A horse mural + the big blue building, does it get anymore Lexington than that? | Photo by Brian Behr
Whether you’re a native of the Horse Capital of the World or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Lexingtonian understands to be true.
We asked our readers to share Lexington’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Lexington, these might be a little difficult to explain.
We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting
“If there’s an inch of snow on the road, avoid driving at all costs. Except to Kroger for milk, eggs and bread.” — @kelly_jo_stull
“It’s not called ‘Circle 4.’ It will always be ‘New Circle.’” — @alicewas2
“Avoid Nicholasville road during the holidays at all costs.” — @raiders.cards
Follow the foodie rules
“Get the pie at Ramsey’s, even if you have to take it home.” — @ohchelse
“Ale8. That’s it. Just, Ale8.” — @majinnjuuscollection
“Ice cream at Rupp is definitely a rule!” — @ash_bo21
“Hot browns, burgoo, and bourbon are musts for out of state family visitors.” — @lbkh
“Don’t send someone to hold a table during Sahara’s lunch rush while other people in your group wait in line.” — @itsmejohnb
It’s basically a right of passage to place a bet on the ponies at Keeneland. | Photo by @jim.t.photography
Horses, bourbon + Wildcats, it’s what we do
“Must go to Keeneland in April and October 💯🏇🏽" — @ohyeahalexis
“The real fun is in the pregame: tailgating. Football, Keeneland— y’all know the vibes!” — @itsjericanicole
Only OG Lexingtonians will know
“Baptist Health will always be Central Baptist.” — @kdbrody
“The Fifth Third building is the tallest building in the world.” — @emmakgracesmith
Do you have an unwritten rule we should add? Let us know. And click the button below to read what City Editors Aayat + Molly have to say on the subject.
We… Meaning Black Men (Gallery) | Monday, Sept. 25-Saturday, Sept. 30 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. 3rd St., Lexington | Free | Engage and reflect at this multimedia art exhibit which is a collaborative effort of local artists expressing their cultural strength, intellect, and beauty.
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Drag Bingo | Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 7 p.m. | Old North Bar, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | $2 | All ages are welcome as hostess Heaven will guide you through multiple rounds of this classic game.
Wednesday, Sept. 27
Women in Design: Christy Hiler | Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Base249, 249 E. Main St., Lexington | $5-$10 | The Women in Design speaker series aims to highlight women that work in various sectors of the design realm.
Thursday, Sept. 28
Wine Around the World | Thursday, Sept. 28 | 5-8 p.m. | Merrick Inn, 1074 Merrick Dr., Lexington | $100 | Immerse yourself in the world of hard-to-find fine wines from France, Spain, Italy, and the US paired with gourmet appetizers.
Friday, Sept. 29
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie | Friday, Sept. 29 | 8 p.m. | Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $41 | Watch one of the biggest names in hip-hop take the stage for his “Me vs. Myself: The College Tour.”
Experience a taste of the simple life at this hidden-gem destination
Whether you come for a day or luxuriate in their hospitality for the weekend, Shaker Village is a testament to how good the simple life can be. (BBC News agrees.) | Photo by Magnus Lindqvist
3,000 acres of rolling hills, natural beauty, and soul-nourishing activities await at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg. It’s worth the 45-minute drive.
During your visit:
Explore the sprawling organic farm, hiking trails + exhibitions in historic Shaker buildings.
Savor seed-to-table meals with food grown on-site.
Unwind in one of 72 historic suites, rooms, or cottages.
Pro tip: Plan your trip around one of their many upcoming events: Spirit Strolls, horse-drawn wagon rides, Music on the Lawn, + painting and blacksmithing demonstrations.
This Friday, Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. you’re invited to the dedication of the new Alumni Commons on UK’s campus. Located at the intersection of Rose Street + Columbia Avenue, the $9 million project includes terraced lawn seating, a water feature, swings, and garden areas. Save your spot. (UKNOW)
Business
Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs + small biz owners. Commerce Lexington wants to help with your financial literacy through its six-week Money $mart for Small Business program. The free series, which covers topics like time management, business plans and structures, kicks off Monday, Oct. 2. Register now. (The Lane Report)
Traffic
Practice patience and use caution as you drive on Versailles Road in Lexington in the coming weeks. From 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. today through Friday, Oct. 6, lane closures will be in effect as workers apply thermoplastic markers, which will increase reflectivity + visibility in the area.
Feel Good
Let’s send some good vibes and well wishes to local pickleball superstar (and former Fayette County Attorney) Larry Roberts, who is heading to Dallas in November for the USA Pickleball Nationals. Roberts just picked up the game a year ago + will be playing in the 80-years-and-up age group.
Learn
Lexington Public Library is presenting Undesign the Redline, a free exhibit unearthing structural racism and inequality in the US. It features local history and stories to explore policies like redlining, their implications for today, and how they can be undesigned them. The exhibit is open at Central Library during library hours from Friday, Sept. 22-Friday, Nov. 17.*
Finance
Peek the perks. A $200 welcome bonus, unlimited cash back, and 0% interest into 2024 all with no annual fee almost sounds too good to be true — but this card has it all.*
Drink
This brand believed there was a way to take water and make it a little more perfect by infusing it with fruit essences (but none of the gross diet sweeteners, calories, or sugar). And the fruit flavors really taste like fruit. Groundbreaking. Plus, new customers get 36 bottles for $36 + free shipping.*
Eat
Sip and savor the tastes of Woodford County
Bites of the Bluegrass partners with Holly Hill & Co. to expand tours to Woodford County
Chef Ouita Michel + Erin Goins are ready to share the goodness of Woodford County. | Photo by @kirstinspeer
This immersive journey will take you on a tour of Woodford County for an afternoon of storytelling, farm-to-table cuisine, and a cruise through horse country.
Here’s a sampling of what’s in store:
Snacks and drinks at Holly Hill Cooking Studio.Think: country ham biscuits, cheese wafers + Chef Michel’s signature bourbon flavor wheel.
An insider’s tour of Saxony Farm with a Seelbach cocktail and Chef Michel’s famous hoecakes.
A stop at Holly Hill Inn for live bluegrass music and a sampling of farm fresh finds including fried chicken, autumn salad, and dressed eggs.
Dessert and relaxing at the Woodford Hotel.
Tickets are on sale now for this limited series running on Sundays, Oct. 22, Dec. 3, and Dec. 22.
I’m on the hunt for pumpkins for our front porch, but there are so many options. Where is your favorite place for decorative pumpkins? Bonus points if it is a local business. Don’t forget, sharing is caring.
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