Louisville Highlands News

The Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe adds that special treat to living in the Highlands!

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

What confectionary delights will you find at the Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe in the Highlands?

Life in the Highlands community of Louisville was already pretty great, but with the addition of a new candy store, it’s downright sweet.

Timeless homes, ongoing entertainment, the best restaurants and local stores in the area – what more could you need? Now there’s a delicious candy store right in the heart of the Highlands. The Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe, at 1583 Bardstown Rd., is a great addition to the neighborhood. They have gourmet chocolates, all kinds of hard-to-find candies, specialty sodas, yummy gummies, and a great range of bulk candies for any occasion. Stop in today and grab a treat for every sweet tooth in the family!

This new store is just another reason to love life in the Highlands. If you’re looking to buy your next home in the Highlands area, don’t let the current market scare you! We’d love to help you find your dream home in this fabulous community. Talk to an agent today about how to make the Highlands your next home, sweet home!

 [Source: thesweetspotcandyshoppeky.com]

Highlands Festival Another Reason to Love Life in the Neighborhood

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

The Highlands Festival provides fun for the whole family!

When you live in the Highlands, there’s never a shortage of fun ways to engage with the community. Regularly, there are concerts, family events and special festivals popping up around the area, further proving that the Highlands is one of Louisville’s best places to live, work and experience the city.

The September Highlands Festival is one such event that is fun for everyone – and maybe just a short walk from your new Highlands home!

On Saturday, September 8, beginning at 1 p.m., the whole family is invited to experience the Highlands at its best, with lots of great food, a covered beer garden, your favorite local artisans’ goods, a super fun kid area, and live music throughout the day. The activities will take place along the 900 Block of Baxter Avenue in the Highlands, from Highland to Broadway.

And while you’re finding yet another reason to love living in the Highlands, don’t forget the area stores, restaurants, coffee shops, schools, parks, and more that make the Highlands one of the best places to live in Louisville!

 [Source: Highlandsfest.com]

V-Grits and False Idol Independent Brewers Works Toward Opening in the Highlands

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

The Highlands: Making all your vegan dreams come true!

Louisville’s Highlands area is celebrating the upcoming opening of a local vegan restaurant and adjoining brewery. V-Grits and False Idol Independent Brewers will be opening this fall at the previous Monkey Wrench location in the Highlands.

While it was previously believed they’d open this summer, extensive renovations and improvements have taken up more time than anticipated, but the wait will be all be worth it when the doors are finally opened.

V-Grits is currently a highly demanded food truck provider, and their brick and mortar location in the Highlands will be able to serve more hungry vegetarians, vegans, and curious omnivores. This won’t be just another great restaurant and brewery, it’ll be a valuable opportunity to help demonstrate the delicious lifestyle vegans can enjoy.

Restaurants like these are just another reason why the Highlands is a great place to live, work, and play. This area of Louisville has it all – from live entertainment to unique dining experience, with plenty of fun for the whole family in between. The Highlands could be the perfect place for you to buy your next home – and then you’ll be able to get yummy, guilt-free foods and beer any time you want!

 [Source: Louisville Courier Journal]

“Vintage Banana” Clothing Store Fits the Neighborhood Feel

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

In the Highlands there’s a unique vintage clothing store. In with the old.

If any neighborhood knows what it’s like to take something old and unique, clean it up, and display it proudly, it’s the Highlands. That’s why the Vintage Banana clothing store at 1507 Bardstown Road (through the alley) is a perfect fit for the area. It’s one-of-a-kind, clean, and charming, and the store is a great place to help your wardrobe match your uniquely Highlands vibe.

Maybe you’re already dressed to the nines in your vintage threads, and you’re looking to buy a house in a matching neighborhood. The Highlands in Louisville might be just the location for you! Besides fabulous shops like Vintage Banana, there are plenty of specialty restaurants, local coffeehouses, scenic parks, and fun for the whole family, all within easy walking distance. Whether you’re searching for that authentic shotgun-style house or the modern, renovated home of your dreams, you can find it all in the Highlands.

Talk to an agent today about making the Highlands your home. Bell-bottoms not required.

