Doodles in Lexington

Ok, who ever thought this place up was a GENIUS! This place is, first of all, the most reasonable breakfast or lunch you will find that is not just edible, it is down right D-LISH-US! With the fun and young atmosphere, this is a refreshing change of pace from your normal chain breakfast and lunch dumps! The food is the best and is also veggie and organic friendly. Add in the fact that they purchase as much as they can locally, and I am in LOVE! But so is everyone else, check out their facebook profile and their site!

Kentucky Shaker Music Day

If you plan on taking a trip to Shaker Village this year then I suggest the 18th of July. Along with all the other interesting Shaker Village fare they have scheduled music! Taken from their website...

The South Union Quartet presents Music from the Outer Vineyard, featuring songs from the South Union Kentucky Shaker Village, and the Pleasant Hill Singers perform Music of the Black Shakers, a celebration of the African-American Shaker experience in song and interpretive dance.

Sounds like an interesting event! Check the site for times!

Living Art's and Science Center

The Living Art's and Science Center has plenty of events scheduled for the kids this summer! Things for you and your tot to do together or kids of any age! Classes range in price and time. Check out the schedule at the Living Art's and Science Center...

Sports in Lexington Ky...

Every once in a while I run across a site and think, 'Why didn't I think of that?'...Well, this is one of those sites! Anything related to sports, they list it! I am sure this site is constantly taking in new links and updating all the time...Check them out at Lexsports.com

The Cotton Patch...

How do I describe this shop? Hmmm...First of all, it is a wonderful store with many classy lines/designs of clothing. When I think of this store I think of the part in the movie "Pretty Woman" where Julia Roberts is trying to buy clothes on Rodeo Drive. The Cotton Patch is the type of store that can get you the reaction that Richard Gere gave Julia Roberts when he saw her in her new wardrobe. The Ladies there have such wonderful taste and they are extremely helpful. They are the epitemy of Southern Charm.
Stop in and see them or visit their site...

Lexington Ky Fair 2009...

The Lexington Lyons Club Bluegrass Fair starts on July 16th and runs through the 26th. Gates open at 5PM on weekdays and 3PM on weekends. Admission is $5 and kids under 6 get in free. All the info you need right here!

Furlongs Cajun Creole...

I have loved Cajun food since I was a kid! Living a little deeper in the south than I am today, Cajun food was as common as Chinese food is today. It seemed like my mother was always watching the "Cajun Cook" on PBS.
If you enjoy Cajun/Creole food, you will love Furlongs. Crawfish Etoufee, Shrimp Creole and my favorite, Mignon Ecrivesse! Aside from the Cajun fare, they also serve traditional foods that are absolutely wonderful! Kids menu, too!
This restaurant has a casual feel but meal and the price is more fine dining. You will get excellent food and excellent service here, no worries. And if you are a little tight on the budget, they have a bar menu that will fit and it is WONDERFUL as well!
Furlongs OHHH, and they are Lexington's Mardi Gras party place!

Sunrise Bakery

You have got to stop by this bakery and get breakfast or lunch! Make a special trip, if necessary! This locally owned (my favorite)bakery reminds me of a small town bakery owned by generations of the same family. They aren't your a typical bakery. From their "Old World" sandwiches to their layered cakes, they beat all I have seen. Try them out, you won't be disappointed!

All play and no work...

Every once in a while I will share...I must admit I had an absolutely wonderful week! What a beautiful weekend, too! I went to the "You are Not Alone" festival at Talon Winery. The shindig was put on by Eric Wilson, a 9/12er and group organizer who hosts www.KyWeSurroundThem.com. It was not a protest, tea party or demonstration, although you were free to do so. It was a gathering of people who are really concerned about the our great country. For me, I am concerned about the staggering level of corruption in all levels of our government, the slippery slope to socialism, and the taxes! For the lady that was sitting next to me, her concerns where to give awareness to legalizing marijauna, or hemp, as she called it {giggling}. For the guy on the other side of me, it was gun control rights. And so on and so on...
What I find fascinating about Eric, if you have never met him, is his ability to somehow act as the "Super Glue" that binds us all together. We all came together to motivate each other to move on issues that mean something to us. And Eric booked some speakers, some musicians, and it was wonderful!!
After a lovely afternoon, I went to the Festival of the Bluegrass! Yes, I am a "RagHead"! I love it, it never gets old, it only gets better! And some of the best music can be heard in the camp ground!

