Today’s Forecast

80º | Sunny | 2% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:14 a.m. | Sunset 8:59 p.m.

Women doing a stork pose during a yoga class outdoors.

Find your zen, then grab some brunch. | Photo courtesy of @thegrovelex

While summer break might be a distant memory for many of us, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the warmth and care-free energy that the season brings. That’s why we’re rounding up our favorite spots around town to soak up the sun.

🪴 For the biophiles

Windy Corner Market, 4595 Bryan Station Rd.
Take the scenic route through Lexington’s horse farms to enjoy beer cheese and Southern fare.

Kentucky Native Cafe, 417 E. Maxwell St.
Grab a glass of rosé, seasonal plates, and take a stroll through Michler’s florist.

The Grove, 109 S. Upper St.
You’ll forget you’re in the heart of town when you head to this business collective, where you can start your day off with yoga and a cup of joe from Nate’s Coffee.

Picnic tables with umbrellas sit on top of sand overlooking the Kentucky River. — You don’t need to go to the get to get these kinda of views. | Photo courtesy of @proudmarybbq

🌊 For the water lovers

Proud Mary BBQ, 9079 Old Richmond Rd.
Head down south to the outskirts of town to enjoy fresh BBQ and a scenic overlook of the Kentucky River.

Palmer’s Fresh Grill, 161 Lexington Green Cir.
No need to go far for those zen patio days — just to Lexington Green for seafood, a tiki bar, and views of its pond.

Goodfellas, 1228 Manchester St.
Snag a slice of New York-style pizza, sip on some local bourbons, and enjoy the view of Town Branch Creek.

Waterfront Grill + Gathering, 220 Athens Boonesboro Rd., Winchester
Enjoy a signature sandwich cooked on a salt block, while overlooking the Kentucky River.

The outside of the Old Fayette County Court House featuring picnic tables and patio umbrellas. — Don’t forget to grab a cocktail from the Thirsty Fox after lunch at Zim’s Cafe. | Photo by LEXtoday

🏙️ For the city dwellers

Zim’s Cafe, 215 W. Main St.
Another Ouita Michel-owned spot, this downtown restaurant creates local-inspired classic southern dishes.

Corto Lima, 101 W. Short St.
Bask in the city glow across from the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse plaza with seasonal, Latin-inspired small plates, including smoked jackfruit empanadas.

Events

Tuesday, May 23

Diversity’s Perspective: Art Gallery | Tuesday, May 23-Friday, May 26 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St., Lexington | Free | This exhibit features works of all techniques, of artists from different backgrounds, sharing their love for beautiful imagery.

Wednesday, May 24

Explorium Engineering Gallery Ribbon Cutting | Wednesday, May 24 | 9-10 a.m. | Explorium of Lexington, 440 W. Short St., Lexington | Free | Head to the opening of the new Marksbury Engineering Gallery, which will feature exhibits that teach children about all things engineering, science, and technology.
Zumba Fitness Express | Wednesday, May 24 | 6:30-7 p.m. | The Salsa Center Dance Studio, 817 Lane Allen Rd., Lexington | $5-$20 | All levels are welcome to get their heart pumping in this quick dance workout class.

Thursday, May 25

Thursday Night Live | Thursday, May 25-Thursday, Oct. 12 | 5-8 p.m. | Fifth Third Bank Pavilion, 251 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | Head downtown for the perfect post-work wind down with your friends featuring live music, tasty beverages, and delicious food.
Origins Jazz Series presents Lakecia Benjamin | Thursday, May 25 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St., Lexington | $30 | Enjoy the jazzy sounds of this saxophonist as she supports her newest album “Phoenix.”

Friday, May 26

Summer Nights in Suburbia | Friday, May 26-Friday, Sept. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | MoonDance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St., Lexington | Free | Grab your lawn chairs and blankets to kick off your weekend with live music, spanning various genres, plus check out local food and drink vendors.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

▼SPONSORED▼

Travel

Why we’re adding a road trip to Indianapolis to our summer bucket list

A family walks outside of the Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The world’s largest children’s museum (located in Indianapolis) showcases dinosaurs bursting from the walls, paying tribute to their popular Dinosphere exhibit inside. | Photo provided by Visit Indy

Need a family-friendly getaway? In just three hours, you could be exploring everything Indianapolis has to offer (think: a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a stroll in White River State Park, or a visit to the zoo). Whatever your pace, Indy has an experience that is just your speed.

Pro tip: The Indy Attraction Pass gets you admission to eight of the city’s top attractions for one low price, including The Children’s Museum, the gardens at Newfields, and so much more.*

Plan your getaway

News Notes

Opening

Bella Cafe will expand into the new Fountains at Palomar shopping center this August. The new location will share the same menu as its original Chevy Chase spot, which includes Parmesan truffle fries, burgers, and more. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Buddha Lounge will open a sister restaurant called Osha at 107 W. Short St. Located in the former Lady Remoulade + Roulay spot, Osha will serve authentic Thai and Asian food. We’ll keep you updated when it’s expected to open.

Sports

A former Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach will join UK men’s basketball just in time for the 2023-2024 season. John Welch has spent the last 20 years working in the professional ranks, including time with former UK stars Demarcus Cousins, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Rajon Rondo at the Sacramento Kings. (LEX18)

Kids

“Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure,” is coming to Rupp Arena this October. Bring the kids to this musical adventure as Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, and Rocky try to solve the mysteries of a pirate treasure. Tickets go on sale next Friday, June 2.

Active

The YMCA will host its first free Friday Family Fun Run Series on Friday, June 2, encouraging members and non-members to come together for a walk or run. Grab the family and head to the Beaumont or North Lexington YMCA locations on the first Friday of each month this summer to participate.
Contemplating an e-bike purchase? Upway — the No. 1 certified e-bike provider — sells top-quality electric bikes up to 60% cheaper than retail. Shop top e-bike brands in new or like-new condition. Bonus: Your bike will ship right to your door, so you can immediately experience the sheer joy of effortless travel.*

Holiday

If you haven’t whipped out the grill yet, Memorial Day is the perfect opportunity to fire up the flames. Need some backyard barbecue inspo? Check out Kroger’s Summer Shop, complete with grilling recipes, holiday items on sale this week, and the best cookout bevs to put in the cooler.*

Cause

Putting the “free” in “free market”

Pace in Parks run club at Duncan Park April 1, 2022. | Photo by Paul Hooper

The best things in life are free, so they say. But there’s one organization who is making it their mission to provide free necessities with no strings attached.

The Really Really Free Market takes the concept of a “free market” seriously by implementing gift economics. This simply means the organization operates through the reuse and redistribution of lightly used goods at no cost to recipients, while also reducing unnecessary waste. Think: Bottles of sunscreen in the summertime, coats in the winter, shoes, fans, first aid kits, and more.

On the second Saturday of each month, Lexingtonians are invited to Duncan Park to contribute, donate, or pick up essentials from 1 to 4 p.m. Here is this year’s schedule —

Saturday, June 10
Saturday, July 8
Saturday, August 12
Saturday, September 9
Saturday, October 14
Saturday, November 11

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

We asked readers what every newcomer to the Horse Capital of the World has to experience, try, or visit to “officially” become a Lexingtonian, and y’all came through. Some honorable mentions include taking a picture in front of the Third Street Coffee mural and waking up to the sweet smell of Jif Peanut Butter. Stay tuned for our upcoming LEX 101 guide to see more.

Missed our previous newsletter?

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | SHOP