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The Insider's Guide to Lexington

Want to stay in the know? Sign up for our newsletter today and get the latest events, restaurant news, boutique sales, and local FUN delivered weekly to your inbox. Scan here to get started! welcome, summer!

JULY 2026

The Next Wave featuring - The Next Wave: Influential & Under 50

look what's coming...

AUGUST 2026 TOPS in Lexington featuring - A League of Their Own: Local Women in Business - The BEST of the BEST

SEPTEMBER

Meet the Presidents featuring - Meet the Presidents - The Arts in Lexington - Get the Look: Fall Fashion

GUEST SPEAKER

GUEST SPEAKER

Ariana Rodriguez Miss Kentucky 2025

Ariana Rodriguez, 20 years old, of Bardstown, was crowned Miss Kentucky 2025 on June 14, 2025 at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Ariana’s Service Initiative, The Lucky Ones, brings hope, dignity, and empowerment to youth in foster care. The Lucky Ones is a deeply personal mission rooted in her own experience as a foster child and the belief that every young person –regardless of their circumstances – deserves dignity, joy, and opportunity. Inspired by her Journey and driven by a commitment to advocacy, Ariana has created a multi-faceted program that supports children in foster care and empowers youth through education and personal connection.

Courtney Love

Director of Player Development | UK Football Program

Courtney Love is a former University of Kentucky football standout and current member of the Wildcats’ coaching staff, where he serves as Director of Player Development. A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Love has built a reputation as both a leader on the field and a mentor off of it-shaped in large part by a powerful personal story of resilience and determination. Raised initially by his father, Love’s life changed at a young age when his father was incarcerated. He then moved in with his grandmother, who became a steady and influential presence in his life. During this pivotal time, Love leaned into his passion for football. The game became more than a sport – it was a lifeline.

When: Thursday, June 25th

Where: The Carrick House 312 N. Limestone

Keni Parks

Pace

Shelly Fryman

Georgia Moss

Moss

Editor’s Picks

Hello, Friends!

The month of June may very well be my favorite month of the year; it’s a beautiful invitation to slow down and savor life with a bit more intention. Lingering dinners under the stars, weekends spent barefoot by the pool, wafting scents of fresh-cut grass and blooming herbs make it a month to live life to the fullest. There is a particular elegance to summer living: effortless yet memorable with relaxing moments that stay with us long after the season fades. From quiet morning coffee on the porch to that favorite cocktail at sunset, let’s make the most of it. Here are a few things I’m loving to herald in this summer with style!

The Go-Anywhere

Clutch:

Chloe Straw Clutch (available at Lisi Lerch)

-Fr Elsen

Editor-in-Chief

Summer Beverage Splurge:

Dolce & Gabbana

Rosa Sicilia (available at Dolce & Gabbana)

Set a Beautiful Summer Table: Block Print Table Linens (available at Syers Browning)

Outdoor Entertaining

Must-Have: Monogram

Ceramic Bamboo Party Tub (available at Mark & Graham)

Wear with All Your Summer Whites:

Mosaic Ciel Bead Necklace (available at Tuckernuck)

The Tray to Use All Season Long:

Laura Park Nantucket Bloom Extra Large Tray (available at tart by TAYLOR)

THE GARDENING GENT with Jon Carloftis

Check out Jon Carlo is’ Fine Gardens book at www.joncarlo is.com!

‘HOSTA’ LA VISTA, BABY!

If you have larger trees in your garden or even on the north side of your home, nothing works harder in the garden than a Hosta. Back in the day, there were only a few varieties available in nurseries, but now there are a number of really good choices. Here are some of my favorites taken this morning in my garden at Botherum:

1. ‘Sum and Substance’ has that fresh, bright green color that works so well

in every garden, and has a sturdy, white, fragrant bloom. It’s big, so give it space and it can take more sun than any of the others, which is a good thing!

