Sunday, January 31, 2016

Take the Kids to Renaissance Fun Park

You know how kids can never decide what they want to do? They'll start playing with one thing, and after 10 minutes they start messing with something else. At Renaissance Fun Park, this sort of behavior is encouraged. Kids can do and see everything while they're here, even if they switch back and forth every 10 minutes.

Fun at the Park


There are lots of different options here. Kids can play laser tag, enjoy a round of mini golf, get on the go kart track to race around or play the various arcade games. There's stuff to do indoors and out, and there's always fun stuff to do. A day of unlimited all day play, which gives access to unlimited amounts of everything, is $25. There are other ticket options and family ticket packages available.

There's also plenty of food, because kids work up an appetite when they play. There's tons of the stuff that kids like on the menu, so you won't have to fight them just to get them to have some lunch before they get back to the games. Renaissance Fun Park is in Middletown at 201 Park Place Drive. It's just one of many reasons that Middletown is a great community for families.

Amusement in Middletown


Middletown is known for its big, beautiful homes. There are several subdivisions that help make up Middletown. You can find schools and parks here, lots of big lawns and sidewalks for children to play. If you drive around the neighborhoods of Middletown, you'll see that this is a quiet family community with a variety of homes. There are many ranch and two-story houses here, traditional architecture and more contemporary designs. But there's also a lot of stuff to do in Middletown, and this is why so many families really love living here.

Renaissance Fun Park is just one of the family-friendly places to spend your time here. There are many places to take the kids and some places to go without them. You’ll find a place to grab a cocktail at night and places where sippy cups are the norm during the day. Middletown is home to beautiful Valhalla Golf Course and lots of great shopping. There are gyms for the adults and gyms for kids. In other words, there's always something to do in Middletown. Go find out more about this Louisville neighborhood, and you could be finding your new community.

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

Monday, January 18, 2016

Talk about Jane Austen January 17

This is an event that no Jane Austen fan will want to miss, whether you’re an expert or just a fan of one of the many movie adaptations made of her books. Speaking of movie adaptations, which ones are great and which ones are even better? Join an expert at historic Locust Grove to surround yourself in an Austen-era home, and participate in a fun talk about all those Austen-inspired movies based on one of her most beloved books.

The Jane Austen Movie Club


It’s been 200 years since Jane Austen wrote “Emma,” and movies are still being made based on the book. You may not realize how many times this story has been re-told, in fact. Did you know that “Clueless” was based on her Regency novel, for example?

Join a fun discussion about the various film adaptations of this book, which is about a matchmaker who finds out she’s really the one who wants love in her life. Be at historic Locust Grove at 2 pm to surround yourself in Austen-era living. The discussion lasts until 4:30 pm, so you have plenty of afternoon left to go exploring.

You’ll find this free event, and Locust Grove, at 561 Blankenbaker Lane. That's just a short distance from the Louisville Country Club, the Ohio River and the one-of-a-kind Indian Hills neighborhood. Go see what life along the river was like 200 years ago, and see what it's like in this part of Louisville today, too.

Apart to Life in Indian Hills


Want to live in a French country estate without moving away from Louisville? Maybe you'd like a traditional brick home that's picture-perfect? Or perhaps it's a contemporary ranch home that's more your style. You'll find all of these options, and more, in Indian Hills. This neighborhood is full of big homes made in all sorts of styles, so you can truly shop around for your dream home.
Many homes here are surrounded by pretty landscaping. You'll see plenty of flower beds and trimmed hedges throughout Indian Hills, but the entire neighborhood is known for its natural beauty. Streams and rock outcroppings give this part of the city a gorgeous look, and Indian Hills itself is next to a nature preserve because this area is so very beautiful. Some lots are far enough away and surrounded by enough nature to make you feel secluded and far away from the city, but Indian Hills is just a short drive away from lots of the city's biggest attractions.

After you explore some history this January, go get a look at Indian Hills and you may see your future.

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

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Visit Historic Farmington

One of Louisville's most well-known families, the Speeds, lived on a huge piece of land outside the city known as Farmington. Today, you probably know the area a little bit better as the Highlands. Most of the farm is gone, but you can still visit the mansion at the Farmington historic home site, and see what living in Louisville used to be like.

The Farmington Plantation


Farmington is a huge home built with classic Federal architecture in 1816, a style that was very popular in Louisville during the 1800s. The home was built from a plan designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. Farmington has been fully restored with its original paint colors, carpets and wallpaper to match the era in which it was built. The mansion is filled with Kentucky furniture and antiques from the time period when John and Lucy Speed lived here.

