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Plan ahead for spring cleaning donations
The Nest helps provide basic needs to families in times of need. | Photo provided by The Nest
It’s officially March, which means spring cleaning is sneaking up on us. As we get ready to say “out with the old,” why not give new life to gently used items? We’ve rounded up Lexington organizations that accept donations, support local causes, and help neighbors in need.
Large hauls
If you’ve got a lot to give, these organizations provide previously-owned goods to those in need at affordable prices.
Hope Center relies on donations of linens + pillows to provide a place to stay for individuals experiencing housing insecurities.
Lexington Rescue Mission is currently in need of men and women’s work boots, reading glasses, sweatshirts, and more.
Kentucky Refugee Ministries accepts cooking + baking supplies — think pots, pans, and can openers — that are underused or can be reused.
Technology
If you have old electronics + techlike laptops, TVs, scanners, or appliances (no microwaves), Battle Axes collects them for a smashing good time in its rage room. Pro tip: Battle Axes currently has an urgent need for donations.
Eastern Kentucky University is planning to demolish its Hummel Planetarium, a campus landmark since 1976, after deciding repairs — estimated at up to $11.2 million — were too costly. Closed since 2019, the facility will be replaced with a $200,000 interactive learning lab inside the EKU Center for the Arts. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Open
A new intergalactic coffee shop has landed in Lexington’s coffee scene. Caffiends Coffee House is serving up coffee, smoothies, and cocktails at 3801 Nicholasville Centre Dr. Check out the video walkthrough — featuring a pool table.
Try This
La Bonne Vie hosts some of Lexington’s most creative cooking classes and is introducing a new Chef’s Table Brunch Series. This intimate brunch features a multi-course menu with seasonal ingredients and elevated classics. Space is limited, so consider booking a unique + flavorful March experience.
Read
Street Scene and Coffee Times, two of our favorite small-business neighbors, are kicking off a monthly book club. The first meeting is Tuesday, March 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring “Stay & Fight” by Madeline Ffitch. Pro tip: RSVP to reserve your spot, and enjoy a drink discount.
On This Day
March second’s the date, hip hip hooray: Dr. Seuss was born on this day. To the Lexington Public Library, don’t wait up. For fun times reading, you can fill your cup. A child’s first book, a joyful start — a love of reading, straight from the heart.
History
Paleontologists recently discovered a new species of Spinosaurus in the Sahara desert. They believe the dinosaur lived roughly 95 million years ago and weighed up to seven tons. There’s no need to travel across the world to uncover our planet’s history — we have plenty on display at Lexington’s museums. (Reuters)
Hiring
If you’ve got sharp writing skills, a nose for news, and want to make an impact in local media, we want to hear from you. We’re hiring a Newsletter Editor to lead LEXtoday — planning, writing, editing, and publishing the hyper-local content our readers rely on each morning. It’s a chance to shape what Lexington wakes up to every day. Unlimited PTO and a 401(k) match included.
Try This
Today’s the day. Lexington Public Library’s free Kindergarten Life Skills program kicks off with Monsters Have Big Feelings — a fun, interactive session for children ages 4-5 and their caregivers to practice social-emotional skills. Sessions are offered at multiple branches, with a new theme each week. View the full schedule.*
Shop
These best-selling doormats are your key to a spring home refresh, designed to be beautiful and functional (including being stain-resistant — no more sad, muddy rugs greeting your guests at the front door). Shop our favorites like the popular natural chevron Innerweave.*
Job
When you’ve got key roles to fill, skip shouting into the void and let us connect you with top talent. List your open positions with our business promo portal to simplify the search, and watch the applications start rolling in. (edited)
City Guide
🥾 Bluegrass trails worth the trek
Check out these gorgeous views from the Red River Gorge. | Photo by @billy.hikes
From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and mountains, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Lexington area with 10 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experiencebreathtaking views.
McConnell Springs
If you’re looking to get away without actually getting away, this is the perfect option for you. This paved trail is short + sweet, yet secluded enough that you forget the Distillery District is just minutes away.
Jessamine County Nature Preserve, Gorge Trail
The Jessamine County Nature Preserve is 155 acres + sits along the Palisades region of the Kentucky River. The Gorge Trail is around two miles long and features a beautiful overlook of Jessamine Creek.
The Pinnacles
Take a quick drive down I-75 to enjoy the beauty that are The Pinnacles of Berea. With an elevation of 1,537 feet, hikers will have sweeping views of the East Pinnacles atop Indian Fort Mountain.
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
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“Fashion is art.” That’s the dress code for the 2026 Met Gala, which is set for Monday, May 4. Want to join in on the fun? Try this: Turn your favorite painting into couture with the help of Lexington’s most abstract, vintage finds.