First Dairy Kastle of the Season

Old Man Winter smacked us in the face (literally) with a couple of big snows and bitter cold in February; however, spring is officially here.  That means that the real estate market should start to open up more, especially with low interest rates, good supply levels, improved economic indicators, blah, blah, blah.  Let's talk about what is most important:  the Dairy Kastle is open.
I recently made my first trip of the 2015 ice cream season, and the experience reminded me of the movie, The Polar Express.  In it, Santa Claus announces "The first gift of Christmas".  For me, I like to celebrate "The first Dairy Kastle of the season".  What was my choice this year, you may (or may not) ask?  It was a small vanilla and orange swirl in a cone.  Now, like the main character in the movie, I was faced with a world of choices, and everyone who goes to the DK will find themselves in the same spot.  I could have gone with a single flavor, several choices of swirled flavors (including the new pineapple flavor this year), a flurry, milkshake of many varieties (traditional, orange cow, or brown cow), a sundae, banana split, or a legit slush puppy.
The DK brings people from all areas of town and walks of life together for what is important:  sugar.  No matter where we are in life or where we live, we now know that spring has begun with the opening of this important institution.  Just bring some cash (no credit cards, checks, or bartering) and some patience for the line (but well worth the wait).

If you have any questions about the real estate market (or about Dairy Kastle), please let me know.

Matt Gatewood

REALTOR
Keller Williams Louisville East

502-594-6582

www.gatewoodproperties.com

The Louisville Renaissance

I feel that I’m constantly hearing of another accolade for Louisville.  This is a notable thing, especially for a native of this eclectic, historical city.  I must say, though, speaking directly to this wonderful city, that, ‘You’ve come a long way, baby.’  My memories of growing up here are excellent; however, (for you younger millennials out there), before there was Waterfront Park, there was a waterfront filled with scrapyards and fuel tanks.  No one went downtown with any regularity.  There were things around to do, but there wasn’t a great energy.  

Things have changed.  The Big Four Bridge is not just rusted metal sitting on stones anymore.  Grass actually grows on the river.  NuLu is the place to be.  Bardstown Road has more fun places to eat and hang out than ever (while still successfully maintaining its weirdness).  There are now more places to eat downtown than Count Von Count can number.  The Goss Avenue antique mall is being re-done in Germantown.  The University of Louisville has expanded and grown.  Delicious restaurants are popping up on every corner.  Churchill Downs started night racing.  The energy has changed.  

And, there is national recognition.  CNN named the Derby City one of the top 20 travel destinations in 2013.  This went further with National Geographic Traveler naming Louisville one of the top 20 Best in the World locations in 2013 (yeah, I said world, not national).  My favorite award for the Ville came in 2012 from GC when it named Louisville the most manly town in America.  Yeah, that’s right.  

All the tips of the hat to Louisville being a great location to visit are great.  But, what about to live?  Yes, in 2011 Parenting magazine chimed in, listing Louisville to be one of the top 10 places to raise children, citing affordable housing, museums, and being the “City of Parks” (thanks, Frederick Law Olmsted).  

Louisville is a city filled with beautiful tree-lined parkways, vast parks, historical buildings, excellent food, and fun things to do and see.  I titled this post, “The Louisville Renaissance”, but I guess I really ask the question--is this a re-birth or just the beginnings of even better things to come?

Matt Gatewood

REALTOR
Keller Williams Louisville East

502-594-6582

www.gatewoodproperties.com