Inn at Woodhaven Blog

THE 1937 FLOOD IN LOUISVILLE

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:32:00 +0000

Seventy five years ago this month much of Louisville was under water. Torrential rains caused the Ohio River to rise to levels it had not reached before or since. In Louisville 175,000 people had to be evacuated to higher ground. The west side of the city was hit the hardest and that was where most people lived at that time. My grandmother told of being boated to the Highlands from their home in the west end. Many houses, businesses and hotels were never rebuilt. One whole area near Butchertown on the river is now empty and a park.

Most of Jefferson County was rural at that time, but quickly built up after the flood when people moved to the areas that were safe from flooding.
It is fascinating to see the pictures of familiar buildings under water. Of the major metropolitan areas in the country Louisville was hit the hardest.

Several events will give a in depth look at the time and impact of the Great Flood.
Historian Rick Bell author of " The Great Flood of 1937, Rising Waters, Soaring Spirits", will give one lecture at the Water Tower on River Road at 2pm on Sunday January 22 and another at 6pm Tuesday January 25 at the Filson Historical Society on South Third Street. Both Lectures are free.

Also, there will be a Photo Exhibit at the Ekstrom Library on the University of Louisville campus. And opening reception is January 26 from 5pm to 7pm and historian Robert Reid will talk at 6pm on the impact of the flood . The exhibit will run 9am to 5pm weekdays through March 9.

SEASONAL EVENTS TO ATTEND WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Schimpffs Confectionery where they make candy the old fashioned way
The museum at Shcimpffs is full of candy making equipment and photos of the store in years past.

This time of the year there are so many varied special events that you can take advantage of in Louisville. So take a break from the shopping and wrapping and plan some special time with family members and friends.

I love to visit Schimpffs Candy Museum and Confectionery. For more photos and hours they are open check out there website at www.schimpffs.com
It is a trip back in time to a candy store where the owners and staff still make fabulous candy using the same molds and methods of years gone by. You can stand and watch the candy production and tour a museum and then pick through the hundreds of candies to take to family and friends. My children and grandchildren love to go, and it has become a tradition with us to visit the day after Thanksgiving. I always bring samples back to the Inn as a special treat for the guests.

Two old favorites are the "Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol".The Nutcracker is performed by the Louisville Ballet and held at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Tickets are available for Tuesday, thursday and Friday and prices range from $27 to $97. For information call: 800-775-777."A Christmas Carol" will be showing at Actors Theatre through Friday. To purchase tickets call: 502-584-1205.

TOURS AND TALES

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:15:00 +0000

Civil War tour of Cave Hill Cemetery

This is the perfect month to tour one of Louisville's treasures. You would not think of a cemetery as a treasure, but Cave Hill is full of history and beautiful landscaping. Originally a farm and quarry with a spring that flowed from a cave, the farm was purchased by the city of Louisville in 1846 and became a popular burial spot for prominent Louisvillians during the Victorian era. Elaborate marble and granite monuments were erected and the landscape gardeners embellished the natural setting with exotic trees and shrubs. The grounds are beautiful year round and the spring fed lake especially lovely.

Although Cave Hill was a very rural part of town in 1846, it is now in the city, close to many Louisville attractions and restaurants and only 3 miles from our Inn at Woodhaven.Tours are held throughout the year at twilight and on other special occasions.
Saturday, October 22 at 9:00am there will be a Civil War tour. Bryan S. Bush, author and tour guide will talk about the history of the cemetery and famous Civil War people who are buried there. The cost for this tour is $15.
For more information you can check out www.cavehillcemeteryc.com or call 502-451-5630.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE FALL

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:47:00 +0000

September is almost over but there are still activities in town that you can attend.
THIS WEEKENDThe Designer's Show House is still open through the 25th. The 38th annual tour features Stonecote Estate. Located on Alta Vista, Road the home includes a Scottish Tudor house, carriage house, pool and pool house and five stall horse barn, all situated on five beautiful acres near Seneca and Cherokee Parks. Also, you can do some shopping at the boutique and eat at the cafe.
Hours are 10am to 5pm Friday and Saturday and noon to 5pm Sunday.
www.bellarmine.edu/womenscouncil

FREE WALKING TOURS OF THE LOUISVILLE WATERFRONT

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:09:00 +0000

Waterfront Park's free walking tours are offered the last weekend of each month through October, with one tour Saturday at 10:00a.m. and one tour on Sunday at 2:00p.m. each month.

