Lexington Summer Bucket List

Two canoes sit on rocks by a river outside.

Canoe KY even offers whitewater rafting + canoe excursions. | Photo by Canoe Kentucky

Table of Contents

Breathe — summer is here. Well, officially it’s next Tuesday, but these hot temperatures say otherwise.

We asked for your summer must-dos in Lexington, and you answered. We’ve compiled the top spots and activities straight from the planners of your fellow Lexingtonians. Introducing, your Summer Bucket List. We’re challenging you to discover new spots + things to do while you soak up the sun in our favorite city. ☀️

For the active type 🎾

Reader Amanda S. recommends taking in the beauty of Kentucky from the water at Canoe Kentucky’s Buffalo Trace Tour + kayaking along the historic distillery.

Play tennis on the shaded courts of Woodland Park, then cool down at The Press with a berry fudge smoothie bowl.

Pick a tee time with a buddy at the Tates Creek Community Golf Course + finish the day off with some Mini Juicy-Lucy sliders at Drake’s.

Discover the world’s longest cave right here in the Bluegrass with a tour of Mammoth Cave.

Beat the heat with some West Sixth brews while fishing at Jacobson Park. 🎣

For the foodie 🍦

Walk to Papi’s for refreshing happy hour margaritas then stop by Greater’s next door for some black raspberry chip ice cream for a deliciously sweet summer evening. Pro tip: House margs are $4.99 all day Mondays. 👀

Venture out to Wallace Station for fresh local eats like The Famous Big Brown Burger + enjoy pints of ice creamy goodness from Crank and Boom on the back porch.

For some nostalgic vibes ⭐

Make the most of a starry night by catching a flick at the Bourbon Drive-In or on an evening hike at Shaker Village.

Treat yourself to a relaxing walk in the Arboretum State Botanical Garden. Level it up with the Bluegrass Board from Board & Co. for an evening picnic with your favorite friends.

Take a mini road trip to Bowling Green + visit the National Corvette Museum for a guided tour. 🚘

Get amped for this year’s Picnic at the Pops to jam out to throwback hits and play to win the table + cocktail competition. 🎵

Be sure to tag us on social media or use hashtag #LEXtoday so we can see how you’re making the most of the season.

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