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Today’s Forecast

38° | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:54 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

 
🌼 Sugar Magnolia, blossom’s blooming
Blooming yellow wildflowers can be found across Lexington parks.
You belong among the wildflowers. | Photo courtesy of @clbris4
Whether they bring you serenity or make you sneeze, we can all appreciate Kentucky’s flowers. We’ve found the best spots around town for floral views that will have you thinking you’re among the sakura blooms of Japan.

Pro tip: Check out our guide to Lexington parks before planning your trip to see what other amenities are in store.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way

  • 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.

A view of cherry blossom trees.

The cherry blossoms blooming at Lexington Cemetery. | Photo by @kathy77777

Lexington Cemetery, 833 W. Main St.

  • 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, 500 Alumni Dr.

  • Go: Explore 100 acres of native and horticultural plant collections.
  • See: Roses, lavender, bee balm + wild bergamot can be seen across one of four gardens.

Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Rd.

  • 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.

McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln.

  • 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 riddled throughout the park.
 
 
Events
 
Wednesday, March 22
  • 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.*
Thursday, March 23
  • 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.
Friday, March 24
  • 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.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

Click here to have your event featured.
 
SPONSORED
Finance
 
Average retirement savings by age: Are you on track?
SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area.
SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset
Many Americans worry they’re not saving enough for retirement, and rightfully so. Do your current savings meet the recommended amount for people your age? Find out. 👀

The amount some people have saved may be shocking, but it’s not too late to seek advice. A financial advisor could help increase your returns and alleviate stress. Try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*
 
News Notes
 

Weather
  • 55º | Rainy | 62% chance of rain
Talk
  • 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)
Environment
  • 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.
Today Is
  • 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.
Ranked
Plan Ahead
  • 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.
Try This
  • 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.
Seasonal
 
Travel and Outdoors
 
New look at Cardinal Run Park North
Three people looking at a map highlighting all of the amenities for the new park.
Once completed, Cardinal Run North will be the fourth largest park in Lexington. | Photo by Amy Wallot | Amy Wallot/LFUCG/LFUCG
Lexington Parks + Recreation has officially broken ground on the new ~137-acre Cardinal Run Park North, located off Parkers Mill Road.

The park, designed by firm Brandstetter Carroll Inc., will be the largest community park Lexington has opened in 25 years. Together with Cardinal Run Park South, the combined parks will total 192.2 acres, making it among the top four largest parks in town.

Plans for the park stemmed from community feedback, which was gathered through in-person neighborhood meetings and online surveys. The city will use $10.1 million in ARPA funds for designing and developing the project.

When the 137.6-acre Cardinal Run North is completed in 2025, it will feature:
  • A nine-acre dog park
  • Two picnic shelters
  • Six pickleball courts
  • A basketball court
  • Two miles of hiking trails + one-mile of a paved shared trail
  • A large playground
 
The Wrap
 
Aayat Ali Today’s Edition By:
Aayat
From the Editor
It’s officially farmers’ market season, and we’re eager to know your favorite, overlooked spots for produce. Drop us a line with suggestions!
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