The tours last 90 minutes and begin on the Fourth Street wharf in front of the Belle of Louisville. The two mile walk takes you east through Waterfront Park and ends at the new Lincoln Monument.

The tours are lead by local historian Rick Bell who recently published a book, "Louisville's Riverfront Renaissance." Along the way he will tell stories about the history of the waterfront from before Louisville was founded to the present day.

STREET ROD NATIONALS

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:06:00 +0000

The Street Rod Nationals were held this past weekend in Louisville. Attendees come from all over the US and many foreign countries. The great majority also bring their restored cars. It is truly a labor of love for these car enthusiasts. Each car is a work of art and represents many hours of work restoring the car and creating a one of a kind finished product.
And what fun to go to the Expo Center and see 10,000 plus of these colorful cars. Just driving around town you see them everywhere.
This group pictured have been here at Woodhaven for many years. I made them pose for a group picture in front of each of their fabulous cars.

BELLE OF LOUISVILLE

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:01:00 +0000

Historic Louisville Steamboat

The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi style steamboat in the world. A cruise on the Belle is truly a trip back in time. The Belle, now in her 95th year still carries passengers along the beautiful Ohio River. Take one of the cruises up the river and leisurely watch the tall buildings of downtown Louisville fade into the green riverbanks of the countryside. Especially nice are trip on the river in the Fall when the fall color on the trees is at peak.
There is plenty of food and beverage options on board and music supplied by the calliope and bands. Information and rate for the daily cruises and special event cruises can be found on the website at:
www.belleoflouisville.org

PICTURES OF THE JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:50:00 +0000

The fourth annual Jane Austen Festival at Locust Grove Historic Home. Pictures show visitors dressed in period costumes and vendors set up with period reproduction clothing and antiques in the Shoppes of Meryton.

BEAUTIFUL DAY AT LOCUST GROVE FOR THE JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL.

Summertime Events at Locust Grove Historic Home

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:46:00 +0000

The Summer Antiques Market is June 26, form 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the grounds of Locust Grove Historic Home. In addition to American Country antiques you will find an abundance of formal furniture, jewelry, toys, garden antiques, textiles and silver. Truly there is something for everyone and in every price range as well. The admission is $6 and includes a tour of the historic home.

July 4th at Locust Grove will be a treat as it is open FREE to visitors that day!

And my favorite event at Locust Grove - the Jane Austen Festival - will be held both July 9 and 10. Each day the festival is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The tea sells out each year so make reservations early. We have guests staying with us to attend this event that come from all over the US.

JULY 24 1:00PM TO 5:30PM LOCUST GROVE HISTORIC HOME 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY Free food courstesy of YUM/KFC Brands and a special concert by the Kentucky Center Chamber Players in honor of Emilie Strong Smith.

For more information on these events and others that are offered at Locust Grove check out their website at www.locustgrove.org

HORSING AROUND IN KENTUCKY

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:42:00 +0000

Kentucky is known for its beautiful horse farms and now is the perfect time to visit the area and tour some of the farms. The foals are out with their mothers running around the fields and napping in the bluegrass. Many farms are open for tours. Check out some possible tours on this website www.horsecapitaltours.com or you can call the farms directly and arrange an appointment.
At Three Chimneys Farm, near Midway, you can tour the barns and see Kentucky Derby winners Big Brown and Barbaro. At Claiborne Farm in Paris, which is just north of Lexington, the tour includes the barns and stallions, and also the grave of Secretariat which is on the property.
A nice side trip is the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Distillery. It is just to the west of Lexington and a short drive down a lovely Kentucky lane with horse farms on both sides. Take a picnic along or eat at the distillery or drive down Old Frankfort Pike to Wallace Station for a bite to eat.

DERBY 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Sat, 14 May 2011 21:46:00 +0000

OFF TO THE RACES
IN LIMOS AND DERBY HATS
AND DESIGNER OUTFITS

WATCHING THE DERBY GARLAND OF ROSES BEING MADE
AT THE KROGER JUST UP THE ROAD FROM THE INN
AND THE GREAT BALLOON RACE GOES RIGHT OVER WOODHAVEN
What a fabulous week! Great guests, incredible hats and outfits, fast horses and even good weather! Two weeks of one special event after another leading up to the Derby. Kind of a let down when the Sunday after the first Saturday in May dawns...but already thinking of 2012!

