Finding a gluten-free option doesn’t require sacrifice. The owner of Papi’s has a gluten sensitivity, which means the menu can be catered to your dietary needs. Bonus: they have a fryer reserved for gluten-free items, so tortilla chips are on the menu.
If you’re looking for equestrian views, there are countless opportunities to do so for free. An afternoon can be spent taking the winding roads of Bryan Station Road out to local eatery Windy Corner Market, where you’re sure to get a chance to say hay to some local horses — just don’t feed or touch them without permission.
As u/Nomadsoul7 on Reddit pointed out, the public can also head to Keeneland to view racehorse training every weekday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lexington’s Reddit community is mostly in agreement that the best lunch spot for salads is Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen, which also offers soups, grain bowls, and more.
Want a more sit-down experience? Malone’s has a Salmon Spinach salad topped with walnuts + strawberries that is perfect for spring.
With over 100 parks around the city, there is no shortage of urban walks around town. We suggest Liberty Park, which is a quiet trail that weaves through the Hamburg area, provides those quaint views, and connects to the Brighton Trail pedestrian bridge.
If you don’t mind a bit of a crowd, The Arboretum’s paved trails are perfect for those wanting to take a scenic stroll.
Events
Monday, May 1
Venus Envy Radio | Monday, May 1-Monday, July 24 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | RadioLex, Lexington | Free | Tune into this bi-weekly radio show as holistic life coach Nishaan Sandhu talks through the power of symbolism, synchronicity, and astrology.
Late Nights at Red Mile | Monday, May 1-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.*
Tuesday, May 2
Origins Jazz Lounge | Tuesday, May. 2 | 7 p.m. | Base249, 249 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Head over to enjoy this monthly series which hearkens back to the speakeasy era through live jazz music.
Wednesday, May 3
Awesome Inc Demo Day | Wednesday, May. 3 | 12-1:30 p.m. | Awesome Inc, 348 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Watch as students from the Web Developer Bootcamp present and showcase their new programming skills to the Lexington tech community.
Thursday, May 4
Bird Walks | Thursday, May 4-Friday, May 19 | 9-11 a.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington | Free | Beginner + experienced nature enthusiasts are invited to explore and learn about birds of the Bluegrass with staff at Raven Run.
Swim safely this summer, Lexington. | Photo provided by the YMCA of Central Kentucky
Did you know that May is National Water Safety Month? The YMCA of Central Kentucky is inviting our community to become Water Watchers — aka adults that take the pledge to actively watch children in or near a body of water, avoid distractions, and help in an emergency.
As a Water Watcher, Lexingtonians can help the Y make this the safest summer ever. Join the Water Watchers and explore the Y’s aquatics programs.*
The Urban County Planning Commission approved plans to build two new five-story retail and residential spaces along Midland Avenue. The building will include 2,000 sqft of retail space, 182 apartments, over 200 parking spaces, and would connect Main Street to the Warehouse Block. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
History
Did you know May marks the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month? Celebrate their rich history by attending a community chat hosted by Vice Mayor Dan Wu to learn about the AAPI experience or donating to local organizations like the Temple Adath Israel.
The Historic St. Paul AME Church on North Upper Street is seeking grant funding to restore its space so it can officially be recognized as being part of the Underground Railroad. It is projected that ~100,000 slaves used the Lexington church as their entry point to freedom. (LEX18)
Health
UK’s Healthcare system announced an expansion of its system through a $2.4 billion plan. Additions would include 300 more hospital beds at the Chandler Hospital campus, as well as four outpatient offices around the area, including in Hamburg, one other Lexington location, Frankfort, and Madison County.(Lexington Herald-Leader)
Number
14 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.
I was just gifted an inflatable kayak (shoutout to my awesome brother-in-law) and have little to no idea where to use it. Aside from Jacobson Park, what suggestions do you have for kayaking spots in and around Lexington?
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.