Considering breaking out the sweaters and sweatshirts? You’re not alone. Kentucky is currently experiencing a “false fall” — those teasing days when temperatures mimic late September or October.
As a lifelong Kentuckian, I can confidently say fall never truly arrives early. Still, it’s worth enjoying while it lasts — here are a few activities to make the most of the cool spell:
Visit a local farmers market. Summer produce is still widely available, and fall products are starting to trickle in.
Take a walk at Keeneland before the fall season starts.
Tour a local distillery — bourbon tastes even better in cooler weather. We suggest RD1 Distillery at The Commons, which opened this past May.
Asked
Asked
Which of these have you noticed most in the past year?
A. 🏡 More homes being built or sold B. 💼 New jobs or companies moving in C. 🚙 Increased traffic or commute times D. 🛍️ More restaurants, stores, or services E. 💸 Rising rents or home prices F. Other
Sunflower Patch | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Eckert’s Orchard, Versailles | $10 | The orchard’s sunflower patch is open through August, offering full blooms, tractor rides, and cut-your-own stems — don’t miss this picture-perfect summer outing.
Shadowgrass | 8 p.m. | The Burl | $20 | Head to The Burl’s indoor venue for a weeknight show from progressive bluegrass band Shadowgrass.
Thursday, Aug. 28
Football Karaoke Kickoff | 8 p.m. | Chevy Chase Inn | Price of purchase | Join DJ Jonathan + MC Norm to celebrate the return of football the best way they know how — karaoke.
Friday, Aug. 29
U-Pick Flower Bouquet | 1-3 p.m. | The Kentucky Castle, Versailles | $20 | No royalty required, stop by the castle any day to build your own flower bouquet.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Teacher Appreciation Weekend | Saturday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Eckert’s Orchard, Versailles | $3+ | Eckert’s is recognizing teachers this weekend with 20% off you-pick apples and a $5 gift card.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Yoga under the Trees | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate | Free | Grab a mat and escape your daily routine at this judgement-free yoga session under the trees.
Plants, Pints & Pizza | 1-3 p.m. | Rolling Oven Taproom, Versailles | Price of purchase | Show off, sell, or swap your plant-related goodies while sipping pints + eating pizza.
Jazz on the Lawn | 5:30-8 p.m. | Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate | Free | Experience this year’s set from Lee Carroll’s C The Beat, a musical adventure featuring top local talent and original tunes.
Calling all pickleball enthusiasts. Lexington Parks & Recreation opened four new pickleball courts at Picadome yesterday. There are more courts planned for the new Cardinal Run Park North in the coming months.
Opening
One of Lexington’s most renowned upscale fine-dining restaurants is getting a sister restaurant in Northern Kentucky. Merrick Inn, known for its high-class southern dining, will be joined by a 36,000-sqft “horse barn” in Independence, Kentucky, which will be home to the Royal Kentuckian. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Community
Mayor Linda Gorton recently cut the ribbon on the Veterans’ Unity Point Resource and Support Center at the Kenwick Community Center. The center offers veterans a place to decompress and connect, featuring pool tables, foosball, a PlayStation 5, a weight room, and more. (WEKU)
Coming soon
Burnt Tavern Bourbon, crafted by master distiller Chip Tate and inspired by a historic 1794 stagecoach tavern, will launch Monday, Sept. 1 from William Berkele Distillery in Garrard County. The 7-year-old, 105-proof bourbon features rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and smoky notes, and will be available in Kentucky and online. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Open
University of Kentucky’s K Lair reopened this week after a five-year closure. The iconic dining spot and campus hangout, which originally opened in 1961, returned with a face-lift and fresh flavors. (LEX 18)
Award
University of Kentucky professor and researcher Clare Rittschof is part of a team awarded $66,000 through the Scialog: Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems initiative. Their project, “Bee-ing Aware,” explores how honey bee larvae are affected by nutrition and chemical exposures, aiming to reveal new insights into bee health and survival. (UKNOW)
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Finance
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The Buy
Self-care isn’t all spa days and forest bathing — although we do love a nice hot stone massage. More often than not, it’s the simple things like prioritizing rest, practicing good hygiene, and practicing mindfulness. Elevate your self-care rituals with these five products:
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.