Kind of like this, but without the walls. | Photo provided by Lexington Public Library
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept recently drew in a million visitors in three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.
What is it?
“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple seating locations.
Where would one go in LEX?
Our vote?The Arboretum. There’s plenty of tree cover to suppress Kentucky’s midsummer heat, 100 acres to find your spot, and an abundance of local wildlife for the perfect tranquil backdrop.
Asked
Asked
Where would you like to see an outdoor library in LEX?
We’d love to share your ideas in a future newsletter.
Line Dance Night | 7:15-9:15 p.m. | Bluegrass Ballroom | $10 | Start with an hour of instruction before progressively more challenging dances make for a boot-stomping evening of fun.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Poetry at the Table | 5:30 p.m. | Kenwick Table | Free | Join an evening of poetry, including featured performers, an open mic, and the most supportive audience in Lexington.
Thursday, Aug. 7
Arts + Apps walk | 4-6 p.m. | Artists’ Attic | $75 | This tour takes foodies + art lovers on a downtown stroll to spaces they’ll enjoy with a few stops for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
Lost Palm Trivia Night | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lost Palm | Free to play | Venture up to The Manchester’s rooftop bar + sip on a creative cocktail while you show off those trivia skills for a chance to win a $30 gift certificate.
Friday, Aug. 8
Zinnia Fest | Friday, Aug. 8-Sunday, Aug. 10 | Times vary | Wildside Winery, Versailles | Price of purchase | It’s the final weekend to celebrate the beauty of summer with live music, sips of wine + sangria slushies, and picking $1 zinnia stems.
Radler Rush Cross Country | 7 p.m. | Masterson Station Park | $30+ | Get a Friday night sweat on and compete in a 2.5K, 5K, or 10K race, with prizes and goodies for competitors.
Exhibits are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday — keep an eye out for availability changes due to field trips + group events. | Photos courtesy of The LASC
This September, Lexingtonians have even more reasons to explore The LASC. Here’s a sneak peek of the new exhibits:
Sown, Grown, and Served | The Marksbury Discovery Room’s new exhibit takes visitors on the journey our food takes in both rural and urban farming.
Roots, Wings, & Wild Things | This exhibit dives deep into the flora and fauna of Kentucky, starting with Mammoth Cave to the Bluegrass. Visit our native Kentucky animals and see how we grow their food on site.
To the Moon | Blast off on an unforgettable space journey as you experience what it’s like to travel to the moon and handle an aircraft.
Kentucky’s largest pickleball facility is now open in Lexington. Pickleball Kingdom Lexington Commons celebrated its grand opening this past weekend, offering a range of membership, coaching, open play, and social events, so there’s something for pickleballers of every ilk.
Quoted
“We haven’t seen as many young folks who want to work hands-on and be with the horses and do this kind of work.” Those are words from Elisabeth Jensen, an employee of Horses Work for Kentucky — an organization seeking to inspire the next generation of the Commonwealth’s lucrative equestrian industry. (LEX 18)
Lexingtonian
Local resident Mack Meller is looking to defend his Scrabble Players Championship crown starting this weekend. Meller won the largest Scrabble competition in North America last year and is heading to Baltimore for a chance to go back-to-back. Catch the spellbinding action on Twitch from Saturday, Aug. 9 to Wednesday, Aug. 13. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Outdoors
Do you know what Kentucky’s most dangerous snakes look like? Identifying copperheads, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins could help save you in an emergency, and officials are offering guidance on how to recognize those with a deadly reputation. (FOX 56)
Shop
It’s National Farmers Market Week — an opportunity to support the local farmers, growers, and makers that give life to Kentucky produce. Fortunately, Lexington is blessed with stellar markets to browse.
Asked
We’re putting together a Lexington-inspired music playlist for a future article. We’ve got our eyes on the Bluegrass State references from the likes of Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Neil Diamond. If you’ve got a song that inspires local pride, send it in.
Job
We’re hiring a Sales Executive to grow digital advertising partnerships in Lexington. If you’re a driven sales pro ready to earn uncapped commission and work remotely with a dynamic media team—let’s connect. Apply today.
Giveaway
We’re partnering with the YMCA of Central Kentucky this National Wellness Month to give away a one-year membership. Enter to win now through Friday, Aug. 15.*
Number
20%. That’s how much you can save on our self-service ad portal thanks to our Countdown to Q4 special. Hurry — it only runs until the end of the month. Use code AUGUST20 at checkout to secure your discount.
Are you after a slice of New England summer before August slips away? Now, you don’t have to leave Lexington to do so: Distilled on Jefferson is here to help with a special dinner inspired by the most northeastern portion of the US.
Make sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible for the one-night-only event, where clam chowder, Maine lobster rolls, and Whoopie Pie profiteroles are all on the menu.
A go-to pair of running shorts to get you through hot summer workouts. This pair is under $20, has a built-in liner, and stays secure around hips thanks to a thick elastic waistband.
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.
Summer break is almost over. Before the school bell mercifully returns, there’s still time to teach the kid in your life about the great outdoors.
The Nature in Your Neighborhood program has another few days of fun, free, family-friendly activities to enjoy. This week, there are events at Dogwood, Charles Young, Duncan, and Woodland Parks.
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