 [Source: Louisville Magazine]

The Rise of Intentional Wall Art is Reflected in Highlands Neighborhoods

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

The writing on the wall says it all about the Highlands neighborhood.

You don’t have to drive far to discover one of Louisville’s hottest new trends – street art! Downtown, Portland, NuLu, near UofL, and Old Louisville are boasting more and more examples of these creative expressions on buildings, walls and other areas.

Some art reflects the businesses nearby or embraces the feel of the neighborhood. And some creative murals integrate wires and signs into the artwork. From simple designs to elaborate masterpieces, each piece of art reflects a piece of the city, its diverse population and its free-spirited artists.

In the Highlands, you can find everything from pairs of animals enjoying coffees together to dragons, hamburgers, zoo animals and catchy sayings. It’s just another one of those things that captures the heart, creativity, adventure, and deeply affectional weirdness of Louisville and the Highlands community.

 [Source: Insider Louisville]

[Source: Louisville Courier Journal]

A family-friendly musical event at Willow Park in Cherokee Triangle

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

Nothing is more fun in the summer than parks, family, and neighborhood concerts.

Have you been enjoying the summer concert series at Willow Park in Cherokee Triangle? The June events were great, and the July concerts promise to deliver just as much fun for the family, great music, and evenings of summer memories for years to come.

Come to one – or all – of the July concerts at the park! Remember, to keep these events fun for everyone, there’s no alcohol or pets permitted.

• July 8 – Rick Bartlett Band (Soul & R & B)
• July 15 –The Decades (60’s – 80’s Rock, Rock, Rock)
• July 22 –Wulfe Brothers & Wulfpack (Soul, R & B/Blues)
• July 29 – Will Cary (Nightcrawler Rock)

[Source: CherokeeTriangle.com]

A new restaurant offers Creole, Caribbean and Southern Comfort Selections

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

Visit Flavour Restaurant & Lounge in the Highlands.

The Highlands neighborhoods in Louisville are a special area for unique and creative goods, including an impressive range of fun dining. Where else could you find something like the new Flavour Restaurant & Lounge, which is located at 1767 Bardstown Rd.?

The restaurant specializes in three categories of foods: Creole, Caribbean and Southern Comfort. Just when you thought you could already find everything you could possibly want in Louisville, the Highlands adds another flavorful experience. Whether Louisville residents are craving crawfish, calamari or catfish, Flavour has it all!

Though the restaurant is closed on Monday and Tuesday, you can check out all that Flavour has to offer during these hours:
• 5-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday
• 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday
• 2-9 p.m. Sunday

This addition is just another reason to love the Highlands. It’s an adventurous area, filled with surprises around every corner. To buy or sell a house in this delightful neighborhood, contact an agent today about how to get started!

[Source: Louisville Courier Journal]

Louisville Has its First Electric Bike Shop
By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

Louisville’s first electric bike store is conveniently located in the Highlands.

Louisville is a great city for cyclists. Between designated bike lanes in some areas to the many parks and trails scattered throughout the city, there are endless options for bicycling enthusiasts. Bike racks are readily available, and the summer’s long days are perfect for evening rides.

Now, there’s another reason to get excited.

Louisville’s first electric bike store has opened in the Highlands. Pedego Electric Bikes is located at 1403 Bardstown Rd., and they sell or lease electric bikes equipped with a throttle and pedal assist. The cyclist sets the controls to best accommodate their specific needs. This feature is for the young and old – for anyone who wants to bike faster, longer!

Whether you’re exploring on a new electric bike or strolling through your neighborhood with you family, the Highlands in Louisville are perfect for enjoying the summer. Talk to an agent today about finding your next home in the Highlands. Electric bike not included.

[Source: WDRB]

A new plan proposes lane changes for greater driver, pedestrian safety

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

A redesign proposal for Bardstown Road could improve area safety.

Residents and guests to the Highlands have probably all experienced the stressful driving and walking conditions on Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue. Louisville Metro government has proposed a plan for the area that would provide permanent street parking, add more turning lanes, and create a designated sidewalk in a key area. The corridor in question is currently one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Kentucky for both drivers and pedestrians.