Huckleberry's Chair Fetish

This shop is soooo New York, I can't believe it is in Kentucky! Well, not really, I can believe it is in Kentucky. Many people are aware of how unique and cosmipolitain that the Artist community is here. We like to keep it our secret, like many of our other jewels, we keep close to the vest! But it is time to put a spot light on this gem!
Mid- Century, Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, Florence Knoll era chairs, sofas, and other accessories well give your home the WOW you have been looking for. They also feature art from local artists in the store. So if you want to sit on a hand, or stretch out on a pair of lips, this is your store!!!! And, MY FAVORITE, Locally owned, oh yeah! The site...

Discounts for summer fun in Kentucky!

Family fun--discounted! What more can I say? Check out www.mybackyard.com for more information!

Swans Nest Bed and Breakfast

Bed and Breakfast with southern charm and class! Nestled in the middle of a horse farm, this is Kentucky at its finest! The rooms have everything you need and the views are unbelievable. Enough talk, have a look! Swans Nest...

Southland Jamboree

Free! My kind of fun! Live Bluegrass music every Tuesday night until September. Starts at 7PM and you are invited to join in at 8Pm so bring your instruments. Event is located outside the bowling alley so bring your chairs, blankets and dinner! Concession is available for those who need it!

Ichthus...

Bigger and louder than ever before...Wednesday,June 10th through Saturday, June 13th! Over 111 artist on 7 stages across over 100 acres! You get the idea...

Festival of the Bluegrass...

June 11th-14th...If you have never made it out to the Festival of the Bluegrass then you don't know what you are missing. Award the "Event of the Year" by IBMA, this festival has a 36 year history here in the Bluegrass and is like no other. Hosted at the Kentucky Horse Park every year, this is one of the cleanest, nicest festival that you will ever attend. Concession and souvenirs available as well!
Check out the line up at Festival of the Bluegrass...

This is a kid friendly and family fun event! Complete with funnel cakes and icey's!

Fennell's Horse Supply

Fennell's has been a staple in Lexington since 1909. If you have a horse, they have what you need! Bridles, art, saddles, bits, t-shirts, gloves, tools, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! Check out there website, it is really cool. They have a walk through of the store!

Fennell's Tack

Failte Irish Imports in Kentucky

They import EVERYTHING Irish! Locally owned (my favorite!) a native of Ireland, this shop has it all. From food to clothing, all imported from Ireland and available to you in a beautiful little shop on 203 S. Limestone St.

They have a lovely website with a wealth of information on it as well. Links to Irish recipes, Celtic Associations, Festivals and you can even join them on a trip!

Check it out at Failte Irish Imports

Kentucky Monthly

I just got my Kentucky Monthly in the mail yesterday and thought I would pass on what a world of information is inside this magazine. They have a wealth of information on what to do, where to stay, festivals, county fairs--anything Kentucky related is in there. If you don't subscribe to this magazine, you should. I love it! May 2009 issue had a list of the best bar-b-que joints in Kentucky. The month before that featured Bed and Breakfasts that are unique. You should really get this magazine. My husband and I have thrown out the family vacation this year to get our finances back on track, I think I can plan a perfectly nice one here in Kentucky with this magazine in hand!
Subscribe to KY Monthly by inquiring to PO Box 559, Frankfort, Ky.40601

John's Run/Walk Shop

Have you ever been in a local store that is so fantastic you know it will be big one day? Like Joseph-Beth Booksellers, John's Run/Walk Shop is unique and knowledgeable people that help you every step of the way (pun intended)! If you are a walker or runner, this is a must visit. If you have odd feet, fat feet, skinny feet, ugly feet--well, you get the idea, they can fit any foot! I just love this shop! Check them out!

CD Central--Music store Lexington

CD Central has the largest selection of new and used CD's in central Kentucky. I just love this shop. I go there to buy my dad records on his birthday! Yes, they have records, too! Dad has a CD player, but he loves his record player. And they don't just sell music. They sell movies, art, posters and poster frames! Locally owned and operated!

They take trade-ins of good used CDs, records, and movies (love it!). Special orders are welcome. Open 7 days a week, with free parking in back.
CD Central
377 S. Limestone St.
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 233-3472

Swingin’ on Main...

This was so much fun last year! Arthur Murray and the Hepcats provide free dancing lessons to everyone who wants to learn to swing dance! Hundreds of people filled the streets of downtown Lexington last year jumpin' and jivin'! Individuals can compete in the dance contest and take home great prizes. In addition, concessions will be available on-site for those who need a break! This is FREE! For additional information, call 288-2925.

7 – 11 pm,
Saturday, June 6, 2009

Main Street at Broadway

Free Friday Flicks...

