Hot Homes: Take living in the Horse Capital to the next step
Horse-racing expertise emanates from these walls. | Photo courtesy of Ben Childers
Want to be a Kentucky Derby-winning breeder?
Well, while we can’t guarantee accolades, we can assure that living in the historic Daniel Swigert House in Fayette Park could provide some serious motivation.
Be apart of equine history. | Photo courtesy of Ben Childers
Swigert was a prominent figure in the horse-racing industry and charter member of Churchill Downs. In the 1880s, he became known for producing four Kentucky Derby winners including Ben Ali + Baden-Baden.
Let the vibrancy of town pour in through these arch-style windows. | Photo courtesy of Ben Childers
Live like a legend
When you first walk upon the Swigert House, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places, your eyes naturally land on a three-story round tower that even Rapunzel wouldn’t want to leave. Inch closer, and you’ll notice the sun hitting the glass-stained windows, bleeding beautiful hues of blue into the home.
Upon entry, you’ll be floored by the preserved hardwood floors, Irish bog oak trimmings, and the intricate carved staircase.
Other notable features:
A large dining room
Arch-shaped, floor-to-ceiling windows
Remodeled bathrooms
Unique crown molding
Downtown living without the hassle
Perhaps one of the most desirable traits? Having a spacious, fully-fenced in backyard, all within walking distance to downtown Lexington. Take a quick seven-minute walk to West Sixth Brewing + Smithtown Seafood or kick back in your screened-in porch, and listen to the hum of the city in your own little slice of historical paradise.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 7-9 p.m. | Sedona Taphouse, 3600 Palomar Center Dr., Lexington | $53 | Enjoy a three course-dinner and musical performance — if you dare.
Wednesday, Aug. 30
5 Across | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 5-7 p.m. | The Mane on Main, 201 E. Main St., Ste. #1500, Lexington | $5 | Celebrate entrepreneurship in Lexington as five local startups pitch in a “Shark Tank” style competition for a chance to win $5,500.
Silas House Book Signing | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 7 p.m. | Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Lexington | Free | Join the author of “Lark Ascending” for a book discussion and signing.
Ben Lacy | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Epping’s on Eastside, 264 Walton Ave., Lexington | Free | Enjoy the musical stylings of guitar virtuoso Ben Lacy throughout happy hour and dinner service every Wednesday evening.*
Thursday, Aug. 31
Taylor Swift Trivia | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 7 p.m. | Bear & The Butcher, 815 Euclid Ave., Lexington | Free | Make the whole place shimmer by testing out your knowledge of this pop icon while sipping on specialty-themed drinks.
Ustad Shafaat Khan | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Otis A. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St., Lexington | $20 | Watch this sitar legend as he showcases Indian heritage through his music.
Friday, Sept. 1
UK Football Kick-Off Block Party | Friday, Sept. 1 | 5 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | Free | Celebrate UK’s first game of the season at this block party featuring dozens of vendors, food, drinks, and lawn games.
📚 Have the best bookish time at the Kentucky Book Festival
Festival fun from last year. | Photo by Kentucky Book Festival
Get lost in a book with your favorite author at the Kentucky Book Festival, happening Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Each year, thousands of Kentuckians attend this free festival to find new books to add to their shelf, and shake the hand of the people who wrote them. This year 150 authors are featured at the fest.
Attendees can:
Browse the author’s gallery and meet their favorite writers
Java Jukebox has officially opened its food truck, where it will dish out coffee + breakfast bites. The team will make an appearance at the Astral Echos Music Festival at Red River Gorge this weekend, then post up at Bryan Station Middle and High Schools every other Monday starting Sept. 5.
Eat
Refrain from going nuts. Houston-based Shipley Do-Nuts could be coming to Lexington. Known for its donuts, coffee, and kolaches, the chain is seeking to expand in Kentucky. While there are no concrete plans just yet, Franchise Director Mike Stout believes Lexington could potentially see up to six or seven stores. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Award
Congratulations to the 2023 class of inductees of the Lexington African-American Sports Hall of Fame (LAASHOF). See who will be honored at this year’s induction ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Central Bank Center, including esteemed jockey Oliver Lewis. Tickets are available now.
Drink
Wise Bird Cider is helping us live apple-y ever after thanks to next month’s Kentucky Cider Days. The cidery will host food + cider pairings, tap takeovers, and more throughout September. Celebrations kick off with a tap takeover at Sedona Tap House on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Community
Want to make Lexington a more inclusive place? The Lyric Theatre is hosting a United Against Hate workshop tomorrow, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. Register to learn about how to spot hate crimes, understand how to report + avoid the bystander effect, and explore strategies that can prevent these crimes.
Art
Our mosaic of a city has added six murals to VisitLEX’s Mural Challenge. Download the passport, snag a pic with one of our nearly 60 local murals, and get a chance to win a free poster. See all of the participating murals.
Home
So you have a vision for your dream kitchen or bathroom, but aren’t sure where to find top-of-the-line products for finishes. Enter: Mees Tile & Marble. Their team of professional design consultants can help you select the perfect tile, natural stone, or hardwood product for your renovation. See how Mees can assist you.*
Finance
How many cards are in your wallet? Make your answer “one.” Earn a $200 sign-up bonus simply by spending $500 in your first three months with this card. Pair that with 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for your first 15 months — oh, andunlimited cash back.*
Education
Making today the glory days
Elder horses enjoy a life of leisure at UK’s new facility
Senior horses continue to make up large portion of the equine population. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
With our equestrian-fueled culture and so many neigh-bors, it makes sense that our city is constantly working towards improving care for retired + elderly horses. Now, UK has entered the chat thanks to the Linda Mars Aged Horse Care and Education Facility, which officially opened last week.
Through the support of philanthropist Linda Mars and the professor behind UK’s Aged Horse Care research program Amanda Adams, the university now has a dedicated space to study ailments in older horses, including Cushing’s Disease + obesity.
Additionally, the facility will feature:
A laboratory so Amanda can continue her research
Occasional public workshops about elder horse care
“[I] hope more horses around the world will be able to grow old gracefully, remain healthy, active, and enjoy a high quality of life in their older years,” Mars said in a press release.
From one remote worker to another, sometimes it’s absolutely necessary to get out of the house for a dose of inspiration. Now that the heat is beginning to be a bit less oppressive, we want to know your favorite spots to work outside for an upcoming guide.
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