07.13.2023

Today’s Forecast

94º | Partly cloudy | 4% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:58 a.m. | Sunset 8:21 p.m.

Where the wild things grow

Explore Kentucky’s physiographic regions at The Arboretum

A paved pathway surrounded by yellow flowers and trees

Take a break from studying by surrounding yourself with 60+ species of trees, shrubs, and flowers at UK’s Arboretum. | Photo by LEXtoday

Did you know that when you stroll through the 80+ acres of The Arboretum State Botanical Garden, you’re also exploring the seven physiographic regions of Kentucky?

Yep, this isn’t your ordinary walk in the park. Here, you’re treated to 60 different species of grasses, shrubs, trees, and wildflowers thanks to a concept called Walk Across Kentucky.

The wild native plants were first introduced in 1991, and today, there are over 2,500 trees + shrubs representing different ecosystems across the state. Let’s go explore.

The Knobs Region

As you enter The Arboretum through the main entrance at Alumni Drive, you will drive through the Eastern and Western Knobs. Species you’ll see:

Tulip trees
Coffeetree
Bald cypress

Cumberland Mountains

While this is the smallest region featured, there is no shortage of foliage with 95+ trees per acre. Species you’ll see:

Native grasses
Wildflowers
Magnolia trees

Appalachian Plateau Region

As it does in its real geography, this region borders the Cumberland Mountains in Eastern Kentucky. You won’t want to miss the Appalachian wet-woods or the azalea trail. Species you’ll see:

Single-flowered hawthorn
Red-chokeberry
Large-flowered raspberry

A shaded path surrounded by trees and low-lying plants — Find serenity in nature in the heart of UK’s campus. | Photo by LEXtoday

Bluegrass Region

One of the largest in the park, this region features large slabs of limestone + various oak trees. Species you’ll see:

Prickly pear cactus
False aloe
Native cane

Shawnee Hills

If you love bright colors, check out this region’s four-acre wildflower meadow or bop around the sandstone boulders. Species you’ll see:

Bluebells
Strawberry bush
False indigo

Mississippi Embayment

Here, you’ll find unique flora, as well as a constructed wetland with a boardwalk, island, and pool. Species you’ll see:

Water locust
Water tupelo
Wildlife like turtles + ducks

Pennyrile

This region’s tallgrass prairie ecosystem makes it a haven for numerous birds + insects seeking shelter and food. Species you’ll see:

Carolina buckthorn
Persimmon tree
Sugarberry tree

Events

Thursday, July 13

Thirsty Thursday at the Ballpark | Thursday, July 13 | 6:45 p.m. | Counter Clocks Field, 207 Legends Ln., Lexington | $10-$65 | Sip on $2 beers + take in the Counter Clocks action with your four-legged friends for Bark in the Park.
The Sound of Music | Thursday, July 13-Sunday, July 16 | Times vary | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $57-$100 | The hills are alive with this musical theater production from the Lexington Theatre Company.

Friday, July 14

30th Annual Master Musicians Festival | Friday, July 14-Saturday, July 15 | Times vary | Somerset Community College Festival Field, 808 Monticello St., Somerset | $55-$135 | This two-day festival will host live performances from Wynonna Judd, Nappy Roots, Abby Hamilton + more.

Saturday, July 15

Birds & Brews | Saturday, July 15 | 1-4 p.m. | Ethereal Brewing, 1224 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Meet, learn about, and cuddle with the ducks from waterfowl rescue Longbottom Bird Ranch.

Sunday, July 16

Community Yoga on the Lawn at Ashland | Sunday, July 16 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Rd., Lexington | Free | Slow down + breath deeply at this all-levels practice on the lawn under the trees.
Crystals & More with Sandy McManus | Sunday, July 16 | 4-5 p.m. | Lexington Salt Cave, 309 N. Ashland Ave. Ste. 180-B, Lexington | $55 | End the weekend by taking a wellness journey while learning about the benefits of halotherapy and reiki.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Family

3 can’t-miss summer reading events happening in July

a boy touches a baby shark in a small tank

Fill your child’s summer schedule with dinosaurs, animals, science, and more. | Photo provided by Lexington Public Library

Free activities to keep your kids learning this summer? Count us in. Lexington Public Library is hosting a series of fun + engaging events this month, including three shows that will visit all six branches. Here’s what to expect:

Dinosaur Friends!: Freddy Fossil and his life-like puppets will help kids find answers to their dinosaur questions.
Hooked on Science!: Explore scientific marvels with Jason Lindsey, AKA Mr. Science.
School of Crocs!: Learn about crocodiles in this educational program from Newport Aquarium’s Wave Foundation.