It's that time again! Friday evenings, May 29, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2009!
Enjoy a newly released movie in the park, children’s games and a petting zoo for free – Free Friday Flicks at Jacobson Park. I love it! Bring your blankets, coolers, and chairs and turn the kids loose! All parents love this event! FREEEEEEEE! OH-Yeahya!
For more information and movie titles (which are released on the Monday prior to the week’s movie) call 288-2900.

Red Mile Blues Festival...

First Annual Red Mile Blues Festival is Sunday, May 24th! This is a Local First kinda thing, which is the whole point behind this site! There will be three Lexington blues bands, two bluegrass regional blues bands, and more. There will also be merchandise booths from various Local First Lexington members. Free. Check out the site for more information...

Free things to do in Lexington, Ky...

There are tons of free things to do in Lexington this weekend! The Founders' Day Colonial Craft festival is from 10am-4pm, Saturday, May 16th at McConnell Springs. (Check out previous post for more free things to do) It features period reproductions for purchase from vendors who demonstrate their skills. Historic reenactments, singing, dancing, contests, fun, food, and more! Free admission. Follow the fun...

Mutt Strut...

The 12th annual Mutt Strut (sponsored by PetSmat) will be at Keeneland on Monday, May 25th. This is the PRIMARY fundraiser for the Lexington Humane Society, so show them some love! The fun begins at 9 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring their four-legged friend to this pet friendly walk! Register on-line...

Peace, Green, Human rights...

Show me some hippy love! My friend, who I affectionately call a hippy, said to me the other day that her son had called and wished her a "Hippy Mother's Day", which I thought was hilarious! She, of course, is going to the 4th Annual Peace and Global Citizens Fair on Saturday the 16th of May, as am I.
This will be a fun filled day with live music and arts. They will also focus on ecological sustainability, global awareness, human rights and community awareness. Join the fun, this event is FREE! It is kid friendly and fun for all ages! 12 noon to 8 p.m. on the grounds of Bluegrass Community and Technical College, 470 Cooper Drive, Lexington.
LOCAL FOOD, TOO! Check out the site...

Quirk Cafe...

Midway, Kentucky. If you don't go to Midway, Kentucky while you are here you will be missing something special. Midway is and old train depot town. Some years ago someone had a bright idea of cleaning up the sleepy little train depot town and making quaint little shops and restaurants out of every old building!
Quirk Cafe is one of those restaurants. This is a beautifully restored old building with exposed brick and beams of long ago. The front of the restaurant is all windows. You can sit and look out and wonder what it was like years ago. The food at this cafe is just wonderful. The coffees are all press-pot. I always get the chicken salad sandwich and soup, yummy!
Midway is 20 minutes from Lexington...Visit the site...

Camping in Kentucky...

I am being honest when I say that Kentucky is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I have been to many places, foreign and domestic, but nothing is a beautiful as my state.
If you want to camp, why not come to Kentucky. Our state bird is not the mosquito like our southern neighbors. Our climate is more hospitable than to the north and south of us. And we have lakes, rivers, Mammoth Cave, Natural Bridge, and more.
The state has put together a nice site with a wealth of information camping, hiking, fishing and more in the Bluegrass state!
Lodging in Kentucky and Outdoor things to do

Equine art in Kentucky..

One of my favorite equine photographic artist is Marc Manning. He has a series of art prints that are just spectacular!
Marc is a local equine photographer who was born amongst central Kentucky's horse farms. His eye for equine art grew into a passion and that passion grew into a profession. Marc is well known in Kentucky for his artistic equine photography. He is one of Kentucky's hidden treasures! Check out his art at the Bluegrass Airport and Keeneland's gift shop as well as other galleries throughout Kentucky. You can also purchase them on line at manningimagesthestore.net.

Tack and Leather in Lexington, KY

We have some of the best Tack shoppes in the world right here in Kentucky! One of those is located on Paris Pike. Central Kentucky Tack and Leather was founded by a local equine veterinarian. If you need something while you are in town, CKTL delivers once a day to local training facilities. How's that for handy? Visit their site and order online as well!

Shaker Village Kentucky

Have you checked out the new website for the Shaker Village? They have an online store now! I just love the Shaker Village. It makes for a nice, lazy, Sunday afternoon. Lunch and a look around in quite Kentucky scenery! AHHhhhhhh...
See it!

Merrick Inn

Well, I can't mention the Murray's without mentioning the Merrick Inn! Merrick Inn is locally owned by the Murray family. The Murray's are the ultimate hosts, blending southern hospitality with fine dining.
Merrick Inn is one of the horse industries favorite fine dining restaurants. You never know who you will bump into when you dine there!
Oh, and the food--well, let's just say you won't be dissappointed! Check out the hours of operation...