2. ‘Guacamole’ is multi-colored dark and lighter green, works well with ‘Sum and Substance’ but doesn’t get as large … a real workhorse in the garden.

3. ‘June’ in a bed at the end of the driveway, is medium sized, doesn’t

take over like the above mentioned Hosta, so it keeps a neat and tidy look.

4. ‘Aureo marginata’ is old-fashioned, but still a winner for me, because I love a variegated leaf to bring life to a dull area. Easily split and planted all over the garden.

5. ‘Empress Wu’ – wow, this variety gets large, super large! I use it in the back of the border against the stone walls, and also use the leaves inside as a cut flower.

photos by Christie Angel

Staycation JUNE

BRIGHT & CHARMING

Cafe Patachou | 4040 Finn Way

Since 1989, Cafe Patachou has been a bright, warm, and charming place for many customers, serving scratchmade breakfast and lunch with local ingredients and a welcoming smile. There truly is no better spot to begin your staycation than with a plate of French-Style Omelets or Cinnamon Toast, a little twist on a nostalgic classic. Dine in for a bite to eat, shop for homemade bakery items, or sip on a seasonal favorite latte. Described as “a student union for adults,” Cafe Patachou is exactly where you want to be in Lexington.

FEEL THE BLUEGRASS SPIRIT

Kentucky Horse Park | June 10-13

What better way to kick off a summer in the Bluegrass than with a local music festival, right here at home? Spend the week camping and basking in the sounds of bluegrass music, or stop by for a day and get a glimpse of community and fun.

The Spirit in the Bluegrass Music Fest will feature America’s best bluegrass talent. From bands with ties to the region to new acts ready to take the Bluegrass by storm, this festival has something for everyone.

CAPTIVATING DESTINATION

The Obstinate Sons | 829 Chevy Chase Place

Tucked inside the Chevy Chase neighborhood, The Obstinate Sons is crafting a name of its own: one of Lexington’s most captivating dining experiences. Shortly after opening its doors in 2024, the former rug store was transformed into a destination where modern meets tradition. The menu is packed with Southern cuisine – featuring pork chops, roasted oysters, and elevated shareables. This neighborhood gem is sure to be a familiar favorite, sparking a culinary evolution that’s grounded in heritage.

of the month

OUTFIT Sunny Daze

Top: Palm Shoulder Tie Top (available at Loft)

Skirt: Courtney Tie-Waist Denim Miniskirt (available at Saks Fifth Ave.)

Shoes: Nikky Raffia Featherweight Sandals (available at Tommy Bahama)

Earrings: Oasis Double Drop Earrings (available at Neiman Marcus)

Bag: Perforated Leather Lace Shoulder Bag (available at Jimmy Choo)

TOP 5 Dining: Summer Sandwiches

June means we’re all busier than ever. The warm weather means we’re looking for something that feels fresh, but won’t leave us overfull. These great sandwich spots are perfect for the swing from spring to summer, inviting you to grab something tasty and relax a little as you enjoy the beauty of Lexington during this gorgeous time of year.

Obviously, this is just a fraction of the incredible delis, bistros, and restaurants serving up sandwiches you should check out. To get more dining recommendations delivered right to your inbox, sign up for The Insider’s Guide to Lexington, our weekly email newsletter: TOPSinLex.com/newsletter

Penny’s at Pomegranate

104 Clay Ave. pennyslex.com

This Holly Hill & Co. spot offers the perfect fresh bite for busy folks, from salads to an always-tasty soup of the day. Order ahead and take it with you, or dine on the intimate patio, located just outside the Pomegranate flagship store. Don’t miss the treats from Midway Bakery!

TOP Pick: Pimento Grilled Cheese

Pies & Pints

401 W. Main St. piesandpints.net

Head to The Square for a great casual lunch or dinner, just a few steps away from Central Bank Center. While the pizzas here will certainly tempt you, don’t skip their ciabatta bread sandwiches. And, as their name suggests, the beer list at Pies & Pints is genuinely impressive.