Peep the full schedule

News Notes

Biz

Engineering News-Record (ENR) Midwest named Lexington-based Gray Construction its 2023 Contractor of the Year. The industry newsletter cited Gray’s work on megaprojects, ~$1 billion revenue + family values for earning the honor. It is also currently ranked No. 1 nationally among ENR’s Top 400 Contractors. (Engineering News-Record)

Read

Former UK women’s basketball coach Matthew Mitchell has a new title — author. His book, “Winning Tools: 3 Leadership Principles That Build Purpose, Respect & Success,” is available for pre-sale + will be released on Tuesday, July 18.

Ranked

Pollstar Magazine, a concert venue trade publication, ranked Rupp Arena as No. 15 in the US + No. 3 in the South for number of tickets sold during the first half of 2023. The ranking is the highest to date for Rupp Arena. (Spectrum News)

Pets

If you’re a fan of felines, then this news is a purr-fect surprise. VisitLEX revealed a new series called “Cats of the Bluegrass,” which highlights the working cats of central Kentucky’s farms + distilleries. Wait until you see the grumpy faces of Bruce at Lanes End Farm.

Sports

There’s another group of Wildcats heading to the big leagues. Congratulations to pitchers Austin Strickland, Magdiel Cotto, and Logan Martin, who were all selected during the 2023 MLB Draft on Tuesday. Since Head Coach Nick Mingione’s arrival in 2017, 34 players have been chosen in the draft. (UK Athletics)

Number

$153 million. That’s how much money Hitachi Astemo Americas Inc. is investing in an expansion of its Berea facility. The new development will see an additional 752,000 sqft on 62 acres and create 167 full-time jobs. (LEX18)

Learn

You’re invited to the OLLI Open House happening Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Barn at the Campbell House. In case you didn’t know, OLLI stands for The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Kentucky, which offers a variety of courses and activities for adults 50+. Learn more.*

Eat

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner in under 20 minutes? Try Kroger’s Sheet Pan Shrimp and Corn Tacos — a bright and flavorful summer dish that’s easy to prep, cook, and clean up.*

Finance

Everyday investors profit from a $45 million Banksy collection (yes, the Banksy) thanks to Masterworks, who last sold one of the artist’s works at a 32% net gain. Masterworks has completed 13 exits (all profitable), with three recent sales delivering net annualized returns of 17.8%, 21.5%, and 35%. LEXtoday readers can skip the waitlist to join.†*

Shop

Parking your car on sunny streets while running errands around town? This No. 1 bestselling sunshade keeps your car’s interior cool and minimizes rays.*

† See important Masterworks disclosures.

Sports

Your ticket fore a good time

2023 Barbasol Championship Tournament Preview

A bugler wearing a red coat next to a trophy, golf bag, and American flag.

Consider this your call to the green. | | Photo by Wendy Wooley

The 2023 Barbasol Championship Tournament tees off today at Champions at Keene Trace Golf Club, bringing a four-day par-tee on the green. Here are some fast facts to have a tee-rific time.

Tickets

Children 15 + under are free
Single-day passes are $40
Four-day passes are $120
Club 87 passes on the 18th Fairway include food, drinks, television, and air-conditioning for $285

Causes

The tournament’s charitable arm, Caddie127, supports local charities each year that champion women + children around the state. See this year’s organizations.

Themed days

Thursday | Military & First Responders Appreciation Day
Friday | College Day sponsored by Kentucky Lottery
Saturday | Kroger Family Day
Sunday | Final Round of competition + trophy presentation

If you’re an avid attendee, what is a must-do at Barbasol? Or if you’ve never been, what do you want to see? Tee up your suggestions or questions, and we’ll see you Saturday.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

It was so fun to take a midday stroll through The Arboretum yesterday. I highly encourage you to take your time and read the signs to learn more about your surroundings. Ziggy especially loved taking a break under the shade of the trees in the Pennyrile Region.

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