Thinking Ahead - Make Plans To Attend These Events

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:44:00 +0000

NOW FOR THE MAIN EVENT - IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE DERBY!
SATURDAY MAY 7 - THE 137TH RUNNING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY

Yes tickets can still be found through Churchill Downs for the grandstand, some areas in the boxes and of course the infield. It is still too early to tell what the weather will do. However, it has been so rainy this spring that hopefully the odds are way good for sunny days for the Oaks and Derby!
If you do come, plan on bringing a hat. This is one of the few occasions left when hats are popular for ladies and men. And in Louisville there are stores full of choices. I just had a guest this week find a fabulous huge red hat at Macy's ( just like the hat in the beach scene of the movie "The Thomas Crown Affair").
If you don't have time to shop here in town before you head for the track, or can not find a hat in your town, don't worry. There is a booth set up at the track where they will make a hat to match the outfit you have on!

THE GREAT DERBY FESTIVAL BALLOONFEST

April 28 The Balloon Glimmer on the waterfront downtown at 8:30pm

April 29 The Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race at 7:00am from Bowman Field
Then The Great Balloon Glow at 9:00 pm at Bowman Field

April 30 The Great Balloon Race at 7:00am at Bowman Field

These events are crowd pleasers and another great fun family outing. Weather is a big factor with these events. The balloons can not take off if there is more that 6 mile winds. But when they do go off it is a beautiful site.
Some tips for these events:
Come early for the balloon glow and tailgate or vendors will have food too. Ask the pilots if they have favors. They usually do for the kids. And it is fun to get the pilots to autograph the program
For the balloon races it is fun to go through the Crispy Creme Doughnut drive through and take hot chocolate, coffee and doughnuts to the field. This year the balloon races will be held a Bowman Field for the first time. It is only two miles from the Inn so we have a good chance that the balloons will float over out place!

Saturday April 16 Thunder Over Louisville

Thinking ahead for this weekend.
Think Thunder! Not thunder storm, but Thunder Over Louisville!
The kickoff event for the Derby Festival, Thunder starts with the air show featuring every type of military and civilian aircraft and ends with the biggest annual fireworks display in the US. When you see and hear 52 tons of fireworks go off it is just incredible and unforgettable.
500,000 plus people will line the Ohio River on both sides to watch the show and picnic. Either bring your own or you can find every type of food from vendors along the area. Or you can still buy tickets to see the event from the Belle of Louisville or the Cincinnati Belle or one of the many restaurants along the river. This is truly an event that everyone should go to once at least.

GREAT ANTIQUING IN LOUISVILLE AND NEARBY

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:27:00 +0000

This area of the country is still a great place to find a special antique. There is an abundance of antique malls and shops that have a huge variety of furniture and small objects at very good prices. I try to hit my favorite ones on a monthly basis and can always find something. Many of our guests are already familiar with the area shops, but if you are not, don't worry...we have maps and brochures for you.
Here are some of my favorite places.

In Louisville:
Derby City Antique Mall - a little bit of everything
Goss Avenue Antique Mall - good selection of antiques and designer furnishings
Crazy Daisy Antique Mall - good selection of small items
Antique Market at Distillery Commons - high end and nice
Joe Ley Antiques - great furniture and interesting objects
David Friedlander Antiques - Just around the corner from us
Peddlers Malls - there are 6 located around town but I like the one on Shelbyville Rd the best. (Pictured above)

Then 22 miles to the east of Louisville in Shelbyville Kentucky you can walk to all of these in two blocks.
Wakefield - Scearce - really fine antiques and silver in an old school house with a great place to eat too - called Science Hill
Ruby Rooster Antique Mall - lots of everything
Shelbyville Antique Mall

FRIENDLY BEAR IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:10:00 +0000

Just recently a beautiful bear appeared in our neighborhood. When a large pin oak had to be cut down in this wonderful little green space called Windy Hills Green, the neighbors came up with a way to save part of the tree and add an unusual piece of art work to the park. They contacted a chain saw artist named T.C. Gill from Illinois who carved this huge statue of a bear out of the remaining 25 foot tree trunk.
I love to drive by and see him standing proudly in the park. It will make you smile. So if you get a chance take a look. He's located at the corner of Rudy Lane and Brownsboro Road.

Art and Cultural Happenings this March

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 15:55:00 +0000

Louisville is well known throughout the world for the thriving art and cultural scene. Visual and performing arts flourish in this town. Contemporary and classic theatre productions, new and ongoing gallery shows and museum exhibitions, and even hands on seminars and workshops are available anytime.

