Local Louisville Gift Guide

Happy Holidays Louisville!

During this holiday season, we'd like to remind you to shop locally. As you begin to knock out all of your holiday shopping, we ask that you keep Louisville's locally owned businesses in mind. Together, we have the ability to make a real impact on the local economy as well as the lives of the business owners that make Louisville such a wonderful place to live. 

...Oh, and did we mention that you can find some amazing gifts too?

Here are few gift ideas just in case you need that extra boost of motivation to shop local this holiday season:

• Give the gift of a clean house with a gift certificate from S&M Cleaning
• Cookbook or unique piece of kitchenware from The Singing Cook
• Unique piece of art from any one of Louisville's galleries and art shops
• Fun treats and stocking stuffers from Assorted Goods and Candy
• Nice bottle of wine or a favorite six pack from Down Under Wine & Spirits
• Gift certificate to one of Louisville's delicious restaurants or coffee shops
• Gift certificate for yoga classes or gear at Yoga Junction
• Relaxing massage at the Wellness Center
• Book by your loved one's favorite author at the Book Cellar
• Gift certificate to a consignment clothing store like Found Underground
• Bike gear or accessories from Louisville Cyclery 

Can you think of any other gift ideas from locally owned Louisville business? Please tell us about them in the comment section!

Downtown Louisville Retailers Hosting Post-Thanksgiving Open House/"Shop Local" Days

Retailers in Downtown Louisville are planning a coordinated "Open House" shopping event on Friday and Saturday,  November 23rd and 24th.

This week is a busy one for retailers as many Americans begin to shop in earnest for the holiday season.  The big box stores and national chains will be holding their usual pandemonium in order to attract large crowds - inevitably this means long lines, mobs of people, and angry consumers grabbing merchandise out of each other's hands while frightened security guards try in vain to quell the chaos.

If that's your scene, that's your scene.

But if not..

There's a large group of local retailers in downtown Louisville that are banding together to hold their own shopping event on the days following Thanksgiving.  It's an event with a friendlier, more local feel.  Several of Louisville's beloved small businesses are holding what they're calling a shopping "Open House."

The Open House will be held on Friday and Saturday (with most businesses participating both days).  It is also worth noting that Saturday, November 24th has been deemed "Shop Local/Support Small Business Saturday."  It's a great time to remember to put you money back into the local economy and support your local entrepreneurs and business-owners.

The Singing Cook (Louisville's gourmet kitchen and cooking supply store) is among the businesses participating.  The Singing Cook will be offering a 15% discount on all purchases with refreshments.  If you haven't been in to see this new store (right next to the Book Cellar on Main Street), it's a very cute shop and it's worth making a trip downtown just to stop in.  The Open House on Friday and Saturday is the perfect excuse to take a peek at the new stores, and re-discover the other small businesses in downtown Louisville.

Below is a list of businesses that will be participating in the "Open House" event along with some specific information.

Please share your thoughts and information below in the comments section.  We'd love to hear from you!

And don't forget to celebrate Small Business Saturday in beautiful downtown Louisville, Colorado.

Businesses Participating in the Open House on Friday and Saturday (11/23/2012 and 11/24/2012):

The Singing Cook - Offering a 15% discount on purchases (some items excluded), and refreshments!

Yoga Junction - Offering 15% off all retail and class packages!
The Design Garage

Ville de Luxe (Saturday Only)

Art Creations

Nettie's Creations

By Chance

Bella Frida

LA Coppersmith

Sunshine and Rain

Old Friends

Words on Paper

The Book Cellar

Local Louisville Businesses Give Back

As the holidays approach, businesses are gearing up for seasonal shoppers and diners.  With the coming of November, we expect to see the last remnants of fall decor removed as Santa presides over the changing of the holiday guard.  But there is more than that going on in Louisville.  There is also a sense that we are entering the "season of giving."

When the weather turns cold, it's important for us to offer a helping hand to our neighbors, to those in need, and to those who have served our country.  One only needs to look as far as Facebook to get an idea of how this sentiment is permeating through our community.  Below, we highlight a few of the local Louisville businesses that are holding events in the giving spirit.

Downtown Louisville Holiday Market

Tomorrow (Saturday, November 3rd 2012) is the first 2012 Downtown Louisville Holiday Market on Front Street!

THE "NEW" OLD LOUISVILLE INN

After 18 years as owner of The Old Louisville Inn, Garrett McCarthy is unveiling some major changes to reinvigorate the restaurant, grow the business, and stay competitive in Downtown Louisville’s restaurant scene.

McCarthy’s commitment to success meant bringing in a new head chef, John Ruane. After finding Ruane on Craigslist, McCarthy was impressed by his energy and gave him free reign to re-invent the menu.

Big Weekend for the Louisville Colorado Art Scene

Tomorrow is the first Friday of October, and that means The Louisville Arts District will be putting on their "First Friday Art Walk" in downtown Louisville.

And tacked on to the artsy events of the weekend is The Louisville Arts District's First Annual "Rhythm & Hues" event on Saturday, (10/6) at 7 pm.  The exhibit will feature live music, live painting, and an art auction to benefit the Louisville Arts District's Public Art Fund.

Attention Louisville Colorado Film Lovers!

If you haven't already heard, Old Town Cinema is holding an end of summer screening at Steinbaugh Pavilion tomorrow, Saturday 29, 2012.  Doors open at 6 PM.  They will be showing "Grease," as well as holding the world premiere of the short "RAILS," which was produced through Old Town Cinema's "REEL Filmmakers" program.  There will be food, drinks, and other live performances, the film will start around 7:30 PM.  Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Donations are accepted at the door ($5 person/$10 family).

Welcome to the official Local Louisville CO Blog!

We are excited to have a new addition to our virtual presence in the form of this blog!  We think it will serve to complement our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.  The blog will be a conduit for frequent updates about Louisville's deals, specials, and events, while enabling us to use a longer form than that of quick Facebook posts.