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A good travel destination is a place where the superb focusing of our attention reflects something back that feels encouraging or contemplative. Moreover, the enjoyment of a great city lies in the traveler's ability to experience the full range of options at his or her disposal. What enhances the value of a particular destination, are the many attractions that visitors can discover. Providing new perspectives in such topics as science, history, archaeology, art, wildlife, underwater, cuisine, and culture enables tourists to appreciate the moving and penetrating aspects of a town. It is these essential ingredients along with one's choice of accommodations, that make a truly memorable trip. Louisville, Kentucky is a charismatic and richly layered town, that promises never to be boring. I would recommend this destination to anyone who is looking for a rejuvenating getaway. It is difficult to describe the uniqueness of this city because of its stunning mixture of the old and new. Travelers will find discoveries that are invigorating and worthwhile. To say the very least, Louisville, KY is a destination that will spark one's imagination. It is a place that captures the spirit of why most people travel - they want to eat great food in handsome locales, meet interesting people, and see interesting things. You get a little bit of everything here - a beautiful setting, engaging people, delicious cuisine and fun activities. The places you'll visit may remind you of images, values, and feelings you absorbed as child. With numerous attractions and a vibrant history, Louisville, Kentucky is an area that really stays with you. You can take a tour of Churchill Downs, see the Kentucky Derby Museum, or visit one of the many horse farms. There is the Louisville Zoo, the Louisville Science Center, IMAX theatre, and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. A visit to the Muhammad Ali Center or the Frazier International History Museum is also worthwhile. There are performing arts centers, galleries, shopping districts, rejuvenating spas, the Museum of Art and Craft, Glassworks, parks, and the Urban Bourbon Trail. You can enjoy bird watching and a picnic or explore the fragile wonders of the fossil beds along the river at the Falls of the Ohio. If you relish old buildings, view the architecture along West Main, or discover Old Louisville, with its Victorian style. There is walking, hiking, tennis, golf, fine dining and culinary classes. Louisville is the Bourbon Capital. On your way out of town, sidetrack through Nelson County and Bardstown where dozens of Bourbon distilleries - including Makers Mark, Jim Beam, and Woodford Reserve - sprinkle the countryside. One of the most intimate ways to get to know a place is through the food that is cultivated, created, cooked and eaten and Louisville is home to a thriving restaurant scene. Visitors can sample sophisticated dishes prepared by chefs in romantic restaurants. Tourists can also discover the simpler pleasures of smaller eateries that cater to local people and the casual specialties that give this area a distinctive charm. Sightseeing, tours, spa treatments, restaurant reservations and activities can usually be booked and taken care of by the innkeeper. What we do and where we go becomes as much a part of our contentment as what we see. Eva Wessels, the innkeeper of Central Park Bed and Breakfast in Louisville, KY, shares her personal definition of contentment: "Contentment is – peace with god and self. I have always been passionate about cooking," remarks Eva, "I am a self-taught cook." When life becomes maddening or bewildering, sometimes the best thing to do is to take a break. For pure pleasure, few experiences are as gratifying as visiting a bed and breakfast inn. It is a chance to explore new territory, new foods and new landmarks. You'll discover fabulous itineraries of nature, attractions, museums and restaurants worth visiting and savoring. The time away can often bring solace, and leads to a rejuvenated mind, body and spirit. Imagine stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily living to find true contentment in places that exude peace and serenity. Many B & B guests write their experiences in memory journals that are infused with notations about life lessons, ruminations, humor, heart breaking turns of events and moments of optimism in the middle of despair. Some of the stories are courageous and tragic yet filled with a sense of hope and rejuvenation. Right after losing family members - parents, husband, son, or best friend, some survivors have traveled to bed and breakfasts to find their center, and their souls. Medical patients who undergo arduous treatments usually find relief when they take a break away from doctors and hospitals. "Receiving a serious medical diagnosis like cancer changes ones perspective," wrote a bed and breakfast guest from North Carolina. "That's what illnesses do best; they change things." Survivors realize that they must no longer take their life or loved-ones for granted. They discover they can no longer put things like vacations on hold, because they are not really sure how many more opportunities they will have for vacations or for anything really. No one does, of course, but a serious illness delivers this message like a hard kick. "We were asked when we arrived if we were celebrating something special," wrote a B & B guest from Ohio with stage three melanoma cancer, "Our answer was life!! This was our first adventure together since last summer, which was filled with many fears and doubts. I had three surgeries for melanoma," said the notation. "So after many problems and complications…here we are. The adventure was calming and relaxing." Couples who are celebrating life after going through difficult circumstances are grateful for their B & B time together. While on vacation survivors make some interesting self-discoveries: That they needed a vacation even more than they realized and they needed a vacation from themselves. Another thing they discover is that going on a vacation feels enormously freeing. Traveling miles from home where no one recognizes who they are, and no one knows about their illness or knows they lost a loved-one, is wonderful. Survivors can simply walk down a street and feel normal. People passing by have no idea what the wanderer had been going through. Travelers can also enjoy being interactive with other people and making new friends in a relaxing B & B environment. Survivors don't have to explain themselves to anyone. They don't have to worry about their appearance. No one knows they had recently finished a difficult course of treatment or surgery. No one knows the grief they suffered. No one knows they might be facing more surgeries when they return home. No one knows they are sometimes fearful and anxious. It feels wonderful that no one knows anything and this feels like a true vacation to the survivor. People with medical problems love going on vacation because it means time away from their stressful lives. Travelers say it is nice when they are able to enjoy themselves without illness being in the forefront of their thoughts. With new places, and new things to do, regular life simply slips away. There is more to a person's life when they can explore and