Pretty Decent bar and plant shop opens on Frankfort Avenue
John Douglass chats with customers at Pretty Decent, the plant shop and cocktail bar he co-owns with his wife Jeanne. | Photo by LOUtoday
There’s a new spot in Clifton offering a plethora of plants and agave-spirit based bevvys, and we are here for it.
Step through the door, and the first thing you’ll notice is the space doesn’t look like a typical bar. Pretty Decent was designed to have a homey feel and boasts soft lighting, a solid maple bar, and wall art featuring an armadillo, cacti + other plants by local artist Sarah Tidwell.
It is the creation of husband-and-wife duo John and Jeanne Douglass. John has 30+ years of hospitality industry experience under his belt, and Jeanne is a Kentucky Master Gardener. Here’s what you should know about their new biz:
🪴 Plants
Planters hang at the windows while numerous shelves are lined with dozens of plants, including succulents, air plants, and flowers + everything needed to care for them. There is also a knowledgeable staff member on site to answer any flora queries.
🍹 Drinks
The menu includes wine, beer, and alcohol-free options, but the house cocktail menu is not to be missed. John’s focus is on ethically sourced agave spirits, and we especially enjoyed the Oaxacan old fashioned, made with tequila, mezcal, poblano liquer, a sugar cube, and citrus oil.
🎁 Extras
Pretty Decent also offers plant and bar classes, as well as gift options. There are mezcal-scented candles that were custom made for the store by Maddox & Rose, a curated wine selection with meal-pairing recommendations, and gift baskets with plant + wine combos.
The plants at Pretty Decent are locally sourced by co-owner and Kentucky Master Gardener Jeanne Douglass.
A. Swiss cheese plant
B. Snake plant
C. Fiddle-leaf fig
D. Money tree
See the answer in The Wrap.
Events
Wednesday, April 19
Wade and Alice Houston: Leading by Example | Wednesday, Apr. 19 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Frazier History Museum, 829 W. Main St., Louisville | $20-$25 | The Houstons — a prominent Louisville couple who were friends with Muhammad Ali — will discuss life lessons, what’s kept them grounded + the importance of giving back.
Friday, April 21
The Stitzel-Weller Experience | Friday, Apr. 21 | 1 p.m. | The Stitzel-Weller Distillery, 3860 Fitzgerald Rd., Louisville | $25 | Learn about the past, present, and future of bourbon through a tasting of four whiskies.
Earth Day Trivia | Friday, Apr. 21 | 5-8:30 p.m. | The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Broad Run Park, 11551 Bardstown Rd., Louisville | Free | Show off your nature knowledge + snag food and drinks from Gallant Fox Brewing Company and Just Piggin’ Out food truck.
Lady A: Request Line Tour | Friday, Apr. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th St., Louisville | $49.50-$119.50 | See this American country music group with special guest Dave Barnes.
Saturday, April 22
Mushroom Hike | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, 6220 Old La Grange Rd., Crestwood | $25-$35 | Learn about the important role mushrooms have in forests and fields + how they can be used for food and medicine.
Thunder Over Louisville Dockside Event | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 3-10 p.m. | Belle of Louisville, 401 W. River Rd., Louisville | $199.99 | See Thunder from the water with BBQ provided + come-and-go access on the Belle of Louisville with private restrooms.
Sunday, April 23
UofL Out of the Darkness Walk | Sunday, Apr. 23 | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | University of Louisville, 2301 S. 3rd St., Louisville | Free | Help promote a culture that is smart about mental health during this family-friendly event where funds raised will be used for suicide prevention education, resource, outreach, and advocacy.
🏎️ Check “see the largest single-day sporting event” off your bucket list
Enter to win a Grand Prix weekend getaway prize package in Indianapolis
Presented by a LOUtoday Partner
Don’t wait to enter this giveaway. | Graphic by the LOUtoday team
Want to check “see the largest single-day sporting event” off your 2023 bucket list? In a few short weeks, IndyCar officially kicks off in Indianapolis (a ~2-hour drive from Louisville), culminating in the Indianapolis 500.
