With plenty of attractions like the Lexington Opera House, downtown Lexington is well worth the ~90-minute drive. | Photo courtesy of @thedronerangerky
Itching to get out of town, Louisvillians? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to Lexington instead.
🎟️ Experience
Bites of the Bluegrass Tour With over 200 years under its belt, Lexington has a lot of history — and you’d be hard pressed to find someone as knowledgeable about the “Athens of the West” as Erin with Bites of the Bluegrass. With six tours on offer — all with tasty stops along the way — be sure to bring an open ear, and an empty stomach.
🍔 Eat
Zim’s Cafe Located inside the Old Fayette County Courthouse building, this cafe serves a true taste of Kentucky with bites like a pulled pork plate with hoecakes + soup beans, buttermilk chicken tenders, and burgers with beef from Stone Cross Farm. Don’t forget to stop next door at the Thirsty Fox for a cocktail.
Local Author Visit: Deanna O’Daniel | 6-7 p.m. | St. Matthews Library | Free | Learn the history behind women of the “Silent Generation” with the local author who has penned three books.
Penelope Takes Over Bourbons Bistro | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bourbons Bistro | Cost of purchase | Kentucky isn’t the only place for bourbon — sacrilege, we know: Sip cocktails featuring a New Jersey distillery all night.
Thursday, Nov. 21
2024 YMCA Community Thanksgiving Breakfast | 7-9 a.m. | Mellwood Art Center | $50+ | Give thanks with community leaders over breakfast, while YMCA Youth Character Award recipients are recognized.
Angel’s Envy 13th Annual Cask Strength Bourbon Release Event | 9 a.m. | Angel’s Envy | $230 | Be among the first to purchase Angel’s Envy’s newest bourbon offering, which mixes tawny + ruby port wine finishes, and get your bottle signed by the master distiller.
Friday, Nov. 22
Kevin Nealon | Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | Louisville Comedy Club | $25+ | Laugh along with the former SNL cast member at this 18+ show.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Photos with Santa | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Work The Metal | $25 | Meet Kris Kringle as you get a head start on holiday gift shopping.
Sunday, Nov. 24
Trail Discovery Hike | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont | $15+ | See Rice Orchard Ridge and Overall’s Creek on a 4-mile hike along this trail that’s only accessible with a guide.
Rosetta Stone’s lessons focus on real-world images and scenarios to help users learn faster + retain more. | Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
Whether you’re a travel bug planning your next trip, wanting to connect with another culture, or looking to learn something new, the holidays arethe perfect time to dive into a new language — or 25.
Gift yourself (or a friend) lifetime access to all of Rosetta Stone’s languages with their Lifetime Unlimited plan at Black Friday pricing. With one low payment, you can immerse yourself in engaging language lessons whenever you want, forever.
Retta’s Scoops is opening its first storefront in the former Harvey’s space on Frankfort Avenue. The small batch ice cream maker creates specialty flavors like pecan cardamom sticky buns + sweet potato pie. Opening is set for 2025. You can also find pints at shops like Full Stop, Goldie’s, and Locals. (Louisville Business First)
Development
Here’s a window into the future of the LouMed Distrcit. Construction workers have installed more windows at UofL Hospital’s West Tower. The $186 million project will be complete in early 2025, increasing the hospital’s patient capacity.
Civic
You know what they say: The grass is always greener on the other side — especially when the lawnmower was free. The Louisville Metro Government is encouraging nonprofit organizations in Jefferson County to apply for the Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Community Equipment Grant. The application deadline is Friday, Jan. 17.
Arts
Speaking of grants, the Louisville Metro Office of Arts + Creative Industries has awarded $25,000 in National Endowment for the Arts funding to each of five Derby City organizations. They include: Louisville Youth Choir, Looking for Lilith Theatre Company, Louisville Folk School, StageOne Family Theatre, and 300 for 300.
Ranked
Louisville is the 35th best American city in which to retire, according to US News & World Report. Criteria included happiness of local residents, housing affordability, and tax rates. Not to mention, there’s plenty of activities for retired locals around Derby City.
Derby
We’re just 164 days away from the 151st Kentucky Derby, set for Saturday, May 3, and Churchill Downs has released the official artwork for next year’s Run for the Roses. Artist Tyler Robertson will sign prints of the watercolor painting on Friday, Nov. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Churchill Downs store.
Sports
It was a cross-town rivalry last night, as Louisville men’s basketball took on Bellarmine. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
The holiday season can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. Enter: A buy-one-get-one deal on all gummies from 502 Hemp and 812 Hemp, running Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Monday, Dec. 2 (or while supplies last). Shop online or in-store at either location.*†
Try This
Did you know?500 Main is Angel’s Envy online platform for invitations to exclusive events, behind-the-scenes content, Q+As with experts, and more. Even better? It’s free to join.*
Wellness
No more feeling wired and tired. Seven forms of magnesium in Magnesium Breakthrough help you unwind + sleep deeper. Get 25% off bundles — Black Friday sale ends today.*
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026.*
Home
Don’t risk a busted washer or drier in the middle of winter — get American Home Shield Home Warranty. For a limited time, they’re offering $150 off some of their most comprehensive plans.(Think: Peace of mind, for less.)Claim the discount. Read website disclaimer for important consumer information.*
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. 502 Hemp and 812 Hemp advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by LOUtoday.
Category
Seasonal
🎁 Holiday gifting class is in session
Including the best headphones and a dorm-friendly basketball hoop. | Graphic by 6AM City
From classroom-approved water bottles, to dorm room must-haves, to great campus attire, shop the best gifts to give students this holiday season.
Local pick: A Wellness Road Massage | $35+ | Help alleviate the stress of final exams with a gift card to this massage parlor.
Stanley Quencher | $45.00 | The internet-famous water bottle, available in cute colors like Matcha Cream.
With friends and family visiting for the holidays, there’s no better time to break out the board + card games. Here are five for your next family game night:
🎲 Up to 20 players can participate in Herd Mentality for some udderly hilarious fun. 🎲 Ticket to Ride is a top-rated board game for 2-5 players ages 8+. 🎲 Everyone can put their poker face to the test in You Laugh You’re Out. 🎲 Ransom Notes is an easy-to-play game that will leave the entire family belly laughing. 🎲 Coup is a fast and fun bluffing game for 2-6 players ages 13+.
If you’re thinking about taking that road trip down I-64 to Lexington, subscribe to our friends at LEXtoday. That way you can experience Lexington like the locals do.
