Louisville

Today we head into a long weekend. Monday is Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor our country's fallen veterans. Of course, Jefferson County Public Schools are closed and many adults have the day off of work, too.

Looking for something to do? The events below are happening throughout the weekend, check out the May Event Calendar for more information.

• Abbey Road on the River
• Reggae Festival at the Water Tower
• Hike, Bike & Paddle

On June 1, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., the main branch of the Louisville Free Public Library is throwing a kickoff party for their summer reading campaign.

What will be at the kickoff celebration?

• Curious George LIVE
• Fun activities and games
• Stories for the whole family

The summer reading initiative is designed to get kids, newborn to 5th grade, enjoying books. Participants can pick up a reading card from the library, or download one from the library's website, and document 10 books read (by the child, or the parent reading to the child) between June 1 and August 10. With a completed card, kids receive prizes.

Related:
June Event Calendar
FREE Summer Bowling for Kids

As I blogged about last year, May (once the Kentucky Derby is behind us) is the month for residents of Southern Indiana and Louisville to enjoy discounts at  museums, hotels, restaurants and more. The special offers are valid May 6-31 and are available to anyone with proof of residency, be it a Kentucky, Indiana, military or local student ID.

Below are a few of the price cuts available during the Hometown Tourist campaign.

• Saturdays admission is 2 for 1 at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft.
• 21c Museum has a FREE guided art tour each Friday and Saturday at 5 p.m.
• Huber Family Farm is offering a FREE quart of U-pick strawberries.

With specials at 55 area attractions, 15 hotels and 14 restaurants, all of us natives are able to see the sights visitors rave about--and there are over 5 million visitors to Louisville each year--at deep discounts. If you stopped by the Buy Local Art Fair, there was plenty of information on how to be a tourist while remaining in your hometown. If you missed that event, don't worry, there is a list of Hometown Tourist Offers available online.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 12, 2013. What will you be doing to celebrate? If you are looking for ideas, I've compiled a list of places to go and things to do. Do you have an idea I've missed? Let me know, I'd be happy to add it.

Looking to get out and enjoy the city on days (and nights) other than Mother's Day? No problem, check out the May Event Calendar.

Related:
2013 Summer Camps for Kids

Today's the parade, tomorrow is Oaks and Saturday is Derby! What is on your weekend agenda?

Many will be attending private parties full of Derby foods (I'm a sucker for Benedictine myself), others will spend their time at Churchill Downs. Which horse do you think will wear the garland of roses in 2013?

If you are headed to the track, be prepared for large crowds. And remember, many items are not allowed in Oaks or Derby. For instance, coolers, cans, bottles, tents, camcorders, professional cameras with a detachable lens 6" or longer, tripods, purses over 12", grills, alcoholic beverages, thermoses, backpacks, luggage, duffel bags, wagons, umbrellas, weapons, fireworks, noisemakers and air horns are all prohibited. For more information, visit the Churchill Downs website.

Are you ready for Derby? With Thunder Over Louisville and the Great Balloon Glow behind us, the horses will be running for the roses before we know it. The city is filled with things to do, below is a cheat sheet with an event for each day of the week. Most events, those not taking place at Churchill Downs, are free with a Pegasus Pin.

Monday:
Bed Races at Broadbent Arena.

Tuesday:
Fest-a-Ville at the Waterfront.

Wednesday:
Great Steamboat Race on Ohio River.

Thursday:
Pegasus Parade through the streets of downtown.

Friday:
Kentucky Oaks! (remember, public schools are closed.)

Saturday:
DERBY!

More information about these and other Derby events can be found in the Kentucky Derby Event Calendar.

Image © Mali Anderson

With Thunder Over Louisville behind us, it is officially Derby season. I took in Thunder at the Fire & Art event at Cressman Center and, I suspect many of you would agree, was thrilled the weather cooperated. Below are some highlights of the week I'm looking forward to, maybe they'll serve as suggestions on where to go for you, too.

BalloonFest
Friday night at the Kentucky Exposition Center is the Balloon Glow, spectators can see the brilliance of hot air balloons once the sun goes down. If you are not up for crowds, a smaller version of the event is held the night before. Balloon Glimmer is on Thursday at the waterfront. Of course, it all culminates with the Great Balloon Race on Saturday.

Pasta Dinner and Marathon
The Marathon and miniMarathon take place on Saturday. Runners and supporters of the race alike gather the night before, on Friday, to enjoy pasta, garlic bread, salad and cheesecake.

Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
An annual juried art show, the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair has over 200 artists attending each year. Attendees can view and purchase artwork, eat, drink, and enjoy musical entertainment. There is even a tent with activities for the kids.

Image © Mali Anderson

It's more than a fireworks show, it's the nation's premier pyrotechnic event! This Saturday, April 20, the riverfront will be electric with Thunder Over Louisville festivities. The theme this year is Thunder Vision, expect to hear music from classic and current television shows during the display. Thunder is FREE but the popularity of the event means many will be spending the entire day on the riverfront in order to secure a good seat. If you are willing to part with some cash, the following places will offer snacks, family activities and an optimal viewing spot.

ThunderBlast at Kentucky Science Center
At this annual event, families enjoy a riverside view of the Thunder Over Louisville in an area reserved for ThunderBlast guests, access to permanent and temporary exhibit galleries, indoor and outdoor kids' activities, indoor restrooms, food vendors and discounted IMAX theater tickets.

Thunder Event at Cressman Center
A Thunder party with an art theme, families can watch university students create original glass works, watch family movies and enjoy light refreshments. Visitors will have access to the top floor of the attached parking garage, if you seek a high vantage point to watch the fireworks.

The Galt House
Reserve a room and take advantage of a packaged Thunder deal. Not looking to stay the night? The Galt House also sells tickets for an indoor Thunder experience, visitors enjoy a dinner buffet and watch the fireworks from the weather-proof conservatory.

How about you? Where will you be watching Thunder Over Louisville 2013?

Less than a month ago I blogged about Hillbilly Tea's expansion, and now another locally-owned business is increasing their breadth. 2013 is set to be a banner year for Cellar Door Chocolates.

First, the chocolatiers of Cellar Door brought in 2013 with a new challenge, to create a new confection each day of the year. That's right, 365 original treats, each sold daily at the Cellar Door retail location at Butchertown Market. The task, called 365 Days of Chocolate, is being documented through photographs and recipe logs as it develops. There are plans to publish a book, complete with images and cooking formulas, once the year is complete.

As if developing a new candy each day weren't enough, Insider Louisville reports Cellar Door owner Erika Chavez Graziano is also jumping into the savory business. She, along with three partners, will be opening a restaurant in the Butchertown Market. The lunch spot is set to open in July and will be called Jackknife. As a fan of Cellar Door, I can't wait to try it out.

Image © Mali Anderson

Congratulations to the Louisville Cardinals! What a great game. I was up later than usual--I think most of us were, judging from the honking, fireworks and cheers--so today I'll be heading to my local coffee shop. I have a feeling everyone will be in a good mood today! And tonight, we watch the women's team...