TOP Pick: Cuban Pulled Pork

Dad’s Favorites Deli

820 Lane Allen Rd. dadsfavorites.com

The beloved local spot is a hidden gem, just minutes from downtown, with great deli and hot sandwiches. To find them, head inside the arcade in the Garden Springs Shopping Center. Grab lunch, and pick up one of their delicious cheese spreads to enjoy later.

TOP Pick: Green Chili Jack Smoked Turkey

Big Blue Deli

144 W. Short St. bigbluedeliky.com

Obviously, members of the BBN will find lots to love at this lunch deli, which is decorated with tons of Wildcat memorabilia. But everyone can appreciate a well-made sandwich in the heart of downtown, from deli classics to their custom creations. They now offer weekday breakfast.

TOP Pick: The Unforgettable

Harry’s Hamburg & Palomar bluegrasshospitality.com

The year-round patio bar at either Harry’s location is the perfect spot to spend a long lunch with a cocktail (or two). Their elevated bar menu is always satisfying, but don’t forget that you can order from the Malone’s menu, as well. That makes this a great option for meeting up with clients or friends.

TOP Pick: Caprese Sandwich

Penny’s

June 2026

Biz Buzz

Biz Buzz is a monthly feature highlighting who’s who, what’s new, and what to do in the Lexington business scene. We will feature the newest grand openings, awards, promotions, restaurants to try, stores to visit and more! Stay tuned for more “Biz Bytes” in our next issue!

Caffiends Coffee House

3801 Nicholasville Centre Dr., Ste. 200

An out-of-this-world coffee shop just opened near Fayette Mall. Despite the name, Caffiends Coffee House also doubles as a bar serving everything from lattes and matcha to espresso martinis, beer, and wine. And wait until you see the vibe. The dark walls and floors are adorned with planets, stars, and aliens, and the space features a pool table, a TV, and plenty of seating options for hanging out or co-working.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

2400 Polo Club Blvd.

The long-awaited arrival of Hamburg’s newest restaurant is finally here. North Carolina-based chain Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is set to open this month. What makes their menu special is the “Perfect Pair” and “Three Course” options with set pricing. You also won’t want to miss their weekday happy hour at the restaurant’s centerpiece, FIREBAR. From 4 to 7 p.m., you can get special pricing on Bar Bite features like crispy cauliflower, sliders, and tacos, as well as craft cocktails like a strawberry gimlet, lemonade drop martini, and a siesta sangria. (Lexington HeraldLeader)

Foodchain Neighborhood Green

Grocery

501 W. Sixth St., Ste. 105

A concept over a decade in the making has come to life for local nonprofit FoodChain. Helping to fill the grocery gap and food desert in the north side of town, its neighborhood grocery offers a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and meats from local and regional farms, grab-and-go items, and essential hygiene products. The shop is located next to its kitchen, and aims to be a welcoming space

Firebirds

Molly Thompson Writer

Caffiends Coffee House

Foodchain

for all shoppers, offering free popcorn and fruit slushy samples, as well as curated local gifts from Matchstick Goods, Happy Spooning, and more. As the business continues to find its groove, it hopes to host classes, programs, and promotions.

Hellenic Kitchen by Ilias Pappas

If you’re like me and have been craving a Cava in Lexington, the owner of Athenian Grill is helping to fill that void with his new concept, Hellenic Kitchen by Ilias Pappas. Taking over the Athenian Grill spot downtown, which will be closing in July, this quickservice restaurant will feature a menu with Greek and Mediterranean options to build your own bowls and gyros. Think bases and toppings like saffron rice, greens, or couscous with falafels, chicken, veggies, and a variety of dressings and sauces. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

The Great Room

183 Moore Dr. #120

Whether you’re shopping for unique pieces to add to your home or redecorating your entire house, The Great Room has something for you! With an everchanging assortment of contemporary, traditional, transitional, industrial, vintage, farmhouse, cottage, or coastal-style furniture and decor, this consignment store has returned to Lexington with flair. Plus, if you’re looking to consign your previously-owned pieces, you’ll be in great company.