In partnership with Visit Indy, we’re giving away a weekend at the races. One lucky winner will receive:
Four tickets to the GMR Grand Prix ($400 value)
A two-night stay at the Hampton Inn Downtown ($400 value)
Four “Indy” t-shirts from The Shop ($100 value)
A $100 gift certificate to any Cunningham Restaurant Group eatery (That’s $1000 in value.)
How to enter to win:
Head to our survey and answer some questions for us (don’t forget to include your email address + first name/last initial). Note: Your email will only be shared with Visit Indy if you opt-in to receive future promotions from them.
Make sure to enter by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 3.Any Louisvillian can enter, and we’ll draw and announce the winner in our newsletter on Friday, May 4.*
Thunder Over Louisville returns on Saturday, April 22, and the airshow lineup is out. Starting at 3 p.m., more than two dozen aircrafts from all over the US will fly over LOU, including a massive C-130J Super Hercules, which is used for airdropping troops + equipment into hostile areas. (The Courier-Journal)
Opening
Number 15, a new bar and event venue downtown at 121 Main St., is opening to the public at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 18. Opening day will feature live music by Kimmet & Friends, a trio that will play rock, pop, and country hits.
Drink
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s collaboration with Foursquare Rum is being released this Friday, April 21. The custom blend of bourbon was aged for 23 months and will be available for $159.99 through the Bardstown Bourbon Co. gift shop, at select retailers, and online. Keep an eye out for its experience opening downtown this summer.
Cause
Down Syndrome of Louisville’s 12th annual Gallop Gala, presented by Churchill Downs, will be held at the Galt House Hotel on Friday, April 21 at 6 p.m. The 21+ event will feature a live auction and entertainment by The Crashers. Tickets start at $100.
Edu
The Frazier History Museum released a free eighth-grade lesson designed to answer, “How should we remember the Underground Railroad?” The lesson, dubbed The Journey, takes students through six places in a two-mile radius around downtown Louisville. There is also a virtual version available.
History
UofL students are giving a presentation on their archeological dig findings from slave dwellings at Oxmoor Farm, the historical property at 720 Oxmoor Ave. The presentation is free and open to the public today from 4:30 to 6 p.m. inside the home’s library. (WHAS11)
Active
Looking for a way to stay active this spring? The Champions City Adult League allows soccer players of all skill levels to enjoy the beautiful game. Grab a friend and join a league.*
Real Estate
Curious about the latest home design trends? On the hunt for your perfect community? Louisvillians are invited to explore the Showcase of Residential Communities (happening Monday, April 24-Sunday, May 7), which offers new and existing homeowners the opportunity to discover and design their new home. Get inspired, Louisville.*
Fun Fact
In case you missed it, there’s still a chance to win $500 by taking our brief survey. Your feedback is important to us, and we want to ensure the content we deliver to you is relevant. Take the survey.
33.7+ million. That’s how many bottles of Champagne the US consumed in 2022. Keep the bubbly flowing with our favorite vacuum insulated Champagne + wine chiller from S’well, plus the easiest Champagne stopper you’ll ever use.
Try This
Four places to get crafty in Louisville
Get crafty in Louisville with 4 fun workshops and classes
Maddox & Rose offers dozens of scents that guests can blend to create a custom candle. | Photo by LOUtoday
Whether you’re planning a baby shower, want to do a craft night with friends, or just feel like getting out and making something with your hands, LOU has lots of options.
The Craftery, 823 E Market St.
Rent an event space or pop in for sewing, coaster making, jewelry design + more.
Maddox & Rose, 900 E. Main St.
Mix scents to create your own candle + reserve spots and charcuterie boards ahead of time to make it a party.
Board & Brush,129 S. English Station Rd.
Book a workshop or set up a virtual session to make things like wooden planters, trays, and clocks.
Buff City Soap, St. Matthews + Middletown
Gather a group and schedule a mini bath bomb-making bash.
Vetiver Aromatics, Jeffersonville, IN
Purchase a perfume bar to throw a fragrance-making party at home. Kits include all the necessary supplies, resources, and info.
I was part of the millennial plant boom and have more than a dozen houseplants in my apartment. I love my succulents and just can’t bring myself to walk into Mahonia, Forage, or Pretty Decent and not leave with a new plant. My favorites are succulent dish gardens — they’re like easy-to-care-for, long-lasting bouquets.
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