When I first moved to Louisville, I just fell in love with these painted horses. Almost 5 months later, I still discover new ones and fall in love again. Local artists decorate these horses and auction them off for charity. Every horse is so unique and perfectly suited for it's location. For example, the bourbon bottle horse is in front of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. If in Louisville, make sure you stop and appreciate the horses because they are truly beautiful. (This is a sappy post because I am really starting to love it here!)

Living in Louisville, I love to try the new places but one that I have fell in love with is Nord's Bakery. It's been in Louisville forever due to its cheap prices and delicious donuts. Everyone here brings Nord's for their out of town guests to try while the out of owners try to figure out ways to get people to bring them Nord's. If that wasn't enough endorsement for me to try it, a couple of girls in the rest room at a bar is. 

I got a selection of their most famous donuts - a maple bacon long john, a toasted nut long john, a glazed long john, a butter cream, vanilla frosted and chocolate frosted. I don't eat meat but I heard from my best friend that it was one of the best donuts she ever had. 

Something I love about summer is that there is fresh produce and new shops opening at the Farmer's market. I recently went to the farmer's market and learning the ropes around town tour with my awesome landlord. We got some fresh veggies and fruit which was awesome but I loved the local shops she brought me to during the day. There is a huge push for local shopping here in Louisville and being one of the foodie capitals of the US, we have a ton of stores to make your food at home taste as good as a restaurant.  Here's a little guide to the places that make a weekday meal extra special.

Lotsa Pasta - a local chain that makes fresh pasta and pick up meals for busy families 

I love their: Lemon Pepper pasta and meatless options at the store

Zi Olive- a local store serving up flavored balsamic and olive oils for a decent price

I love their: white balsamic vinegars like the white pineapple or dark balsamic like the caramel for swirling into greek yogurt - such a decadent treat!

Pensey's Spices - a chain store with every spice you can think of for great prices - you can get great amounts for less than $5

I love their: dried cilantro, herbs de provence, lemongress, powdered lemon and more 

The Bluegrass Brewing Company is a staple here in Louisville. Some people say the beer is too hoppy or that they need more variety, but all of them can agree that they have an interesting spectrum of beers and food for purchase. I've been here twice in the past month and I don't doubt I'll be there again soon. 

The first time, I got the Raspberry Meade which is a high alcohol fruit beer served like wine. It was really a good mix between the sweetness of hard cider which I love and that wheat flavor of beer. It also comes in the cutest glass. 

Both times that I went, I got these awesome vegan BBQ wings served in a very spicy sauce and with honey to dip it in. The combination is awesome - hot, spicy, sweet, crunchy and soft. It's set a must try for any vegans or vegetarians.

I love Louisville. It's the perfect mix of the south, country life and a city. Recently, when my friend BB came to visit, we headed to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.  Locals say it is cheesy but I liked the history incorporated into the tour.  It is the perfect way to learn about what Bourbon is, what you like and how it makes Louisville and Kentucky the way the area. The tickets are like $10 for an hour tour and a taste test of three Bourbons. Of the three, I like the single barrel bourbon which is a little more expensive than the normal one but so much smoother to drink. 

This weekend, I am moving into my first rotation - Louisville, KY and Southern Indiana. I am so excited to try everything that the south has to offer and find a great yoga studio. I cannot wait to get in, get settled and meet my coworkers and new yoga teacher. It's gonna be a crazy two - three years, moving every 6 months in my program but I will do a post on how rotational programs work once I get settled.