Grounded All Day Cafe

Meadowthorpe neighborhood coffee and bagel shop, Grounded All Day Cafe, has opened its second location after just two years in business. The cafe is taking over the former Nate’s Coffee shop in the heart of downtown and will carry its predecessor’s java. Like its flagship location, the Cheapside spot will serve New York bagels, housemade spreads, bagel sandwiches, and salads. (Lexington HeraldLeader)

DaRae & Friends at The Commons

1305 W. Main St.

The building that once housed longtime autobody shop Stuggart Motors will soon be transformed into a new sit-down restaurant of another familiar Lexington name, DaRae Marcum. DaRae & Friends at The Commons is located right outside the entrance to the bustling mixed-use development and will feature seating inside as well as patio seating. Paying homage to the previous tenant, the restaurant is expected to have a filling station feel with a Southern twist. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

The Great Room

Hellenic Kitchen

Grounded All Day

DaRae & Friends

SUMMER HEALTH Reset

10 steps to have your best summer by E a Stevens

1: Have Some Me Time

Break your routine and get out of the house, even if it’s for a long weekend staycation! Traveling to a new place or seeing your hometown from a new perspective can work wonders to keep your summer from feeling stale. No one else will make sure you’re scheduling time away from work and stress but you. If you’ve been holding off on making that spa appointment or hotel reservation, here’s your sign!

2: Start Your Days Outside

Going in the sun first thing helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boosts your mood for the rest of the day. Take a short walk, drink your morning coffee on the porch, or even do a few stretches in the sun to let your body wake up the way it was designed to.

3: Move Your Body

Forget punishing workouts – summer is about joyful movement. Swim, bike, dance, hike, or try an outdoor yoga class. When exercise feels like play instead of pressure, you’re far more likely to stay consistent. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s building a relationship with movement that feels sustainable and energizing.

4: Eat Seasonally

Summer is when so many favorite fruits and vegetables are finally in season (especially ones that are grown locally!). The time has finally come to stock up on crisp greens, juicy berries, local tomatoes, and stone fruits. Eating seasonally not only enhances flavor but also supports your nutrition, helping you feel lighter and more energized all summer long without restrictions.

5: Keep Sipping

The summer heat makes hydration extra essential. Infuse your water with fresh citrus, cucumber slices, or herbs for more flavor, and keep a reusable water bottle handy as a visual cue. Hydration improves your energy, concentration, and skin clarity, making a noticeable difference.

6: Protect Your Skin

While sunshine is good for your mood, balance is key. Integrate healthy habits into your routine, like daily SPF coverage, so you can enjoy the outdoors without long-term damage. Healthy skin is less about your tan – it’s actually about glowy, healthy skin that comes from protection and consistency.

7: Create a Wind-Down

Routine

Longer sunny days can easily turn into late, overstimulating nights if you’re not careful. A simple wind-down routine, like dimming the lights, reading before bed, or taking a warm shower, helps signal to your body that it’s time to slow down. Quality sleep is one of the most underrated forms of self-care, and just because it’s light out longer doesn’t mean you can ignore it.

8: Unplug

Schedule time to unplug, even just for a few hours. Step away from social media, emails, and app notifications, and you’ll notice a difference in your mental presence. Summer offers a natural opportunity to reconnect with the present instead of a screen.

9: Prioritize Social Time

Social time that feels good, that is. Not all socializing is equal. Focus on spending time with those who energize you rather than drain you. A picnic, casual dinner, or spontaneous outing can make the season more memorable and support intentional connections.

10: Try Something New

Even if you’re bad at it. Growth doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. Take a new class, pick up a hobby, or try something you’ve always been curious about. Even though you’re an adult, allow yourself to be a beginner instead of staying stagnant. The act of trying (without the pressure to excel immediately) can build confidence and keep life feeling fresh.

