While it may seem like spring has only just begun in the Bluegrass, it won’t be long until summer is here in Lexington. Here are just a few local activities to enjoy as the warm weather rolls in!
Live Music
There’s no shortage of live music in Lexington, which boasts its own vibrant and bustling music scene. Whether you’re hitting the town for Thursday Night Live or catching a show at The Burl, Manchester Music Hall, or any of the city’s other venues and bars, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone year-round. Of course, there are also concerts held at none other than Rupp Arena, so whether you prefer small shows or bigger arenas, you’re in luck.
Movies
There’s no better place to watch movies than the Kentucky Theater, a historic, independently-operated movie theater on Main Street which shows everything from the classics to new indie and mainstream hits alike. You can also catch periodic midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, complete with costumes and dancing galore. You’ll also find a wide range of cinema at theaters like Cinemark by Fayette Mall or Regal Theater in Hamburg Pavilion, and Movie Tavern just a short drive away in Nichloasville’s Brannon Crossing.
Ice Cream and Refreshments
Another thing you’ll find no shortage of around here is ice cream– whether you’re stopping in for a scoop from one of Graeter’s Lexington locations or going somewhere local like Sav’s Restaurant and Gourmet Ice Cream. Of course, you can also head to Crank & Boom in the Distillery District or on Clays Mill Road, where you’ll be treated to fresh scoops as well as signature sundaes and floats. If you’re in the mood for something retro, there’s Freshie’s Ice Cream & Soda Fountain, which serves up ice cream classics like malt milkshakes in a vintage-inspired atmosphere (and also features a number of vegan options for those forgoing dairy.) If you’re looking for some gourmet popsicles, you might want to stop in Steel City Pops at The Summit at Fritz Farm. And of course, it’s not uncommon to hear the familiar sounds of Kona Ice trucks as they make their way through the Lexington streets, bringing wildly-flavored shaved ice to the masses.
Parks, Pools, and Hiking
Wanting to take a short walk in the great outdoors– or maybe a more involved trail hike? Lexington has plenty of great public parks, from Jacobson Park to Shillito Park. You’ll find public pools and aquatic centers throughout the city as well, such as at Woodland Park as well as the Tates Creek Aquatic Center and Southland Aquatic Center. Also worth checking out are McConnell Springs and Veterans Park, for those who enjoy a good trail hike– as well as Raven Run, just outside the city, which features a variety of trails including one that nets you a beautiful view of the Kentucky River (or the lovely waterfall at Evan’s Mill.) Throughout the entire state of Kentucky, in fact, you’ll find a wide range of gorgeous natural sights, such as the Daniel Boone National Forest and Red River Gorge.