The home has all sorts of features that were unique to the time period. There are two octagonal rooms in the mansion, a "hidden" staircase, carved mantles and even marble baseboards. The original glass, woodwork and brass in the home is still in place and still in beautiful condition. Farmingham is an 18-acre site today that includes outbuildings. Find the entrance to historic Farmingham at 3033 Bardstown Road. In December, Farmington is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm if you want a guided tour. You can always take a self-guided tour of the grounds any day from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission is $9 for adults.

The area all around Farmington is still used for beautiful homes to this day. There's a lot to do and see in this part of the city thanks to Bardstown Road and the Highlands. There are so many great shops and restaurants, you may forget about the best part of this part of the city: the neighborhoods. After you leave Farmington, stop by Seneca Gardens to see more fine Louisville living.

A Day in the Gardens


The Seneca Gardens neighborhood is just a few blocks away from Farmington and Bardstown Road. Until you see the houses, you may forget you're in a neighborhood. Seneca Gardens is designed to look like a park. It's got lots of trees, landscaping and winding streets that create a peaceful feel and beautiful look.

Spend a day around Seneca Gardens and make a little of your own history while you explore the streets, the homes and everything you can find in this part of the city.

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

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Plan a Shopping Day at the Paddock Shops this November

Before the holiday season really begins, why not do a little shopping for yourself? Visit the Paddock Shops this November, and enjoy a whole day of stores, restaurants and plenty of stuff to keep the kids occupied while you shop.

A Day at the Shops


The Paddock Shops are a family-friendly place to go shopping, have a bite to eat and spend a whole day -- or two. After all, no one's counting. You can find all sorts of shops here. Visit American Eagle Outfitters, the Gap, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Pier 1 or dozens of others. There are a ton of stores here. You can find a nail salon, take the kids to Gymboree and pick up something new to read at Barnes and Noble. There's a lot of stuff to see and do in the Paddock Shops.

The Shops are at the corner of Brownsboro Road and N. Hurstbourne Parkway. You'll find them at 4055 Summit Plaza Drive, just down the road from the Springhurst neighborhood.

Spring Over to Springhurst


There are lots of place to go around Springhurst, from the busy atmosphere of the Paddock Shops to the quiet, natural beauty of E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park. There’s a lot to do inside Springhurst, too. This neighborhood was designed to be a quiet oasis for families. There are wide streets, sidewalks for kids to play safely and lots of big green lawns.

Many of the homes here have basements, garages and traditional architecture that never goes out of style. Springhurst is a community with a strong neighborhood spirit, and plenty of amenities for residents. There's a lake in the neighborhood, a pool, a clubhouse, tennis courts and plenty of places to have a picnic or go hiking.

Go take a look at Springhurst this November, and you may decide to shop for more than clothes and holiday gifts when you see the homes here.

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

Saturday, November 28, 2015

See a President at the National Cemetery this November

Lots of Louisvillians will tell you about Abraham Lincoln's history in Kentucky. He's famous for having lived in Kentucky, along with a few other things he did as President, and he's celebrated in the state. But Louisville is home to another President, and if you've never visited him then now is the perfect time to go. See the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery this November, and go see one of Louisville's lesser-known famous Presidential places.

President Zachary Taylor


The national cemetery is where you will find the final resting place of former President Zachary Taylor and his First Lady Margaret Taylor. The entire cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and includes many other residents. Soldiers who served in six different wars are buried here, people who fought in the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War.

Richard Taylor, father to Zachary, is also buried here. He fought in the American Revolutionary War. Another family member, W.G.L. Taylor, was a captain for the Confederate Army. There's a huge monument to Zachary Taylor here, along with several other features and details that set this cemetery apart from other national landmarks.

You'll find the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery at 4701 Brownsboro Road, right next to the large Indian Hills neighborhood. After you visit the history at the cemetery, get a look at the newer homes in this modern subdivision.

All Hail Indian Hills


You'll see lots of stunning homes in Indian Hills, but there's more to see in this beautiful neighborhood than bright green lawns and gorgeous architecture. Part of Beargrass Creek wends its way through Indian Hills. There are natural rock outcroppings and other features all over the neighborhood that give this community a unique look. There are thick stands of trees in this neighborhood as well. All these features give Indian Hills a natural look, but you'll find plenty of well-manicured properties here. Homes in Indian Hills are surrounded by landscaping and trees, and filled with the extras that everyone really wants.