Health & Wellness

Each year, the conversation around health and wellness evolves as new technologies, emerging research, and shifting lifestyle trends reshape the way we care for ourselves. From fitness and nutrition to skincare and longevity, this year’s biggest wellness movements are focused on helping people feel better in ways that are more personalized, proactive, and sustainable. We’ve rounded up some of the trends experts are watching most closely in 2026 to give you a clearer picture of what’s shaping the future of well-being. Of course, before starting any new routine, it’s always best to speak with your healthcare team to determine what’s right for your unique needs. by

Amanda Harper

Simple Things

We all have busy lives. In recent years, taking care of one’s overall well-being involved a lengthy checklist of steps, priorities, statistics, and products, making everyone’s daily routine even more hectic. In 2026, more and more people are bucking the system and aiming for simpler routines and self-care.

One way this is showing up is that more folks are focusing on specific dietary goals rather than on a host of macros that require continual tabulation. For a couple of years, more people have set their sights on meeting their protein and fiber goals. But rather than overoptimizing every meal, they’re looking for seamless ways to bring these macros into their regular diet.

Another way many are simplifying their lives is by cutting down on the number of products they use during their daily routine – from skin care to makeup and hair styling, and beyond. They’re looking for more beauty and wellness products that multitask and address all their concerns, rather than piecing together a lengthy routine of products that serve only a single purpose.

Microtrend:

Beans

As more people seek to simplify their health routine, many are reaching for beans over other proteins. Beans are an economical way to add lean protein and fiber, and they’re an incredibly versatile ingredient.

Longevity

Seeking to live longer – and well – is nothing new. But the ways we’re ensuring a long, happy, comfortable life are changing. From supplements to proactive health care testing and screening, there are many ways to improve your quality of life in the long term.

For many, physical exercise is taking a longer view. Targeted training can help support mobility, balance, and fascia health while preparing the body for the years ahead. Many fitness routines integrate cognitive exercises with physical activity to boost neuroplasticity and overall well-being.

Skin longevity is another big focus in 2026. Rather than focusing on correcting skin issues as they arise, more providers and patients are taking a more proactive approach. Skinbenefitting supplements have never been more popular. Consumers are also educating themselves about emerging skincare ingredients, such as advanced peptides and plantderived growth factors, to find products that best suit their unique needs.

New technologies are arising to help us better understand and prepare for longevity. From genetic testing to promising medications and supplements, we’re learning more every day.

Microtrend: Exosomes

In beauty products, exosomes are the latest buzzword. Exosomes act as intercellular messengers, which may promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and enhance cellular healing. You’ll find this trendy ingredient in serums and creams.

What’s Out for 2026?

While we encourage you to do what is right for you, there are some 2025 trends that we think you can probably ditch – and we think your doctor will agree.

• “The Morning Shed” From mouth taping to castor oil wr aps, these elaborate routines are probably disrupting your sleep and morning more than they’re helping you.

• Beef Tallow “Sunscreen” Science shows that this just doesn’t work. There are other natural options out there that will actually protect your skin from the sun.

• “Healthmaxxing” Going to extremes with anything is never good for your health. Moderation is always the best answer, so drop the stress of constantly “maxxing.”

Recovery

Fitness experts all agree: rest is an essential part of training. More people are seeing that recovery time has benefits, allowing muscles to repair and rebuild while restoring energy levels and preparing you for what comes next. Embracing recovery time is also a more sustainable mindset than the old “no days off” approach. Specialized tools and treatments are popping up, all aimed at boosting your recovery. From cold plunges to red light therapy, there are many options out there. That said, the benefits vary, and no treatment is a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to discuss your recovery regime with your doctor and personal trainer to ensure that it’s the right solution for your unique needs.

Microtrend: Infrared Saunas

These specialized saunas use light to heat your body directly, allowing for a deeper sweat at lower ambient temperatures. This can be a more relaxing experience that offers improved circulation and muscle relief.

