You were there!

Remember these great moments?

This is it!

Safe travels. See you soon.

Mmm, Mmm, Good!

• Graeter's Ice Cream
  The best french pot ice cream. Try the chocolate chip varieties--the chips are more like chunks.
  841 S. Hurstbourne, Louisville, KY 40222
  9430 Brownsboro Rd, Louisville, KY 40241
  140 Breckenridge Ln, Louisville, KY 40207
  
  
• Culvers Frozen Custard
  Butterburgers and frozen custard.
  4630 Hurstbourne Parkway Louisville, KY 40299
  
  
• Tony Boom Bozz
  Louisville's finest pizza (far better than Louisville-based Papa Johns or Pizza Hut).
  2813 N. Hurstbourne Parkway
  
  
• Lynn's Paradise Cafe
  A Louisville Original! Unique and quirky with down-home cooking.
  984 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY
  

Fun! Fun! Fun!

• Renaissance Fun Park
  
  Minature golf, go karts, lasertag!
  M-Th: 4pm-9pm; Friday: 4pm-11pm; Saturday: 12pm-11pm; Sunday: 12pm-9pm
  201 Park Place Drive, Louisville, Kentucky (502) 253-9700
  
  
  
• Puzzle Dome
  
  Rockwall, minigolf, inflatables, art studio!
  11530 Bluegrass Parkway, Louisville, Ky 40299 (502) 261-7144
  
  

Shop 'til You Drop

• Zappos.com, the largest online shoe store, has an outlet in the area: 376 Zappos.com Blvd, Shepherdsville (exit 116 off I-65, about 26 miles from our house) Hours: Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 12pm-5pm, Phone: 502-921-4949
  
  
• Bass Pro Shops is located just across the Ohio River in Southern Indiana. If you've never been, it's definitely an adventure! This one is the second largest--the size of seven football fields, complete with fish tanks, archery range, shooting gallery, and more. 951 E. Lewis & Clark Pkwy. Clarksville, IN 47129. Hours: Mon-Sat 9am - 10pm, Sun 10am - 7pm.
  

Pace Yourself!

Here's the menu for Sunday evening's dinner. I guarantee you'll leave stuffed!

Pranzo Della Campagna
A Countryside Dinner

First Course
Passed From 6:00-7:00 with Cash Bar

Goat Cheese and Mushroom with White Truffle Oil Crostini
White Bean and Pesto Crostini
Grilled Shrimp with Roasted Tomatoes Crostini

Second Course

Della Casa-Mixed Greens Tossed with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Topped with Marinated Red Peppers, Tomatoes, and English Cucumbers

Third Course

Ravioli Alla Vodka--Homemade Cheese Ravioli Topped with a Vodka Cream Sauce and Peas

Fourth Course~Choice of One

Filetto Di Salmone--Cast Iron Seared Salmon Over Sauteed Baby Greens, Asparagus, and Caramelized Onions in a Carrot and Ginger Broth

Marsala Con Mele--Sautéed Chicken Breasts with a Sweet Marsala Sauce, Wild Mushrooms, and Apples

Limone--Veal Scaloppini in a White Wine Lemon Sauce Garnished with Capers

Desserts~Choice Of

Tiramisu (the only item with nuts)
Heath Toffee Cheesecake (also with nuts--dessert menu to be changed shortly!)

Kids Menu
Choice Of:

Spaghetti Marinara with Meatball
Spaghetti with Butter
Chicken Fingers with Fries

Dessert--Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce

Volare Italian Ristorante
2300 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky
502-894-4446

Ship Ahoy

• Belle of Louisville:
  Take a ride on an historic paddle wheel boat
  Friday and Saturday noon; Sunday, 2:00; Friday night dance cruise 8-11
  Adults $14; 60+ $11; 3-12 yrs. $6 (extra for meals or dance cruise)
  
  
• Time Stand Still:
  
  Take a ride with Captain Reg (depending on weather and water levels)
  
  

Believe It or Not

Another Mohr Family Reunion!!

Descendants of John Christian Mohr, who came to Lower Canada in 1813. With his wife Rebecca, he raised 15 children. The reunion was Saturday July 17, 2004. Sorry we missed it!

Brad--are we related?

Take a Hike . . . or a Climb

• Bernheim Forest
  
  
  Including Canopy Treewalk, Arboretum, trails, biking, and Bernheim Nature Babies (Saturday 10:30 am)
  
  
• Louisville Nature Center
  
  A 41-acre urban forest
  
  
• Louisville Metro Parks and Waterfront Park
  
  123 parks including everything from historic parks designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to the Louisville Extreme Park. Cherokee and Seneca are particularly nice.
  
  
• Alpine Tower Climb at Jefferson Memorial Forest
  
  Challenge yourself on a 52-foot Alpine climbing tower (Saturday 9-1:30). Learn basic climbing techniques from tackling this “high altitude” obstacle course. (Ages 10 and up. Please wear: tennis shoes, long pants, or shorts (with inseam greater than 5”). Sign-up early as space is limited to 18 participants.)
  
  
  

See the City . . . on Wheels!

