Chicken wings, a brew, and TV-covered walls — this is a sports lover’s paradise. | Photo courtesy of Burl Brew
You know what goes great with an ice cold brew on a muggy summer day? A savory dish that will leave you happy, full, and (hopefully) distracted from the increasing temperatures.
We’re here to help you go beyond the beer by rounding up our favorite breweries with mainstay bites around Lexington.
Whatever you consider your “big game,” this Distillery District brewery has you covered. Stop by to catch sports on one of its many giant TVs, then stay for the warm atmosphere, refreshing beer, and dinner from Lucy’s Kitchen.
We recommend ordering the mini corndogs with a Burl Lite for that perfect fried food + light beer combo.
The blackened catfish topped with crispy tobacco onions is almost too pretty to eat. | Photo by LEXtoday
This iconic brewery and taproom is a staple in Lexington — for good reason. Whether you’re a part of their epic run club, or just looking for a reliable lunch from Smithtown Seafood, you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied.
We recommend the blackened catfish + Weisenberger cheese grits plate that pairs beautifully with a crisp West Sixth Cerveza.
With Kentucky-grown apples, you’re sure to have a sweet time at this Distillery District cidery. Enjoy a glass of cider or frozé to sip on while you snack down on seasonally-minded food from Little Fork food truck.
We recommend a blueberry mint cider as a light, refreshing option to pair with your hot pepper chicken basket, featuring hot pepper jelly, ranch, fries, and slaw. Bonus: This Drink Up partner is giving you half-off its frozé slushies + frozen cideritas now through Friday, July 26.
Nature in your Neighborhood | Wednesday, July 24 | 10 a.m. | Northeastern Park, 140 Eastern Ave., Lexington | Free | Practice growing your food as you learn about different fruit seeds and their care.
Thursday, July 25
Jeff Allen: “Are We There Yet?” Tour | Thursday, July 25-Saturday, July 27 | Times vary | Comedy Off Broadway, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Unit C4, Lexington | $30-$40 | This critically acclaimed comic has been featured on HBO’s “Comedy Arts Festival” and Comedy Central, where he shares clean + hilarious stories about his life.
Friday, July 26
“Hairspray” | Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28 | Times vary | Lyric Theatre and Culture Center, 300 E. 3rd St., Lexington | $8-$11.50 | You’ll be welcomed to the 1960’s at this district-wide high school production of the classic musical that explores themes of racial integration with a memorable soundtrack.
Wilderado | Friday, July 26 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $25+ | This Tulsa-based band is stopping through to support their recently released EP “Talker.”
Saturday, July 27
Hats Off Day: Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix Show | Saturday, July 27 | 1-10 p.m. | Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy., Lexington | Free, price of purchase | Get up-close-and-personal with steeds and ponies while you explore educational booths, children’s activities, and a Grand Prix jumping competition.
Sunday, July 28
Lexington Reggae Fest | Sunday, July 28 | 5-9 p.m. | Oleika Temple Great Lawn, 302 Southland Dr., Lexington | Free, price of purchase | Celebrate and learn about this influential music genre with live music performances, a drum circle, art + food, and a kids’ corner.
Here’s your sign to head downtown on Thursday night
Modern American cuisine and craft cocktails await you at Infinity. | Photos courtesy of Infinity
What do delicious cocktails, live music, yummy bites, and local entertainment have in common? They’re the perfect ingredients for a Thirsty Thursday in downtown Lexington.
Fayette Mall is welcoming in a new, high-end tenant. Mileta, an upscale Italian restaurant, will open at 3565 Nicholasville Rd. (in the former Par 6 Social) this fall featuring bites like housemade pasta, a raw bar, and a variety of both traditional + modern wines.
Number
$6.6 million. That’s how much the Fayette County Board of Education will pay for 22.2 acres of land at 900 Newtown Pike. While it’s unclear what it will be used for, a press release states it “could serve purposes such as a school facility or daycare for FCPS faculty.” (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Award
Congratulations, bravo, omedetou — however you say it — to the Lexington’s Sister Cities program. The commission won the 2024 Sister Cities International Best Overall award thanks to its work in building relationships between different countries and their citizens. Learn more about our sister cities.
Concert
To the window, to the wall(s) of Rupp Arena — the “My Plantinum Playlist” tour is making a stop in town. On Friday, Dec. 13, hip-hop and R&B favorites like Lil Jon, T.I., Monica, Fat Joe, and the Ying Yang Twins will take to the stage. General tickets go on sale this Friday, July 26 at 10 a.m.
Sports
We’re at a loss fore words. The PGA Tour will move to Louisville after calling Nicholasville home since 2018. Now, the ISCO Championship will take place at Hurstbourne Country Club starting next year. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Drink
We never want Drink Up Week to end, y’all. But even after the fun is over, we still have Lexington Coffee Week to look forward to. Get your caffeine fix from participating coffee shops starting Monday, Sept. 9 through Sunday, Sept. 15. Stay tuned for more details.
Eat
Summer’s long days are fleeting — so we’ve rounded up five FOMO-fighting grilling tips + recipes to savor those relaxing summer vibes (think: easy-grill mains, fresh summer sides, cold summer spritzers + more).*
Health
Did you know?Baptist Health Hamburg is now open, offering 24-hour emergency care, free valet parking, an on-site pharmacy, outpatient imaging and labs, an ambulatory surgery center, cancer center, and physical therapy in a location that’s easy to access. Learn more about providers, test results and services.*
Drink
We’re not mockin’ you
A guide to mocktails in Lexington
Mirror Twin has booze-free options for everyone from a Moscow Mule to a “Wine” Spritzer. | Photo courtesy of @mirrortwinbrewing
Taking a break from booze, or have made the choice to steer clear of alcohol altogether? You can still raise your glass this week (and all year long). Lexington has plenty of zero-proof offerings so you can keep up your social calendarwithout ordering soda and tea, again.
Carson’s, 362 E. Main St.
Check out its Bev Bible, aka the drink menu, to find zero-proof pours including sangria, a bellini, and a mock-mosa. We love the Jalapeno Watermelon Margarita featuring watermelon puree, fresh orange juice, and muddled jalapeno.
Lockbox, 167 W. Main St.
Its zero-proof cocktail list features refreshing beverages like the Instagrammable Pretty In Pink featuring cranberry, lime juice, vanilla syrup, rhubarb, and ginger beer.
Mirror Twin Brewing, 725 National Ave.
Sip on an Apple Ginger Moscow Mule made with apple cider, lime juice, and ginger beer.
The Buy
The Buy 7.24.24 (Affiliate)
The perfect shoe for the rest of summer: Birkenstock’s waterproof slide sandal, which comes in bright and cute colors like purple fog, coral peach, and popcorn.
I spent the weekend at the Red River Gorge and finally got to try a slice of the iconic Miguel’s Pizza. I get the hype now — there’s truly nothing more satisfying than a big slice of pizza after a long day of hiking.
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