This could be great news for those looking to buy a house in the Highlands, as it could improve driving safety and pedestrian protection. It could also come with some slower traffic in some areas during rush hour, and an undetermined length of construction, but the Metro Government is hoping the delays could be minimized and the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences.

The plan is still many steps from approval, but it’s exciting to know that as the Highlands continue to thrive and grow, the City is looking at ways to create a safer space for the Highlands residents, guests and businesses.

[Source: Insider Louisville]

Cherokee Triangle’s Summer Concert Series Begins Memorial Day Weekend

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

Summer concerts in Cherokee Triangle are a treat for the community.

Just in case you needed another reason to be at Cherokee Park, the summer concert series is kicking off on Memoria Day weekend. The concerts will begin Memorial Day Monday at Cherokee Triangle from 7-9 p.m., and occur the following Sundays through July.

These concerts are great events for family fun, community, a beautiful Highlands-area park, and some fantastic music. Whether you’ve lived in Louisville for years or you’re visiting the area, this is a can’t-miss night of neighborhood happiness. While you’re there, you can walk through the scenic trails in the park, or journey on down to Bardstown Road for artisan coffee, lively night life, book stores and specialty shops. The Highlands has something for everyone, and it’s a thriving neighborhood that still maintains its charismatic charm.  

Louisville’s many parks, community events, arts and music festivals, friendly gatherings, and social amenities make it a terrific place to live and work. If you’re looking to find your next home in the Highlands area, we’d love to talk with you today about your options.

[Source: TheHighlandsofLouisville.com]

For Cat-Lovers Who Also Love Coffee

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

Does your purrfect day involve cats and coffee?

Louisville has a lot of coffee shops and cafés, but this summer, the Highlands will get Louisville’s first ever cat café! Purrfect Day Café will open its doors this summer at 1741 Bardstown Rd. The café - part coffee shop and part adoption center - will serve a full coffee line-up, plus beer, wine, and snacks.

Patrons can play with and pet the cats, who will live and lounge in the café. Every cat there will be available to adopt through the Kentucky Humane Society. Potential adopters will see the cats relaxed and in their natural environment, so they’ll have a good idea about the nature of any cat they decide to adopt into their home.

So whether you’re a cat-lover who likes to be able to enjoy their company over coffee or you’re hoping to bring home a new feline friend, the Purrfect Day Café will be the place to be! The owners are hoping to open their doors this June.

[Source: Louisville Business Journal]

When Your Home is Your Sanctuary

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

A former Highlands church receives new beginnings as a multi-family apartment unit.

Luxury apartments from upcycled spaces – you’ve seen it done with abandoned warehouses and industrial buildings. Now a historic church in the Highlands is joining the fun! The Sanctuary on Bardstown is a new, nine-unit apartment complex that used to be Calvary Lutheran Church.

The developers kept some of the unique details of the church, such as the beautiful stained-glass windows now artfully restored, but they converted the three stories into nine apartments and a potential restaurant for the high-end renter who loves a little history.

The Sanctuary on Bardstown has three studios, four one-bedroom units, and a couple two-bedroom apartments. Each unit has hard-wood floors.

[Source: Louisville Business Journal]

Councilman Brandon Coan wants help along the Bardstown Road/Baxter Avenue corridor.

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

One Louisville Councilmember wants to invest in continuing the good things that are happening in the Highlands.

As the Highlands continues to be a valuable commercial and residential area in Louisville, Councilman Brandon Coan has introduced a proposal to create a force of people dedicated to the Highlands businesses district.

The team would work with local law enforcement and parking authorities to focus on the area’s beauty and cleanliness. Coan recognizes the vitality of the area and wants Louisville to be proactive in helping it thrive even more.

Coan is hosting several public discussions to get things started. The meetings will be:

• Monday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. at HopCat
• Thursday, March 29 at 6:00 p.m.at the Highlands-Shelby Park Library
• Monday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Douglass Community Center Gym

[Source: WAVE3 News]

The 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Highlands will take place on Saturday, March 10 starting at 3PM.  Don your best green attire and join us for what’s often called the ‘people’s’ parade, as families join a mix of decorated vehicles and groups along the route.

