Walk through history with the Central Library’s Lafayette exhibit. | Photo via LEXtoday
Tomorrow, LEX will celebrate the bicentennial of a visit from a Frenchman named Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier — better known to Lexingtonians and fans of “Hamilton” as the Marquis de Lafayette.
A living legend visits LEX
At the time of his American tour in 1824-1825, Lafayette, who attained the rank of general and served under George Washington, was among the last surviving leaders of the American Revolution.
Lexington’s own Henry Clay, Speaker of the House at the time, was selected to welcome Lafayette to the country during a session of Congress. Clay called Lafayette a “faithful and fearless champion” of freedom and liberty across the globe.
Recognizing a revolutionary
Part of the 250Lex celebrations, two new historical markers will be dedicated to Lafayette’s memory on Friday, May 16.
Can’t make either dedication? Lexington’s Public Library has a 1.76-mile walking tour with downloadable audio guides + maps retracing Lafayette’s steps in Lexington.
Events
Events
Thursday, May 15
Burn The Mic | 6:30-8 p.m. | Carnegie Center For Literacy | Free | Affrilachian poet JC McPherson welcomes local writers, wordsmiths, and spoken-word artists to share their personal narratives at this creative circle.
Jake Xerxes Fussell | 7 p.m. | Burl Live Music | $20 | This Southern folk musician who’s opened for Wilco, Bill Callahan, and The Decemberists will perform tracks from his latest record.
Friday, May 16
HAPPI Moondance Celebration | 6 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater | Free with registration | Join this party of AAPI artists featuring a K-pop dance group, Chinese dancers, a taekwondo performance, Asian street food + drinks by Blue Stallion Brewing Co.
Taste of the Bluegrass | 7-11 p.m. | Alltech Arena | $125 | This culinary event showcases the mouth-watering flavors of our region, featuring 45+ restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
Saturday, May 17
Mulch Giveaway | 8 a.m. | 1631 Old Frankfort Pike | Free while supplies last | Take home a truckload of mulch, upcycled from Lex’s own yard waste — Fayette County ID with Lexington address required.
2025 Take Kids Fishing | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Jacobson Park | Free | Introduce youngsters to the sport of fishing + the abundance of public access to waters in our community.
Spring cleaning? Let the Habitat ReStore handle the heavy lifting (for free).
Presented by Lexington Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Spring cleaning never looked so easy, Lexington. | Photos provided by Lexington Habitat for Humanity ReStore
If you’re dreading the hassle of spring cleaning, you’re not alone. This local organization has made clearing out the clutter a whole lot easier.
The Lexington Habitat for Humanity ReStore offers free donation pickups for both homes + businesses.
Have large furniture, working appliances, or other home improvement goods? Just submit a quick photo to confirm everything’s in good shape, then schedule your no-cost pickup.
And here’s the best part: Your donation helps build homes, communities, and hope through Lexington Habitat for Humanity.
Lexington’s latest bourbon purveyor, RD1 Distillery, is now open at Turner Commons off Leestown Road. The $5 million combination tasting room + distillery spans 10,200-sqft and comes with financial backing from UK’s own Mark Stoops. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Ranked
Kentucky placed fifth in a recent study seeking the most affordable states for retirement. Assuming a “retirement period” of ~15 years, Kentuckians need $737,264 to “retire comfortably.” West Virgina is the most affordable place to retire, requiring $712,921 for retirement. (The Lane Report)
Shop
Art on the Town returns to Tandy Park tomorrow, Friday, May 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. continuing every third Friday of the month through September. Shop more than a dozen local artists, offering everything from paintings and sculptures to LEGO and woodcarvings.
Number
$829,000. That’s the 24-hour donation total from Kentucky Gives Day 2025 on Tuesday, May 13. It is not too late to give — as of this writing, donations have grown to $871,306.
Wellness
Are you struggling to get hip? Hip flexibility, that is. Sora Aerial Arts shows how to gain strength + limberness with four exercises you can try at home.
Eat
Clay Avenue is home to a new gourmet carry-out experience. Penny’s at Pomegranate, the latest culinary effort from Chef Ouita Michel, is now open, offering lunch time faves like Chicky and Eggy Sals + an evolving menu based on seasonal ingredients. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Kids
Unlock a summer of fun and enrichment with the Lexington Children’s Museum’s day camps for kiddos. Registration is now open for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Outdoors
Spring cleaning is here, and your backyard deserves a refresh. Want to prep your space for perfect spring and summer evenings in Lexington? Here’s who can help — give them a call to schedule your patio or deck cleaning.*
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
Biz
What if building a house could be as simple as building a car? Boxabl is revolutionizing homebuilding by bringing assembly line technology to the outdated industry. Learn how(and how you can join the movement).†‡*
Wellness
Weight loss is a personal experience —and so is treating it.Hers takes a comprehensive approach that combines customized medication with ongoing access to medical providers, 100% online. Explore your options.‡‡*
Category
Arts
4 fascinating facts about Mary Todd Lincoln
The life of Lexington’s Mary Todd Lincoln is the subject of the Tony-nominated satirical Broadway hit “Oh, Mary!” | Photo provided by Library of Congress
Cole Escola’s satirical Broadway hit “Oh, Mary!” reimagines the life of Lexington native Mary Todd Lincoln as she fantasizes about fleeing her life at the White House to chase her dreams as a cabaret dancer amid the Civil War.
Its hilarity earned “Oh, Mary!” five Tony nominations this year, including Best Play — but certain elements of the brazen by-gone biopic are actually rooted in historical facts about the misunderstood first lady.
When most Americans were financially struggling from the war, journalists reported heavily on the high costs of Mary Todd Lincoln’s wardrobe, her frequent New York shopping excursions, her trips to the shore, and her $20,000+ makeover of the White House.
Nickname “Molly”
As his character does in the play, Abraham Lincoln often referred to his wife as “Molly.” Early correspondence between the two shows that he called her the nickname in some of their earliest love letters.
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
Attention fellow East Enders, this is your notice to move your car before the weekend. Shropshire Avenue will be closed to traffic Saturday, May 17 for StreetFest 2025. Swing by the Charles Young Community Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate shared spaces with food, drink, and free bike tune-ups.
Answered
Answered
If you were a Leestown Coffee House bevvy, which brew would you be?
37% Triple Americano 25.9% Honey lavender latte 18.5% Pistachio cream match 18.5% Spiced coconut fizzy
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