05.01.2024

Today’s Forecast

81º | 8% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:40 a.m. | Sunset 8:29 p.m.

City

Gear up for Lexington’s third annual Bike Month celebration

Presented by a LEXtoday Partner

Bike Month encourages the community to travel by bicycling through Lexington this month. | Photo by LFUCG

Calling all cycling enthusiasts: Lexington’s third annual Bike Month begins today.

This initiative, held throughout May, celebrates riding a bicycle as a method of transportation, exercise, and fun — while reminding drivers to slow down, pay attention, and share the road.

Keep reading to learn what you can expect as Bike Month kicks into high gear.

Trekking toward the goal

Whether commuting, riding for recreation, or just looking for a way to get your steps in, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government highlights biking and walking as two simple (and enjoyable) ways to stay healthy while reconnecting with your community + protecting the environment.

Initiatives like Bike Month work to shed light on these transportation methods and provide resources to assist in making Lexington a more walkable and bike-friendly city.

Ready to clip in and get moving around town? This local bicycle map is the perfect starting point to plan your route.

INDY_bikemonth_streetfest_APR2024 — The hula hoop competition is sure to be a family-friendly favorite.
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Photo by LFUCG

Celebrating in style

Scheduled for Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., StreetFest closes a portion of Oliver Lewis Way (between High Street and Broadway) to allow pedestrians to bike, walk, scooter, or rollerblade on the street while enjoying games, competitions, and food vendors.

The festival’s main goal is to celebrate streets as shared public spaces. Don’t have a set of wheels to bring? Bikes and helmets will be available to rent.

Fun fact: This Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization-sponsored event is modeled after the Second Sunday events held 10 years ago.

Wheelie fun events

Throughout the month, a series of in-person, virtual, and self-paced programming will be hosted by the City and community partners, including:

A strawberry lemonade ride
Smart cycling courses
A bike safety and maintenance workshop

Stay tuned for more updates. Pro tip: Sign up for Love to Ride to participate in challenges and win prizes.

Grab your wheels and get movin'

Asked

Where’s your favorite trail to bike in Lexington?

A. Legacy Trail
B. Town Branch Trail
C. Brighton East Rail Trail
D. Veterans Park
E. Other

This is a spoke-tacular spot

Events

Wednesday, May 1

Through the Lens: From Sublime to Subtle | Wednesday, May 1-Saturday, May 4 | Times vary | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Take in this photography exhibit that explores both the ordinary and extravagant aspects of life.
Urban Growth Festival | Wednesday, May 1 | 5-8 p.m. | Whitaker Family YMCA, 2681 Old Rosebud Rd., Lexington | Free | Join the team at CivicLex for festivities while learning more about and discussing the city’s evolution — registration is encouraged.

Thursday, May 2

Teen Howl Poetry Series | Thursday, May 2 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Third Street Stuff, 257 N. Limestone, Lexington | Free | The under 21 crowd are invited to hear from poet Jan LaPerle at this open mic night.
John Craigie | Thursday, May 2 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $20-$24 | See the Portland-based folk singer who is known for his storytelling + honest songwriting style.

Friday, May 3

RADIANCE Exhibition | Friday, May 3-Sunday, June 23 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Headley Whitney Museum, 4435 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington | $10 | Bask in the colorful glow of the fragile works from internationally renowned glass artists Stephen Rolfe Powell, Guy Kemper, and Travis Adams.
Golden Hour: $5 Friday | Friday, May 3 | 5-8 p.m. | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, 5199 Combs Ferry Rd., Winchester | Free entry | Kick back and soak in the sunset among the vines while sipping specially priced wine, sangria, and cocktails.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Opening

The Warehouse Block is getting some tasty new additions. Mamadou Savane — who previously blessed us with his West African fare on Main Street — is re-opening an ice cream shop, Sav’s Gourmet Ice Cream at 819 National Ave., Ste. 130. It’s expected to start scooping in the coming weeks. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Shop

Also popping up on National Avenue is the Lexington Farmers Market. Due to the eventual construction of the High Street Development, the Tuesday + Thursday morning market is set to open on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 a.m. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Development

East Kentucky Power Cooperative announced a $335.4 million investment to create two solar farms, including one in Fayette County. The facility will be located on 387 acres between I-64 and US 60 + is estimated to produce enough electricity for 4,560 homes annually. (The Lane Report)

Kids

T-minus 18 days until Fayette County Public Schools is out for the summer break. Keep the kiddos entertained this summer by revisiting our kid-friendly guide for 29 activities to explore. Bonus: There might also be a few spots left in our camps guide.

Try This

The sweetness of summertime is coming a little early this year. Evans Orchard will re-open for the season next Tuesday, May 7 at 10 a.m. In addition to strawberry picking, which should be ready opening day, be sure to check out the new food + home decor in the on-site store.

Eat

Brunch with skyline views? Yes, please. Infinity Rooftop Restaurant + Bar is accepting reservations for its Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 12. You can message on social media or call to save your spot.

Outdoors

🌲 Take an accessible hike

Take an accessible hike on one of these trails in Lexington

Blue sky with clouds and a big open field with a path.

Take in breathtaking views at Hisle Farm Park. | Photo courtesy of @lexkyparks

The outdoors are for everybody — and there are plenty of hikes in our area that are friendly to wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids. Get some fresh air on four of our favorite accessible trails.

Brighton East Rail Trail, 1350 Pleasant Ridge Dr.
This trail was so popular with locals, it was extended into a two-mile trail in 2013. Enjoy a paved, relatively flat (3% grade or less) path through shady trees. We recommend parking at the Pleasant Ridge lot since it has a designated accessible parking spot, and the trail itself can be accessed via the sidewalk.

Hisle Farm Park, 3551 Briar Hill Rd.
This 280-acre park offers everything needed for hiking and wilderness lovers. With shared equestrian trails, you may get a view of horses along your walk.

If you’re hunting for more hikes, we’ve got you. Check out our full guide to local hiking.

More trails for all

The Buy

A summer sip. Prepare for a summer by the pool or on the porch with these iced coffee and sparkling tea options.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

The Living Arts & Science Center is celebrating 56 years of serving the Lexington area. In honor of the milestone, it’s asking community members to share their summer camp memories. Way back in the day I used to take “clay-mation” classes at LASC, and love seeing the tradition kept alive with my nephew attending summer camp.

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