Nothing says satisfying like a stop at Tolly Ho for some burgers and cheese-covered fries. | Photo by LEXtoday
If you’re a fan of Food Network or just a devotee of spiky-haired, goatee-clad television hosts, you’ve probably seen an episode or two of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” We’d like to propose that the “King of Flavortown” stop at these well-loved restaurants. If you’re reading this, Food Network, you’re welcome.
No relations to City Editor Sam, this regional chain has three locations in Lexington. The Limestone store has significant ties to Lexington’s LGBTQ+ community, and appeals to appetites of all shapes and sizes from the politicians and downtown lawyers looking for lunch, to college kids and party people in need of late-night bites.
This late-night spot is a staple for college students and alumni looking to relive their glory days. Although many corners of town have served as home to Tolly Ho, its menu has stayed tried and true with its family of burgers: The Tolly Ho, The Super Ho, and the Mega Ho. Plus, get that full diner experience with one of its loaded milkshakes — we love the banana pudding.
Guided Bourbon Tasting | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Granddam | $40 | Find your favorite bourbon as you explore the process, quality + taste profiles of Kentucky’s smoothest spirit.
Couples Choreo | 8:15-9:05 p.m. | The Salsa Center Dance Studio | $20+ | Couples are encouraged to drop in to this exploration of music + movement, with an optional performance for the especially brave.
Wednesday, May 14
Walk With a Doc | 5:15-6:15 p.m. | The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky | Free | Move your body, sharpen your mind, and grow community while local physicians share health tips.
Thursday, May 15
Brittany Schmitt | 7 p.m. | Comedy Off Broadway | $28 | Laugh along with this Wisconsin-raised comic who likes her comedy like she likes her cheese — stanky.
Friday, May 16
Food Truck Friday | 6-9 p.m. | Shilito Park | Price of purchase | Enjoy a picnic at one of Lexington’s lushest parks + sample sweet and savory offerings from a fleet of food trucks.
Saturday, May 17
Mulch Giveaway | 8 a.m. | 1631 Old Frankfort Pike | Free, while supplies last | Enjoy a free truckload of mulch, upcycled from Lex’s own yard waste — Fayette County ID with Lexington address required.
Masterson Station Annual Yard Sale | Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | Masterson Station Neighborhood | Price of purchase | You never know what treasures you might unearth at this annual two-day market.
UK Football tight end Josh Kattus and Clark’s Pump-N-Shop’s Marketing Director Allison Fliehman waltz their way to victory at Dancing with the Lexington Stars. Kattus also brought home the gold in 2024.
News Notes
News Notes
Cause
Today is Kentucky Gives Day, an annual fundraising drive to support nonprofits throughout the Commonwealth. In 2024, nearly $700,000 was raised for 236 organizations across the bluegrass. Search by name, location, or cause to find an organization to support.
Edu
Lafayette High School sophomore Esme Morris is officially the 2025-2026 Kentucky youth poet laureate. The program is a joint effort between Gateway Regional Arts Center and Urban Word NYC to promote “youth perspectives in shaping civic discourse.”
Award
Congratulations to Sarah Blades of Lexington Traditional Magnet School for being named Commonwealth Credit Union’s Teacher of the Year. Part of her efforts to support students inside + outside the classroom, her “community closet” was cited as one example of Blades’s excellence. (FOX56)
Film
Part of Get HAAPI Lex’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Awareness Month celebrations, “Mississippi Masala” stars Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury in a “sweet, sexy, and radical celebration of love’s power to break down barriers.” Tickets are available now for the Kentucky Theatre’s special screening Wednesday, May 14 at 7:40 p.m.
Concert
The Cellar Bar & Grille is celebrating 15 years of making memories with a Rock Around the Clock concert Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Enjoy live patio performances from Ben Lacy, Dead Air Dennis, and Avery Crabtree before heading to the Cellar Stage for headliners Magnolia Vale and The Rewind Band.
Art
Kentuckian and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Stacy Kranitz will debut “Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down,” her latest project, Wednesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at the Central Library’s Farish Theatre. Over five years in the making, this exhibit is free to the public.
Try This
Did you know that continuous learning throughout life not only decreases isolation but also improves cognitive abilities? Try an OLLI at UK course to keep your mind engaged + active as you age. Explore current course offerings.*
Number
$1,300. That’s how much money per year you could be wasting overpaying on car insurance, according to a 2024 survey. See if you’re overspending.*
The Buy
As temperatures rise, we’re upgrading our wardrobe with some new warm weather hangout attire. These are some of our favorite finds:
If you’re not able to celebrate Kentucky Gives Day with a monetary donation, check out our guide to Lexington’s volunteer opportunities. After all, we get by with a little help from our friends.
