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!