Sober Curious

Gen Z is leading a historic shift away from alcohol; over 50% of those young adults report not drinking at all. This trend has actually impacted folks of all generations, spreading a more curious approach to sobriety – and a more flexible definition of the word itself.

The negative health impact of regular alcohol consumption is well-documented: your risks range from disrupted sleep to a higher risk of cancer or cardiovascular disease. At the very least, it can lead to you feeling pretty crummy in the morning. But for many, traditional, 100% sobriety simply ain’t gonna happen. That’s why more people are embracing new versions of “soft sobriety” that encourage more mindful, occasional imbibing.

Curious about going sober curious? Begin by evaluating your drinking. Identify problem areas you’d like to change, whether it’s drinking alone on weeknights or overindulging when you’re out with friends. Set limits for yourself and hold yourself accountable to them. For instance, when your friend orders a third drink, consider switching to a fun mocktail or club soda.

Microtrend: Mocktails

High-quality mocktails are on the menus at almost every restaurant and bar these days, offering a grown-up alternative to old standbys like the Shirley Temple. This trend allows folks to socialize while staying sober – or simply enjoy a refreshing, crafted beverage, whether you drink regularly or not!

Functional Nutritional Drinks

Okay, “functional nutritional drinks” may be one of the least appetizing phrases ever concocted. But the idea isn’t new: pre-made beverages with a little nutritional boost. You’re probably familiar with probiotic sodas by now, but companies are looking to expand the health benefits of canned and bottled beverages.

Microtrend: Protein Pop

Sodas with added protein have become social media stars in recent months. Many offer 10-30g of protein per serving, and most are sugar-free. This trend is a sparkling alternative to traditional protein shakes.

Menopause Facts

• The most common age for menopause to officially begin is 52, but it commonly occurs between 45 and 55. Certain extreme surgeries and medical treatments can trigger menopause.

• Menopause symptoms can begin before you are technically in menopause (which is, by definition, 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.) This is referred to as perimenopause

• Perimenopause typically starts in your early 40s.

• Over 60 symptoms of menopause exist. These include insomnia, anxiety, memory issues, intimate dryness, night sweats, emotional changes, weight gain, hair thinning, urinary urgency, dry skin, and joint aches, all in addition to those infamous hot flashes.

Menopause and Perimenopause Awareness

For most of us, our education on menopause was a collection of handed-down horror stories and old wives’ tales. Many healthcare providers are seeking to change that, helping women make these hormonal transitions with confidence and awareness. In recent years, perimenopause has been a hot topic of discussion; there are many in healthcare who don’t even believe that it exists! But for those living it, perimenopause can be a period of upset and confusion. It’s important to speak to a healthcare professional who believes your symptoms and is willing to help you find ways to manage them as you prepare for menopause.

Speaking of longevity, women’s longevity care is coming into sharper focus. The shifts in hormones that come with perimenopause through postmenopause mean women need tailored longevity care plans that pivot based on their unique needs.

Microtrend: Meno-Influencers

More people are talking openly about menopause, including providers who want women to know more, and they’re using Instagram and TikTok to speak out.

Low-Impact Is In

ClassPass reports that in 2025, bookings for low-impact training and classes shot up 112%. That trend is not slowing down anytime soon. Low-intensity, steady-state (LISS) exercise can include walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, Pilates, rowing, and more. This can be especially beneficial for perimenopausal and menopausal women, as LISS supports the body without spiking cortisol while the body is in a state of reduced stress tolerance.

Microtrend: Interval Walking

Interval walking (sometimes called Japanese walking) is on the rise. This structured walking method is built around three minutes of fast, intense walking followed by three minutes of slow steps. Repeated for 30 minutes total each day, research shows this method has a host of health benefits while remaining very accessible.

