The view from a rock shelter along Bark Camp Creek Trail | Photo by @krophotography
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, cold-weather hiking is some of the best hiking.
Waterfalls are often their biggest in the winter, andfrozen waterfalls are especially beautiful.
Fewer people hike in colder months.
Visibility is often clearerfrom lookout points.
There are fewer bugs + less humidity.
With no foliage on the trees, Kentucky’s stunning cliff lines are less obstructed while hiking at lower elevations.
Our winter hiking recommendations
Veterans Park | Start closer to home — this 235-acre city park offers mixed-use hiking trails that will make you forget downtown is only 20 minutes away.
Sheltowee Trace to Rough Trail | Start at Red River Gorge’s famed suspension bridge + hike straight into the heart of The Red. Dramatic cliff lines will quickly reveal themselves as you meander along the banks of Chimney Top Creek.
Lily Mountain Nature Preserve | If you are seeking seclusion, look no further. This trail offers epic vistas of Bluegrass farmland + the Cumberland Plateau.
Bark Camp Creek | Explore caves, cascades + rock shelters as you hike along Bark Camp Creek.
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The preliminary renderings of the University of Kentucky’s new arts district.
Photo provided by the University of Kentucky
Edu
The University of Kentucky received a $150 million gift, the largest in UK’s history, from The Bill Gatton Foundation to create a new arts district. This reimagined area of campus will be home to a new College of Fine Arts Building, a several-hundred-seat theater, and outdoor green spaces + gathering areas.
Biz
Bluegrass Baking Company owners, Jim and Francine Betts, are set to retire on Christmas Eve after 35 years, according to an announcement on their social media this week. The bakery will remain open as new owners will be taking over, but are yet to be announced. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Open
Kentucky Native Cafe opened its winter cafe yesterday, so visitors are still able to enjoy the pleasantries of the greenhouse in a warm, covered space. Enjoy Glasshouse Helles winter beer on tap and Lexington’s favorite pretzels after shopping the Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
Sports
The University of Kentucky named Will Stein the new head football coach. He is originally from Kentucky and was most recently the University of Oregon’s offensive coordinator for three seasons. Stein played for the University of Louisville, where he launched his coaching career.
Plan Ahead
Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat In The Hat” Live on Stage! is making a stop at the Lexington Opera House Wednesday, April 22. The show has been accredited by the Dr. Seuss estate as the top adaptation worldwide. Don’t miss your chance at the best seats as tickets go on sale starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.
Eat
December means fresh, festive eats and new holiday specials are rolling out across the city. DV8’s new items caught my eye as they’re currently featuring a pomegranate + ricotta cinnamon roll, a turkey pomegranate + gruyere melt, and a lemon ricotta pancake. Add these to your must-try list this month.
Health
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The Buy
Three viral products that are actually worth paying attention to:
☕ A JavaSok — aka an insulated neoprene sleeve for your favorite iced drinks. The widely popular product is an Amazon bestseller + one of the top gifts of the season. Bonus: Discover Soks for cans, water bottles, ice cream pints, and more.
🥘 The StoveShelf — as seen in Business Insider and Food & Wine. It’s a high-quality magnetic attachment for your stovetop that stores frequently used items like spices, condiments, and cooking oils.
🐻 Something that’s on every teenager’s holiday wishlist: the viral Starbucks Bearista bear cup. If you couldn’t get your hands on the original (they sold out within minutes), we found the perfect look-alike on Amazon.
If you’re planning on visiting the Christmas Market at Michler’s Greenhouses, parking is limited on the main entrance side at 417 E. Maxwell St. Organizers recommend utilizing the Kentucky Native Cafe free parking at 446 E. High St. Happy shopping.
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