The archway of this entrance is a replica, but the attached gates are the original from the 1870s. | Photo via @sjhorowitz
When you see the pink + blue houses, you know you’ve entered what is known as Lexington’s oldest neighborhood. Gratz Park is more than just a great photo-op or community space — we’re taking you back 240+ years to the beginning.
The late 1700s: Era of Transylvania
Established in 1781, the historic district was originally called Outlot No. 6 when the city was first being plotted by the Virginia Assembly. Fast forward to 1793, Transylvania Seminary purchased what they then deemed the “College Lot” — set to be the site of its Lexington campus where private residences began forming along the perimeter.
In 1816, the main building for the campus was built after being designed by Kentucky’s first architect — Matthew Kennedy. A fire destroyed the campus in 1829, leading Transylvania to move to its current residence in 1833.
The neighborhood’s most notable resident, Benjamin Gratz, moved in on the corner of Mill + New Streets in 1824. As an early businessman, his legacy includes being a founder of Lexington’s first public library and the Lexington and Ohio Railway.
Fill-A-Bag Sale | Friday, Aug. 1-Monday, Aug. 4 | Times vary | Lex Center for Creative ReUse | $10 | Find the orange and red stickers + fill your bag with paint, frames, fabric, party supplies, and more — teachers get to shop for $5.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Pickleball Kingdom Grand Opening | Saturday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 3 | 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. | Lexington Commons | Free+ | Come out to the opening weekend of the largest indoor pickleball facility in Kentucky + enjoy free play on 17 courts, vendors, and giveaways.
Kentucky Football Fan Day | 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | University of Kentucky | Free | Head to the practice fields at Joe Craft Football Training Center to get a first look at these Wildcats + get a free poster.
Meal with Strangers | 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.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting | 3-4 p.m. | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, Winchester | $39 | Take a one-hour guided tour through the picturesque vineyard before indulging in a curated tasting.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Salt Mandalas + Reiki | 4-5:30 p.m. | Lexington Salt Cave | $50 | Explore the sensations of salt beneath your hands + delve into your innate creativity with a journaling exercise during this salt therapy.
Books in Bars Reading Society | 6-10 p.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Co. | Free | Bring your current read or pick one from the Blue Stallion free library and connect with other book lovers in the loft.
Your wellness journey to a healthier, stronger you starts with an all-access pass to the YMCA of Central Kentucky. We’re partnering with them this National Wellness Month to give one lucky winner a one-year membership to the YMCA (valued at $1,176).
As a member, you’ll enjoy benefits, like:
Access to five area locations
Discounts on programs (swim lessons, youth sports, camps, more)
State-of-the-art exercise equipment
Free childcare while you work out
Access to Nationwide Membership, which means you can work out at any of 2,600+ locations throughout the US for free
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton has officially put her name on the ballot for a third term. Gorton won the 2018 election with 63.1% of the votes + again in 2022, with 71%. General Election Day is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 3 of 2026 — save these important dates. (LEX18)
Sports
The UK Athletics Hall of Fame is getting new inductees this September, featuring athletes who excelled in softball, baseball, tennis, basketball, and football. Notably, Doug Flynn — who played in the MLB for 11 years + is now an award-winning broadcaster — will be one of six alumni getting recognized.
Coming Soon
Versailles’ newest boutique hotel, The Aldenberg, is on track for its opening at the end of August. Originally known as The Rickhouse Hotel, the accommodation will feature 29 bespoke guest rooms, a restaurant, and rooftop bar — built inside the historic 1852 Woodford Bank and Trust Co. building.
Biz
In case you missed it, Wilson’s Grocery will be opening a “teeny tiny bookshop” this fall. Tucked away in the Kenwick neighborhood, Wildlings Bookshop will feature books (mainly for kiddos), stationary, craft kits, and more. With books on the way, follow along on Instagram.
Cause
Over 400 brand-new pairs of shoes will be given to students on Sunday, Aug. 3 during Project Ricochet’s Back-to-School Shoe Giveaway. From 5 to 7 p.m., families can head to 228 Rebel Rd. in nearby Nicholasville to enjoy food, games, health, and community resources.
Outdoors
Have a seat — the Triangle Foundation has brought colorful tables + chairs to Thoroughbred Park. Whether you’re studying, working, or just catching up with a friend, we recommend getting a to-go treat from A Cup Of Common Wealth across the street.
Plan Ahead
We’re thinking cold-weather thoughts, and it seems like the organizers behind the annual Legendary Festival of Lights are right there with us. Vendor applications are open for this year’s season, kicking off on Nov. 21 + running through Jan. 4. Apply to be a part of the festivities.
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
Edu
For those seeking out loan options for upcoming semester expenses, check out College Ave. They offer private education loans starting at 3.19% APR — plus a simple application process, flexible options, and highly-rated customer service.*
Category
City
Solar farming is the new day trade
Lexington is getting one step closer to having a solar farm at the old landfill site. | Photo courtesy of VisitLex
Since March, the City of Lexington has been exploring the possibility of a solar farm taking over the former Haley Pike Landfill. Now, after an unsolicited proposal from Edelen Renewables, we could be one step closer.
The local solar company plans to build a solar facility on 400 of the 618-acre site, utilizing the brownfield land + removing pressure from valuable farm lands around the area. The facility is projected to produce ~100,000-megawatt hours in its first year + be operational by 2027.
Clean air talks, but so does money. The development could also bring jobs to residents + a financial boost to Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) through the land lease and annual payments in lieu of taxes.
Pending approval from LFUCG, the project could take off within the next 18 months.
The Buy
There are just a few days left to shop Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Don’t miss these five deals before they disappear on Monday, Aug. 4.
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.
Did you find today’s newsletter thrilling? If not, maybe this will help — the Kentucky State Fair returns to the KY Expo Center in Louisville on Thursday, Aug. 14. While it’s a ~1.5-hour drive from Lexington, the week-long fair has plenty to do to make the trip worthwhile.
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