The Mary Todd Lincoln House is open for tours March 15-November 30. | Photo by Richie Wireman, courtesy of VisitLEX
The 250Lex Commission is continuing its recognition + celebration of our city’s vibrant culture through its monthly themed events, and February is no different. Honoring Black History Month, these celebrations will highlight the people and places who shaped our city.
“250Lex will celebrate, uplift and pay tribute to the many contributions African Americans have made to Lexington,” said Mayor Linda Gorton.
Presidents’ Day History Hop
Connect to the city’s past by visiting three historic treasures, with free admission on Monday, Feb. 17.
The Lexington History Museum | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Take a self-guided tour and bring the school-aged kiddos for activities at 11 am. + 1:30 p.m.
Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate | Times vary | Call to secure your spot on a tour where you’ll see the grounds, hear the stories of people who were enslaved there + see artwork honoring their untold stories.
Mary Todd Lincoln House | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | This family-friendly day will host activities inspired by the childhoods of Mary Todd + Abraham Lincoln like writing with a quill pen or playing marbles.
Poppy’s Date Night | 6-8 p.m. | Poppy’s Flower Bar | Price of purchase | Bring that special someone to sip drinks + build your own bouquets while listening to Reggie Watkins live on the piano.
Jazz at the Library: The Osland/Dailey Jazztet | 7-8:15 p.m. | Central Library Farish Theater | Free | Celebrating 16 years of smooth live jazz, this show will feature local + regional artists playing flute, piano, bass, and drums.
Friday, Feb. 14
Craft and Candle Cocktail Bar | 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Wick + Mortar Studio | $15+ | Blend your own custom scent to make a candle, reed diffuser, fabric spritz, and more — cocktails, wine + beer available for purchase.
Valentine’s Market | 3-9 p.m. | Ethereal Brewing | Price of purchase | Sip a special pink strawberry banana sour while you browse local artists, bakers, jewelry makers, and various other vendors.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Illustration Workshop with Bryce Oquaye | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Living Arts & Science Center | Free | Illustrator + cartoonist Bryce Oquaye will teach you the art of storytelling through creative activities using space exploration as your inspiration.
Wes Browne Book Signing | 4-6 p.m. | Book Club Wine Room | Free | Check out the new wine bar inside District 7 Social + meet the author of “They All Fall the Same.”
Sunday, Feb. 16
Galentine’s Silent Disco | 12-3 p.m. | Wise Bird Cider Co. | $10+ | Bring your girlfriends and dance like you used to before life got crazy — plus enjoy the onsite glam + selfie stations with temporary tattoos and glitter.
Did you know that a Lexingtonian was featured in the Super Bowl LIX halftime show? After submitting an audition tape, Kendal Hughley, an instructor + choreographer at Upgrade Dance Studio, was selected to perform alongside Kendrick Lamar. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Cause
Attention, bourbon lovers. Sazerac is raffling off three rare items: a barrel of Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year-Old bourbon, a full Pappy bottle set + Eagle Rare 25. The money will support World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally, nonprofits helping those impacted by California’s wildfires. Donate to win.
$1.41 billion. That’s how much revenue was added to the state’s General Fund this January, a 4.9% increase from January 2024. This revenue includes $603 million from sales and use taxes + $113.5 million from property taxes. (Lane Report)
Plan Ahead
Registration is open for the 2025 PNC Innovation Summit on Tuesday March 25, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hosted by the UK’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, this year’s theme, “Funding Innovation — The Art of Startup Fundraising,” will feature six speakers, and is free + open to the public. (UKNOW)
Home
How much did you spend on home repairs last year? The average homeowner shells out nearly $6,000 annually on upkeep — but some of these costs can be offset by a home warranty. American Home Shield is now offering $150 off their plans. See important disclaimers on web.*
Category
City
Hey everyone, come see how good we look
Thundering hooves, blooming flowers, there’s nothing quite like LEX in spring. | Photo by Jeff Rogers via VisitLEX
We all know how special Lexington is in the spring, and the rest of the world is catching on. Travel magazine + media company AFAR featured the Horse Capital of the World on its list “11 Best Places to Travel in April.”
Coming in at No. 10 on the list, the article cites these local favorites as spots to check out:
Also, consider this a gentle reminder to cast your votes for Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards where Lexington and five hotels are up for top honors. Voting is open through Wednesday, Feb. 26.
The Buy
The Buy
Le Creuset’s Signature Round Dutch Oven in the color Berry. In case you haven’t heard the news, this popular hue is back after being discontinued in 2019 — and the internet is freaking out. It’s also available in the Signature Oval Dutch Oven. Grab it before it’s gone again.
Say cheers to love at Harvey’s this week which is serving up a Valentine’s Day special l I’ve got my eye on — half-priced bottles of wine on its “by the bottle only” list. The deal is running today + Friday, while supplies last. Clink, clink.