Ground yourself with this weekly outdoor, all-levels yoga class. | Photo courtesy of Yoga at Ashland
This time of year usually means gearing up for back-to-school and squeezing in some last-minute summer fun. But did you know that August is also National Wellness Month?
No matter what this month has in store for you, we hope you can find time to focus on your well-being. Keep reading to see our local guide to find your center.
This garden offers seclusion in the middle of town. | Photo by LEXtoday
Morning
Kick off your day by getting your blood flowing at one of many yoga classes happening around town. Every Sunday until Oct. 10 at 11 a.m., you can head to Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate for a free, outdoor flow session taught by Lissa Sims.
Then we suggest heading down the street to High On Art & Coffee to grab your favorite morning beverage and breakfast, browse local goods, and take a seat in its outdoor garden.
Afternoon
Ready to take your wellness up a notch? Have a professional work out those knots with a massage from one of many salons in the area.
We suggest a one-two stop at the Distillery District — start with a deep tissue massage at Massage Strong, followed by a scenic lunch from Little Fork along Town Branch Creek.
After loading up on a refreshing wedge salad, drive a few minutes down Manchester Street and you’ll arrive at McConnell’s Springs. Here, you can reconnect with nature, take a stroll on one of its many paths, or participate in programs hosted by Parks & Recreation.
Cozy up and relax for a spell in the Lexington Salt Cave. | Photo by LEXtoday
Evening
Round out the wellness adventure with a halotherapy session at Lexington Salt Cave. Here, you’re immersed in a Himalayan salt cave where you can simply enjoy the warmth of your surroundings and practice mindfulness, or attend a guided class.
How would you plan your perfect day of wellness in Lexington? Let us know.
Events
Tuesday, Aug. 1
2023 Lexington Challenger Tennis Championships | Tuesday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 6 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center, 454 Complex Dr., Lexington | $10-$50 | Watch as rising tennis players take to the court.
Children’s Cooking Class | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 1-2 p.m. | Dunbar Community Center, 545 N. Upper St., Lexington | Free | Children will have an egg-cellent time learning the basics of cooking in a safe setting.
Big Band & Jazz | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Ecton Park, 956 Turkey Foot Rd., Lexington | Free | Grab your chairs + picnics to enjoy live jazz music from the Ross Whitaker Quintet.
Wednesday, Aug. 2
Ballet Under the Stars | Wednesday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 6 | 8-11 p.m. | Woodland Park, 601 E. High St., Lexington | $8 | Celebrate the art of dance with the Kentucky Ballet Theatre’s “A Storybook Ballet” featuring music from “Encanto” and “Frozen II”.
Thursday, Aug. 3
Dressing the Character | Tuesday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Sept. 10 | Times vary | Central Library Gallery, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | See costumes from the UK Department of Theatre and Dance’s productions from the past decade.
Arnez J. | Thursday, Aug. 3-Sunday, Aug. 6 | Times vary | Comedy Off Broadway, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Lexington | $27 | Have a laugh with jokes from the host of BET’s longest-running comedy series “Comic View.”
We can confirm that LaRosa’s Pizza, the popular Cincinnati-based chain, has closed its doors at 2890 Richmond Rd. Franchise owner Dillon Adams said that low sales led to the closure. However, a new restaurant is expected to fill in the space. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Opening
Not Your Ordinary Kitchen will host a soft opening on Saturday, Aug. 12. Head to Greyline Station at 101 W. Loudon Ave. from 12 to 6 p.m. to try out unique eats like crab cake egg rolls + other modernized comfort foods.
Biz
Just days after the Ketch Seafood Grill was sold, the new owners say that the remodeled spot may be open in time for the Keeneland Fall Meet. While the details of the space are still fuzzy, Ryan Foster, one of the owners, says that Ketch will be part of the name. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Ranked
Global Traveler USA has named Lost Palm one of the top alfresco (meaning outdoor) dining spots in the country. The tourism website highlighted the rooftop bar’s “flamboyant tiki cocktail program” and food, such as its seafood tower.
Drink
Smashing Tomato is hosting Summer Wine Tastings this month. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Fayette Mall location will pair an heirloom tomato pizza with a Lemon Spritz. Head to the Hamburg location on Wednesday, Aug. 9 for a spicy pie with a dry Montepulciano.
Job
Calling all experienced and aspiring “broistas”. Dutch Brothers Coffee is now hiring. Sign up to apply for Lexington’s first location, which is opening at 234 E. New Circle Rd.
Active
Discover a healthier, happier you at the YMCA. Every Wednesday in August, the Y welcomes you to try a class, walk or swim a lap, or lift some weights. With four convenient Lexington locations, there is something for everyone at the Y. Join on a Wellness Wednesday and pay a $0 join fee.*
Events
Welcome, August
Lexington events to watch out for in August
The Woodland Art Fair brings hundreds of artists + thousands of visitors to Lexington. | Photo courtesy of the City of Lexington | Amy Wallot/LFUCG
From art festivals to music, August in Lexington marks the return of some favorite events. Get ready to pull out your planner:
Roy Wood Jr. | Friday, Aug. 18 + Saturday, Aug. 19 | Times vary | Comedy Off Broadway | Hear jokes from this Emmy-nominated comedian and “The Daily Show” correspondent.
Woodland Art Fair | Saturday, Aug. 19 + Sunday, Aug. 20 | Times vary | Woodland Park | Vendors return to town to feature all mediums of art, as well as local food + drinks.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons | Sunday, Aug. 27 | Lexington Opera House | You won’t be able to take your eyes off this iconic crooner as he sings the hits.
CRAVE Food + Music Festival | Saturday, Aug. 26 + Sunday, Aug. 27 | Masterson Station Park | Taste what Lexington has to offer at this multi-day food festival.
While Lexington Restaurant Week is over, I was thrilled to snag a reservation at Palmers Fresh Grill over the weekend to try its offerings. Salmon Oscar, fried green tomatoes, and a key lime pie made for the perfect summer dinner — and the good news is that most of these are on the regular menu.
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