Derby Festival

Post-mini-marathon (which I thankfully abstained from) the girls and I had a derby hat making party, complete with champagne and accouterments for our said-derby head wear.  I made my fascinator for The Oaks while Rachel made her hat...  All you need is a few feathers, some ribbon, and a hot mess with the glue gun and you got yourself a derby masterpiece!

Our classy escapades landed us at Cafe Classico which I have been dying to go to since it's right at the end of my street.  Three courses and a hail storm later we were still interested in ringing in derby week so we headed to the 2nd grand opening of St. Charles Exchange followed by the ever-favorite Garage Bar.  It was an absolutely splendid evening to make me very excited for the boisterous week ahead.  This town is about to explode and I plan to be there for it... impeccably dressed.

Where to get your Derby wear:
Ladies: For The Oaks, pink is mandatory, flats are a must, and a hat is optional.  I'm going with the fascinator but steer clear of the high priced department stores.  Head to Joann's or Michael's instead and make your own out of feathers and ribbon.  For Derby, look at Burlington Coat Factory for some quality discounted hats and make sure your dress has pockets!  There's nothing worse than losing your keys in a crowd of 200,000.
Gents: Skip J.Crew and head instead to the fantastic consignment shops where you can get your preppiest digs at discounted prices.  Target has some great Panama hats if you're inclined to wear a hat.

Upcoming Events:
4/28-4/29- Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
5/1-5/3 Dawn at the Downs: Brunch at Churchill downs with a sneak peak on who's who of horses
5/2- Walk the Moon at Waterfront Park (free admission with a Pegasus pin)
5/2- The Great Steamboat Race
5/3- Pegasus Parade on Broadway
5/4- The Oaks
5/5- The Kentucky Derby

... Look for the cute blond in the REALLY BIG HAT

Thunder Over Louisville 2012

Despite colder-than-average temperatures last Saturday night, Thunder over Louisville rang in the start to the Derby Festival with a bang... or ten thousand of them!  As the nation's largest fireworks display, Thunder is a must-see from either side of the river.

I heard a cool story from a buddy that said that back in the 1800's there was a really terrible thunderstorm (not too hard to believe if you've ever lived in the Ohio River Valley-- they're terrifying!) in Louisville that spooked all the horses and they went racing through downtown Louisville... and that was the first Kentucky Derby!  It's a neat story for the Derby tradition but my guess is that it's hearsay.

I am champing at the bit for Derby week to come!

Saturday night confession

It's 10:30 pm on a Saturday night.  I am home.  I have folded my laundry, ran with Lulu, made a mini pizza (fresh ingredients, of course), made fresh baked cookies, and watched a movie with Ryan Gosling (The Ides of March-- two thumbs up).

I am in twenty-something purgatory.

Worse than limbo, I am forced in between my reality and my fantasy.  While Louisville has all but kicked me out (why invest in a relationship/friendship with someone who is leaving in eight weeks?), I am not physically in my future District to hit the town with my fabulously winged friends.

What did I do?  Counted my losses tonight.  After a fresh coat of fire coral nail polish and a few chapters in my latest Book Club read, I'm going to catch up on some lost Z's from my arduous workweek.  Tomorrow I will try again and text every-freaking-body I know to ensure that I am not wasting these gorgeous spring days or my precious twenties being lame.

Deuces!

Local Townie turns TWO years old today and it's not so hard to believe when I look back at all that has happened. I flipped through my old posts to see my transitions from grad student to young professional, Tanzania to Kentucky, and one of the townies to single girl living on her own.

For some people, the world wide web is for their personal ego boosts.  They need a certain number of "likes" and "reposts" to validate their internet worth.  But that's not what Local Townie is about.  I blog in order to know that I am living to the fullest-- doing what the locals do (whether at home or traveling), investing in a community of friends (whether down the street or across the country), and taking time to have a little fun (hoping you'll join me or follow in my footsteps).

"...spilling some of my personal life and keeping you up to date on the generally ridiculous nature of my life." -Local Townie 4/11/2010


I knew that when I started a blog that I needed to have a schtick so that it would be worth reading.  I am always surprised when people tell me that they read Local Townie.  I am even more surprised when I see the statistics, google results, and geography of people reading my blog.  I am absolutely dumbfounded when strangers tell me that they have read my blog!

Get EXCITED because I'm fixing to start a whole new chapter of adventures in Washington DC, but not before I hit a few travel destinations and my KY Bucket List.  Thanks to my readers for all your love and support!

As always, keep it local.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Picture this: A gorgeous spring afternoon, not a cloud in the sky, dogwoods in bloom all around.  You're driving through rural Kentucky with the windows down while the sun kisses your cheeks.  What could be more perfect, right?  Try adding bourbon.

Another bucket list item came to fruition this weekend as I ventured out with my buddy to the Maker's Mark Distillery.  There are 6 distilleries near Louisville but we chose Maker's because it's the most delicious-- known for its smooth taste and sweetness instead of its bite.  Maker's is also the most well branded with its characteristic red wax top made famous by Mrs. Margie Samuels (the brains behind the man of the operation). The tour takes you through making the mash, distilling the bourbon, the print shop, warehouse storage, and finally to a tasting of Maker's and their specialty 46 bourbon.  You can even dip your own bottle of Maker's in their red wax!

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon, and not all bourbon is Kentucky bourbon.  Though 95% of the world's bourbon supply comes from the Bluegrass State because of its changing seasons and water sources that make it perfect for distilling the finest.

You can't live in Kentucky without learning about two things... One is horse racing, the other is bourbon.  Check out the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (it's $FREE!)and any of the distilleries in the area: Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, and Jim Beam.