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Love ya, Earth
Take a hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. | Photo courtesy of Lexington Parks & Recreation
Today is Earth Day, an annual celebration of our planet, and a chance to raise awareness about the dangers it faces. Here in Lexington, local volunteer opportunities mean you can help protect Earth every day.
If you’d rather enjoy from the sidelines, we recommend finding a spot in the grass at one of our city’s extraordinary parks:
Hisle Farm Park, 3601 Briar Hill Rd.
Hikers and horses find this ~280-acre park a haven away from city life, with a shared-use trail system featuring 1 and 2.5-mile trail options. Be sure to test your hand-eye coordination on the 10-lane target archery range.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 5886 Jacks Creek Pike
If you’re a nature lover, then head out to the city’s 734-acre nature sanctuary featuring 10 miles of trails passing through meadows, woodlands, and streams. It’s also a great spot for wildlife and wildflower viewing.
World-class chamber music in the Bluegrass? We’re in.
Presented by Shaker Village KY
Enjoy a weekend of world-class music, history, and culture presented by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS). | Photos provided by Shaker Village
If your ideal weekend includes renowned chamber music and sweeping views of rolling hills, this event belongs on your calendar.
The 19th Annual Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass returns to Shaker Village May 22-24.
Buffalo Trace is preparing to celebrate the grand opening of the long-awaited, first-ever restaurant at its Frankfort distillery. Starting Monday, May 11, the John G. Carlisle Cafe will host daily specials through the end of the month, including Free Meal Mondays and Sippin’ Saturdays. Plan your visit.
Quoted
“This building is 10 years old. Let’s update it.” That simple sentiment is part of the rationale behind the $3 million plan to upgrade the football team’s weight room at UK. Completion is expected in time for summer workouts. (Herald-Leader)
Opening
The date is set for the opening of Carson’s Back Porch — an eagerly anticipated downtown restaurant, described as “a Charleston porch brought indoors” by owners. Reservations open early next month, and they’re hiring, too. (Herald-Leader)
State
Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman will run for governor in next year’s race to replace Gov. Andy Beshear. She’s the first to throw her hat in the ring to replace Beshear when his term ends at the end of 2027. Who else could run? (WKYT + Courier Journal)
Sports
The Spring Meet may be coming to an end, but we’re already looking ahead to the fall. Tickets are now on sale for the Breeders’ Cup, making a return to Keeneland for the first time in four years in October. Across two days, 14 races will dish out $34 million in prizes. (FOX 56)
Number
413 days (and counting). That’s how long baby Colsen Knox has been in the NICU since his premature birth at UK. Colsen was born 16 weeks early in March 2025; his family is hopeful he will finally go home for the first time next month. They are fundraising to make it happen. (LEX 18)
Cause
Tickets are on sale for the annual Triple Crown Advisors’ Night for the Museum, taking over the Hilton Downtown this Friday, April 24. The event benefits the Lexington Children’s Museum, featuring a silent auction and plenty of food + drink options. Last year, the night raised $90,000.
Gallery
A pair of newlyweds recently recreated a historic family photo. After Zach and Beneà Durham’s ceremony at Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site a few hours south of Lexington, they took a photo replicating the bride’s grandparents at the very same location. Psst — wedding season approaches.
Mailbag
New LEXtoday subscriber Amanda B. says her favorite Lexington restaurant is Giuseppe’s. A reminder: We’re always looking at our inbox, and love hearing from you, our wonderful readers. If there’s ever anything you want us to cover, drop us a line.
Try This
Our ideal Sunday? Browsing antiques, vintage clothes, vinyl, and collectibles from 200+ vendors at Vintage Pickin’ in the Bluegrass. Head to Masterson Station Park this Sunday, April 26 to find your next treasure. Doors open at 10 a.m., general admission is $5, and kids 16 and under are free.*
Health
Meet Horizon IX, an innovative hearing aid that leading doctors say could “transform your hearing (and your brain).” With dual processors for sharper speech and less noise, it offers a nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try it at no-risk for 45 days and experience effortless clarity this spring.*
Learn
Motley Fool Money found a game-changing credit card for easing financial stress. Now offering 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for up to 21 months, it’s a smart way to tackle debt without the added interest. Learn more and apply.*
Shop
Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away — now’s the time to find a gift that feels truly special. Think beyond the usual with something they’ll reach for again and again, like a travel-friendly jewelry box personalized with their initial or a top-rated Barefoot Dreams cardigan they’ll never want to take off.*
The Buy
Our favorite tops for spring and summer — all under $30:
🛍️ This basic ribbed cap sleeve tee features a flattering ruched design + is available in multiple colors.
🛍️ Nothing says comfy and cute quite like this waffle knit henley tank that’s under $20.
🛍️ We love this breezy off the shoulder blouse for a casual look that can easily be dressed up.
🛍️ Perfect for business casual outfitting, this top-rated blouse is made with lightweight Swiss dot fabric.
🛍️ Style this 4.6-star rated elevated casual ruffle tank top with your favorite linen shorts, jeans, or trousers.
Can’t celebrate Earth Day today? The Arboretum’s Earth Day Celebration is taking place this Saturday, April 25, with tree giveaways, nature challenges, kid-friendly fun, and special exhibits all on the green-thumbed agenda.
And there’s more where that came from around town.