Plus, Hank the Horse has written a book.
 
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Today’s Forecast

86º | 5% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:30 a.m. | Sunset 8:57 p.m.

 

Horses, goats, and monkeys — oh my
A woman nose to nose with a little foal along a fenceline.
Foals are sure to steal your heart + your personal space on a Visit Horse Country Tour. | Photo by Grace Clark | GRACE CLARK
No matter how many years you’ve been in LEX, you can’t help but say, “Aww, horses” every time you see one. But did you know the Bluegrass is also home to some scaley, feathered, and furry friends you can visit? Here are six opportunities to get up-close-and-personal with local + global wildlife.

Visit Horse Country

From working stud farms to meeting mamas + babies, learn all about Lexington’s rich thoroughbred industry in person. Book an interactive tour to get a hands-on horsey experience.
  • Animal encounters: You guessed it, horses.

Kentucky Horse Park

This local landmark is home to 70 horses representing 40+ breeds. You can find them scattered throughout the property in various barns like Mounted Police, Hall of Champions, and the Breeds Barn. Bonus: There’s even horses + ponies available for riding.
  • Animal encounters: Horses, duh.

Lexington Humane Society

If you’re not quite ready to commit to adopting your own pet, there are plenty of ways to brighten the day + spend time with local animals looking for homes. Keep an eye out for fundraising puppy + kitten yoga classes, or check a dog out for the afternoon.
  • Animal encounters: Dogs, cats, and bunnies
Two small goats standing on a yoga mat

Our favorite yoga pose? The relaxing goat at Shaker Village. | Photo by LEXtoday

Shaker Village

Take a self-guided stroll through the working farm + organic garden to visit animals or enjoy acres of exploration via the horse drawn wagon ride.
  • Animal encounters: Pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and horses

Salato Wildlife Education Center

Available for visits March-November, this division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife features indoor + outdoor exhibits, hiking trails, and fishing lakes.
  • Animal encounters: Snakes, turtles, bobcats, eagles, deer + more

Primate Rescue Sanctuary

Who would have thought Central Kentucky was home to dozens of chimpanzees + monkeys? This nonprofit is not open to the public, but you can support its mission by becoming a member. Visits are limited to private, members-only events.
  • Animal encounters: Chimpanzees, long-tailed macaques, spider monkeys + more
 
Asked
 

What unit of measurement is used for the height of a horse?
A. Hands
B. Feet
C. Inches
D. Arms
 
Red Mile
 
Events
 
Friday, July 19
  • OVW Wrestling | Friday, July 19 | 6:30 a.m. | Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St., Lexington | $10-$25 | See the high energy antics of this wrestling group featured on the Netflix series, “Wrestlers.”
  • Nature in Your Neighborhood | Friday, July 19 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Woodland Park, 601 E. High St., Lexington | Free | Take a stroll through the park to hear some local folklore + learn how to create your own nature stories.
  • LexArts Hop | Friday, July 19 | 3-10 p.m. | CannaBuzz Bar & Dispensary, 938 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Sip on infused drinks while previewing bright and colorful work from the artist DAN.
Saturday, July 20
  • Brunch & Learn with Kate Hesseldenz | Saturday, July 20 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Jack Jouett House, 255 Craigs Creek Rd., Versailles | $28.52 | Learn about one of the most famous first ladies with a catered brunch + guided presentation from the Assistant Director of the Mary Todd Lincoln House.
  • Prism Pal | Saturday, July 20 | 1-3 p.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington | Free | Learn to make your very own spectroscopes + learn the science behind rainbows — registration required.
  • Sip + Shop | Saturday, July 20 | 2-8 p.m. | Distillery District, 1170 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Come out and shop from ~40 creative vendors + listen to a live band courtesy of Kentucky Pop-Ups.
Sunday, July 21
  • BBQ, Blackberries, and Bluegrass Festival | Sunday, July 21 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Eckerts Orchard, 1396 Pinckard Pike, Versailles | Free, price of purchase | Bring the whole family out to pick your own blackberries, sample local BBQ trucks, and have a toe-tapping good time with bluegrass music.
  • Tunes in the Vines | Sunday, July 21 | 2-4:30 p.m. | Equus Run Vineyards, 1280 Moores Mill Rd., Midway | Free | This pet + family-friendly afternoon will have you immersed in the rolling hills of horse country, sipping drinks fresh from the vineyard and distillery, while vibing to local musicians.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Lexington Legends
 
News Notes
 
Community
  • VisitLEX has partnered with Wheel the World to create a comprehensive guide to accessible hotels, restaurants, and activities in Lexington. Local spots that made the list include 21c Museum Hotel, 33 Staves, and Rupp Arena.
Outdoors
  • Share your thoughts on the future Coldstream Park. The 224-acre park is currently home to the Legacy Trail + dog park, but Parks & Recreation is seeking your input as it creates a new master plan.
Festival
  • The Japan/America Society of Kentucky is hosting the Japan Summer Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3, 3-7 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will take place at Cove Spring Park in Frankfort + feature live music, a kendo (Japanese martial arts) demonstration, culture booths, performances, and a variety of vendors.
Eat
  • Tickets are on sale now for Al’s Bar + Al’s Jr.'s spooky, yet romantic Midsommar Night Dinner on Monday, July 29. For $85, you’ll get a seasonal three-course meal with wine or non-alcholic drink pairing. Message Al’s Jr. to secure your seat.
Read
  • In addition to philanthropist + local heartthrob, Hank the Horse can now add author to his list of titles. Mark your calendars, because “Be Like Hank” will be available for purchase Thursday, Aug. 1. The illustrated book was written by Hank’s mom, Tammi Jo Regan, and shares his inspiring life story.
Drink Up
  • Clink, clink — we’d like to make a toast. Drink Up Week is coming Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26. To celebrate Lexington’s buzzy beverage culture, local businesses are offering fun drink deals throughout the week. Map your route and raise a glass.
Finance
  • Have outstanding credit card debt? A new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Credit card experts identified this top credit card for anyone looking to pay down debt. (Plus, earn up to 20,000 miles after spending $500 in three months.)*
 
 
Sports
 

🏀 A slam dunk Sunday
a group of adult men playing basketball at a park outside with lots of fans watching
Several former college players participated in this summer league. | Photo courtesy of @lexkyparks
While the Wildcats + Pioneers get a lot of recognition for their talents, there’s a longtime local summer basketball league that should be on your radar.

This Sunday, July 21, Super Sunday: Summer League Basketball Showcase is back at Douglass Park from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hitting the courts will be the teams that make up the Dirt Bowl summer basketball league, which has been dribbling + passing locally for nearly 50 years. Fun fact: UK men’s basketball greats Jack “Goose” Givens, Melvin Turpin, and James Lee grew up playing in this league.

The Dirt Bowl League was even featured in a July 1983 issue of “Sports Illustrated” alongside hoops leagues in California + New York. While the courts have been expanded and are now fully paved and painted, the league gets its name from its humble beginnings when the courts were made from dirt.

Sunday’s family-friendly event will feature multiple basketball games, live entertainment, concessions, and vendors.
 
The Buy
 
These men’s lightweight cotton-blend undershirts, which are moisture-wicking, tag-free, and on sale in color white.
 
 
The Wrap
 
Molly Thompson in a black shirt

Today’s edition by:
Molly
From the editor
In case you missed it, Leestown Coffee House has a new lineup of fresh-squeezed lemonades. You can even jazz them up by adding lavender, mint, or watermelon syrups. For me, I’ll take mine with a dash of strawberry cider.
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