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” make his triumphant return to Lexington and stop at these well-loved restaurants.
We think Guy would love pigging out on an order of Pigs & Puffs (bacon-topped beignets) or a Kentucky Hot Brown quesadilla at this all day breakfast joint.
Shakespeare in the Park | Friday, July 18-Sunday, July 20 | 8-9 p.m. | Woodland Park | Free | Enjoy this free public performance of Shakespeare in the Park — live music will precede each performance starting at 7 p.m.
Lost Palm Rooftop Sessions | Friday, July 18-Saturday, Aug. 30 | 7-11 p.m. | Lost Palm at The Manchester | Free | Grab a table at the rooftop bar, enjoy some shareable plates, and dance the night away to the sounds of a live DJ.
Saturday, July 19
Meal with Strangers-Saturday Brunch Series | Saturday, July 19-Saturday, June 27 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | A Restaurant in Lexington | $13 | Register for this unique dining experience where you’ll meet new people and enjoy a delicious brunch — registration does not include the price of your meal.
Roller Derby of Central Kentucky Home Game | Saturday, July 19, Saturday, Aug. 23, Saturday, Sept. 13 | 5-8 p.m. | Central Bank Center | $15+ | Expect high-energy action + hard-hitting fun — on skates.
Tuesday, July 22
Music Bingo With JD Entertainment | Tuesday, July 22, Tuesday, July 29 | 8 p.m. | Tin Roof Lexington | Free | Put your musical knowledge to the test — prizes are on the line, including a $50 and $100 jackpot.
Sunday, July 27
Plants, Pints & Pizza | Sunday, July 27, Sunday, Aug. 31 | 1-3 p.m. | Rolling Oven Taproom Versailles, Versailles | Free | Show off, sell, or swap your plant-related goodies while sipping pints + eating pizza.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Craft Fair | Saturday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 3 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $5+ | Shop for pottery, glassware, jewelry, paintings, Shaker reproductions, and more from 90+ vendors — don’t miss out on food trucks + live music.*
The YMCA of Central Kentucky + Fayette County Public Schools need sponsors for this year’s Back to School Rallies, taking place Saturday, Aug. 2. A $20 donation pays for one backpack filled with school supplies for a student in need. Volunteers are also needed to distribute backpacks and work the events.
The Word
“Nerv-ited.” That’s how Nick Logan, receiver and safety for Lexington East Elite, is feeling about representing an NFL franchise in the NFL Flag Championships this weekend. The team, which repped the Colts this season, were undefeated when they left for Ohio on Wednesday. Teams kick off tomorrow. (LEX18 + WTVQ)
Outdoors
The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves has found 300 native bees in the state — and it estimates there are another 100 that haven’t been cataloged. Did you know that bees can be blue? The office has also found orange and green bees. (Louisville Public Media)
Plan Ahead
The Lyric Theatre + Cultural Arts Center is celebrating 15 years on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. with music of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Guests are encouraged to dress the part with Dandy-inspired attire. Grab your early bird tickets.
Cause
Tickets are on sale for Tacos N’ Tequila, Lexington’s annual fundraiser organized by Bluegrass Greensource. Support environmental education + conservation efforts while indulging with delicious tequila cocktails + tacos. Pro tip: High-top tables for groups of four or more can be reserved for $300.
Sports
The first YMCA Southern Regional Pickleball Tournament is coming to the North Lexington Family YMCA September 27-28. All skill levels are welcome, and gold medal winners have a chance to win tickets to the 2026 U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Florida. Register through Thursday, Sept. 12.
Watch
“She Dances,” a film about the relationship between a father and his daughter while they travel to her dance competition, which filmed in Lexington and premiered last month at Tribeca, will play at the Flyover Film Festival in Louisville on Sunday, July 27.
Eat
Family style dining returns to The Trustees’ Table at Shaker Village. Fill your plate with favorites like fried chicken and catfish, accompanied by daily vegetables harvested steps away from your plate in the Shaker Garden. Make a reservation.*
Travel
What’s your NYC vibe? Museums, Broadway shows, or late-night bites? You’re just one flight away with new non-stop Delta Air Lines’ flights between Blue Grass Airport and New York LaGuardia. Make your weekend in the city easy. Book your seat and get going. Flights now departing.*
Community
A special place with a history of beauty and dignity, The Lexington Cemetery has served Central Kentuckians for over 175 years. It has ample space for burials for the next 100 years and numerous other memorialization options — mausoleums, columbaria, niches, and scattering gardens among them. Learn more.*
43,925. That’s how many potential candidates are looking at this right now. Ready to promote your job listing to find your dream hire? It’s absolutely free on our LEXtoday Job Board. List it now.
The Buy
No more gatekeeping. These are our top five summer essentials we wish we’d purchased sooner:
🩴 A pair of comfy + versatile Crocs sandals. Pro tip: Keep them by the front door for last-minute errands, walking the dog, and more.
🧊This No. 1 best-selling cooler backpack that features a built-in bottle opener and can fit up to 40 cans.
🧺 A waterproof blanket that’s perfect for beach days, family picnics, baby playtime, and more.
☀️ La Roche-Posay’s award-winning tinted sunscreen that’s non-greasy and fast-absorbing.
👗This flowy sundress that’s available in 20+ colors and patterns like blue floral, pink, khaki polka dot, and purple.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The votes are in... and the 1st Place winner of this year’s Lexington Burger Week is Critchfield’s Triple B from Critchfield Family Market. See the top 5 fan favorites, and go ahead and mark your calendars — Burger Week 2026 is already locked in.
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