Indian Hills is right next to the Louisville Country Club, and the homes here are styled to look and feel modern. You can find hardwood floors, large rooms for hosting parties, gourmet kitchens and all sorts of other features that make homes here truly magazine-worthy. Take a look around Indian Hills this November, and get a look at some of Louisville's older history and some of its best newer places to live.

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

Monday, November 2, 2015

Hear Choral Masterpieces

Listen to amazing music on November 1, and start the holiday season right. It’s a time for singing, for music and for visiting the Highlands, where you can find some of the most unique holiday gift ideas in the entire city.

A Choral Afternoon


Hear an afternoon of choral masterpieces at St. Brigid Catholic Church on November 1, and you’ll be swept away by the amazing sounds. Daniel Spurlock is the music director of the Louisville Chorus. If you’ve never heard the beautiful music the Louisville Chorus creates, this is the perfect event to attend.

The Chorus will be joined by the Oldham County High School Chorale and Cantamus under director Haley Reed. They’ll be accompanied by the deep, resonant tones of organ music. Be at St. Brigid from 4 to 5:45 pm to hear all the beautiful sounds. Tickets cost $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and $5 for students. St. Brigid is a Catholic church, but it’s open and welcome to all for this and many other events in the neighborhood. You’ll find St. Brigid at 1520 Hepburn Avenue, in the Highlands.

Hello, Highlands


If you go to the Highlands during holiday season, you're definitely going to be tempted to shop. The Highlands neighborhood is stuffed with interesting little stores, locally-owned businesses and great places to stop and have a bite when you need to re-fuel. For several blocks along Bardstown Road, the Highlands is an amazing place to visit during the day or the night. You may hear live music, drop into a one-of-a-kind coffee shop or buy that must-have item that you never even knew existed before you came here.

Elsewhere in the Highlands, you'll see amazing homes from all time periods. Each one is different, and each has its own details to set it apart. You can find it all in the Highlands, from eye-popping homes that look like mansions to cozy couples' nests built just for two. There are family homes, apartments and all sorts of great places to live. So if you can pull yourself away from Bardstown Road, explore the rest of the Highlands. You may find yourself shopping for a new home while you're here. 

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

Thursday, September 17, 2015

See the Kentucky Opera Present Macbeth September 18

See the Kentucky Opera perform Verdi’s Macbeth on September 18, and get blown away by the amazing culture that’s available in Louisville. The city may not be famous for its opera...but maybe it should be! Hear it for yourself, and you’ll see why opera lovers are going to love Louisville this September.

The Scottish Play

Macbeth is one of the most famous Shakespeare stories, and it’s beautiful when it unfolds in opera. This is a story of the supernatural, a story of madness and murder, a thrilling tale of kings and queens and intrigue. Can you think of a better reason for going to the opera?

Verdi’s opera is based on the play, of course, so Shakespeare buffs will certainly recognize the thrilling story. The lavish costumes and sets are provided by Opera Pacific Victoria, and the performance is sung in beautiful Italian.

Be at Louisville’s Brown Theater at 315 W. Broadway from 8 pm to 10 pm, and see this spectacular show for yourself. You’ll be in the heart of downtown Louisville, surrounded by the best of the city’s culture. You’ll find that the downtown area is also surrounded by some of the city’s best neighborhoods.

From the Play to the Park

The Shelby Park neighborhood is named for the neighborhood park that it surrounds. This was named for Isaac Shelby, the very first governor of Kentucky. You'll find that history still lives and breathes in Shelby Park. The entire neighborhood is full of historic buildings and amazing reminders of Louisville's past, when the streets were filled with horses and carriages instead of cars.

Looking to invest in a home that's ready to be renovated? Looking for an historic home that's already been updated? Searching for a cozy, comfortable dwelling or an amazing duplex? Whatever you're seeking, you can probably find it in Shelby Park. The homes here reflect the historic style of the neighborhood, but most of them are old only on the outside. On the inside, many have been renovated to give you the modern amenities you really want (like lights and water).

Shelby Park is just blocks away from the excitement of downtown, but the shady streets and historic buildings look years away from the fast-paced city streets.

Visit downtown Louisville and Shelby Park this September to enjoy culture, history and the amazing homes you can find near the downtown area.

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

Play in the Kentucky Wireless Golf Tournament September 17

Participate in the Kentucky Wireless Golf Tournament this September, or go just to watch this great day on the links. You’ll be at the beautiful Polo Fields Country Club, and you’ll be helping to provide funding for the Special Olympics. Polo Fields is one of the city’s prettiest neighborhoods, but it’s also a hidden gem that many don't even know about.

