Celebrate National Beer Day with a Kentucky Twist!
Today is National Beer Day -- the observance of the day 82 years ago when the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect, lifting the Prohibition on beer sales and consumption. These days, you can find a beer to suit any palate, and here in Kentucky, local microbreweries are producing some unique and delicious brews.
Of course, you can't talk Kentucky beer without mentioning the Hofbräuhaus in Newport. They're only trying to recreate the ducal brewery of 16th century Munich, NBD. Lofty aspirations aside, this place is fantastic. The food. The beer. More food. More beer. Y'all, it's just so good. Get the Jägerschnitzel. And the Schwarzwälder Kirsch Torte. And the Hefe Weizen. My next visit, I want to try the hot-brown-on-a-potato-cake situation; I can't imagine that it would be anything other than amazing.
Kentucky Ale's Bourbon Barrel Ale is my very favorite local beer. It's actually aged for up to six weeks in bourbon barrels, so it takes on the rich notes of vanilla and charred oak that are so familiar to bourbon drinkers. If you're in Louisville, head out to Coal's Artisan Pizza in St Matthews for a Bourbon Barrel Ale with your pizza. Same goes for Feast BBQ. Or pretty much anyplace else you see it on tap. It really adds an interesting, distinctly "Kentucky" flair to classic pub food.
If you love stouts and coffee (and I do!), then it stands to reason that you'll love coffee stouts. The limited edition Heine Brothers' Stout at Bluegrass Brewing Company is an oatmeal stout that adds the flavor of the Derby City's favorite coffee.
These are just a few of my favorites, but there are so many other awesome microbreweries to mention. Lexington's West Sixth has been a game-changer in bringing quality local beer to central Kentucky. Country Boy Brewing, also located in Lexington, wins the "best name ever!" award with its Cougar Bait brew. There's talk of a microbrewery opening near my hometown! And my favorite Paducah native tells me that when you're in the Purchase area, you MUST try Dry Ground Brewing.
Here's to drinking locally! Cheers, y'all!
Ten Things You Must Do in Louisville This Spring!
So, here's the thing: Louisville is AMAZING in April and May. The trees are in bloom, and Derby's just around the corner, and there are countless excuses to have a party or just to get outside and enjoy the weather. Here are 10 things you absolutely must do in Louisville this Spring.
- Take a walk on the Big Four Bridge.
- Attend a Derby Hat Event. I recommend the YWC's Charity Derby Hat Sale.
- Drive River Road all the way from Downtown to Oldham County. Preferably at sunset. Bonus points if you can locate Sue Grafton's house.
- Go for a walk in Cherokee Park.
- Take a cruise on the Belle of Louisville.
- Take in the Balloon Glow.
- Skip Thunder altogether. The crowds and all those people? For fireworks? No thank you.
- Go to the Flea off Market. Or the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair. Or any other opportunity to shop outside.
- Attend the Fillies Ball.
- Visit a Chow Wagon.
Happy Spring, y'all!
The HerKentucky Guide to the Blue Grass Stakes
It's an amazing weekend here in the Bluegrass State! The 'Cats are in the Final Four, family and friends are in town for Easter and Passover, and it's Blue Grass Stakes day at Keeneland!
1957 Blue Grass Stakes (image via Keeneland)
If you find yourself at the race track today, you can anticipate a huge crowd, even by "Saturdays at Keeneland" standards. The eighty-ninth running of the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes will commence this afternoon at 6:00 p.m. The Blue Grass Stakes (G1), is perhaps the most important race of Keeneland's racing year, generating at least one Derby contender. That's a lot of information to take in, but it's pretty easy to talk about Big Races like a pro. Here's what you need to know:
1941 Blue Grass Stakes. (Image via Keeneland.)
Graded Races
- Obviously, the really fast horses run in the big money, high stakes races. These races are graded by purse amounts. (A "purse" is the total amount of money paid out to the owners of the winning horses. Usually, horses placing first through fifth are eligible for a portion of the purse.)
- Any race considered for grading must have a total purse value of at least $75,000. The Grades are "Listed" -- at least $75K; "Grade III" -- at least $100K; "Grade II" -- at least $150K; and "Grade I" -- at least $200K.