The West Main Street area is is nicknamed museum row because of the grouping of museums housed in the marvelous 1900 era cast iron front buildings. Originally this area was a warehouse district where businesses lined the Main Street and backed up to the wharf along the Ohio River. Large steam boats would pull up to the wharf and cargo could be loaded and unloaded. Now these buildings have been restored and used for museums and galleries and restaurants. Park and walk along the street and gaze at the fronts of these buildings. Then visit as many of the galleries and museums as your time will allow. The Frazier History Museum, Louisville Science Center, Kentucky Art and Craft Museum and Gallery, Louisville Slugger Museum, and Actors Theatre are all along the street. Also, many of these buildings now offer great food in locally owned restaurants.

One of the premier events, the Humana Festival of New American Plays opens February 27 and runs through mid April. The festival showcases the best new work from talented artists. Theatre lovers and critics from around the world converge in Louisville to get the first look at the future of the American theatre. Time magazine recently called this showcase, "The center of the theatre world" and the Los Angeles Times referred to it as "the Kentucky Derby of American theatre." Tickets are still available so call 502-584-1205 or visit www.actorstheatre.org

EXHIBITS IN LOUISVILLE

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:03:00 +0000

There are some really interesting new exhibits opening this month in Louisville.
STAR TREK:THE EXHIBIT just opened at the Louisville Science Center and runs through May 22. It's hard to believe that the TV series debuted in 1966! It introduced Americans to some incredible science fiction technology. Captain Kirk had his own wireless communicator...we now call that a cell phone. I'm hoping the wireless transporters come along soon. It would be much easier ( and think of the fuel savings )to beam myself over to the grocery store.
The 6,000 square foot exhibit includes elements from the five television series and 11 feature films. You can even sit in Kirk's original command chair and see a reproduction of the Transporter Room and the Starfleet Medical center and actual Star Trek props and models.

Beam me up Scotty!

IMPRESSIONIST LANDSCAPES: MONET TO SARGENT begins February 4 and runs through May 22 at the Speed Art Museum. Over 70 of the finest examples of mid nineteenth to early twentieth century impressionist landscapes from French and American artists are included. The exhibit is an in depth look at landscape painting from this period and features works from French artists Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet and American artists Frederick Childe Hassam and John Singer Sargent.

Easy and Romantic Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:45:00 +0000

SINFULLY RICH ALMOST FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

This cake is so easy and so delicious! We used to make this for every catering event held at Woodhaven. It will stand alone with just a dollop of whipped cream or can be covered with a caramel sauce or chocolate ganache ( or both!!!!) and sprinkled with red raspberries or strawberries. We even slathered it with seedless raspberry jam and then whipped cream sometimes.

Ingredients:
8 ounces bittersweet or semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup unsalted butter
2 teaspoons flour, divided
1/2 cup sugar
4 large eggs

Directions:
Melt the butter and chocolate in double boiler and remove from heat
Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Fill a 9x13 inch roasting pan or casserole halfway up with water and place pan in middle of oven
Lightly grease the sides and bottom of a 9 inch cake pan, and dust with 1 teaspoon of the flour. Cover the bottom of the pan with a piece of wax paper cut to fit.
Next place the sugar, eggs and remaining teaspoon of flour in an electric mixer and beat on high for two minutes.
Pour in the chocolate mixture and beat just until well mixed.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and carefully place the pan into the water bath in the oven.
Bake for about 75 minutes or until a light crust forms and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool the cake completely on a wire rack. Take out of the pan by first running a knife blade carefully around the edges. Place the plate you wish to serve the cake on over the top of the cake and turn the plate and cake over all at once. You will need to tap the cake pan a little and the cake will drop onto your plate. Remove the wax paper from the cake. Then place the cake in the refrigerator of at least 4 hours.
Garnish with whipped cream, berries, caramel or chocolate ...you can be really creative!

January is Relax and Rejuvenate Time

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:04:00 +0000

Taking time to relax and rejuvenate does not mean that you have to head to the beach or a swank and expensive spa. You can take just one or two days off and visit your favorite bed and breakfast instead. Here at Woodhaven we have whirlpool tubs to soak in, super cosy beds to curl up in, and books and magazines to read in comfy chairs in front of fireplaces. We even supply top of the line bath salts and cooling face masks. A warm steam shower is also a wonderful idea to help cleans the body and warm you on these cold winter days.

Another fabulous stress reliever is exercise. Nearby Brown Park is great for brisk walks and running. Or borrow our yoga video and try a calming stretch session in your room.