Louisville Glided Tours offers Segway tours of the area. This isn’t your average tour, it’s a tour on a Segway, a self balancing human transport device unlike anything you’ve ever tried before. Just imagine the thrill of gliding along on a Segway while seeing some of Louisville’s most popular tourist and cultural sites. (Ages 16 and up; 100 to 250 pounds)

Here are a few Louisville-only events happening Memorial Day weekend:

• Abbey Road on the River
  The Greatest Beatle Tribute Festival in the World: Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper and the Summer of Love
  
  
• AVP Louisville Open
  Beach Volleyball!!!
  
  
  
• Reggae Festival
  Caribbean Market, ethnic foods, and of course, reggae music (at the Water Tower)
  

Can You Hear Me Now?

Ok, gang. I've been posting here for almost two months now and it's getting lonely out here. Did you ever notice that at the bottom of each and every post on the line that says "Posted by DeborahB" there is also a note that says (usually) "0 Comments"? That's where you can have your say!! Click on that link to read comments and post your own thoughts, rants, or off-the-wall remarks.

Give it a try. Use it today to let me know if there are any food allergies or other dietary things I need to know about as I'm working on the menus for Saturday's picnic or Sunday evening's dinner. Or send me an email if you prefer to divulge your dietary irregularities in private.

Thanks!

P.S. Just think . . . in two months you'll be in Louisville!

For Your Dining Pleasure

On Sunday evening we'll be dining at Volare, an excellent Italian Ristorante. (Trust me--the food and service are far superior to their web site!) Volare is located on historic Frankfort Avenue. An addition to their building was just completed providing a private dining room perfect for family reunions. Menu choices and other details to come. I only hope that the owner, Mr. Hospitality himself, will be there to greet us.

Blast from the Past: Antiquing

• Middletown. Kentucky
  The largest concentration of antique stores in suburban Louisville, with seven small stores within a half-mile--all just two miles from Reg and Debbie's house.
  
  
• Bardstown, Kentucky
  In the heart of Bluegrass Country (about 35 miles; 45 minutes from Reg and Debbie's house)
  
  

Calling All Science Geeks

• Louisville Science Center (and IMAX theater):
  
  
  
  "Strange Matter" opening May 26
  Monday-Thursday: 9:30-5:00; Friday and Saturday 9:30-9:00; Sunday: noon-6:00
  Admission (museum only): Adults $12; ages 2-12 and over 60 $10; IMAX is $7 extra
  
  
• Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Memorial Planetarium: (University of Louisville)
  Shows Saturday: 11, 12:30, 2, 3:30
  Admission: Adults $7; kids 4-12, and over 60 $5
  

Museums, Anyone?

These are two of Louisville's newest museums. Both have gotten rave reviews. (Ask Pam about the Muhammad Ali Center.)

• Muhammad Ali Center:
  
  Preserving Muhammad Ali’s Legacy; Promoting personal best; Pursuing a more respectful world
  Monday-Saturday 9:30 - 5:00; Sunday Noon - 5:00
  Admission: Adults $9; Seniors (65+) $8; Students $5; Children (6-12) $4; Children 5 and under free
  
  
• Frazier International History Museum:
  History comes alive!
  Monday-Saturday 9:00–5:30; Sunday 12:30–5:30
  Admission: Adults $12; Seniors (60+) $10; Children 5-14 $9; Children under 5 $3
  

Party All Night!

Fourth Street Live:
Louisville's premier entertainment district.
12 bars and restaurants all in one place!

Batter Up!

• Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory:
  Guided factory tours. Everyone receives a miniature souvenir bat on the tour!
  Monday to Saturday 9-5; Sunday Noon-5 (No bat production Sunday or May 28th)
  Admission: Adults (13-59) $9; Seniors (60+) $8; Kids (6-12) $4; Kids 5 and younger free
  
  
• Louisville Bats (AAA baseball) at Slugger Field:
  At home against the Buffalo Bison May 24 to May 27
  Admission: Adults $5-$9; Kids 12 and under and Seniors $4-$8
  

Life's a Zoo

Calling all animal lovers!

• Louisville Zoo:
  Visit our award winning Gorilla Forest, new Lorikeet Landing, and scary Vampire Bats!
  Open 10 am to 6 pm daily
  Admission: Adults $10.95; Seniors $8.95; Kids 3-11 $7.95; Kids 2 and under Free
  
  
• Buffalo Crossing:
  1,000 acre working buffalo ranch with 500 head of bison (and 2,000 hooves of bison)
  Shelbyville, Kentucky (about 15 minutes east)
  Open daily 11 am to 8 pm; Sundays 11 am to 6 pm
  Admission is free; various activities carry fees
  

Thrills and Spills

To make your heart race and your hands shake, consider these options for your trip to Louisville:

• Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom:
  Ride a roller coaster!! Splash in the water park!!
  Open 11 am to 8 pm; Saturday to Friday (not open Friday May 25th)
  Admission: Online Special $34.99; Regular rates: Adults $39.99; Child under 48" $24.99; Kids 3 and under Free (Kroger usually has discount tickets)
  
  
  
• Caesars Indiana:
  Play blackjack! Hit the slots!
  Southern Indiana, about 45 minutes from us
  Open 24 hours a day; 7 days a week
  Admission is free; playing is not.
  