discover. Taking an excursion to a new place is very special. People get very excited when they start out on their journey. Another important thing to discover while on vacation is the tremendous healing power of nature. Problems seem less insurmountable while taking in the magnitude of wondrous things like expansive countryside, deeply wooded forests and horses in pastures. Watching the never ending, yet constantly changing lights and shadows, are massaging, and cleansing. It is extremely comforting when we are brought face to face with our smallness in the larger scheme of things. It is healing to get away, reconnect with loved-ones; enjoy pleasant weather and marvel at the blueness of the sky. Nature, with all its vastness and power can recharge us. Just the sound of a small waterfall is enough to transform one's mood, calm one's anxiety, remove the tediousness, and relax us in ways that are complex and hard to describe. Listening to wind, birds, trees, lakes, rivers and wildlife, can refuel us and give us intense feelings of delight and happiness. It is a lovely reminder that we can, at times, have a break from our discomfort or grief. Visitors like to take daily walks, perhaps along a street or park, and feel especially inconspicuous, beneath a hat and dark sunglasses. It is like leaving their old self behind and they feel like a person with a new identity. This is how survivors can forget all about their illness and medical things. It is a very empowering feeling. Being ordinary, doing ordinary things feels so good. Vacation holidays end quickly. Lodgers must return to the real world of daily living and surviving. They are usually grateful for the moments they were able "to get away," even if just for a short time. Having that opportunity to just be in the moment where no one knows them is priceless. FEATURED PROPERTY: It goes without saying that the grounds and facilities of the Central Park Bed and Breakfast, a historic inn in Louisville, KY, are easy on the eyes, and a relaxing atmosphere is evident throughout the inn. More importantly, the service is considered warm, welcoming, and impeccable overall. Listed on the National Historic Register, this three-story residence, constructed in 1884, displays an ambiance of fine period furnishings and examples of exquisite hand craftsmanship. Their historic Old Louisville neighborhood features America's largest collection of Victorian homes and feels like a step back in time. It is a convenient location whether your travels are for business or pleasure. The inn is very accommodating to guests who have special requests, needs or dietary considerations. Upon arrival, the innkeepers will escort visitors into the parlor, will familiarize guests with the property, the history and will give guests a brief tour. The breakfast routine, other particulars and activities available in Louisville are explained. The innkeepers are known for their relaxed, yet attentive manner. Central Park B & B is recommended to anyone who wants a good dose of serenity. Just gaze at the beautiful blooming gardens situated by the fishpond. It is a place where you can spend easy times in good conversation with friends. SUMMARY: Central Park B & B is a prime property in a convenient location. Most rooms have a fireplace, separate sitting area, and private bath. The inn's common areas feature beautiful stained glass, ornate fireplaces, unique architectural details and period antiques. There is a beautiful view of Central park from the front portion of the house. This along with great service makes for a delightful B & B experience. ROOMS: Each room offers its own charm, blending modern necessities with the decor of the Victorian era. The rooms are comfortably spacious. All of the rooms have comfortable beds dressed in luxury linens, private baths, Cable TV/VCR and DVD and wireless high-speed internet. In addition to main house rooms, guests can stay in a carriage house, away from the main inn, that has a Jacuzzi tub. This gives visitors a sense of privacy, space and romance. The rooms are kept immaculately clean. SERVICE: Expect to receive great service with a warm smile. The owners/innkeepers are well known for their genuine hospitality, and willingness to help plan itineraries. The innkeepers are knowledgeable and provide efficient service to all of their guests. AMENITIES: Each day a different breakfast is served, with careful attention to any dietary restrictions. Every breakfast concoction tells a unique story about your host, Eva, and how she transforms nature's bounty into sensory delights. The inn features a gourmet 3-course breakfast. Blueberry stuffed French toast, Herbed Fritatta, fresh fruit, homemade pastries and juices are some of the items served. Plants and flower arrangements are displayed in common areas, along with antiques and local art. The peaceful common areas are ideal reading rooms for visitors. The property has two relaxing porches, with cushioned chairs that overlook the pond and garden. People also like to read and enjoy beverages on the porch. Hot tea, iced tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks are available 24/7. Baked fresh cookies are available every afternoon. LOCATION: The location is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the historic district. Shopping, cultural events, and entertainment are nearby. Some of the well-established restaurants and clubs are close by. The downtown area, five minutes away, features galleries where guests can shop for jewelry, textiles, souvenirs, antiques and paintings. The inn is one mile from Churchill Downs. Several museums are in the area. CLEANLINESS: The B & B is known to be spotless, especially the guestrooms. Overall the inn is quite picturesque. VALUE: Compared to a standard hotel room, this property provides excellent value. The personal attention makes the difference. The guests appreciate being asked if they are comfortable. The innkeepers are always helpful without being intrusive. www.sustainablecontentment.com CONTACT: Central Park Bed and Breakfast, 1353 South Fourth Street • Louisville, KY 40208, 502.638.1505 • Toll Free 877.922.1505, If no answer call cellphone: 502-777-3946, Robert and Eva Wessels, Owner/Innkeepers, website: www.centralparkbandb.com, rates: $135-195 depending on room and not including special events. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: C.J. Good is a freelance writer, keynote guest speaker, and author of two books about finding and cultivating contentment. "Little Gifts of Sustainable Contentment" (Reviews 4.5 Stars, Look Inside) is available on Amazon. C.J. Good speaks and consults on topics ranging from sales and marketing, to building relationships. How to grow your business, viral marketing, developing repeat clients, using the internet, and how to capture gen x and gen y customers ~ are her areas of expertise. She also speaks on health issues, travel, and relationships. Her purpose is to write quality books that will make a difference in reader's lives. C.J. Good was a sales and marketing manager in the travel industry for 17 years. She was also a successful business development executive in the financial services field for many years. ~~ Keynote Speaker Page ~~ Author Website www.sustainablecontentment.com
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