Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

• Go: Raven Run is the hiking gem of Fayette County, boasting 10 miles of hiking trails across 734 acres overlooking the Kentucky River.
• See: Hike the Yellow Trail for premium wildflower views, such as Blue-eyed Mary, trillium, lilies, and wild hyacinth.

McConnell Springs Park

• Go: Stretching 26 acres just down the road from the Distillery District, this nature sanctuary has unique springs, bird-watching opportunities, and routine programming for all ages.
• See: Wildflowers, milkweed + Eastern Redbud trees are peppered throughout the park.

Lexington Cemetery

• Go: The moment you step foot into Lexington Cemetery in the heart of town, you’re welcomed with countless opportunities to frolic among the flowers. Check out historical sites such as Henry Clay’s mausoleum and a bicentennial tree that is older than the U.S. Constitution.
• See: Check out Lexington’s most famous spot for cherry blossom trees, as well as magnolias + tulips in the flower garden.

The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky

• Go: Explore 100 acres of native and horticultural plant collections.
• See: Four gardens full of roses, lavender, bee balm + wild bergamot.

Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate

• Go: Not only can you tour this historic mansion, the surrounding estate is home to 600+ trees, formal walking gardens + a peony garden — all just outside of downtown.
• See: Roses, ferns, and other florals adorn the carefully laid out formal garden, and by late April you can mosey through the dozens of peony varietals in bloom.

Floracliff Nature Sanctuary

• Go: Floracliff is a 346-acre nonprofit nature preserve that is only open for guided hikes + events.
• See: Virginia bluebells, pink lady’s slipper, bloodroot + saxifrage make this sanctuary one-of-a-kind.

• Little Sprouts | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 10 a.m.-10:45 p.m. | UK Arboretum, 500 Alumni Dr., Lexington | $4 | Children ages 3-5 are invited to come learn about “Trees, Roots, and Leaves” through stories, crafts, science experiments + more.
• Alexander’s Library: Paintings and Art Books by Kathleen O’Brien | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Lexington Public Library, Eastside Branch, 3000 Blake James Dr., Lexington | Free | Stop by to browse the colorful work of Mercer County artist Kathleen O’Brien.
• Late Nights at Red Mile | Wednesday, Mar. 22-Monday, Oct. 2 | 11 p.m. | Red Mile Gaming & Racing, 1101 Winbak Way, Lexington | Free | Don’t miss Late Night Breakfast with $5 food, late night drawings, live music + more.*

• Lexington Comic & Toy Convention | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 12 p.m. | Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $30-$140 | Listen to some of the most iconic figures in modern pop culture history speak about their experiences + dance to the beats of DJ Marvel.
• Road to the Horse | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 12-5:30 p.m. | Alltech Arena, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy., Lexington | $95-$245 | Pretend you’re in “Yellowstone” as competitors and colts from the 6666 Ranch work for the title of superior colt starter.
• Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Celebrate Kentucky’s rich literary heritage with theatrical and musical performances as well as book readings and signings.

• A Bob Marley and The Wailers Tribute Show | Friday, Mar. 24 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $15 | Don’t worry about a thing while the Ark Band covers classics by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

• 55º | Rainy | 62% chance of rain

• In celebration of Women’s History Month, NAACP Image Award nominee + TikTok influencer Lynae Vance will speak at UK’s Gatton Student Center on Thursday, March 23 at 5 p.m. Her work as an activist has been featured in the LA Times, focusing on educating viewers about overlooked periods of Black history. (UKNOW)

• The city has teamed up with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society to promote and encourage the use of solar power. The new Solarize Lexington initiative is open to homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits, who can apply to see if they are eligible for discounted installation of solar panels.

• This evening marks the start of Ramadan, a month of reflection + fasting in Islam. Observe and learn more by visiting local mosques and the Islamic Center of Lexington as they celebrate. We wish you all a peaceful month, and we’ll see you on Eid al-Fitr starting Friday, April 21.

• According to data from the Census Bureau, Fayette County ranks No. 6 among the top 10 Kentucky counties for remote work. A report from task management company ClickUp was able to determine that 13.7% of residents in the county work remotely. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

• The Forum Galas — a showcase featuring performances from various local dance companies — will return to the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center Friday, March 31 + Saturday, April 1. Get your tickets to see performances from Bluegrass Ceili, Rakadu Dance Theatre, Movement Continuum, and more.

• Calling all photographers. Head to the Kentucky Darkroom for its two open house events on Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 26 at 2 p.m. Attendees can take a tour of darkrooms, attend workshops about a variety of photography-related topics, and learn more about the studio’s offerings.

• Has spring sprung in your home yet? If you’re looking to get outdoors, this wipeable tablecloth is just begging for some alfresco dining, and these garden and herb labels will get you in a planting mood. Plus, this viral birdfeeder practically brings the birds inside with you.