Blogger {View} Wednesday: Josh Johnson of The Kentucky Gent
Today's Blogger{view} Wednesday interview is with Josh Johnson, known to the blog world as The Kentucky Gent. I'd describe Josh's style as urban hipster with a dash of Southern charm; he's always the first on the scene to check out Louisville's latest hot spots. And, as I recently told my friend Emily, Josh's man-bun is just as awesome in person as it is on his blog! Thanks so much to Josh for answering a few questions for us!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a 20 something creative living and working in Louisville who happened upon blogging kind of by accident, but it’s quickly turned into the hardest, yet best job that I’ve ever had. I’ve gone on to work with global brands like H&M as well as local companies like 21c.
How did The Kentucky Gent get started?
Originally the blog started as a way to show that guys from Kentucky have more style than people would normally assume. Since then it’s grown from just a personal style blog into a men’s fashion and lifestyle blog which encompasses all facets of my life including fashion, food, and booze.
What’s your favorite thing about Kentucky?
Hm. Hard to say one thing, but being from Louisville I’d have to say that my favorite thing is that I get to be part of the renaissance we’re going through currently. The city has definitely grown leaps and bounds over the last few years, and we’re showing no signs of stopping.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a blog?
Don’t stand in your own way. You’ll come up with 101 reasons why you shouldn’t start a blog, and just as many reasons as to why you can’t do it. Just do it. Also - invest in people that are 100% on your team.
Now the important questions:
1. Cats or Cards?
I always root for Louisville since I call it home, but I’m one Kentuckian who doesn’t go crazy over sports.
2. Louisville or Lexington?
Louisville
3. What’s your favorite bourbon?
4. What’s your favorite local restaurant?
5. What’s your favorite local shop?
Hard to pick just one, but it’s between Regalo, Revelry, and Scout on Market.
The Kentucky Fan's Guide to the Indianapolis Final Four
My beau and I are heading up 1-65 to the Final Four this weekend. I'm guessing we won't be the only Kentucky fans heading to Indianapolis. I'm also guessing we won't be the only ones deliberately mispronouncing it "In De Annapolis", Charles Barkley-style, all weekend.
I've got to say, it's my first trip to Indianapolis and my first trip to the Final Four. I'm pretty pumped, and I'd say that those of y'all who are lucky enough to be making the trip, are too. Now, I'm sure you have your tickets and hotel rooms. But, do you know what you're doing when the games aren't playing? Here's HerKentucky's picks for the Final Four Weekend.
The Capital One FanFest will run Friday through Monday, featuring entertainment, food and celebrity autographs. Go with the Buffalo Wild Wings; skip the meet and greet with Christian Laettner.
Traveling north Friday?
- Check out Kentucky's Open Practice at 3 p.m. Catch the 'Cats in action the day before the big game.
- Catch the AT&T Block Party featuring Weezer and Imagine Dragons.
- Go see Katt Williams at the Indiana Farmers Pavilion
- Super-size your basketball weekend by taking in an NBA game. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's Charlotte Hornets take on the Indiana Pacers.
Taking in the sights on Saturday?
- Run the Northwestern Mutual Road to the Final Four® 5K
- Rihanna is playing the Coke Zero Countdown at 8:15, but I'm guessing you'll already be at the arena for the game.
- The Big Game is the main attraction, of course. The Cats take on Wisconsin at 8:45.
Staying in town on Sunday?
- Take the kiddos to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
- Love modern art? Check out the Rise of American Modernism and the Roy Lichstenstein exhibition at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
- Country music your thing? The Capital One JamFest features Kacey Musgraves, Lady Antebellum, and the Zac Brown Band.
Calling in sick Monday?
- Visit the NCAA Hall of Champions for the 60 Years of the Men's Final Four by Photographer Rich Clarkson.
- Take in the Here Come the Mummies show at 6:45
- And, for the main event, watch UK bring home the National Title!
Don't forget to buy plenty of souvenirs, and GO BIG BLUE!!
HerKentucky's Guide to the Best Coffee in Kentucky
It was a crazy weekend here in the Bluegrass State. The Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals played some amazing, down-to the wire basketball in the Elite Eight, and nobody got very much sleep. With the 'Cats headed to the Final Four in Indianapolis this weekend and Keeneland's Opening Day on Friday, we're all going to be packing as much work as possible into the first four days of this week. We're all going to need a serious caffeine fix, y'all. Here are a few of my suggestions.
Best espresso drink: Sunergos cappuccino from Atlantic No. 5. A locally brewed roast served up with perfectly steamed, milk, you're in luck, but make sure you can handle big flavors and a serious caffeine jolt. This isn't for amateurs.
Best French press: Ghyslain. I'm really into French presses and pour-overs these days. You get so much more flavor from the coffee oils and packs a powerful punch. My favorite is the dark roast French press from Ghyslain, the fabulous bistro with two Louisville locations.
