Tulips and Juleps

With spring right around the corner, I was eager to get into the spirit and welcome and celebrate it this past weekend. Tulips and Juleps art and gift market at Slugger Field provided the perfect opportunity to do some spring-themed shopping and begin to look forward to the exciting Derby season. Held annually, and often in the atrium of Slugger Field, Tulips and Juleps is a spring and Derby themed market and celebration of the coming season. Sponsored by the Junior League of Louisville, this year's festival brought together more than 66 vendors for 3 days of shopping, and one evening of festivities with "Juleps after Dark" on Saturday. There was a large variety of vendors from both local shops -- Clayton and Crume, Julep Candle Company, Hungry Artist - Natasha Reed, and Scarlet and Olivia come to mind -- as well as those that had traveled, such as The Shine Project, Ace & Everett, and Nectar of the Vine. I walked away with several bags of fun goodies and some new local places to check out soon. Saturday evening is a part of the festival not to be missed. Vendors are still present for encore shopping, and a $20 donation gets you admission, hors d'oeuvres, and 2 drink tickets to enjoy some local libations. This year featured Ballotin whiskey's chocolate Mint Julep (a new favorite!) and wine from Old 502 Winery. I meandered around with several girlfriends to sip, shop, and savor the upcoming Derby season. With this year's festival over and done with, I'm already excited for next year and the great kickoff to spring that is Tulips and Juleps!

I highly recommend checking out this event. Every year there are different vendors, so check out the FB event prior to the event. The night of the first day open, there are always fun events. This year there was a wine and bourbon pull, free appetizers, and a silent auction. The best part of the event is that the proceeds all help support the Junior League of louisville fund their community outreach. Events like blessings in a backpack, the lemonade stand, mentoring with Boys and Girls Haven as well as Maryhurst, little libraries, imagination library, and more! Check the event out next year. It costs 5 bucks to enter and it's a fun way to shop and spend your weekend.