Our seasonal Parents’ Gift Guide is in the works, and we want to feature your business’s product or service. Secure your spot just in time for Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations.
🍝 Dining al fresco in LEX
We don’t dare to gatekeep this downtown oasis at The Grove. | Photo by LEXtoday
Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better? With sunny weather on the way eventually, here are 20+ breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants who make outdoor dining positively delightful.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.
Bars and breweries
The Grove | Partially shaded
You’ll forget you’re in the heart of town when you head to this wining and dining collective, where you can enjoy the outdoors with charcuterie from Fable or a cocktail from Harvey’s Bar.
Mirror Twin Brewing | Partially shaded
Enjoy a plethora of outdoor seating while sipping a brew and savoring a slice from Rolling Oven.
Kenwick Table offers front porch and back patio seating. | Photo by LEXtoday
Coffee shops
Kenwick Table, | Partially shaded
Choose your own adventure as you immerse yourself in the vibrant Kenwick neighborhood. Spend time on this coffee shop’s back patio surrounded by trees, or at one of its entrance tables for a European cafe vibe.
Brevede | Partially shaded
Head inside to grab your carefully curated beverage alongside European treats, then venture under one of the patio umbrellas to take in those Distillery District views.
“Top Chef” Season 22 Watch Party | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | The Manchester | Price of purchase | Enjoy show-inspired apps + cheer on local cuilinary phenom Paula Endara as she competes for the grand prize.
Mic’d and Mix’d R&Bingo | 7-10 p.m. | Old North Bar |$15 | Order up R&Bingo, the coolest music-themed matching contest you’ve ever experienced — entry includes one drink.
Friday, April 11
Hard Poses Made Easy: A 3-Week Series | 9-10:15 a.m. | SHALA Yoga | $28+ | Learn to work with your body by mastering three challenging yoga poses and redefining your relationship with effort + ease.
Easter Bunny Photos | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Fayette Mall | $37+ | Hop to it + book your spot for photos with the Easter Bunny in Dillard’s Court.
Saturday, April 12
International Women’s Exhibit 2025 | 12-3 p.m. | Mill & Max Gallery | Price of purchase | Don’t miss the final weekend of this exhibit featuring dozens of works by renowned artists from across the globe.
Wanda Sykes | 5 p.m. + 7:30 p.m. | Lexington Opera House | $98+ | You’ve seen her subtle yet witty comedy on various shows + movies, now see her live on stage in her “Please & Thank You Tour,” so popular a second show was added.
Sunday, April 13
April Storytelling Night | 7-8:30 p.m. | West Sixth Brewing | Price of purchase | Enjoy a brew and a bite while six storytellers explore this month’s theme, “That changes everything,” or sign up to tell your own story.
Saturday, May 24
Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass | Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $48+ | Join New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for four performances on Memorial Day Weekend at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg.*
The YMCA of Central Kentucky’s Annual Impact Campaign makes sure all kids get to explore the fun the Y has to offer. | Photo courtesy of YMCA of Central Kentucky
Summer camp is more than just fun and games — it’s a place where kids build confidence, make new friends, and are mentored by positive role models.
The YMCA of Central Kentucky believes every child deserves that experience — no matter their family’s financial situation. This summer, they anticipate that around 150 families will apply for financial assistance for camp.
With your tax-deductible gift, you can make sure every child has a chance to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, welcoming environment.
By donating to the Y’s Annual Impact Campaign, you’re helping kids grow, learn, and succeed. Read: Every contribution ensures that Y programs, like summer camp, remain accessible to all.
Can you help send a child to camp? Your gift helps make this summer unforgettable for a child in our community.
Batter up. Lexington Legends Fan Fest is Saturday, April 12, 6-9 p.m with free admission, deals on cold beer, hot giveaways + a live DJ curating ballpark vibes.
Cause
Looking for an unconventional way to support flood recovery efforts? Nicholasville tattoo artist Derrick Jay is offering half-priced tattoos and donating profits to families in need — reserve your spot by email today. (FOX56)
Shop
The Kentucky Castle invites you to indulge on special deals on spa treatments for moms, dads, and grads. From Thursday, May 1 until Sunday, May 11, receive a $20 voucher for every $100 purchased in spa gift cards.
Real Estate/Civic
Are you passionate about housing and hoping to give back to LEX? Lexington Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications to join its board of directors now through Friday, April 25.
Drink
Calling all café connoisseurs — swing by Regency Road for the Coffee Times bean of the month. Savor the Direct Trade Dominican Red Honey roast with a smooth combination of vanilla + nutty flavor and a gentle acidity that anyone can enjoy.
Outdoors
We’re planting a seed in your mind so you remember to Reforest the Bluegrass Saturday, April 19 at Jacobson Park. Stop by 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for fun, music, and tree planting.
Number
$3,500. That’s how much dough you might have to drop if your dog eats their chew toy. Yes, pets are expensive, but they’re worth it — and this pet insurance could reimburse 90% of those expenses.*
Community
Mark your calendars for Bluegrass Greensource’s 5th annual Sustainability Summit, happening Monday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can connect with community and business leaders, attend panel discussions on key sustainability topics, participate in speed networking, and more. Save your spot.*
Number
5. That’s how many minutes it takes to read 1440’s daily newsletter — an unbiased, fact-centric digest of global events, culture, business, and beyond. Subscribe for free.*
The Buy
The Buy
There’s nothing like a seasonal wardrobe refresh. Join us in adding these five spring activewear essentials to your cart:
Small Business Week is next month and we’re still searching for more entrepreneurs, inventors, business-people, movers, shakers, and creative types who call Lexington home. If that sounds like you, tell us about yourself.
The Buy
The shoe of the summer: sneaker mules (aka smules). Effortlessly stylish and easy to slip on, these can be paired with your go-to shorts, sundresses, linen jumpsuits, and more. These are five of our favorites:
👟 Under $150: Dolce Vita’s sporty-chic sneaker mules in a fun + flirty pink floral pattern.
👟 Under $80: This pair by Anne Klein that will go with practically everything in your closet.
👟 Under $60: Blowfish Malibu’s platform style with adjustable lacing and a unique patterned insole.
👟 Under $50: These Naturalizer white leather smules made with comfort technology for all-day walking.
👟 Under $30: These canvas kicks available in 15+ colors and constructed with a memory foam insole for maximum comfort.
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