As innkeepers of the Inn at Woodhaven and life-long entrepreneurs, we understand that small businesses are fueled by a passion for a product or service and the desire to bring something of value to others’ lives. This month we’re highlighting some of our favorite small businesses in Louisville that we encourage you to visit during your summer vacation. We’ve included a delicious summer drink recipe below so you have something to sip as you plan your trip. As always, our Inn is always here to be your Kentucky home-away-from-home with an unparalleled level of comfort and personalized service.
Our first stop is the Stoneware & Co., a small business with a rich and fascinating history dating back to 1815. With the tagline Simple Beautiful Life, their artisan-made products epitomize quality craftsmanship and pride in work. Their product designs range from historic colors and patterns that pre-date the Civil War, to classic modern designs for bridal showers and wedding celebrations. We particularly enjoy the clean simplicity of the mixing bowls and mugs in “The Louisville Pottery Collection” design. But if you really want to bring a piece of Louisville home, grab one of their mint julep cups or pitchers, complete with the famous Fleur de Lis design. Stoneware & Co offers factory tours and Paint Your Own Pottery sessions to create your signature souvenir.
Next, let’s head across the Ohio River to visit Regalo in New Albany, Indiana (don’t worry, it’s only a 15-minute drive away from Louisville). Regalo, which means “gift” in Spanish, is the perfect spot to find something just right for the people in your life. It is full of fun and original art and will definitely put a smile on your face. From a fire hydrant bowtie for your dog to an air freshener for your car with the scent of “Dad Jokes”, their unique collection makes it easy to see why people have flocked their way for the past 20 years. And if you happen to be visiting Louisville for our incredible Pride Month celebrations, Regalo is the place to find your rainbow apparel and decor.
In need of a rest? There is no better place than Little Mount Lavender, a locally-owned lavender farm, shop, and restaurant, to take a seat and soak in the many benefits that lavender is said to offer. In search of a new crop to grow, the owners of Little Mount Lavender were struck by the traditional medicinal history of lavender as a product to support sleep, help with mood, reduce heart rate, and even promote hair growth! Their small lavender crop quickly grew in size as the popularity of their products, like lotions and candles, brought more and more loyal customers their way. There is nothing more relaxing than grabbing a table in their cafe and enjoying one of their many healthy and fresh menu items. We love their lavender lemonade (or lavender Old Fashioned with Makers Mark bourbon, depending on the day) with their charcuterie for two. We feel more relaxed just thinking about it!
Our last stop is 211 Clover Lane, an intimate hidden gem of a restaurant that is a treat for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This locally-owned business has been a Louisville tradition since 1985 and an early adopter of the farm-to-table dining concept before its more recent surge in popularity. 211 Clover Lane sources as many local ingredients as possible and rotates its menu weekly based on what is at peak freshness. So, while we may not be able to share our favorite dishes with you, we can wholeheartedly say that whatever you order from their menu will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting to book a future reservation with them.
Wherever your journeys take you around Louisville, we hope that you’ll consider the Inn at Woodhaven as the place to rest your head at night and fill your belly in the morning! We take pride in our attention to detail and focus on quality, including our newly renovated rooms and bathrooms, new Stearns & Foster mattresses and plush bedding, and fresh cookies in the parlor. You can also partake in the services we offer, including our bourbon tastings, picnic lunch preparation, or in-room therapeutic massage from a skilled local therapist. Book your stay with us today.
And now, another favorite bourbon cocktail recipe for you to enjoy while you plan your next Louisville vacation or staycation…
Elijah Craig Bourbon Sour
2 oz Elijah Craig or other high-quality bourbon whiskey
1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
Sugar and water or 1 oz of simple syrup
1 egg white (optional)
An orange slice for garnish
- Prepare simple syrup by mixing 1 cup of sugar with two cups of water (or any ratio of 1:2 sugar and water) and heat until the sugar dissolves. You will use 1 oz of this simple syrup for this recipe and can store the remainder in your fridge for up to two weeks.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add your Elijah Craig bourbon, lemon juice, 1 oz of simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
- Shake for at least 30 seconds until foamy. If not using an egg white, then just shake until the ingredients are chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass, using a spoon to top the drink with foam if needed. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!
