There are 45 state parks in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but did you know there are 6 state parks within an hour’s drive of Lexington?
Let’s take a short trip down some Kentucky backroads to unplug + unwind.
Mountain views taste the sweetest when you know pizza or barbecue will follow. | Photo by The LEXtoday
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd., Slade | This popular state park is worth visiting over and over again because of its sweeping vistas. If you’ve already explored the famous natural bridge, choose a new path to get you to the top.
Pro tip: Miguel’s is a popular pizza spot for both hikers and climbers, but beat the crowds by trying out the newest restaurant to open in the area — Red Point BBQ.
Fort Boonesborough State Park, 4375 Boonesboro Rd., Richmond | Discover the history of Kentucky’s 2nd settlement, established by Daniel Boone in 1775. The fort has been reconstructed as a working fort, complete with cabins + 18th-century craft demonstrations. Modern amenities include a public pool, mini-golf, and a campground.
Big Bone Lick State Park is where the buffalo roam. | Photo by The LEXtoday
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd., Union | Walk among the giants — both living and extinct. Short family-friendly trails lead to a bison herd + the museum gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the giant mammals that used to roam the Kentucky landscape.
Pro tip: This drive is more like 70 minutes, but well worth it.
Click the button below to learn about the state park that has the highest concentration of caves in Kentucky.
Big Band and Jazz Series | Tues., July 5 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Ecton Park, 956 Turkey Foot Rd. | Free | Sit back and sink into the smooth sounds of Miles Osland at this outdoor concert series
Wednesday
Summer Classics Movie Series | Wed., July 6 | 1:30 p.m. + 7:15 p.m. | The Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St. | $6.50 | Check out this week’s classic movie screening of “The Big Sleep” — a 1940s film noir classic.
Thursday
Everclear 30th Anniversary Tour | Thurs., July 7 | 8 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester Rd. | $35+ | Catch this iconic early 1990s band in their anniversary tour with special guests Fastball + The Nixons.🤘
Friday
Pasta 101 | Fri., July 8 | 7-10 p.m. | Pasta Garage Italian Cafe, 962 Delaware Ave. | $86 | Learn from professionals how to make your own pasta + enjoy appetizers, wine, and more. 🍝
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
93º | Scattered thunderstorms | 48% chance of rain
Lexingtonian
Local chef Samantha Fore, founder of the pop-up Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites,has been named as one of “Taste of the South” magazine’s “Taste 50” as a standout in Southern Food. Check out Samantha’s post about her journey to the top. 🍽
Try This
Main Street Winchester will host the Sweetest Days of Summer Ice Cream Social on Thurs., July 14 from 6-8 p.m. Head over to Many Friends Parklet + Court Street for some of the sweet life — including balloon animals, vintage cars, and even a barbershop quartet. 🍦
Listen
A new season of “What’s Next with Rio,” a local podcast founded by a UK alumni, will premiere later this month. The podcast hosts entrepreneurs, artists, andathletes from the Lexington community. Get caught up on season one here. 🎙
Ranked
No. 8. That’s where LEXtoday’s parent company, 6AM City, landed on The Tech Tribune’s list of “Best Tech Startups in South Carolina.” The list looked at revenue potential, the leadership team, brand + product traction, and competitive landscape. It’s the second year 6AM City made the list.
Shop
Mark your calendars, because the iconic Drunken Flea is returning to The Burl on Sat., Aug. 13th from 12-8 p.m. Founded by the owners of Wearhouse vintage shop, this epic event is Lexington’s first curated, multi-vendor vintage pop-up market + includes fun sips. Support shopping small or apply here to become a vendor. 🛍️
Don’t show up to brunch in cheap sunglasses. Vincero creates premium lifestyle accessories (think: eyewear, watches + more), and thanks to the brand’s ethical production practices and timeless designs, Lexingtonians can make a statement and feel good about their purchase.*
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Start making room now because Lexington Burger Week is right around the corner. You can snag “The Bat Out of Hell” from Bear and the Butcher in Chevy Chase along with 30+ other one-of-a-kind local burgers for just $7 each from July 11-17th. 🍔
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One of my favorite state parks that’s not on this list is Pine Mountain State Resort Park, a 2-hour drive from Lexington. Watching the sunrise from Chain Rock is an experience I’ll never forget.
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