- The Blue Grass Stakes is a Grade I Race with a $500,000 purse.
1970 Blue Grass Stakes (image via Keeneland)
Derby Prep
- Purse earnings formerly determined horses' eligibility for the Kentucky Derby. As of this racing season, horses qualify for Derby through a points system. You can find the entire list of Derby qualifying races here.
- The winner of the Blue Grass Stakes is awarded 100 points and is guaranteed a slot in the Kentucky Derby. This is the highest point-value race run in Kentucky.
1937 Blue Grass Stakes (image via Keeneland)
Blue Grass Stakes Stats
- The Blue Grass Stakes was first staged in 1911.
- The race is 1 1/8 miles and is run on synthetic turf.
- The fastest time for the current Stakes distance is 1:47.94, as run by Dullahan in 2012.
- The Blue Grass Stakes is currently sponsored by Toyota.
- There are 14 horses (and one "also-eligible") in this year's field. You can study their stats here.
One more tip: Wear the cutest dress you own, because everybody will be at the track today!
Happy Racing!
The Most Bluegrass State Weekend Ever!
Happy Friday, y'all!
Spring in Kentucky is the best. I mean, THE BEST. The weather is gorgeous, and the festivities are seemingly never-ending. There's Keeneland, and Derby Festival, and Derby, and ALL THE BASKETBALL. Here in Kentucky, we're like kids in a candy store, if the candy store had wagering windows and bourbon cocktails. While the official start of spring was a few weeks ago, this weekend is the kickoff to Spring in the Bluegrass, marked by the Final Four and Keeneland's Opening Day
Our friends at the Prickly Pear have just stocked the absolute cutest shirt to help you celebrate The Most Bluegrass State Weekend Ever.
Headed to the UK game? It's totally appropriate.
Watching the game at home or out with friends? Perfect.
Going to Opening Day? Probably not appropriate, but great for the post-track nap.
If you're in Louisville, head out to The Prickly Pear in Middletown to pick one up. If you're out of town, give them a shout at (502) 254-7327 to order one!
Happy Bluegrass Weekend, y'all!
What to Wear to the Final Four
Hey y'all. I hope as many of y'all as possible are heading to Indy this weekend for the Final Four! We need to give our 'Cats as much of a home-court advantage as possible!
If you are headed up I-65 this weekend, HerKentucky has the scoop for you! We've already told you what to plan to do; now we're giving you the skinny on what to wear.
First off, bags. If you're heading into Lucas Oil Stadium for the Final Four, you need to watch the baggage. They're not kidding around about what you can or can't bring in to the game, y'all.
Trust me on this one. I'll neither confirm nor deny the reports that I once got turned away from the Music City Bowl for having a large doctor bag-style purse. Here are my picks for the best Final Four-approved bags, ranging from the wish list Prada bag to one under $30.
Now that we've got that out of the way, it's time to talk clothes.
Many of us had the good fortune to take in a game at the Yum Center. That was all suites and running into colleagues, so we dressed it up. I went with a Kentucky blue Lilly Pulitzer Elsa top from The Peppermint Palm for UK-Cincinnati and my Maya Brenner Kentucky pendant.
This time around, though, there's no bosses or special seats. It's a road trip to the BIGGEST GAMES OF THE YEAR. We're all going with comfy jeans, sneakers, and the cutest Kentucky gear. High Street Fly has some of the cutest Kentucky-themed tops I've ever seen.
The weather forecast for Indy this weekend is for sunny skies and temps in the high fifties and lower sixties. I always think it's a good idea to throw in a sweatshirt. (Then again, I'm the lady who's gotten tagged for heavy baggage for packing a sweater to the Mayan desert in April, to Vegas in August, and the list goes on...)
The College Town Sweatshirt is so perfect. Laid-back, vintage-style, and so soft-looking.
This Cursive Kentucky Women's Tee is the cutest mix of vintage jersey style with a flirty script.
The Legacy Tee is my personal fave. I wore it for the UK-WVU game, so it's officially my lucky game day tee! Here's hoping it brings a similar score against the Badgers!
Happy packing, safe travels, and Go 'Cats!!
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.
MKG, #BBN for life.
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?
Mime by Man Ray
- 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!!