Murray's of Lexington

Murray's restaurant is housed in a restored, 1914 Manor house on Harrodsburg Road. It is beautiful! This locally owned and operated dining spot is a must visit. The menu is one of the most accommodating in all of Lexington! They offer full service dining as well and affordable selections. Check out the website!

Free family fun, got milk?

The got milk? Mustache Mobile Tour, who would have thought there was such? I just got the information e-mailed to me and I had to chuckle when I read it just thinking of all those mustaches over the years! But one thing did stand out in this e-mail, the words "local dairies" and "free", and I am all about the locals and free stuff!
Here is the deal, this "got mild? Mustache Mobile Tour" (giggling:) is putting on events for two days, May 16-17 in Lexington at various locations and times. These are FREE and FAMILY FRIENDLY, so pick one or two of the events and take the kidos!
You will be able to:
Sample milk from local dairies (Southern Belle Dairy, Flav-O-Rich and Winchester Farms Dairy)
Pose like their favorite celebrity for their own Milk Mustache photo
Sample milkshakes and smoothies
Receive a health assessment from a registered dietitian
Receive a five-minute chair massage from a licensed massage therapist

Where and when?
FREE FAMILY events in Lexington

Saturday, May 16

Location: Slone’s Signature Market, 398 Southland Drive

Time: 11am-1pm

Location: Aldi’s #68, 1509 Colesbury Circle

Time: 5pm-7pm

Sunday, May 17

Location: Lexington Farmers’ Market, 398 Southland Drive

Time: 10am-1pm

Location: Kroger, 4104 Tates Creek

Time: 5:30pm -7:30pm

And check out whymilk.com for all kinds of "healthful" information!

Sawyer's Burgers are the best...

A downtown lunch is best when it is from here! You have to love Sawyer's. This cafeteria-style lunch-line is reminiscent of days gone by. When people used to come to town to actually do business, not like it is today where you come down town to visit the "cultural center" of the city. Sitting in this Main Street restaurant, with its huge windows looking out on the buzz of the downtown foot traffic, brings me back to when I was a little girl. I lived in a rural town, "went to town" on the weekends like most, and watched in amazement from my soda shop seat at the people scurrying about dressed in their fancy attire. If ever a place can take you back in time, Sawyer's can. And they do it inexpensively! Sawyer's is not a soda shop, but they sure make you feel nastalga! If you are in the downtown area, let's do lunch here...325 W.Main, Lexington...
Oh, and Southern Living Magazine likes this place, too!

Hall's on the river

You might say this is one of my favorite seafood places in the WORLD! Aside from the one I visited in London, England, this is probably my second favorite. Totally different types of fish from my two favorites shoppes, but the art of cooking and presenting are equal.
Hall's is famous in Lexington--well,really all of Kentucky. It is one of those hidden treasures that you find if you ask the locals. Hall's doesn't need to advertise, so if you are not from around here you would never know it was here. And that would be a shame. They are located in Richmond, Kentucky. About 30 minute drive.
First off, the catfish. I am not going to say anymore. I don't need to. In Kentucky,the word Catfish=Hall's, PERIOD. Secondly, the Hotbrown, a big ole plate of various meats, covered in sauce and melted cheese that will blow your mind! Hotbrown's are the same no matter who makes them. The sauce is the only difference, and Hall's is one of the best. Check out the menu...

Thursday night live...

One of my favorite things to do is to go to the Thursday Night Live concert in Cheapside Park. It's a weekly event from May to October. This family friendly, kid friendly, and dog friendly event offers great live music and food vending from local downtown restaurants. Bring your chairs and blankets! 5PM to 7PM every Thursday and its FREE! Brought to you by Central Bank.

Snug Hollow Farm B & B, Irvine, Ky

This remote eco-retreat is in the middle of, well, no where! For the true GREEN experience, this B & B is built from salvaged material and sits on a 300 acre organic farm! They serve vegetarian meals and offer a retreat free from television! On a clear night, the stars a wonderful entertainment! Luxury, beauty, green...in the bluegrass...
SnugHollow.com

Approximately 1 hour from Lexington.

High Hope Steeplechase

Sunday, May 17th, this is one of my family favorites. Horse racing, Jack Russell racing (too funny!), tailgating, picnics, arts and crafts, kid events and more...We love it and it is only $25 a car load! Terrier races at noon, post time at 1:45PM. Follow me for a list of activities and parking information!

Lexington Horsemen Arena Football

The Lexington Horsemen vs. Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings! Lexington's Indoor arena football at its finest. May 16th, 7 pm. Tickets: $8 - $50. Season tickets available. Good evening out with kiddie, cheap!

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD...

