It’s graduation season and you know what that means — a lot of caps and gowns floating around town for photo ops. 🎓
If you haven’t taken graduation photos yet (we get it, we’d rather you procrastinate on this than studying for finals), we’ve rounded up some of the best spots around the city to take photos — no matter where you’re graduating from.
Blossom trees at UK’s Arboretum make for a beautiful backdrop. | Photo by @mrsskogen
🌳 For nature lovers
Inhale the fresh air of new possibilities at the University of Kentucky Arboretum. Strike a pose in the fragrance garden, among the blossoming trees + acres of green space. If flowers are your thing, the pink peonies are popping right now at Ashland, Henry Clay Estate.
📸 Non-traditional vibes
Not just for good eats + live music, the Distillery District is full of photo ops. If it’s fun and games you’re looking for, check out the glowing lights at The Burl Arcade.
If you’ve got more of an artsy side, the Rickhouse mural makes for a unique backdrop or cozy up on one of Brevede Coffee’s big couches.
These colorful abodes in Gratz Park are quintessential Lexington. | Photo by the LEXtoday team
💙 For a classic spot
Nothing says horse country like historicKeeneland. Pose by the track, in the paddock by the iconic Rolex clock, or on the tree-lined path to the Clubhouse.
You can’t think of Lexington without seeing the colorful houses + brick paths of Gratz Park.
Pro tip: Local photographers Lily Foster + Brittany Bailey have a couple of spots left for y’all. Tell them LEXtoday sent you.
Psst — Know a soon-to-be grad? Shop the perfect grad gift that celebrates their school pride. For Wildcats, grab a cozy University of Kentucky women’s fleece sweatshirt or men’s pullover hoodie, and for Pioneers, snag a Transylvania University classic cap.
Share this story with any grads you know who have waited until the last bell for photos.
UK Men’s Baseball vs. Tennessee | Thurs., May 5 | 7 p.m. | Kentucky Proud Park, 510 Wildcat Ct. | Prices vary | The Wildcats take on the Vols at home. ⚾
Comedian James Gregory | Thurs., May 5 | 7 p.m. | Comedy Off Broadway, 161 Lexington Green Cir. #C4 | $30 | Laugh out loud to this clean-cut veteran comedian. 🎤
Friday
May Block Party | Fri., May 6 | 5-9 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave. | Free, price of purchase | Kick off your weekend with live music, shopping from dozens of local vendors + face-painting.
Saturday
Brick Oven’s Derby Party | Sat., May 7 | 4-11 p.m. | Brick Oven Pizzeria, 4379 Old Harrodsburg Rd. Ste. 110 | Free | Watch the Kentucky Derby while munching on a slice + jamming to the Southside Underground Blues Band. 🍕
Cole Chaney | Sat., May 7 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd. | $20 | An Eastern Kentucky songwriter performs with special guests Wolfpen Branch and Cody Lee Mooney.
Sunday
Blacksmithing with Jeff Farmer | Sun., May 8 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Berea Makerspace, 116 Spring Circle Dr., Ste. 3, Berea | $15+ | Take a knife-making course + learn basic safety measures with experienced blacksmith Jeff Farmer.
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.
The city is considering switching up its waste management process to a digester system — using heat to turn waste into mulch. A consultant will be hired to conduct a study that is expected to take a year + cost ~$150,000. (WEKU)
Sports
Fore. Tickets go on salenext Mon., May 9 for this year’s Barbasol Championship. The PGA TOUR event will take place Thurs., July 7–Sun., July 11 at Champions at Keene Trace located at 20 Avenue of Champions, Nicholasville, KY. Hint hint, Father’s Day will be here before you know it.⛳
Edu
The Ed Brown Society, which connects minority college students with high-level internships in the horse industry, received $50,000 from Churchill Downs. The money will help fund the Ed Brown Scholars Fund. 🐎 (WKYT)
The UK College of Engineering received an $11.25 million donation from longtime supporters Karen and Stanley Pigman. The Funkhouser Building will undergo a $10 million renovation that includes a 100,000-sqftexpansion.The remaining $1.25 million will support need-based scholarships. (The Lane Report)
Community
Calling all green thumbs. Next Sat., May 14,from 4-6 p.m., Seedleaf is hosting a Farm Funday featuring a garden grill in, mini-market, and gear swap. Swing by the community farm at 150 Northland Dr. to shop Seedleaf vegetables, snack on free hot dogs + connect with fellow gardeners. 🥕
Today Is
Feliz Cinco de Mayo. Today honors Mexico’s victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862 — a major symbol of the country’s fight for independence. Celebrate with live music at Papi’s on Euclid Ave + a fiesta at both El Cid locations.
Derby
The Woodford Humane Society is hosting its own run for the roses — the Kenpuppy Derby. Head out to Falling Springs in Versailles this Sat., May 7 at 10 a.m. for a family-friendly, fun-filled morning complete with a “race” featuring 10totally adorable + adoptable pups. 🐶
Drink
Now through August, coffee + chocolate shop Chocolate Holler will be home to a Chocolate Parlor menu. The seasonal, warm-weather offerings will include specialty sodas, shakes, and scoops of ice cream. We’ve got our eye on that orange cream soda. 🍦
Kids
The Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning is celebrating children’s literature at its next Family Fun and Learning Night on Wed., May 18 from 5-7 p.m. The event is free + families will enjoy literary-themed crafts and activities, a free book, and a meal together. 📚
Job
If you love fashion, then consider applying to become Henry Dry Goods’ next Showroom Director. Ideal candidates will have a degree in business, marketing, or fashion retail, be detail-oriented + a strong communicator. Apply here.
Number
45,000. The number of people who havesolddiamonds + other jewelry risk-free with the experts at Worthy. If you’re not wearing that old diamond ring or luxury watch, Worthy can help you turn it into cash with their fast, competitive auctions. Sign up to try it.*
Travel
Need inspiration on how to use your PTO this year? You can start by requesting a free Visitor’s Guide to Greenville, SC. The city has been getting some major buzz lately, including being named among the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022 by Travel + Leisure.*
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Do you think your pup is the cutest in the whole world? Well, show them off at Boonedogs, 5902 Old Richmond Rd. The next time you’re at the specialty hot dog restaurant, bring a 5×7 photo of your four-legged fur baby + they’ll hang it up on the best friend wall.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: I finally got to check out Infinity: Rooftop Restaurant + it was awesome. The food was delicious and sky-high views of downtown were so cool. If you love finding new ways to see our bustling little city, I highly recommend getting a table overlooking Main Street.
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