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How to celebrate Summerween in Lexington

Yes. it’s only August. Yes, we’re already scouring the shelves for all things orange.

Tons of jack-o-lanterns all lit up

We’re already counting down the days till Jack-o'-lanterns decorate the steps of historic Old Morrison. | Photo courtesy of @tsglexington + @transylvaniauniversity

We know it might be hard to believe, but we’re less than 90 days away from zombies taking downtown by storm. That’s right, Halloween is fast-approaching, but for some, it’s a lifestyle — not a season. Enter: Summerween, that period of time during the summer when it’s too hot to function and dreams of crisp air + colorful leaves infiltrate your mind.

Grab your plaid and block out the 80% humidity, here’s how to have a Summerween day in Lexington.

Morning

North Lime Coffee & Donuts is here to fill in the pumpkin-sized hole in your heart. Head to any of its locations to try three different seasonal drinks. If a hot coffee is the last thing you want, don’t fret — all of these drinks can be made iced:

  • Pumpkin Pancake
  • Chai-der
  • S’mores Cold Brew

Afternoon

Now that you’re caffeinated, it’s time to explore the city. If you want to be surrounded by weeping willows, we recommend taking a self-guided tour through the Lexington Cemetery. Here, you can learn about Lexington’s history and even see one of the world’s largest Basswood trees that is 300+ years old.

Afterward, head to West Third Street to take a gander at Old Morrison — aka the tomb of early 19th-century botany professor Constantine Rafinesque, who was fired by college president Horace Holley and would later claim that he left “the College with curses on it and Holley.”

lex-kentucky-theatre-halloween

Just wait until October, when The Kentucky Theatre goes full throttle on their scary showings. | Photo by LEXtoday

Evening

Once the sun goes down, that’s when the frightful fun really begins. If you’re eager to hear stories of spirits that linger, The Ghost Walk Lexington is your place to be. It’s soul 65-minute walking tour for the month is on Saturday, Aug. 31, where you’ll explore Gratz Park + learn more about the spirits that supposedly roam the area.

If a tour is a too up-close-and-personal for you, we suggest taking the fictional route. The Kentucky Theatre’s rotating films often include everything from modern horror to classic screams. This month, you can catch “Trap,” the newest movie from M. Night Shyamalan.

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