My favorite book and movie of all time. The black and white movie with Gregory Peck was, without a doubt, the best acting I have ever seen from this amazing actor! Anyway, the Lexington Opera House Broadway Live presentation of the journey of a defense attorney's stand against racial intolerance. Amazing story.
Tickets: $25 - $65. May 15-17, Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Lexington Opera House..

BLUEGRASS CLASSIC STOCKDOG TRIAL

Another FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC event, my favorite! This is family friendly at its best! Your little ones will love it and the bigger ones will too! Come see one of the largest, longest-running and most prestigious trials in the country. Watch working dogs compete and see some of the top trainers and handlers in the country show their stuff! They have bleacher seating and vending, but I always bring chairs, blankets, dogs, and pack a picnic lunch. FREE PARKING! May 13th-17th, at beautiful Masterson Station Park! More info...

MAYFEST ARTS FAIR 2009 LEXINGTON

I love it! Spring has sprung (or sprang,lol!), the festivals, fairs, and tons of FREE things to do abound! Warm Kentucky days, cool evenings and fresh air!
Mayfest Arts Fair is a two-day event, held every Mothers Day weekend, and filled with vendors, performers, arts, crafts, hands-on-crafts for the kido's! You have got to see it to believe it! Saturday, May 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday May 10th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. FREE! Gratz Park downtown Lexington.

IN THE TIME OF LINCOLN...

Estill C. Pennington, historian and the lecturer for the day, will guide a walking tour focusing his lecture on the impact Lincoln made on Bourbon County and Central Kentucky. The talk begins at the Mexican War Memorial in the Paris Cemetery at 1603 South Main in Paris. Free, my favorite kind of fun! Saturday, May 9th, 1PM. Check out the site at hopewellmuseum.org

Rolex-Kentucky Three Day Event

I can't believe it is already here!!! And it is going to be beautiful this weekend! The last few years have been yucky weather. This year is a bit more promising and will be, like Keeneland, crowded on the pretty day! If you have not ever made it out to this event then you really need to go while it is pretty and leave the rainy day to the die hard fans! The web-site has been upgraded this year as well and is full of all kinds of new goodies! Check it out for more information and get yourself out there, it is truly a spectacular event! Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Lipizzaner Stallions...

Friday, April 17th, Rupp Arena at 7:30PM the Lipizzaner Stallions take to the Arena for some of the most spectacular display of horse discipline than you have ever seen in your life! This is a must see if you have a little horse lover in the house! INCREDIBLE does not begin to describe it! Check it out at Lipizzaner.com !

The Gallery Hop..

I go every year, tooo much fun! More than 30 locations in Lexington are participating in The Hop! Free and open to the public with refreshments a certain locations between 5PM and 8pm this Friday, April 17th! Check out other info at www.lexarts.org!

Lexington Legends...

I just love Spring! OMG, warm days, cool nights, blooms, Easter, pastels, dogwoods, cherry trees, fresh cut grass, windows up in the house and down in the car, fresh air, grilling, shorts and flip flops....and THE LEXINGTON LEGENDS FIRST HOME GAME!!!!! You don't get any more family friendly than Applebee's Park and the Legends. The park is nice and clean, the Legends players are kid friendly and toss foul balls to the little ones lined up around the wall with gloves...This place screams Lexington! Warm, friendly community that is family oriented. That's why I love this town...Kids are first...And at Applebee's Park, KIDS RULE!! Check out the line up...

For those with little money, the secret is to bring a blanket and buy the cheapest tickets. Check the schedule, sometimes the first 100 in gets free tickets. You can sit on the lawn, with other parents, which is where you want to be if you have a pack of kids so that they can run around and not disturb others. You'll see what I am talking about when you get there. And everyone seems to keep an eye on all the kids..."Hey, your kid is trying to climb the wall" or "whose kid is this" is heard often!!

Lexington Farmer's Market...

Nothing says spring like bedding plants, fresh cut flowers, fresh herbs, and honey! FARMERS MARKET...OPENS Saturday April 11 at 7AM at Cheapside Park...Open til it sells out...PLEASE remember to shop local, we need to support our home growers. They are struggling just like the rest of us, maybe more...So keep your money local...Please! And ask your local grocer to keep it local too! They have a choice of where to buy, they can buy local if they want! Make them WANT!

Check out the other times and locations for the Farmers Market...It is a traveling market...

Easter Egg Hunts...for dogs!

The third annual Easter egg hunt for dogs will be Saturday April 11 @ 2PM at The Bluegrass Barkery on 113 Clay Ave. downtown...Easter dress is optional and a blessing of the animals follows at 3Pm...An Easter egg hunt for dogs...what will we think up next? HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!!!! follow me to site...