A Day in the Polo Fields

The Polo Fields is off Flat Rock Road, near the Middletown area. The entire neighborhood is designed to be gorgeous, with neat, landscaped lawns. There are all sorts of homes here, from the large and luxurious to cozy family dwellings.


 The country club and championship golf course are in the middle of the neighborhood. There's also a private pool, which residents love in the summertime. Polo Fields is a little bit off the beaten track, but still close enough to all the shopping, eating and other attractions in Middletown.

Get a good look at the golf course this September at the Kentucky Wireless Golf Tournament. Whether you come to play or watch, this is going to be a great day in the Polo Fields.

Tournament Golf

Go to the Polo Fields Country Club at 117001 Polo Fields Lane to participate in the tournament. The benefits will go to the Special Olympics. The event begins at 9:30 am. After golf, have some fun. A social from 5 to 8 pm will give you the chance to meet other golfers and spectators.

If you like golf, beautiful homes and supporting worthy causes, you’re going to love this golfing event. Go have fun in the fields this September, and enjoy a great day of golf.

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

Sunday, July 19, 2015

See the Showdown Car Show July 18

No car lover will want to miss the annual summer Showdown Car Show, a fun Louisville event that will give you the opportunity to look at some beautiful rides. There’s a silent auction and some other fun stuff to keep you entertained while you cruise around looking at all the amazing cars.

The Showdown Car Show


Louisville will turn into a car lover’s dream on July 18. This is when Valor Traditional Academy’s parking lot will fill up will all sorts of beautiful vehicles from 10 am to 4 pm. All cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome to join the showdown for a $15 vehicle registration fee.


The top 40 vehicles will receive trophies. There will also be awards for the People’s Choice, the Kids’ Choice and the Best Bike. The awards presentation will begin at 4 pm. All proceeds of this event will benefit the Michael Feger Paralysis Foundation, a nonprofit group that helps people who have been affected by a spinal cord injury.

You’ll find the event at 11501 Schlatter Road, in the beautiful Glenmary neighborhood. You’ll recognize Valor Traditional Academy right away. It’s known in this community as “the castle” because of its beautiful architecture. Spend some time in Glenmary, and you’ll see that beautiful architecture is everywhere.

A Day in Glenmary


Residents of Glenmary love the location of the community. It's just down the road from the excitement and diversity of the Highlands area, a neighborhood famous for shopping and nightlife. Residents of Glenmary enjoy evenings eating in trendy restaurants along Bardstown Road, then come back to the peace and quiet of this beautiful neighborhood.

Glenmary is an oasis of large green lawns and big, beautiful homes. Natural creeks run behind the neighborhood, adding to the pretty landscape. Spend a day in Glenmary this July, and you may never want to leave.

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

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Join the Red, White and Brew Bash July 3

Go to Fourth Street Live, one of Louisville’s most famous attractions, to join the Red, White and Brew Bash. Even if you don’t like brews, you can join in on the dancing, listen to the live entertainment, play games and maybe even win a prize. America’s birthday only happens once a year, so why not celebrate?

Howl at the Moon


Go to Howl at the Moon on July 3 for a night of entertainment and dancing. The live show doesn’t stop all night long, so you can enjoy the music any time. Play games to win prizes while you’re there. Beer and other drinks will be available all night long, too. Tickets cost just $5 at the door.

The party starts at 6 pm and goes until 2 am, so you can ring in America’s birthday the moment it happens. The founding fathers worked hard to make America a free country, and they would definitely want you to have fun. Fourth Street Live is all about fun. You’ll find it at 434 South 4th Street in downtown Louisville, just blocks away from historic Butchertown.

Being Around Butchertown


There are several neighborhoods in and around downtown Louisville, but Butchertown is one of the most unique and memorable.

Since the 1820s, Butchertown has been a home to professionals of all types. Many butchers did live here in the early days, but now Butchertown is a famously trendy part of the city with lots of different housing styles and types.

Butchertown is now a haven for art galleries, antique shops, gorgeous condos and lots of other attractions. The Thomas Edison house is located here, for those who like history. People who like thrills will find them at the nearby Louisville Extreme Park.

There's something for everyone to enjoy in Butchertown, a truly one-of-a-kind Louisville community. Let freedom ring this July 4, and explore some of the great neighborhoods located within blocks of exciting downtown Louisville.

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