Welcome Home to Joseph-Beth!
Visit Joseph-Beth for central Kentucky’s best assortment of books and gifts!
{This post was sponsored by Joseph-Beth Booksellers. Thanks so much to all sponsors who keep HerKentucky running!}
Joseph-Beth has been one of my very favorite places to shop for as long as I can remember. When I was growing up, it always felt like such a special shopping treat to visit Joseph-Beth any time I was in Lexington. As an adult, Joseph-Beth is still such a special shopping destination that holds so many warm memories for me. As a college student at Transylvania, I visited Joseph-Beth to order texts for my classes and to purchase graduate school exam prep materials. OK, maybe studying for the GRE and the LSAT aren’t traditionally happy memories, but it was cool to visit the store a few times with a college friend who’d, much later, become my husband. I think it’s a pretty common theme for anyone who’s from Central or Eastern Kentucky; Joseph-Beth conveys warm memories for a lot of us. I was so thrilled when Joseph-Beth invited me in to see the new renovations to the store, do some holiday shopping, and experience their new theme, Welcome Home to Joseph-Beth!
The renovations at Joseph-Beth really do feel so cozy, like you’re settling in to someone’s home. There are fantastic nooks to enjoy a coffee or cocktail, read a book, or visit with friends. A manager even told me she’d seen gift exchanges and job interviews taking place by the fireplace!
Joseph-Beth has taken so many pains to create a haven for book-lovers. They’ve added library lights and a book lounge, including the best selection of local books you’ll find anywhere. They’re enhancing their selection of live author events, classes, and book clubs, creating an even greater community for central Kentucky’s readers! Give me a comfy chair and an Ann Patchett book and I’m content for hours!
Joseph-Beth also offers a fabulous shopping area, featuring a meticulously curated selection of gifts and goodies. Of course, I couldn’t pass up the UK and bourbon sections!
This time of year, we’re all trying to come up with unique, thoughtful, and special presents that let our loved ones know that they’re valued. The selection at Joseph-Beth is so well thought-out. I found so many delightful gift ideas! These map-inspired journals, the Lexington periodic table platter, and the Lexington duffel bag by Rebecca Ray were among my favorites!
If you’re looking for a special holiday gift, a great place to decompress, or a great new read, check out the newly renovated Joseph-Beth! You’ll feel right at home!
Holiday Gift Guide for the Small Business Shopper
The best local gifts for Kentuckians!
This year, I’ve decided to do something a little different. Rather than typical blogger gift guides — we all know that you can get Diptyque candles at Nordstrom if you care to spend that much for them — I’ve put together a set of gift guides that speak to the interests of HerKentucky fans. No link in this post generate affiliate income. I do have a professional relationship with many of the businesses mentioned in this post and may have received products for promotional consideration in the past. However, no placements in this list were in exchange for payment or product. As always, I appreciate all businesses that help keep HerKentucky running, and all opinions are my own.}
It’s Small Business Saturday, a day celebrating the important role of independently owned businesses. I’ve put together a list of products and services from some of my very favorite Kentucky small businesses. Some of these are HerKentucky business partners; all are places where we personally shop.
Logan’s of Lexington: Logan’s is known for fine menswear and fabulous UK gear. While they’re technically a store for guys, I find plenty of great stuff for myself every time I visit. This Barbour merino-cashmere tartan scarf is one of Bob’s most-worn accessories!
Quest Outdoors: Louisville’s classic outdoor outfitter. My Barbour Beadnell Polarquilt Jacket is from Quest; they were fantastic about placing a special order in the size and color that worked for me! BARBOUR WOMEN'S BEADNELL POLARQUILT JACKET
Craft(s) Gallery and Mercantile: This Louisville-based gallery and boutique is co-owned by one of my dearest friends. They carry a sophisticated assortment of art and gifts. I love this piece, Houston Llew Spiritiles – 052 ‘Ms.’
Anchal: I love the women of Anchal. I adore their commitment to improving the lives of women. And their products are simply exquisite, like this triangle quilt throw.
Allsports: Lexington’s locally-owned sports store. The sweetest staff, and the best UK athleisure pieces! I’m all about this Ladies Kentucky Columbia Mountainside Fleece.
Stoneware & Co: I’ve collected Stoneware for as long as I can remember. I love visiting the showroom and seeing local artisans hand-paint each piece. I always find that the holidays are a great time to ask for pieces in my Bachelor Button pattern, like this 12" Salad Bowl.
Needlepoint by Laura : A great Lexington-based needlepoint canvas company! I promise, if someone on your list loves to needlepoint, then one of Laura’s canvases would be a great gift. this horse racing cuff bracelet kit is a great, self-finishing kit!
Campus Quilt: A t-shirt memory quilt from Campus Quilt is an incredible gift. Your favorite tees are transformed into the highest-quality quilt you can imagine. I love mine!
Joseph Beth: It’s truly not a trip to Lexington without a trip to Joseph-Beth. Their selection of Kentucky-themed books and gifts is outstanding! A Joseph-Beth gift card is great for nearly anyone on your list!
