Holiday Gift Guide for the Small Business Shopper
The best local gifts for Kentuckians!
This year, I’ve decided to do something a little different. Rather than typical blogger gift guides — we all know that you can get Diptyque candles at Nordstrom if you care to spend that much for them — I’ve put together a set of gift guides that speak to the interests of HerKentucky fans. No link in this post generate affiliate income. I do have a professional relationship with many of the businesses mentioned in this post and may have received products for promotional consideration in the past. However, no placements in this list were in exchange for payment or product. As always, I appreciate all businesses that help keep HerKentucky running, and all opinions are my own.}
It’s Small Business Saturday, a day celebrating the important role of independently owned businesses. I’ve put together a list of products and services from some of my very favorite Kentucky small businesses. Some of these are HerKentucky business partners; all are places where we personally shop.
Logan’s of Lexington: Logan’s is known for fine menswear and fabulous UK gear. While they’re technically a store for guys, I find plenty of great stuff for myself every time I visit. This Barbour merino-cashmere tartan scarf is one of Bob’s most-worn accessories!
Quest Outdoors: Louisville’s classic outdoor outfitter. My Barbour Beadnell Polarquilt Jacket is from Quest; they were fantastic about placing a special order in the size and color that worked for me! BARBOUR WOMEN'S BEADNELL POLARQUILT JACKET
Craft(s) Gallery and Mercantile: This Louisville-based gallery and boutique is co-owned by one of my dearest friends. They carry a sophisticated assortment of art and gifts. I love this piece, Houston Llew Spiritiles – 052 ‘Ms.’
Anchal: I love the women of Anchal. I adore their commitment to improving the lives of women. And their products are simply exquisite, like this triangle quilt throw.
Allsports: Lexington’s locally-owned sports store. The sweetest staff, and the best UK athleisure pieces! I’m all about this Ladies Kentucky Columbia Mountainside Fleece.
Stoneware & Co: I’ve collected Stoneware for as long as I can remember. I love visiting the showroom and seeing local artisans hand-paint each piece. I always find that the holidays are a great time to ask for pieces in my Bachelor Button pattern, like this 12" Salad Bowl.
Needlepoint by Laura : A great Lexington-based needlepoint canvas company! I promise, if someone on your list loves to needlepoint, then one of Laura’s canvases would be a great gift. this horse racing cuff bracelet kit is a great, self-finishing kit!
Campus Quilt: A t-shirt memory quilt from Campus Quilt is an incredible gift. Your favorite tees are transformed into the highest-quality quilt you can imagine. I love mine!
Joseph Beth: It’s truly not a trip to Lexington without a trip to Joseph-Beth. Their selection of Kentucky-themed books and gifts is outstanding! A Joseph-Beth gift card is great for nearly anyone on your list!
Magnolia Aesthetics: The absolute prettiest place to get pretty. Who wouldn’t want a facial for Christmas — or for herself?
Peppermint Palm: With locations in Lexington and Louisville, The Peppermint Palm is Kentucky’s locally-owned Lily Pulitzer Signature Store. My mom always loves the silk Elsa top or the Skipper popover!
Sweet Mash Goods: The cutest boutique in Lawrenceburg! The exclusive Bourbon & Boweties Barrel Bangle is my go-to bourbon-tasting bracelet.
Steepleton: If you’re in the market for a billiard table, jacuzzi, or Big Green Egg, then this is your place! We had a fantastic experience with purchasing our Egg and its accessories from Steepleton!
Plehn’s: Plehn’s Bakery has been a Louisville staple for 96 years. I love taking a Plehn’s cake to holiday events; everyone loves them!
Pappy & Co and Maizie Clarke: Every time I walk into Pappy & Co, I want one of everything. The lifestyle brand for storied Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon has some of the most elegant and beautiful local pieces I’ve seen. The hand-illustrated Pappy & Company holiday ceramic ornament by Louisville artist Maizie Clarke (who is as sweet as she is talented!) is the most delightful collaboration!
Volare Italian Ristorante: Volare is, hands down, my favorite restaurant in Louisville. Beyond their excellent pasta, you can count on amazing fish specials and the best steak in town. A gift card to Volare would be a fabulous gift for any Kentucky foodie.
For Pete’s Sake Pottery: For Pete’s Sake Pottery features beautiful pieces fired in a backyard kiln right here in St. Matthews! I love this Blue and White Floral Ceramic Pitcher.
Elva Fields: I’m obsessed with Elva Fields jewelry, not only because the pieces are unique and amazing, but also because owner-designer Emily Maynard is one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. Elva necklaces are show-stoppers; I treasure mine.
