much more inexpensive, so they're something the whole family can enjoy! What's your favorite?

Baseball: You can get both peanuts and crackerjacks (and a hot dog and a beer and a pretzel) at Louisville Slugger Stadium. Take in a Louisville Bats game, watch the post-win fireworks, and unwind with your family. If all that hustle and bustle isn't for you, check out the nationally recognized U of L baseball team, a local high school's team, or even a Little League game (the Louisville team won the World Series just a few years back!).

Basketball: A popular hometown saying is that we have three major religious faiths in Louisville: Baptist, Baptist, and Basketball. I don't know about the first two, but the third certainly enjoys an enormous following. Louisvillians love basketball! The University of Louisville is now a part of the Big East conference, which means more exciting home games for you and better coverage on TV for away games. A perennial powerhouse, head coach Rick Pitino always fields a great team well worth watching. Newcomers, get ready for NCAA March Madness which virtually paralyzes the city. Everyone watches with bated breath, wondering which Kentucky team will come out on top (UK, U of L, and WKU have all fielded strong sides in recent tournaments). Be sure to know who to "go for"!

Football: Maybe you didn't know this, but the Super Bowl isn't actually the most important football game of the year in Louisville. Neck and neck and neck for most watched are the annual UK/U of L football game, the showdown between two Catholic high schools, and the country's longest-running football rivalry. That's right, each and every year, Papa John's Cardinal Stadium plays host to the Holy Trinity of Louisville Football. The collegiate game speaks for itself, but the other two are uniquely Louisville traditions. The first, the Saint Xavier/Trinity match, is one of Louisville's most important social events. Alums, students, and children too young to know what high school is crowd in to Papa John's Cardinal Stadium to watch these two national powerhouses compete. Shortly thereafter, the 50,000 seat venue fills again to watch Male High School and Manual High School square off in the nation's longest-running football rivalry.

Who Screams for Ice Cream? Louisville!

Because I want y'all to maximize your three-day weekend, I want to supply all the tools to make it fun and memorable. So I ask you, what's more a part of summer than ice cream? Nothing! Who wants a summer kick-off party sans ice cream? No one! Here are a couple great places to hit up during the long weekend; choose one or go to them all!

Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen (9 Louisville Locations): This Louisville classic has been a staple of our collective dessert experience for over thirty years. With countless pies and homemade ice cream, this place is tops when it comes to variety, taste, and Louisvillity.
Ehrler's Ice Cream (1 Louisville Location): There used to be several locations of this Louisville classic, but now there's just the one! That doesn't stop them from serving up delicious ice cream treats all year round.
Graeter's Ice Cream (7 Louisville Locations): Even though this chain started in Cincinnati, Louisville is its second home. With endless options from the obvious (their vanilla is perfect!) to the innovative (chocolate coconut almond fudge, anyone?), Graeter's homemade French pot ice cream is sure to satisfy anyone.
Gelato Gilberto (1 Louisville Location): This brand-spankin'-new Norton Commons joint is quickly becoming popular for its authentic (not to mention delicious) gelato. The owners actually went to Italy to learn how to make these yummy confections. Stop in for a three-scooper; may I recommend the "Wedding Cake"?
Dairy Kastle (1 Louisville Location): It's not gourmet, but it's cheap and delicious. Stop in for a cone and a chili dog anytime during the warm months. You can soak in the vibrant Eastern Parkway neighborhood and imagine yourself back in simpler times.
Starlight Frozen Custard (1 Louisville Location): This summertime-only treat in Lyndon offers something a little different than your standard Rocky Road cone from Baskin Robbins. Frozen custard is creamier than ice cream, but over-the-top good in its own way. Try one of their fun and unique sundaes.

Are there any I've forgotten? Tell me in the comments!

Quick Note!

You guys should jump over to my colleague Staci O'Sullivan's blog about relocation in Louisville! This week, she's running a great series called Louisville's Best A-Z. She's profiling something amazing and unique about Louisville for every letter of the alphabet. I can't wait to see what she thinks up next!