Best cup of drip: (tie) Coffee Times. I adore the artisanal blends from this Lexington coffee shop. The blends are smooth, subtle, and inviting. You'll always see somebody you know. You'll love it, I promise.
Lizzie B's: Glory be! I can finally get a great cup of coffee when I visit my hometown. Prestonsburg's favorite cafe serves up an amazing cup of drip. Don't miss out!
Best mug: Louisville Stoneware. I love Louisville Stoneware, and these are some of my favorite mug designs. Bachelor Button, the classic Stoneware pattern, is my personal favorite. The I'd Rather Be Drinking Bourbon design is on my to-buy-soon list, and the UK mug is a great reminder of why you're working for the weekend.
Keep the caffeine flowing, y'all. A fabulous sporting weekend will be here before you know it!
Ten Signs that You're Lexington for Life
This morning, my beau and I made a quick trip to Lexington for some meetings. I quickly noted that everyone around us had totally panicked and forgotten how to drive as soon as they saw the first raindrop, but the city's charm quickly redeemed itself when the University NPR affiliate started playing a 2008 interview with Mr Keightley about the '78 Wildcats. As I cut through campus on Cooper Drive, driving past several coffee shops because only the Chevy Chase Starbucks would do, it hit me: no matter how long you stay away from the LEX, if you're a Lexington person, you're Lexington for life.
Here are 10 sure-fire signs that you're Lexington for Life.
1. You'll drive an extra 20 minutes to avoid New Circle Road.
2. You can't remember actually buying UK gear. It's just always been in your closet.
3. There's only one "fancy occasion fried chicken"; they serve it at the Merrick Inn.
4. You know several people who watch the Derby at Keeneland every year.
5. You associate each Kentucky county with someone you know who grew up there.
6. You know Ramsey's serves the best food in town, but you can't quite describe the menu.
7. It just seems like so much trouble to drive to Louisville.
8. You own (or have made) at least one needlepoint belt, and you know why it's a relationship-killer.
9. If you need to do some serious shopping, you go to Cincinnati.
10. Special occasions call for some combination of Maker's Mark, country ham biscuits, Magee's cake, and Spalding's donuts. It would be rude to substitute these essentials.
Blogger {View} Wednesday: Mindy Rohr of Love, Lexington
Today, we're starting an exciting new feature here on HerKentucky. Blogger{View} Wednesday will introduce y'all to our favorite Kentucky bloggers -- folks who are taking the internet by storm with their style, sass, and love for the Commonwealth. today, we're talking to Mindy Rohr, the fabulous blogger behind Love, Lexington. Mindy's website reads like a love letter to Lexington -- an exploration of the latest trends in food and drink, snapshots of the city's gorgeous scenery, and tips on the greatest Kentucky-themed swag. And did I mention Mindy's stunning SJP-esque ombre hair? Thanks so much to Mindy for taking some time to chat with us!
Tell us about yourself.
Hi I’m Mindy, the blogger behind Love Lexington. I was born and raised right here in Lexington, Kentucky. I love traveling and checking off places I’ve never been (like Napa this summer!) I am a horrible cook (note why we eat out so often)…our fridge and pantry usually only have tea, Hershey Kisses (dark chocolate only please…and yes we keep them in the fridge!), and cheddar skinny pop. What else does one need to survive? Bourbon…we always have bourbon on hand. I’m obsessed with my dogs! They really are the best and bring so much happiness into our lives. My favorite food is so cliché but I’d choose pizza over everything!
How did Love, Lexington get started?
Love Lexington came to me as an idea after reading the “Love Letter to Lexington” (published in the Huffington Post and written by my friend Megan Smith). Having personally deciding a few years back to get out of my Hamburg neighborhood and experience more of the downtown Lexington, Mr. Love Lexington and I started trying all the new local restaurants, going to Thursday Night Live every week, and just making a point to be a part of the growing downtown scene. Friends had suggested that we write a food/review blog but I didn’t want to be a food critic…I’m not into bashing anyone. From all that, Love Lexington was born. Ideally it is a love letter from Lexington to its people…and a way for me to share all the things I love about our city!
What’s your favorite thing about Kentucky?
My favorite thing about Kentucky is how absolutely stunning our state is! The beautiful rolling hills, the horse farms, the historic little towns…it is simply breath taking!
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a blog?
For someone just starting out, I would recommend using a free site like Blogger or WordPress. It can get expensive to purchase a hosting site, a url, a theme, etc. and might feel overwhelming. Once you have figured out the technical part of getting a blog up and going, then you have to find your voice. Most readers relate to bloggers who write as if they are having a conversation. There is a lot of competition in the blog world…your voice is what will make you stand out.
People will say you do not need a good camera to take good photos…but I disagree. If a blog has low quality photos I am less likely to revisit the site. If you are serious about your blog (and photos are a necessity i.e., fashion, food) then invest in a starter DSLR or a similar camera (I started with a Nikon1). Once you have the camera, you must learn how to use it…if not, you might as well keep using your iPhone because you won’t be able to tell much different.