St Matthews Feed & Seed: The Feed & Seed has been in business for 99 years, and they’re the absolute best place for plants and garden decor. They’re also our friends and neighbors; there’s something pretty special about a place where everyone stops to pet our dogs as we walk by!
Joseph’s Salon: I can’t say enough about the amazing service I get at Joseph’s Salon. Order a gift card and see for yourself!
Rockcastle River Trading Company Jon Carloftis is one of my very favorite people. Visit his family farm or order his limited edition Stoneware & Co planters.
Ouita Michel Restaurants: Give the gift of central Kentucky’s best food. Gift Cards aren’t available online; credit card orders are taken by phone, (859) 469-8234, or Email.
Please & Thank You: Take some of Louisville’s best chocolate chip cookies to your next holiday party.
Castle & Key: I see a lot of bourbon gear. This Apolis Support Farmers Market Bag from Castle & Key is the best piece I’ve seen this year.
Hi-Five Doughnuts: The best doughnuts. The best people. Bring a dozen to any gathering and I promise you’ll be everyone’s favorite person.
What’s on y’all’s local shopping gift list?
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A Taste of the Races at Keeneland
Shop Keeneland for your Spring Meet needs!
{Some links in this post are affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC may receive a small profit when you click product links, at no cost to the reader.)
Keeneland's Spring Meet is only a few days away, y'all! There's something so special about Keeneland -- the beautiful track, the opportunity to run into so many friends, and the excitement of the races! Absolutely nothing compares to a spring day at Keeneland!
To get you ready for the race season, the Keeneland Shop has an amazing shopping event coming up this week! This Wednesday and Thursday, you'll get 20% off your on-site purchase at the Keeneland Shop. They have so much good stuff, y'all -- favorites like Barbour and Draper James, as well as Keeneland-branded originals. m. The premiere evening, Wednesday April 4, offers hors d'oeuvres prepared by Keeneland Executive Chef Marc Therrien, as well as Maker's Mark and Gents Original Ginger Ale craft cocktails.
I was so excited that Keeneland Shop sent me this stunning platter and plates set by Dishique along with an invitation to the event! What a perfect way to serve up spring appetizers for race season!
As for shopping, I have my eye on some CatStudio Keeneland merchandise. I seriously LOVE this pillow!
There's even a little CatStudio gift for attendees of Wednesday's event. The first 250 attendees will receive their complimentary cocktail in a Keeneland catstudio glass! How cute is this?
Louisville Stoneware mugs are my all-time favorites! This Keeneland logo design is amazing.
Shop the Draper James Keeneland Capsule Collection!
If I haven't already sold you on this event, there's also a Draper James Capsule Collection of Limited Edition Keeneland merchandise! That Key Fob is a must-have!!
I hope to see y'all at the Keeneland Shop's Taste of the Races. Happy Racing Season, y'all!!
The 5 Kentucky Festivals That'll Make You Look Forward to this Weekend
This weekend's top summer festivals!
Here in Kentucky, we love to celebrate things. Any old excuse will do, really. It seems that this weekend, we've got lots to celebrate. There are festivals all over the Commonwealth this weekend, celebrating everything from Corvettes to Corn. Here are five upcoming Kentucky-based Festivals that will make you look forward to this weekend.
- Forecastle. The rock star of Kentucky festivals. Three days of music, local art, and general hippie fun. Headlined by hometown heroes My Morning Jacket and jam band favorites Widespread Panic, Forecastle is Louisville's very own answer to Bonnaroo. July 17-19, Louisville.
- Shriners Bluegrass Festival. Love old-timey bluegrass? Want to camp out in Carter County? This one's for you. July 16-18, Olive Hill
- National Corvette Homecoming. The Corvette is Kentucky's car. This weekend, a whole bunch of Corvette owners are driving to Bowling Green, where it all begins. Vendors, parades, car shows and more. July 16-18, Bowling Green.
- BreyerFest. You know those Breyer horses that were always at the toy store when you were a kid? They looked neat, and you always knew that SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE collected them. Well, this weekend at the Horse Park, all of those somebodies are in one place. July 17-19, Lexington.
- Augusta Riverfest Regatta: Everything from a 5K and beauty pageant to live music. Oh, and of course, boats. It is a regatta, after all. July 17-18, Augusta.
The ultimate festival accessory: The Barbour Picnic Rug.
Of course, you can't just wear anything to a festival; you need a look that incorporates layers, protection from the elements, and a sense of effortless chic. Fedoras and maxi dresses, wellies or sneakers, funky tees and of course sunglasses are in order. We've put together a festival style guide below! (And, if you'll be in Louisville on Thursday, don't miss Kentucky for Kentucky's festival gear pop-up at Hound Dog Press!)
Shop the Look: Summer Festival Style
Are you taking in any fun Kentucky festivals this summer?