The parade will kick off at 3 PM, starting at Phoenix Hill and ending at Mid-City Mall.   Come early so you can grab a good spot along the parade route.  There will be a lot of fun floats and groups in the parade this year, surely to entertain the wee lads and lassies.  Beads, candy and other trinkets will be handed out by the groups as they pass along the route.

After the parade, there will be an award presentation for best groups, held at O’Shea’s Irish Pub on Baxter Avenue. 

Courtesy of 93.1 Iheart The Beat

“Ramen Inochi” Will Open in Mid-March

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

The owners of the new ramen shop want to make one thing really well – ramen!

There’s no doubt that Louisville is a thriving foodie city, but the addition of a specialized ramen shop on 2009 Highland Ave. will certainly bring a new experience. The Highlands is a perfect area for “Ramen Inochi,” a restaurant seeking to do one thing very well – ramen.

Large cities are full of these kinds of shops, but this is a relatively new idea for the Louisville diners. And it’s ideal for those living in the Highlands. Because like so many other amenities in the area, it’s a convenient way to gain a whole new and delicious cultural experience. This is not your college-self’s ramen in a $0.25 packet – it’s an authentic, flavorful mastery of culinary senses!

Ramen Inochi will be open for dinner every night, with extra-late night dining on the weekends. They’ll serve mostly the traditional recipes with a few twists and fusions.

[Source: Insider Louisville]

Tips and Tricks for Designing the Interior of a Narrow, Open Home

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

So you grabbed up a fabulous shotgun house in the trendy Highlands area? Congratulations! Now, how do you decorate such a specific space? Here are a few fun tips that have worked for other shotgun house owners!

1. Less is More – For the narrow spaces of a shotgun house, big fixtures and furniture will overwhelm the space. Opt for a smaller sink, sofa, and bed than you might choose for a different style home.
2. Pick a Point – In each room of your home, pick a focal point and design around it. Some things you might consider include: fireplaces, headboards, tables, or light fixtures.
3. Multitask – Use the furniture in your rooms to create multi-functional spaces and common areas. For example, you can use a well-placed desk in a living room to help it double as an office, or add a high island in the kitchen for some additional seating.
4. Use Asymmetrical Layouts – To bring balance to your long, narrow spaces, combine several smaller furniture pieces to complement each larger piece.
5. Bring in the Light – To finish your design, think light! Use white or lightly colored paint on the walls, embrace the natural view from the windows, and add mirrors and other reflective piece to reflect the natural light.

[Source: Hunker]

The former Monkey Wrench building will soon be a brewery and Vgrits Food Co.

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

The former Monkey Wrench building will be the new home to a combined brewery and vegan restaurant. Credit: Kevin Gibson

Vgrits Food Co. has been a Louisville food truck staple for years, and this spring, the owners’ dream of opening a location will become a reality in the Highlands.

The new specialty restaurant hopes to open in April at an old Highlands favorite location, the former building of the Monkey Wrench restaurant. The building is being renovated to house Vgrits and a new brewery, which will be called False Idol Independent Brewery. The menu will be familiar to those loyal to the food truck – a combination of organic healthy meals like salads and fruit dishes with their staple vegan junk foods.

The audience for this restaurant will be narrow, but that’s what makes the Highlands a perfect location. The new vegan eatery and brewery will be located at 1025 Barret Ave.

[Source: Insider Louisville]

Neighborhood coffee shop snuggles in to Deer Park

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

When Sunergos Coffee Ltd. was ready to open its fourth Louisville location, the Deer Park area was a natural fit. The store owners wanted a neighborhood location surrounded with history. They renovated a building that used to be a dent-removal company, adding windows, redoing electrical and plumbing work, changing the walls and floors and bringing the bathroom up to code.

Sunergos’ new shop is at 1647 Norris Place.

Deer Park has welcomed the new shop with warmth and friendliness. There were even people waiting outside the first time the shop was open for business. But that’s what you’d expect In an area known for local businesses, warm receptions, and really good coffee.

 Photo Credit: Bridgett Weaver

[Source: Louisville Business First]