Magnolia Aesthetics: The absolute prettiest place to get pretty. Who wouldn’t want a facial for Christmas — or for herself?
Peppermint Palm: With locations in Lexington and Louisville, The Peppermint Palm is Kentucky’s locally-owned Lily Pulitzer Signature Store. My mom always loves the silk Elsa top or the Skipper popover!
Sweet Mash Goods: The cutest boutique in Lawrenceburg! The exclusive Bourbon & Boweties Barrel Bangle is my go-to bourbon-tasting bracelet.
Steepleton: If you’re in the market for a billiard table, jacuzzi, or Big Green Egg, then this is your place! We had a fantastic experience with purchasing our Egg and its accessories from Steepleton!
Plehn’s: Plehn’s Bakery has been a Louisville staple for 96 years. I love taking a Plehn’s cake to holiday events; everyone loves them!
Pappy & Co and Maizie Clarke: Every time I walk into Pappy & Co, I want one of everything. The lifestyle brand for storied Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon has some of the most elegant and beautiful local pieces I’ve seen. The hand-illustrated Pappy & Company holiday ceramic ornament by Louisville artist Maizie Clarke (who is as sweet as she is talented!) is the most delightful collaboration!
Volare Italian Ristorante: Volare is, hands down, my favorite restaurant in Louisville. Beyond their excellent pasta, you can count on amazing fish specials and the best steak in town. A gift card to Volare would be a fabulous gift for any Kentucky foodie.
For Pete’s Sake Pottery: For Pete’s Sake Pottery features beautiful pieces fired in a backyard kiln right here in St. Matthews! I love this Blue and White Floral Ceramic Pitcher.
Elva Fields: I’m obsessed with Elva Fields jewelry, not only because the pieces are unique and amazing, but also because owner-designer Emily Maynard is one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. Elva necklaces are show-stoppers; I treasure mine.
St Matthews Feed & Seed: The Feed & Seed has been in business for 99 years, and they’re the absolute best place for plants and garden decor. They’re also our friends and neighbors; there’s something pretty special about a place where everyone stops to pet our dogs as we walk by!
Joseph’s Salon: I can’t say enough about the amazing service I get at Joseph’s Salon. Order a gift card and see for yourself!
Rockcastle River Trading Company Jon Carloftis is one of my very favorite people. Visit his family farm or order his limited edition Stoneware & Co planters.
Ouita Michel Restaurants: Give the gift of central Kentucky’s best food. Gift Cards aren’t available online; credit card orders are taken by phone, (859) 469-8234, or Email.
Please & Thank You: Take some of Louisville’s best chocolate chip cookies to your next holiday party.
Castle & Key: I see a lot of bourbon gear. This Apolis Support Farmers Market Bag from Castle & Key is the best piece I’ve seen this year.
Hi-Five Doughnuts: The best doughnuts. The best people. Bring a dozen to any gathering and I promise you’ll be everyone’s favorite person.
What’s on y’all’s local shopping gift list?
You may also like:
Five Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Kentucky
Celebrate St. Valentine's Day with some Kentucky Favorites!
Love is in the air, y'all! Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and there are ways to celebrate within every budget. I've seriously seen advertisements here in Louisville for everything from a $300 prix fixe menu to a reservation-only dinner at the White Castle. This year, I'm seriously thinking about getting takeout from Feast BBQ in NuLu (Have y'all been there yet? It is seriously SOOO good) or a tray of chicken strips from Chick-fil-a. I'd far rather have a conversation, a nice meal, and maybe a glass of wine with my beau than fight the crowds.
Here are some other unique, off-beat, and thoroughly Kentucky-themed ways to celebrate St. Valentine and your loved one. I hope you have a great weekend filled with love and happiness!
Sundy Best Concerts: These are both sold out, but if you're lucky enough to come across a ticket, don't miss Floyd County's favorite country-rock duo live at Lexington Opera House (tonight) or the Mountain Arts Center (tomorrow). I've said it many times here on HerKentucky, but my hometown is so proud of these boys!
Nanz and Kraft/ Four Roses Flower Hour: Louisville's perennial florist (see what I did there?) and Lawrenceburg's traditional distiller team up to celebrate Roses (see what they did there?), bourbon, and love. For a $10 minimum donation to the American Heart Association, you can enjoy small bites, bourbon, and a visit with Four Roses' Master Distiller.
Visit the Louisville Stoneware Showroom: Have you been to Stoneware lately? I stopped in earlier this week to pick up a present, and it was all I could do to keep from leaving with all of these Valentine's Day-themed pieces. They're so cute and unique, and would be a fun way to make your special someone feel loved year-round.
Chocolates from Cellar Door: I'm kind of obsessed with these anatomically correct hearts. Of course, bourbon chocolates are always a welcome gift as well. Visit Cellar Door Chocolates at Butchertown Market or the Oxmoor Mall in Louisville.