09.16.2024

Today’s Forecast

85º | 6% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:21 a.m. | Sunset 7:43 p.m.

🎥 We’re ready for our close up

Movies filmed in Kentucky: Our pine to be the next Hollywood of the South

A roundabout with a big bronze horse statue in the middle.

The 2003 movie “Secretariat” filmed many pivotal scenes at Keeneland. | Photo by LEXtoday

Lights, camera, action. We’ve heard all about Georgia becoming the next Hollywood, but we’d like to present our own little slice of the south. Our area’s film industry has been booming in recent years, with Kentucky’s largest film production studio opening earlier this year, and celebrities like Ethan Hawke being spotted getting to work in Lexington.

So, we thought the best way for us to audition as the next Hollywood filming spot is by highlighting the cinematic masterpieces (ok, maybe we’re exaggerating) that have used our beautiful Bluegrass state as their backdrop.

Keeneland + Hollywood

We’re known for some pretty famous horses around here, so it’s no wonder that they would make for the perfect plot line.

“Seabiscuit” | 2003 | Paramount+ | The true story of an undersized racehorse whose victories lifted the spirits of the nation.

“Dreamer” | 2005 | Prime Video | A father and daughter rebuild their bond while nursing a racehorse back to health.

“Secretariat” | 2010 | Prime Video | So nice they made it twice. A trainer and her longshot stallion shock the world by winning the Triple Crown.

An outside shot of the Kentucky Theatre at night in Lexington KY — Our very own Kentucky Theatre has hosted several red carpet premiers. | Photo by @herdlani

Boo-grass Flicks

Not pining for the ponies? Here are some Kentucky-based horror flicks that will help you settle into spooky season.

“The Clovehitch Killer” | 2018 | Netflix | Set and filmed entirely in our home state, a small Kentucky town grapples with a mysterious murderer.

“Rust Creek” | 2018 | Netflix | A college student gets lost on her way to a job interview + gets stranded in the Kentucky forest.

“Wildcat” | 2023 | Prime Video | This Ethan Hawke-directed film tells the story of esteemed Southern Gothic writer Flannery O’ Connor.

Bluegrass Backdrops

Stallions + slashers not your thing? These are films that used Kentucky as a backdrop, because it’s just so dang pretty here.

“The Kentuckian” | 1955 | Freevee | A must-watch for any Kentuckian, this film showcases the natural beauty of our state with gorgeous shots of Cumberland Falls.

“Coal Miner’s Daughter” | 1980 | Prime Video | This film tells the story of country music icon Loretta Lynn + was filmed in portions of Eastern Kentucky.

“Elizabethtown” | 2005 | Prime Video | A man attends his Kentucky-born father’s memorial, ends up finding love, and more importantly, learns how to correctly pronounce Louisville.

Asked

Which of these recent/upcoming movies was not filmed in Kentucky?

A. “Carolina Caroline” (2024)
B. “Killer Nurses” (2024)
C. “The Gunslingers” (2025)
D. “Wolf Man” (2025)

Break a leg

Events

Monday, Sept. 16

Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour: Ben Sollee | Monday, Sept. 16 | 6-10 p.m. | Lyric Theatre and Culture Center | $0+ | See the Kentucky cellist + songwriter as he melds the sounds of folk, bluegrass, and jazz.

Tuesday, Sept. 17

The Gaythering | Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 5-8 p.m. | Old North Bar | Free | Mingle and network at this monthly happy hour that benefits the Faulkner Morgan Archive.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

Greenways & Trails Public Forum | Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lexington Senior Center | Free | Provide input and insight as Lexington works to create a plan that can connect our parks, trails, and green spaces.

Thursday, Sept. 19

Burn the Mic | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 6:30 p.m. | Carnegie Center For Literacy & Learning | Free | Join poet Renée Rigdon for an evening of readings, creativity, and connecting with fellow writers.

Friday, Sept. 20

The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show | Friday, Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. | Hilton Lexington Downtown | $75.35 | Help solve a hysterical mystery while eating a delectable dinner, but beware — the suspect may be somewhere near.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Plan Ahead

🎉 Celebrate 60 years of OLLI

A group of older adults playing musical instruments.

UK’s Osher Life Long Learning Institute offers a variety of courses for adults aged 50+. | Photo provided by Osher Life Long Learning Institute University of Kentucky.

Calling all lifelong learners across the Bluegrass State.

UK’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is celebrating its diamond anniversary with a gala on Friday, Nov. 15, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Apiary in Lexington.

Commemorating six decades of providing access to educational, social + community-based activities to older adults, the event will feature:

A cocktail hour
A plated dinner
Live music
Free valet parking
And more

Cheers to 60 more years.

News Notes

Job

The city is hiring a new Planning Commissioner, a temporary role that would end in 2028. The person will be responsible for aiding in developing Lexington’s comprehensive plan, makes decisions about development plans, and offers recommendations to city Council for zone change requests. Applications close tomorrow, Sept. 17.

Seasonal

Ever wanted to try your hand at the Run for the Roses? Eckert’s Orchard is giving you the chance, sans horses. Head to Versailles Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., to see if you can find your way out of the 150th Kentucky Derby-themed corn maze. And while you’re there, load up on apples or pick a pumpkin.

Legacy

Patrick Mitchell, artist and Kentucky State University alum, has died. Mitchell was known for his work on Broadway and also co-founded the Message Theater, an African American theater company based within the Lyric Theatre. He was also one of the subjects of the “i was here” project. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Try This

Calling all creatives. Crafted Social’s Winter Market is now accepting applications from interested vendors. The event, which takes place Friday, Dec. 6 + Saturday, Dec. 7, will be held in the atrium of Greyline Station. If you’re an artist, maker, or baker, the deadline to apply is Oct. 11.

Community

Did you know? Columbia Gas conducts routine maintenance and testing of natural gas meters to ensure proper operation + accurate reporting of natural gas use. This may include replacing or exchanging gas meters across the state. Here’s what to do if you’re contacted by their team for a meter replacement.*

Number

22%. That’s how much auto insurance rates have increased over the last year. Stop overpaying + find a better rate when you get a free, no-obligation quote from Savvy.*

The Buy

The Buy 9.16.24 (Affiliate)

A candle warmer. Ditch the matches and opt for this contemporary lamp that will evenly burn your candles, sans smoke.

More worth The Buy

Answered

How many barrels of bourbon are currently in storage in Kentucky?

Last week, in honor of Kentucky Bourbon Heritage Month, we quizzed y’all to see if you knew how many bourbon barrels were currently in storage in Kentucky. And it looks like you know your bourbon.

47.5% correctly guessed 12.6 million
31.7% guessed 11.6 million
16.9% guessed 2.6 million
3.8% guessed 1.6 million

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

I had a great weekend bopping around Nashville thanks to our friends at NASHtoday. I saw live music, ate hot chicken, and checked out a “Beetlejuice” pop-up bar

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

›

Advertise with us to stand out.

›

Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More

›

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY