Members of the Thoroughbred Chapter visited DV8 Kitchen during a recent Day of Service to help prepare food, serve customers, and clean. | Photo via the Thoroughbred Chapter of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels
We all know how Colonel Sanders made his fortune, but have you ever wondered how he got his rank? Luckily for our feathered friends, becoming a Kentucky Colonel has nothing to do with chicken.
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) is an independent, charitable organization focused on promoting local nonprofits and providing aide to Kentuckians. Fun fact: A Kentucky Colonel is the state’s highest civilian honor.
Here’s the super secret recipe to becoming a Kentucky Colonel:
First, one must be nominated for their contributions to the community
The Governor then grants the designation
Congrats, you are officially a Kentucky Colonel
Contact your local chapter (in LEX, that’s the Thoroughbred Chapter) + start serving
Without that final step, you’re just a Kentuckian with a cool title
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament|Thursday, March 20 + Saturday, March 22 | Times vary | Rupp Arena | $284+ | See teams like Louisville, Creighton, Auburn, and Tennessee battle it out to advance to the next round of the post-season basketball tournament.
The Singles Soirée | 7-10 p.m. | Old North Bar | $25 | Calling all 30+ singles — dress to impress to mix, mingle, and maybe meet your match with ice breakers, curated drinks + light bites.
Friday, March 21
International Women’s Exhibit | 4:30-8:30 p.m. | Mill & Max Gallery | Free | Enjoy refreshments at this gallery opening while you browse 2D, 3D, and interactive artworks by women + non-binary artists from around the globe.
Bourbon Tasting | 3-4 p.m. | Granddam at The Manchester | $40+ | Find your favorite bourbon as you explore the process, quality + taste profiles of Kentucky’s smoothest spirit.
Equinox & Ales: A Spring Gathering | 12-6 p.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Company | Price of purchase | Ring in spring by shopping local flowers, organic veggies, art, and vintage goodies — plus, there will be rejuvenating yoga opportunities, specialty pizza, and handcrafted drinks.
Spring in Lexington is a sight to behold. | Photos by Amani Nichae | HoneySage Photo Co., Mary Jane Speer, and Richie Wireman | Cornett
Rolling green pastures, frolicking foals, and world-class equine experiences await as spring blooms in Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World.
Whether you’re a lifelong horse enthusiast or just looking for something unique to do, spring is a great time to explore. Check out these must-do activities this spring:
Head to Keeneland early | Watch morning workouts at Keeneland and grab breakfast at the Track Kitchen.
Take a history tour | Follow the African American Heritage Tour to learn about the deep-rooted contributions of African Americans in Lexington’s racing industry.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at a horse farm | Get up close with legendary Thoroughbreds and future champions. Spring is foaling season, so don’t miss your chance to see adorable newborns.
Sip on the Bluegrass’s finest | Book a distillery tour and taste world-class bourbon crafted from the same limestone-filtered water that raises elite Thoroughbreds.
Pro tip: Whether you’re hosting friends + family or experiencing it for yourself, VisitLEX connects you to the best of Lexington. Lexington Visitors Center to help plan your next Bluegrass adventure.
Good things come in small packages. We’ll be celebrating Small Business Week, an initiative to highlight our city’s local enterprises from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. If you own a local small business, join us by filling out a form about your business.
Number
$10 million. That’s the economic impact VisitLex expects basketball to have on Lexington this week. In just a matter of days, LEX will have played host to NCAA basketball games, as well as the Girls’ and Boys’ Sweet 16 Basketball Championships, driving money to local restaurants, hotels + more. (WEKU)
Edu
Transylvania is offering reduced prices on summer classes for students of all ages. Whether you’re a Pioneer on summer break or a lifelong learner looking to widen your horizons, special summer courses available include Intercultural Communication, Music Appreciation, and Positive Psychology. (The Lane Report)
Quoted
“Don’t be afraid to go for any dream you have.” That’s the advice Special Olympian DesaRae Nickell of Morehead has to give. Nickell returned from Italy with a gold medal in the Super G competition + a bronze medal in the Giant Slalom. (LEX18)
Health
Good news for aspiring parents + potential surrogates — a new local agency is working to connect the two groups and foster intimate, beneficial relationships. The Surrogacy Co. offers a boutique experience to those struggling to achieve their dreams of parenthood. (LEX18)
Environment
Join the Urban Forest Initiative Saturday, April 5 9:30-11:30 a.m. as they beautify campus and protect the trees between the UK football practice field and Alumni Drive. Volunteer to spread mulch to help the trees regulate temps + retain water, then reward yourself with free donuts.
Try This
You know that one friend who’s always scrambling to pack lunches before the kids race out the door? Send them to Packed, a weekly home delivery service bringing fresh, kid-approved lunches right to their doorstep in Fayette County. Read: More time to breathe, less stress each morning.*
Stat
Every six seconds. That’s how often a pet owner spends $1,000+ in unforeseen care costs for their fur baby. Pet insurance could cover up to 90% of these costs — find the right plan.*
Category
Jobs
💼 Hiring, simplified
Find candidates who want to work right here, right now. | Gif by 6AM City
Small business owners, employers, and hiring managers — we understand that finding the right candidate can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why we designed LEXtoday Job Board to reduce hiring barriers and seamlessly connect you with top local talent.
To get started, create an account and post your first listing for free — it takes less than five minutes. Bonus: Level up your listing with a Featured Job Post and your job will be featured right here in the LEXtoday newsletter.