We’re just under three weeks away from Memorial Day — when pools across the city will open for the season and, in our minds, it’s officially summer.
But today, we want to explore a few of the more adventurous watering holes in the Lexington area. That’s right — we’re talking about where to canoe and kayak near Lexington.
The ecosystem along the Kentucky River Palisades is ~450 million years old. | Photo by The LEXtoday
If you haven’t ventured out to explore any of Kentucky’s waterways, you’re missing out. Check out these unique facts about our region:
🛶 Next to Alaska, Kentucky has more navigable miles of water than any other state in the US.
🛶 Kentucky is the only state to have rivers that border three of its sides — the Mississippi to the West, the Ohio to the North + the Big Sandy to the East.
🛶 Kentucky has the largest artificial lakes east of the Mississippi — Lake Cumberland in volume and Kentucky Lake in surface area.
Jacobson Park’s lake makes for a great first paddle for kids + beginners. | Photo by The LEXtoday
Here are a few local options for getting your feet wet:
Jacobson Park, 4001 Athens Boonesboro Rd. | That’s right, you don’t have to leave the city limits for this one. Lexington Parks and Recreation even offers boat rentals.
Pro tip: The city is hosting an Intro to Canoeing class this week, Fri., May 13 from 3-4:30 p.m.
“The Grotto” at Grayson Lake State Park is as majestic as it gets. | Photo by The LEXtoday
Shaker Village, 316-398 Shakers Landing Rd. | Paddle underneath High Bridge + explore the Kentucky Palisades
Grayson Lake State Park, 314 Grayson Lake State Park Rd. | Paddle along the lake’s cliff-lined shores, explore secret coves + see if you can find the famous Grotto Falls waterfall.
Use the buttons below to share this story with water warriors and anyone else who has an adventurous spirit.
West Sixth Beer Dinner | Tues., May 10 | 6 p.m. | Winchell’s, 348 Southland Dr. | $75 | A unique Kentucky culinary experience presented by West Sixth + Winchell’s
Peppa Pig’s Adventure | Tues., May 10 | 6 p.m. | Lexington Opera House | $45+ | Join Peppa + her pals for this 60-minute live musical. 🎭
Wednesday
Sour Day at Ethereal Brewing | Wed., May 11 | 5 p.m. | Ethereal Brewing, 1224 Manchester St. | Free, price of purchase | A large selection of new sour beer releases featuring guava, banana + cucumber flavors 🍺
Lexington Legends vs. Wild Health Genomes | Wed., May 11 | 10:05 a.m. | Wild Health Field, 207 Legends Ln. | $12 | The Legends go head-to-head with the Wild Health Genomes in this local rivalry game. ⚾
Thursday
An Evening at Lockbox | Thurs., May 12 | 6 + 7:30 p.m. | 21C Hotel, 167 W. Main St. | $120 | Indulge in an evening of delicious plates, art + beverages from Castle & Key. 🍽
Friday
Will Padgett | Fri., May 13 | 6 p.m. | Talon Winery, 7086 Tates Creek Rd. | Free, price of purchase | Kick back with a glass of Talon wine + enjoy free live music. 🎶
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.
This week’s forecastlooksamazing. Temperatures will be in the low 80s with plenty of sunshine all week long. Take care of yourself this week + enjoy it — go for a run, try that new menu item on a patio, or enjoy a midweek bourbon on the porch. ☀️ (LEX18)
Traffic
Road repairs are scheduled for Main Street this week — from Midland Avenue to Oliver Lewis Way. Yes, that is a major thoroughfare, but don’t fret. Construction will take place between 7 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lanes will be closed throughout the week + the project is expected to conclude on Sat., May 14. 🚦
Civic
Early primary voting will be taking place this week, Thurs., May 12-Sat., May 14, at Kroger Field, 1540 University Dr. Early voting is available to any registered voter + the city is asking citizens to enter from the blue lot off Alumni Drive and follow the signage into the stadium.
Community
Lexington Parks and Recreation announced that pool passes are now on sale for the summer season. Early-bird individual passes are $50 + early-bird family passes, forup to six people, are $260. Find a public pool near you and get ready to beat the heat. 🏖
Development
The restoration of the Old Morrison building’s steps is nearing completion. Transylvania has been working diligently to restore the facade of the historic building’s entryway before graduation on Sat., May 28. The building is a registered National Historic Landmark + the entrance will remain blocked until commencement. (1780)
Today Is
Kentucky Gives Day. Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth are encouraged to donate to their favorite nonprofits + causes. This is the 10th year in a row for this annual giving day, and you can use this link to find a full list of Lexington-based nonprofits.
Kids
The city of Richmond is hosting a Kids’ Fishing Derby on Sat., June 4 at Lake Reba, 180 Lake Reba Dr., from 8-10 a.m. The free event is for any kid 16 and under + will feature fishing, prizes, games, and information about outdoor recreation groups and activities. 🎣 (Richmond Register)
Watch
The Kentucky Theatre will be hosting a watch party for the new film “Downton Abbey: A New Era” on Wed., May 18 + Thurs., May 19 at 7:35 p.m. Start practicing your best British accent because this special screening event will feature a period-piece costume contest,specialty cocktails + door prizes. 🍿
Job
Hey, Lexingtonians, are you looking to take the next step in your banking career?Republic Bank is hiringa Universal Banker to provide efficient, professional + quality customer service to all clients and sell retail deposit and loan products inside and outside the Banking Center.Get more info + apply.*
The Word
PFD. This is an acronym for a personal flotation device, also known as a lifejacket. This shorthand paddling term is easier to say than personal flotation device or lifejacket. PFDs are essential to safely exploring Kentucky’s waterways. Grab your PFD, it’s time to have some fun. 🛶
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Matt Jones — the founder of Kentucky Sports Radio — was spotted taking a photo with Louisville hip-hop artist Jack Harlow, while Jack was throwing his L’s up. Jack is known for always representing the Cardinals in his songs + Matt is known for, well, actually bleeding blue. We never thought we’d see the day.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: A 6-mile kayak trip that starts at a state park and ends at a barbecue restaurant — are you kidding me? Kentucky is the best. If you haven’t tried Proud Mary’s yet, I highly recommend it. What’s not to love about delicious barbecue, cold beer + a patio that overlooks the Kentucky River?
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about Bike Month in Lexington here.
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