So bring your favorite wine - we supply glasses- and a good book and settle in for some much needed peace and quiet. Our rates are always a bargain but this time of the year when we are slower you can quiet often get the 20% off special.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 18:08:00 +0000

January is always a little quieter at the Inn. Everyone including the staff and me slow down from the hustle and bustle of shopping and partying and traveling. We spend the first week of the year taking down the Holiday decorations and getting all the buildings back in top shape.
It's also a good time for us to catch up with any renovation projects. This January we are spiffying the kitchen and adding new cabinets and counter tops. Our kitchen was originally the butlers pantry, with cabinets from ceiling to floor. The original cabinets are long gone and there are no photos to give us an idea of what it would have looked like, so we will do the best we can to represent 1853 with glass doors and cabinets all the way up 12 feet!
Pictures coming soon!

HOLIDAYS AT THE INN

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:21:00 +0000

I can't believe that there is just one more week before Christmas Day and then a short week until New Years! This coming week will be packed with shopping and visiting with family, friends and guests. Many of our guests during the holidays have been coming for many years. We look forward to seeing them and catching up on their lives and travels during the last year. And the parlor is filled with guests playing cards and talking over wine and liqueurs.

SOMETHING TO DRIVE THE COLD WINTER AWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:02:00 +0000

The weather outside so far this December is unusually cold and blustery! But the Inn is toasty warm and festively decorated and ready to welcome our winter guests. Recently while visiting my daughter Emilie out in their new home in Camus, Washington we had a special tea at the Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland. The weather was frightful there too! And it was such a nice break from our shopping to sit for awhile in this beautiful 1912 hotel.

We decided it would be just as nice to have a afternoon tea at Woodhaven. So during the months of December and January we are going to have a complimentary afternoon tea for our guests each Saturday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. We'll serve some traditional tea sandwiches and scones with clotted cream, and three different dessert items. Also we will have great choices of tea from England and Elmwood Inn.

A couple of years ago I found this CD by Lorenna McKennitt called "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" I have it playing right now and it gave me the idea for this post.

COMMERCIAL FOR THE SUPER BOWL FILMED AT WOODHAVEN

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:20:00 +0000

Just this past week the Inn was the location for a filming of a super bowl commercial. A very talented group of college students used our dining room to produce a short commercial for Doritos. It was a take off on Pride and Prejudice and just hilarious!
They then submitted the finished spot for the competition that the sponsors for the super bowl host for amateurs each year. You can take a look at all the hopefuls at www.crashthesuperbowl.com
If you want to take a peak at the one filmed here type in Darcy's Doritos and it will play for you.

BREEDERS CUP RACES THIS WEEKEND AT CHURCHILL DOWNS

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:46:00 +0000

Churchill Downs Race Track in Louisville will be the place to be this Friday and Saturday if you are a horse racing fan. The Breeders Cup brings in the top horses in the country for two days of great horse racing. This competition has been held at Churchill Downs more than any other race track in the country and attracts the largest crowds. The unbeaten filly, Zenyatta, arrived yesterday at the track and is a heavy favorite.
This year Churchill has a huge new light system in place for night racing. There will be special night racing days and other fun events at the track during the meet. For more information and details about these events just go to Churchill Downs website.
The Fall Meet runs October 31 through November 28. The Inn at Woodhaven is just 8 miles from the track too.

EVENTS AT THE FILSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY IN NOVEMBER

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:17:00 +0000

This month the Filson is having a series of lectures and exhibits all centered around the theme of Kentucky and Ohio River Valley portraits from 1802 - 1920.
The "Lessons in Likeness Events" include:
November 11
Opening of the Filson Portrait Exhibit 5:15 p.m. Reception
Lecture by Estill Curtis Pennington author of " Lessons in Likeness"
Guided audio tours of the exhibit will be available November 12 through March 31.

The Filson has been collecting, preserving and telling the stories of Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley history and culture since 1884. Thousands of people visit the Filson annually to conduct research, attend programs and lectures or tour the Ferguson mansion and Museuum. Visit their website at www.filsonhistorical.org or give them a call at 502-635-5083 for more information about special events.

DAY TRIP TO HUBERS ORCHARD

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha Burton) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:40:00 +0000

Just a 30 minute country drive from Louisville and Woodhaven is a you-pick-it farm called Hubers. I have been going for many years and taking friends and family for a nice drive and lunch. This time of the year you can pick your pumkin out in the field or take the easy route and choose from the abundant selection they have ready to go. Other goodies include fresh apple cider, caramel apples, homemade fruit pies, apple butter.... and my favorite warm pumpkin doughnuts!
They also have a hay ride out to the apple and pumkin patches and lots of old trackers for the kids to sit on.