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Your guide to vibrant retiree life
Students making music at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. | Photo via Norma Wirt
Goodbye, 9-5. If you (or someone you know) recently retired, you might be looking for activities catering to older adults. Clock in to our guide for retired people, and find opportunities in Lexington that work for you.
Get fit
If you’re not planning on slowing down in your retirement, keep moving with fitness classes designed for older Lexingtonians.
Check out Active Older Adults programs at YMCA of Central Kentucky locations.
Volunteer
Give back to the community by volunteering at a local organization. Whether you’re interested in supporting a community center or want to volunteer outdoors, check out our full list.
Take a class
It’s never too late to learn new skills while making friends. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kentucky offers courses and interest groups for adults 50+. Or, check out the Donovan Scholars program at Bluegrass Community & Technical College that covers full tuition and mandatory fees for qualified adults 65+.
The Kentucky Office of the State Entomologist confirmed Fayette County is positive for the spotted lanternfly. It may sound like the perfect combination of a ladybug and firefly, but this insect is an invasive species that damages plants. All sightings should be reported to reportapest@uky.edu. Check out the USDA’s prevention tips.
Award
The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky has received international accreditation recognizing its work in horticulture and native plant conservation. The distinction, awarded through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, places it among more than 700 accredited arboreta worldwide.
Sports
UK gymnastics will kick off their season with Excite Night tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum. Tickets are still available starting at $15 to celebrate the Wildcats’ home opener.
Drink
Kentucky does bourbon best, and BourbonCon proves it. On Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17, attendees can enjoy pours from 40+ distilleries, bourbon-infused bites, tastings with industry pros, a mobile cigar lounge, and more at the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort and Spa. Grab tickets.*
Try This
Back by popular demand, the New Year Drag Brunch with Helena Handbasket returns to Epping’s on Eastside this Sunday, January 18, with nonstop glamour, laughs, and unforgettable performances. Pro tip: Call the restaurant at 859-971-0240 to join the waitlist if tickets sell out, or plan a future brunch.*
Eat
Ramsey’s Diner will be offering a Mardi Gras special this year, and they did not come to play. The special features a cajun boil with either live crawfish or fresh shrimp + chicken seafood gumbo, a bowl of red beans and rice, and French bread. Pro tip: Save room for the King Cake.
Today Is
National Bagel Day. Few breakfast staples are as timeless — or as beloved — as the bagel. Celebrate with a stop at Great Bagel & Bakery or Southland Bagel, then keep the morning going by sharing the love with Lexington’s brunch spots.
Trending
Zodiac followers and the merely curious alike are leaning into 2026’s “Year of the Horse,” especially here in the Horse Capital of the World. VisitLEX matches a horse for each birth month; which one are you? (Vogue)
Eat
Is it hot in here? Frank’s RedHot is the most popular hot sauce in Kentucky, according to new data from Instacart. If you ask us, hot sauce pairs well with one of these local lunches that won’t break the bank.
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
City Guide
Must-visit staycation destinations
Botherum Carriage House’s beautiful lush gardens are designed and cared for by theJon Carloftis. | Photo via Airbnb
We all need a staycation or a trip to a different city from time to time, and with Lexington being named No. 1 Most Tourist-Friendly City in the US, it’s time to celebrate.
We went looking for unique lodgings around town that showcase that unbridled spirit. So choose your ideal digs, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable getaway.
“Game of Thrones” Airbnb | Downtown Lexington
This isn’t a fantasy — but you may feel like you’re living in an episode of “Game of Thrones.” Guests can stay in this rental including medieval decor and a mini dungeon, but with modern comforts like a California king bed and a steam shower for two.
Botherum Carriage House | Downtown Lexington
This stunning + expertly decorated Carriage House is complete with two bedrooms, two baths, three sitting rooms, a kitchen, a laundry room, and a bar.
Snug Hollow | 790 McSwain Branch, Irvine
Cabins, cottages, creeks, and a home-cooked meal — need we say more? You have three different comfy accommodations to choose from, but wherever you rest your head, you’ll sleep soundly away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
City Guides are presented by VisitLEX. Want to stay connected with the best of Lexington? Sign up for the VisitLEX Newsletter — hint, it’s free.
The Buy
Our favorite winter golfing accessories:
⛳ This men’s fleece-lined quarter zip is the perfect base layer.
⛳ A pair of windproof and waterproof pushcart mitts to keep your hands warm + dry.
⛳ These men’s thermal golf pants that deliver lightweight insulation for under $50.
⛳ A handy golf cart heater that can run for almost six hours.
⛳ Bonus: If your course is closed for the season, this 4.8-star rated indoor golf simulator is calling your name.
Right behind this photo were two large construction undertakings: Holmes Hall + a new student center.
Photo via Google Maps
The latest nostalgic trend has people sharing photos from 2016 on social media. A lot has changed in Lexington since then. That photo above shows the corner of South Limestone and Avenue of Champions about 10 years ago. Just within the past couple of years, Mehak Indian Cuisine, L8nite restaurant, and A Cup of Common Wealth closed in this area.
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