Check out these gorgeous views from the Red River Gorge. | Photo by @billy.hikes
From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and mountains, Lexington has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots for 10 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experiencebreathtaking views.
This 280-acre park offers everything needed for hiking and wilderness lovers. With shared equestrian trails, you may get a front-seat view of horses along your walk — just make sure to watch your step.
Courthouse Rock is one of many iconic landmarks at Red River Gorge. | Photo courtesy of @billy.hikes
Pet-friendly: Leashed dogs allowed outside of the Natural Bridge
The Red River Gorge is the hiking staple of Central Kentucky, featuring 10 trails of varied length and difficulty. Our favorite is the Auxier Ridge & Courthouse Rock combo, where visitors can enjoy leaf-peeping in the fall or try out their rock-climbing skills at Courthouse Rock.
Kountry Wayne | Friday, May 30-Sunday, June 1 | Times vary | Comedy Off Broadway | $40 | Laugh along with this comedian + musician known for creating digital sketches with original characters and celebrity cameos.
Saturday, May 31
Railbird Music Festival | Saturday, May 31-Sunday, June 1 | 1 p.m. | Red Mile | $150+ | Hear more than two dozen artists on multiple stages at this annual two-day music festival.
In Conversation with Author Angie Kim | 2-4 p.m. | Central Library | Free | As the finale of this year’s Community Reads, Angie Kim will discuss her acclaimed novel, “Happiness Falls.”*
Sunday, June 1
Lex Peddlers Mall Summer Fest | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Lexington Peddlers Mall | Price of purchase | Shop dozens of local vendors while you enjoy games, food trucks, and prizes awarded throughout the day.
Beginner Square Dance Lessons Fast Paced for Busy Summer Schedules | Sunday, June 1-Sunday, July 27 | 2-4 p.m. | Living Hope Fellowship | Perfect for folks with busy summer schedules, a condensed lesson format will have you on your feet practicing this uniquely American dance tradition in no time.
Tuesday, June 3
Bluegrass Jam | 6 p.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Co. | Free entry | Find your fiddle and strike up the band during this acoustic jam session — all ages and skill levels welcome.
Saturday, June 14
Vintage Dad’s Day | 12-4 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $10+ | Celebrate Dad with an 1860s baseball game, classic cars, a pie-eating contest, bourbon, heritage demos, and concessions.*
Friday, June 20
The Putt-Putt pARTee | Friday, June 20-Saturday, June 21 | Times vary | The Living Arts & Science Center | $60+ | Get ready to show off your golf skills while supporting The LASC’s mission.*
The Women’s Worth Alliance welcomes all who want to grow, connect, and be inspired. Expect thought-provoking discussions, incredible speakers, and opportunities to build lasting connections.
Whether you’re seeking professional insights or personal growth, this is your chance to embrace your potential and be inspired in a welcoming community. RSVP to kaylee@gratzparkpw.com to register for the event.
Kelley’s Landing Park, LEX’s first public river access point, is officially open. Before you take off on a canoeing caper, be sure to brush up on the park’s rules for people and watercraft. (WKYT)
Sports
Keeneland Race Course will host the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited Drew Fleming cited the $100+ million renovation as a sign of Keeneland’s “unwavering dedication to excellence in Thoroughbred racing.” (The Lane Report)
Ranked
Lexington is the 199th best place to live in the country thanks to a young + educated population and a comparably low cost of living. The best part? U.S. News only ranked Louisville at No. 223. (WHAS11)
Drink
In an unexpected turn of events, college students are putting bourbon on shelves. WildCask, the first bourbon distilled by students at UK’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, retails for $54.99 and is available at Liquor Barn, Kroger, and independent liquor sellers. (FOX56)
Cause
Central Music Academy is seeking donations to support its mission of “fostering equitable access to high-quality, tuition-free music instruction in Lexington.” Here’s the good news: donations made before Monday, June 30th will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a private benefactor.
Listen
Be one of the first to hear a sneak preview from Devine Carama’s new album featuring socially conscious lyrics, plus beats by Devan Amadeus Clark. The full album from LEX’s own Grammy-winning rapper drops Friday, June 13.
Biz
Fact: Regular window care enhances your home’s beauty, comfort, and energy efficiency. Reality? It might be too time-consuming to tackle yourself (but if you’re up for it, here are a few tips to bookmark). Let the experts at Window Genie handle the hard work and leave your windows sparkling clean.*
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Post of the day
A year ago, community members gathered to plant a pollinator garden at Legacy Grove Park — now they want your help to expand it.
Click through for the “after” image and visit Legacy Grove Park tomorrow, May 31 at 11 a.m. for a chance to get your hands dirty at the Community Work Party.
The Buy
A great find in Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. Get up to 60% off dresses, shoes, tees, and beauty before the sale ends this weekend. Here’s what we’re eyeing:
Today is National Water a Flower Day, and while it looks like the weather is going to take care of that for us, now is the perfect time for our plant by numbers guide. Simply select a location, measure your sun exposure, and get painting planting.
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Which former Kentucky Poet Laureate lives in Lexington?
41.4% | Silas House 28.6% | Crystal Wilkinson 22.4% | Frank X. Walker 7.6% | George Ella Lyon
Congratulations to everyone who responded — you are correct. I played a poetry trick on you, all four Poet Laureates call LEX home.
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