Brand New Bag

To date, I've been filling you in on real estate goings-on in and around Louisville, but I've had more than one request for something...more. I was chatting with some friends the other night, and we thought y'all might be interested in hearing about all the great things to do and see and watch and drink and eat and dance to once you actually move here. It's not enough to just buy a house; you have to make a home! So, without further ado, I give you my new and improved blog.
Today's topic: Best Picnic Spots In Louisville
With Memorial Day upon us, everyone is eager to get out and soak up the early-summer sun. Newcomers to Louisville might not realize that there's picnic life beyond Waterfront Park! Here are some great recommendations to get you started!
1. Cherokee Park: There aren't enough nice things to say about this Andrew Olmstead designed marvel! Clocking in at nearly 400 square acres, you're never going to have trouble finding enough space to spread out a blanket or play a game of kickball. Amenities include picnic tables and restrooms, of course, but also a dog run, several gorgeous fountains, walking trails, fishing ponds, and a nine-hole golf course! Nearby restaurants are numerous, but check out Lotsa Pasta on Lexington Road for great gourmet to go or the right-across-the-street Rainbow Blossom for awesome natural treats!
Close to: Clifton, Saint Matthews, Downtown, and the Highlands
2. Long Run Park: Deep in the East End, this secluded spot is often overlooked, making it a great spot for a lazy afternoon. It has tons of great things to offer families, like basketball and tennis courts, as well as an on site golf course. Nearly everyone will pass by the Cheddar Box Cafe in Middletown on the way out (get some of their famous house salad and tomato soup to go!) as well as the quaint Zora's Market, which specializes in gourmet groceries and made-to-order sandwiches.
Close to: Shelby County, Eastwood, Middletown, Polo Fields, Copperfield, and Lake Forest
3. Seneca Park: Yet another outstanding feature of the Saint Matthews neighborhood! Seneca Park has a great playground, making it an excellent choice for families with small and energetic children. It also has great athletic facilities (basketball, field hockey, cross country, and more), so don't be surprised if you see one of Jefferson County Public Schools' title-winning athletic teams training out there! Stop in at the Patron for excellent box lunches, or even grab a Best of Louisville pizza at Tony Boomboz for an even easier meal.
Close to: Saint Matthews, Clifton, the Highlands, Lyndon, and Hurstbourne
4. Jefferson Memorial Forest: If you're really serious about getting away from it all this holiday weekend, but you don't want to get to far, Jefferson Memorial Forest is the place for you. Located 15 miles from downtown Louisville, this 7,000 acre park affords you the opportunity to escape without ever leaving Jefferson County. There are excellent hiking trails, forests to explore, and even space for camping! Because it's so vast, there aren't a ton of take-out eateries extremely close, but there are more than enough grocery stores along the way.
Close to: Fairdale, Auburndale, Iroquois Park, Pleasure Ridge, Fern Creek, and Bullitt County
5. E.P. "Tom" Sawyer Park: Named for Seneca High School alumna and Good Morning America hostess Diane Sawyer's father, this is far and away Louisville's best spot for huge picnics. Boasting an enormous pool, indoor volleyball courts, a BMX track, great tennis courts, rentable shelters, playgrounds and much more, Tom Sawyer Park anticipates your every picnicing need. Nearby, you'll find tons of megahuge national grocers and take-away restaurants, as well as Louisville favorite Wick's Pizza, which always pleases a big crowd.
Close to: Hurstbourne, parts of Oldham County, Middletown, Lyndon, Goose Creek, and Anchorage

But enough about me! Tell me where you're favorite picnic spots are!

As We Enter May - Real Estate in Louisville, Kentucky

Derby Day is here and we are still in a market that has no real direction. The good news is that our market does not have big swings and we were protected on the downside. Let's see what next week brings. If you need help with your real estate be in touch with me. jgreenberg@coldwellbanker.com