Plant Manager + Head Distiller Cody Giles has been with Pepper Distillery since its restoration in 2017. | Photo by Alexis Baker | LEXtoday
We can’t celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month without spotlighting one of Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries, producing whiskey since the American Revolution.
Nestled in Lexington’s Distillery District, James E. Pepper Distillery blends history with flavor. Visitors can explore its storied past on a guided tour, sample award-winning whiskeys, and experience a true slice of Lexington heritage — one sip at a time.
Pepper Distillery’s signature spirits, featuring a variety of bourbons and rye whiskeys, available for tasting.
Photo by Alexis Baker | LEXtoday
Tours + Tastings
The distillery offers a gift shop, bar, and guided tours. Guests can browse the museum, see the production process up close, and enjoy a whiskey tasting — complete with a complimentary glass to take home. The bar and patio serve flights, neat pours, and signature Old Fashioned cocktails.
This year, the distillery unveiled Ella’s, a patio bar honoring James Pepper’s wife, open Fridays and Saturdays 4–10 p.m. with happy hour 4–6 p.m., offering locals and repeat visitors a fresh way to enjoy the Distillery District.
Viking Bike Night | 5:30-8 p.m. | Man O’ War Harley-Davidson | Price of purchase | Unleash your inner Viking — ride, compete, feast, drink, and revel in Norse-inspired fun.
Saturday, Sept. 13
5th Annual Kentucky Food Truck Championship | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Renfro Valley RV Park, Mount Vernon | Price of purchase | With 30+ food trucks, craft vendors, and a beer and wine garden, competitors vie for category titles, overall champion, and the People’s Choice Award.
East End Evenings | 6-8 p.m. | Charles Young Park | Free | Grab your lawn chair and discover Lexington’s newest outdoor concert series featuring Boogie G and the Titanics.
Sunday, Sept. 14
The Lexington Antique Show | Sunday, Sept. 14-Monday, Sept. 15 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Athens Schoolhouse building, Lexington-Fayette | Price of purchase | You never know what treasures you’ll find at this antique show where furniture, jewelry, stoneware, coins, clothes, and much more will be on the table.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
“Napoleon Dynamite” Live! | 8 p.m. | Lexington Opera House | $52+ | Watch a full screening of “Napoleon Dynamite” followed by a lively, moderated discussion with fan-favorite cast members Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries.
It’s your lucky day, ladies. Ambition Fitness, a women-focused strength training studio, opens on Saturday, Sept. 20. Learn high-intensity resistance training for the ultimate full-body burn. Founding memberships are on sale now — just in time for the grand opening.
Development
Crews began demolition on the construction site of Lexington’s third Publix in Chevy Chase last Tuesday, Sept. 2. The new location will be found at 344 Romany Rd. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Environment
The City of Lexington welcomed a total of 18 new and re-certified members to Green Check, a green business sustainability certification program, which aims to promote “sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.” A few of the businesses include Leestown Coffee House, Good Foods Co-op, and the Lexington Children’s Theatre.
You’ll be able to buy boxes of this new flavor and your beloved favorites from January through April (local timing varies).
Photo provided by Girl Scouts of the USA
Eat
Move over, Thin Mints, we’re saving our money for boxes of Exploremores — Girl Scouts of the USA’s newest cookie. The rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookie will debut in 2026. Sign up to be the first to know when they hit the market in Lexington.
Travel
Mark your calendars, travel enthusiasts: MICHELIN will unveil its 2025 Key selections — recognizing exceptional hotels and resorts across the globe — on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Looking for a more lowkey stay closer to home? Explore unique vacation rentals in and around Lexington.
Trending
There she is. Miss New York, Cassie Donegan, was crowned Miss America 2026 on Sunday, Sept. 7. Donegan earned more than $50,000 in scholarships, and is the eighth Miss New York to win Miss America. In case you were wondering, Miss Kentucky last won in 1999. (People)
Finance
Gold is as hot as ever, with its price per ounce crossing $3,400 in August. A gold IRA can be a smart way to own gold and add stability to your retirement portfolio — but with added tax benefits, plus $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases. See one of Money’s top picks.†*
Seasonal
Want to make your porch the neighborhood’s fall showstopper? Here’s how: King’s Gardens is your one-stop shop for everything — mums and pansies, pumpkins, gourds, and all the fall essentials. Bonus: Mention LEXtoday for a free pumpkin (up to $11.99 value) with $20+ purchase through Friday, Sept. 26.*
Try This
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Jobs
Need to hire? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re staffing up for the season or filling a key full-time role, our Job Board is your one-stop hiring solution. Post your open positions for free and start connecting with qualified candidates.
The Buy
This Ring doorbell and outdoor camera bundle that’s $20 off today only. Our favorite features? Crisp video and smart alerts sent straight to our phone, so we know who’s at the door without leaving the couch.
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.
I got a sneak peek at an Ambition Fitness class, and it was challenging in all the best ways — a full-body workout that leaves you feeling strong and accomplished. Definitely worth checking out.
}})