People will say and do the most random things. They think that because you are behind a computer screen that common etiquette doesn’t apply. They say things they would never say to a person in real life. Try to not let that bother you and if you truly love blogging then Keep On, Keeping On. The haters will move on and you will find people to follow you because they are behind what you are doing.
Now the important questions:
Cats or Cards? I bleed blue!
Louisville or Lexington? Should I even answer this?? ☺ Lexington…duh!
What’s your favorite bourbon? I’m not super picky when it comes to bourbon. I like Maker’s Mark in my diet coke; Woodford, Noah’s Mill, or Four Roses small batch in my cocktails. When I’m feeling cheap it’s not below me to order a good ol’ Kentucky Tavern and diet Ale-8!
Where’s your favorite local restaurant? If I have to choose only one and only one…I couldn’t live without County Club.
What’s your favorite local shop? My favorite “local” shop has to be High Street Fly. I cannot get enough of their awesome t-shirts. I do love Morton James too…my husband and pocket book however do not☺.
Check out Love Lexington for a dose of Lexington love!
Eight Things to Do in Kentucky This Week if You Hate March Madness
This time of year, I think of nothing but basketball. In fact, I go through withdrawal pains on the days that I don't get to watch a game. But, they tell me that everybody doesn't love March Madness. For those of y'all who simply can't handle any more college basketball, here are the best events going on in Kentucky this week.
Monday:
Woodsongs Old-TIme Radio Hour 800th Broadcast (Lexington): Join Asleep at the Wheel at the Lyric Theatre tonight for Woodsongs' 800th broadcast.
Tuesday:
Tea Tuesday at Waveland (Lexington): If basketball isn't your cup of tea, why not enjoy an actual cup of tea at historic Waveland mansion, along with a tour of the home?
Wednesday:
UK SAB Women of the World Lecture with Rosario Dawson (Lexington): SAB’s Multicultural Affairs Committee invites you to come listen to actress and Latina activist Rosario Dawson on March 25 at 8 p.m. in Memorial Hall. This event will be a continuation of the Women of the World Series, a series that celebrates a diverse group of successful women in various forms of power
Thursday:
Taste of Home Cooking Show (Owensboro): Taste of Home’s Culinary Specialist (Dana Elliot) will be at the Owensboro Convention Center on Thursday to share her home cooking tips and tricks while demonstrating step-by-step recipes for the season’s best dishes. This season’s event is brought to Owensboro by the Messenger-Inquirer.
Macy's Kentucky Derby Festival Spring Fashion Show (Horseshoe Casino): For the trendy set, the Macy’s Kentucky Derby Festival Spring Fashion Show is Kentuckiana’s premiere fashion showcase of the year. The Fashion Show features a runway of the latest in Derby and spring outfits and accessories by fashion brands and local boutiques.
Friday:
Creative Mornings (Louisville): If you didn't stay up too late watching the Kentucky game, you can make it to The Pointe for a talk with Hound Dog Press about "Ink", and so much more.
A Visit with the Spirits of Wickland (Bardstown): If the U of L game isn't your thing, experience the history and mystery of Wickland, Home of Three Governors. Take a 90 minute paranormal family-friendly tour which includes the opportunity to interact through a psychic medium and the friendly spirits who once lived there.
That High Lonesome Sound (Louisville): Actors Theatre hosts a theatrical album of scenes created for the Acting Apprentice Company, in which four writers respond with playfulness and poignancy to the signature sounds, inherited stories, and cultural impact of Kentucky's signature music tradition, bluegrass.
Eight Things to Know About the Kentucky Boys' Basketball Sweet Sixteen
Here in Kentucky, March Madness doesn't just mean the college basketball tournament. We take our high school basketball games pretty darned seriously, too. In honor of the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen, here's some tournament trivia. Did you know that:
- The first statewide championship high school boys' basketball game was played in 1917; Owensboro defeated Somerset 12-9 in that matchup.
- Two teams hold the record for most Sweet Sixteen titles. Lexington's Henry Clay and Lafayette High Schools hold six titles, respectively.
- The venue for the first two Championship games was Centre College in Danville.
- The Kentucky High School Athletic Association holds the trademark for the phrase Sweet Sixteen.
- In a story worthy of a feel-good sports film, Simon Kenton High School won the 1981 Sweet Sixteen just a few months after the high school building was destroyed in a tragic explosion.
- Kentucky's Sweet Sixteen is one of only three high school basketball tournaments without a class system dividing small schools and larger schools into separate championships. (The other two states are Hawaii and Delaware.)
- Two players have been named Sweet Sixteen Most Valuable Player for two consecutive years. These honors went to Richie Farmer of Clay County in 1987 and 1988 and to Jermaine Brown of Fairdale in 1990 and 1991.
- The 1963 State Champion Seneca Red Hawk team boasted future Boston Celtic Mike Redd and future Washington Bullet Wes Unseld. Diane Sawyer was a member of Seneca's cheerleading squad that year.