Celebrate Small Business Saturday | Today is Small Business Saturday, which celebrates supporting small and locally-owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities. Check out the local businesses that our Instagram followers said were their faves.
Three new businesses coming to Hamburg | From a new hospital to a forthcoming middle school, Hamburg is growing again with the addition of a new grocery store + two national retailers.
12+ holiday markets | We’ve made our list, checked it twice, now we’re ready to shop. Check out these holiday markets showcasing Lexington-based vendors, Kentucky businesses, artists, and craftspeople.
Events
Events
Saturday, Nov. 30
Blessing of the Hounds | 9-11 a.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $8+ | Warm up with a winter breakfast alongside the fire pits, then watch for the ceremonial approach of the hounds, horses, and riders for a blessing before their first formal meet. Small Business Saturday | 12-6 p.m. | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, Winchester | Price of purchase | Grab a glass, take a class + sip and shop special deals like 20% off all gifts and wine.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Feral Folk Holiday Market | 12-5 p.m. | West Sixth Brewing | Free | This curated craft market will feature land-based + nature-inspired crafts from makers in Eastern Kentucky and beyond. Holiday Lighting Festival | 3-7 p.m. | Triangle Park | Free | Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon downtown with ice skating, warm drinks + cookies, festive music, and the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah and Christmas tree.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Jingle & Mingle with BGCF365 | 5-7 p.m. | Georgie’s Social House | Price of purchase | Stop by for a happy hour of connection, cheer, and holiday spirit while learning more about the Blue Grass Community Foundation.
Friday, Dec. 6
A 2000’s Pop Diva Dance Party | 7 p.m. | The Burl | $15+ | Oops, they did it again — throw it back to the early 2000s at this ultimate pop princess dance party.
Have you been eyeing our guide to 30+ volunteer opportunities in Lexington? You’re not alone. According to a new study by AmeriCorps, formal volunteering and informal helping (think: helping your neighbor rake the leaves) are on the rise again after dipping in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Art
A banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $6.2 million this month. We’re not art critics, but we’re pretty sure you don’t need to pay that much to see good art around Lexington. (Smithsonian Magazine)
Seasonal
It would cost you nearly $50,000 to buy all the gifts from the “12 Days of Christmas” — up 3.6% from last year. Or you could just peruse our gift guide. Sorry, no partridges in pear trees here. (Tegna)
Ranked
Retirees welcome. Lexington is the No. 16 top place to retire, at least according to a study by US News & World Report. Check out some of our favorite activities for retired locals.
City Guide
City Guide
We are cleared for takeoff
Pack your bags, let’s go on an adventure. | Photo provided by Blue Grass Airport
Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The wholenavigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the Blue Grass Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from master plan updates and parking to details on the airport’s 15+ nonstop flights.
What to know
TSA | According to TSA officials, it takes ~5 minutes to get through during off-peak hours and ~15 minutes during peak hours (which are around 6-9 a.m.).
Food and drink | Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee or a donut from Dunkin’ Donuts. Get a taste (or a sip) of southern hospitality at The Bourbon Library Restaurant & Bar. If you need a tried + true Bluegrass gift, check out the extensive wine and bourbon offerings from Cork & Barrel.
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
I don’t know about you, but I’m already counting down the days to the Christmas Market at Michler’s. on Saturday, Dec. 7 + Sunday, Dec. 8. That weekend also marks the reopening of Kentucky Native Cafe in the greenhouse.
