Antiquing in Louisville

JOE LEY'S ANTIQUES

Our guests find us because they are looking for alternatives to traditional hotel lodging in Kentucky. They are looking for something different and at a Bed and Breakfast like ours, they invariably find it. Many of our guests are also interested in new and different places to find antiques. Well, Louisville is the right place for that as well.

Goss Avenue Antique Mall www.gossantiques.com, a turn of the century knitting mill, has probably the largest collection of everything, big and small, in Kentucky.  Joe Ley's www.joeley.com has perhaps the most unusual items you will ever see for sale (and a few not for sale). You may also want to check out the Derby City Antique Mall www.derbycityantiquemall.com and later stroll down the Bardstown Road and Frankfort Avenue corriders.

We currently have over 90 rooms in our Louisville home and B&B's furnished with antiques all purchased in Louisville or within  30 miles of Louisville.  Come visit and we will gladly tell you about our favorite places, ranging from hi-end European import places,  to what we lovingly call "junk  shops" -  to us, this means that you don't know if you will find anything you would have in your home, but occasionally you do and it's a real bargain.

Inn at the Park is Pet Friendly!

Come....sit....lie down....roll-over....stay..... While many of you might consider these words “commands” for our 4-legged furry friends, they could also be construed as our special invitation to you and your pet to “come, sit & stay” for a visit at the Inn at the Park.  Yes!!! We are a “pet-friendly” B & B, with our Carriage House the perfect place to stay, along with your devoted K-9 companion.  The accommodations are not only comfortable, but a really great feature of this beautiful home is Central Park, located directly out the front door & right out the front gate, then presto!! You are there!!  The park is a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy, but particularly those who are traveling with pets.  The greenbelts and walkways are wide, plus the people are friendly – a perfect place to exercise your pet.

We've included a picture of us with our two young Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pups, Pancho & Lefty.  We'll be ready to welcome your well-behaved K-9 companion with special home-made treats and a paw shake.  Just let us know in advance – special conditions do apply.

NOTE:  If there are readers of this particular blog who (for whatever reason, i.e. allergies, etc.) do not care for pets, please be assured that we have pet-free suites located in the Main House of the Inn.

Our Innkeeper Sends You a Special Invitation

My life as the Innkeeper at the DuPont Mansion is like being on vacation 365 days a year.  The peace and contentment felt in this glorious home is like a day at the spa.  All my stress (and yours) just seems to melt away after one night in this wonderful home.

When you arrive I will greet you at the door with a big smile and welcome you with open arms (sometimes literally).  Then, I will take you on a short tour of the first floor while I tell you the history of the Mansion, then on to the second floor.  A courtesy kitchen is provided for your convenience on the second floor with all kinds of goodies on the counter and in the fridge. 

You will be shown to your beautiful, comfortable room on the second or third floor and then allowed to do as you please.  There are no curfews in this home, you have your own set of keys and may come and go as you please.

I want you to use the many amenities of my home and make it your own.  Please enjoy a book and a glass of complimentary wine in our beautiful parlor or I'll be happy to serve you a glass of hot tea or coffee and one of my decadent desserts.  It's your call!  The next morning I will prepare a sumptuous breakfast on your schedule and if you want to come down in your jammies, feel free.  It happens!

This winter I am making some special soups to share with my guests in case they want to relax and stay inside rather than going out to dinner.  One of my favorites is potato soup.  I love to share the triumphs that I put together in my kitchen!  Here's my recipe:
 
Genny's Favorite Potato Soup
(West Virginia Style)
Serves 6 (if they aren't too hungry)

12 nice size potatoes (cubed)
1 large onion (diced)
1 green and 1 red pepper (diced)
1 can mushroom soup
At least 1 stick of butter
Herbs (basil, cilantro, etc.) to taste
Seasoned salt to taste
Pepper

Cover potatoes with water and cook until potatoes are tender.  The soup tends to become thicker the longer it is simmered.

Serve with hot rolls or biscuits.  Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Special!

Enjoy some quiet romantic time away from home.  Leave the kids with the grandparents and escape to the award-winning DuPont Mansion or Inn at the Park Bed and Breakfasts.  Book Friday and Saturday (February 11th and 12th) or Saturday and Sunday (February 12th and 13th) or the following weekend (February 18 & 19 or February 19 & 20) and receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne or Sparkling Cider chilled and in your room when you arrive.  We'll also provide a heart shaped box of chocolates and a fresh flower bouquet for you and your loved one!

While staying in our warm and cozy Louisville Bed and Breakfast, arrange for an in-room couples massage.  Our certified massage therapists, Cindy and Tyler Richmond, will be glad to work out your stress related knots and help you to relax and enjoy your weekend away.

It will be our pleasure to assist you with dining, entertainment and excursion plans while you put your  weekend getaway together.  It all starts with a visit to our beautiful and comfortable Louisville bed and breakfasts - The DuPont Mansion or the Inn at the Park.  A romantic Valentine’s weekend awaits for just the two of you!

A Feast for the Eyes....Recipes from America's Grandest Victorian Neighborhood

This just published book is a perfect Christmas present!  Not just a beautiful coffee table book with history about Historic Old Louisville, it is also a treasured collection of tested recipes.  If that's not enough, it is a guidebook to many architectural gems in Historic Old Louisville.  The book has been flying off the shelves of local Louisville bookstores and gift shops, but you will find copies available at local Bed and Breakfasts, including, of course, at the Inn at the Park and the DuPont Mansion Historic Bed and Breakfasts, both of which are featured in the book with some fabulous recipes. 

"Feast" is a fundraiser for the Old Louisville Chamber of Commerce and the Old Louisville Community Development Corporation.  It was made possible, in part, by an initial grant from the South Fourth Street Neighborhood Association.   The Presenting Sponsor is the nationally recognized law firm of Franklin, Gray & White who's "office", the beautiful Speed Mansion, is featured on the front cover.   Kentucky food and travel writer, David Domine, is the book's author and Robert Pieroni, Louisville photographer and graphic designer, is the photographer.

The price of this new regional favorite is $24.95.  Get your copy today and then, pick up a few more for Christmas gifts......

Our Neighbors - The Filson Historical Society

Founded in 1884, the Filson is the region's privately supported historical society where thousands of people annually conduct research, attend programs and tour it's mansion and museum.  Located on Third Street (just behind the DuPont Mansion) the Filson library holds over 50,000 titles, more than 10,000 historic items and 1.5 million manuscripts, photographs and prints.  The collection includes genealogical files, portraits, letters, diaries, business records and much more material dating back to the 18th Century.  In fact, a recent DuPont Mansion guest came to Louisville and stayed with us because we were so near the Filson.  Her family (the Galt family) was prominent in Louisville's history and she has donated all the family records to the Filson.  If you want to learn more about the Galt Hotel and the family that founded it then be sure to visit the Filson!

The Filson's home is the former Ferguson Mansion.  Completed in 1905, the Ferguson Mansion is one fo the finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture in America.  When visiting Louisville, whether your interest is in genealogy, history or architecture, you will want to visit the Filson.  Until you can come, check it out online at www.filsonhistorical.org.

Things to Do in Louisville

When folks visit our Bed and Breakfasts they often ask for advice on things to do and see. Of course, there are sporting events,  museums, the waterfront,  festivals, distilleries and more. Much, much more. But if you don't have time for anything else and you are into history and beauty, I recommend just stepping out the front door for a self-guided walking tour of the largest collection of Victorian Mansions in America - Old Louisville.  If you would like an advance peek at what awaits you, check out the link below to a video featuring Victorian Mansions in Old Louisville which recently aired on Public Television stations throughout the country. The opening scene was shot at the DuPont Mansion and shows the beautiful, historic mural in our front parlor. Enjoy!
www.michaelbreedingmedia.com/film-2-0/