We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Lexington. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Meet your new LEXtoday editor
Hey Lexington. 👋 We are thrilled to welcome Gwenda Bond — yes, that Gwenda Bond — to the LEXtoday team. Scroll to today’s Wrap to get to know her a little better.
City Guide
Local spots named for horses
Will + Man o’ War with NBC | Photo provided by the Keeneland Library Collection - M
Any toponymy experts out there? We’re super interested in the study of place names — specifically places named after famous horses.
Hamburg
A hundred or so years ago, Hamburg Pavillion was a breeding farm — Hamburg Place. John E. Madden named the property after the horse that financed the purchase.
Elmendorf
Speaking of Hamburg, the champion colt was bred and born at Elmendorf Farm. Various streets are named for this farm, which itself waws named for the owner’s wife’s paternal grandmother — Blanche Elmendorf.
Man o’ War
Next time you drive down Man o’ War Boulevard, think of “the most famous Thoroughbred who ever lived.”Did you know? Man o’ War was so named by the owner’s wife in honor of her husband, who served in the US military during WWI.
Oliver Lewis
The Newtown Pike Extension got its name from a citywide contest, but who is Oliver Lewis? He was the jockey who rode Aristides and won the first Kentucky Derby. It was such an iconic win that Aristides also has a road named after him.
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.
Events
Events
Editor’s Picks
Burger Mania! | Now through Wednesday, April 29 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Woodford County Tourism, Versailles | Free | We’re in the midst of round 3 in the Burger Mania bracket — try delicious burgers + vote while you can.
Keeneland Spring Meet | Now through Friday, April 24 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Keeneland Library | $7+ | Your ticket price depends on the day you’re going + where you’ll be watching — prizes vary for folks watching from special rooms.
Tim Meadows | Thursday, April 16-Saturday, April 18 | Times vary | Comedy Off Broadway | $20+ | The comedian is best known for his work in movies like “Mean Girls” and “Grown Ups” + TV show appearances on shows such as “The Office” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
Reforest the Bluegrass | Saturday, April 18 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Coldstream Park | Free | Help plan trees near streams and bodies of water to help improve riparian buffers.
Spring Fundraiser Market | Saturday, April 18 | 2-6 p.m. | Wise Bird Cider Co. | Cost of purchase | Shop local vendors, enter a raffle, and enjoy food + drink to support local org The Nest.
Nomination forms are open now through Thursday, April 30 for Lexington’s 2026 Environmental Awards. Submit your picks to the Environmental Commission — categories include Education, Sustainability + Outstanding Individual, Organization, or Business.
Watch
Christmas in... April? Production crews transformed downtown Paris into a holiday backdrop last week while crews filmed “Silver Bells Christmas.” The made-for-television movie is scheduled to release later this year on Great American Family. (LEX 18)
Open
Rosemont Garden has officially reopened from Vista Street to Southport Drive after being closed for five months due to the Wolf Run sewer project. We suggest cruising over to local faves Pietana, Rosemont Station, Olive’s Apron + Cibon. Thanks to reader Josh B. for the tip.
Listen
Actor Nick Offerman is reading a poem by legendary Kentucky poet, farmer, and activist Wendell Berry each Friday during April for National Poetry Month in the series “A Wonder Is What It Is” for WNYC’s “All of It.” Ron Swanson and Wendell Berry? A dream team.
Civic
The city’s first Civic Assembly, put together by CivicLex, wrapped up recently. Take a deep dive into how the 36 randomly chosen Lexingtonians who participated settled on recommendations to increase city council member pay and add new accountability requirements.
Biz
Fact: Regular window care enhances your home’s beauty, comfort, and energy efficiency. Reality? It might be too time-consuming to tackle yourself (but if you’re up for it, here are a few tips to bookmark). Let the experts at Window Genie handle the hard work and leave your windows sparkling clean.*
Plan Ahead
Hosting an event? Spread the word to our thousands of engaged subscribers. Explore our business promo portal to find the perfect fit for your budget — from standout banner ads to scroll-stopping social content.
I didn’t know much about her breed, or how to best care for her. Thanks to Embark’s Breed + Health Dog DNA Test, that’s all changed. I’ve learned Meredith is a mix of American Pit Bull, Australian Cattle Dog, Dalmatian, and that she may be at higher risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease. Now I can take proactive steps to support her health — like keeping her on a balanced diet and opting for a harness over a collar to help reduce strain on her spine.
Try Embark for your dog, discover their unique DNA, and give them the best possible care.
Hi there, Lexington! We’ve been teasing you this week, but voila! Here’s the official reveal. I’m your new newsletter editor, Gwenda Bond. I’ve written a bunch of novels (including the New York Times bestseller Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds), but I’ve also done a lot of journalism over the years. And now I’m thrilled that I get to write for you.
Anyone who knows me knows I love Lexington. I also love knowing what’s going on here and finding all the best stories, events, cocktails and food. One of our city’s historic nicknames is the “Athens of the West.” It fits. We have such a vibrant city. So many people are doing and making incredible things. I can’t wait to share all of that with you.
If you see me out and about (probably walking my three dogs), please say hi. And, of course, always feel free to drop me a line with tips and suggestions.
}})
}})