Cheaper Beds

Here are a few additional hotel options--all in our area and a bit cheaper than the first batch:

• Red Roof Inn East
  9330 Blairwood Road, Louisville, KY, 40222
  I-64 at Hurstbourne Lane, Exit 15
  800-REDROOF or 502-426-7621
  From $42
  
  
• Days Inn Hurstbourne
  9340 Blairwood Road, Louisville, KY, 40222
  800-329-7466 or 502-425-8010
  Advance purchase rate from $47; regular rate from $55
  Includes free breakfast
  
  
• Holiday Inn Express
  1620 Alliant Drive. Jeffersontown, KY 40299
  800 282 0244 or 502-240-0035
  From $82 per night with advance purchase; from $86 per night regular reservation
  Includes breakfast
  
  
• Holiday Inn Express Louisville East
  3711 Chamberlain Lane, Louisville, KY 40241
  800 282 0244 or 502-814-0004
  From $84 per night with advance purchase; from $90 per night regular reservation
  Includes breakfast
  
  
• Hampton Inn
  4100 Hampton Lake Way, Louisville, KY 40241
  888-254-0637 or 502-327-8880
  From $89
  Includes hot breakfast, free high speed access
  

Thawing out

For those of you in the big freeze right now, remember: average high temperature in Louisville at the end of May is a beautiful 79 degrees!

Horse Country

To get you thinking of things you might do while in Kentucky, here's what we're known for:

• Churchill Downs:
  Bet on a horse! Afternoon racing, April 28 to July 8
  Admission: Adults $2; Seniors $1; Under 12 free; Picking a winner—Priceless!!
  
  
• Kentucky Derby Museum (at Churchill Downs):
  Learn about the Kentucky Derby--the most exciting two minutes in sports. Monday-Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm Sunday: Noon-5 pm
  Admission: Adults $10; Seniors (55+) $9; Children (5-11) $5; Under 5 free
  
  
• Kentucky Horse Park:
  Theme park dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse, the place to get close to horses in Kentucky. (in Lexington, KY—about one hour from Louisville)
  Open 7 days a week, 9 am - 5 pm
  Admission: Adults $15; Children (7-12) $8; 6 & under Free
  

Bedding Down

As promised, I've put together some hotel possibilities. All of these places are within one mile of Reg and Debbie’s house:

• Homewood Suites
  9401 Hurstbourne Trace, Louisville, KY 40222
  1-800-CALL HOME or 502-429-9070
  Studio: $116 AAA rate; $129 standard rate ($10 extra for two beds)
  1 Bedroom Suite: $125 AAA rate; $139 standard rate ($10 extra for two beds)
  Includes hot breakfast, free high speed access, reception weekdays
  Brand new--opened in November
  
  
• Embassy Suites
  9940 Corporate Campus Drive, Louisville, KY 40223
  1-800-EMBASSY or 502-426-9191
  1 Bedroom Suite: $139 AAA and standard rate; $130 prepaid Web rate (one or two beds)
  Includes hot breakfast, high speed access, reception weekdays
  
  
• Springhill Suites
  10101 Forest Green Blvd, Louisville, KY 40223
  888-287-9400 or 502-326-3895
  Suite: $126 AAA rate (one or two beds)
  Includes hot breakfast, free high speed access
  
  
• AmeriSuites
  701 South Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, KY 40222
  800-833-1516 or 502-426-0119
  Suite: $89 AAA rate; $99 standard rate (one or two beds)
  Includes hot breakfast
  

If you'd rather stay downtown, where you can walk home after clubbing half the night, at a historic old Louisville hotel, or somewhere else, let me know, and I'll provide those details too.

Schedule

We're going to keep the scheduling to a minimum so you all (or y'all) can spend time seeing the city, hanging out with one another, or just chilling.

Saturday afternoon we'll be having a picnic at our house. Remember the great Reg and Kevin cookoff last time we were together in Denver? This time though we're going to have a Clay and Henry cookoff. No seriously . . . we'll be taking care of everything. Just come and have a good time.

Sunday evening we're planning a nice dinner out. I'm still working on the details.

In addition to those two events, I hope you'll find lots of other ways to enjoy your time in Louisville. You're all welcome to come hang out at our house for a little or a lot. We'll keep the light on for you! And if you'll be arriving on Friday, we can get a group together for dinner that night.

I'll be posting lots of ideas of things to do in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

Next post: Where to stay in Louisville.

Disbelief

I can't believe I agreed to do this. I can't believe it's going to happen this year. I can't believe you all agreed to come. I can't believe I'm going to pull it off.

But . . .

I did. It will. You did. I will!

I've started this blog to help keep you all informed about this incredible upcoming Mohr family reunion. Stay tuned as plans become clearer and details are available. And feel free to respond to let me know what you're thinking. This is Your Family Reunion (cue trumpets)! I am merely the vessel.