GLP-1s

According to a KFF poll, about 1 in 5 US adults have tried GLP-1 medications. As they become more accessible, usage continues to rise.

We understand that the effect of GLP-1s is that users eat less overall. That means the foods they do consume are incredibly important. To maximize muscle retention, avoid nutrient deficiencies, and minimize side effects, meal planning is more important than ever.

Skin care can also be different for folks taking GLP-1s. If you’re considering adding one of these medications to your routine, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist or trusted aesthetic professional to discuss how to best support your skin as your body changes.

Microtrend: What’s New?

It’s worth talking with your provider about what new options are available. New injections, new pill formulations, and other therapies are in development, with some expected to reach the market later this year.

Members Only

From private social clubs to concierge medicine, people are seeking a stronger personal connection in their lives. These private spaces are intentionally designed to help people feel a sense of serenity and care.

Microtrend: Private Spa Experiences

What could be better than a little R&R in your own little world? Private luxury spa experiences are on the rise for bridal showers, pre-wedding moments, special occasions, or as a quiet indulgence.

Community as Healthcare

Each year, the Global Wellness Summit looks into emerging health trends. For 2026, they found that “the festivalization of wellness” is on the rise, a wave of joyful gatherings designed to promote overall well-being. These inclusive events are helping people escape their digital fatigue while building connections with their neighbors. From somatic

dance experiences to large-scale fitness festivals, this playful approach makes being well a lot more fun.

Microtrend: Silent Disco

Want to dance the night away? Silent discos give you a dance floor and a pair of headphones. You decide how loud the music is and boogie without feeling self-conscious.

Bio-Syncing

Our body’s natural rhythm involves a host of internal processes and chemical fluctuations that alter how we feel and function. It only makes sense that our activities should ideally align with what our bodies are prepared for. This subset of bio-hacking aims to do just that. From eating at the right time to sleeping enough, working out at our body’s peak output to relaxing when it’s appropriate, syncing our days to our bodies is a trend that experts say is one to watch in 2026.

Microtrend: Wearable Tech

While folks have been using wearable wellness tech for some time, the data is now being used to help them better sync their schedules to their bodies’ natural rhythms. •

Simply Better Dentistry

Welcome to Grey Oak Dental, where exceptional care meets your smile needs. Led by Dr. Quintero, a family dentist in Nicholasville KY, our experienced team o ers a full range of general dental services, from cleanings to emergency procedures and cosmetic dentistry. We prioritize your comfort and provide personalized treatments tailored to your needs, aiming to keep your smile healthy for life. Experience quality care in a welcoming environment — see why we’re the leading Nicholasville dentist — we look forward to seeing you!

stories by Allyson Mattingly

photos by Shelly Fryman Tracie Dillon

Lexington Clinic Center for Breast Care

Sarah Callahan, MD

Dr. Sarah Callahan graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 2003 before going on to complete her radiology residency at the University of Louisville Hospital in 2008. Bringing more than 14 years of experience to the Lexington Clinic Center for Breast Care, she specializes in breast radiology and serves as the Center’s lead interpreting radiologist.

The Center for Breast Care provides comprehensive breast health services supported by advanced diagnostic technology and an experienced care team, offering services such as digital mammography, breast surgery, ultrasounds, MRI, clinical counseling, and additional breast cancer-related treatments. The practice continues to meet the high standard of the American College of Radiology for quality and safety in medical imaging and radiation oncology treatment.

Combining cutting-edge diagnostic tools with a patient-centered approach, the Center focuses on early detection and coordinated care for patients with breast health concerns. From imaging services to follow-up recommendations, care is designed to feel seamless, with clear communication at every step.

“The enhanced services we offer truly set our practice apart,” Dr Callahan said. “Patients can expect to find a compassionate team dedicated to detecting breast cancer at its earliest stage and helping them navigate through a difficult situation with kindness, understanding, and patience.”

859.258.4932

1221 S. Broadway Lexington, KY lexingtonclinic.com/breastcarecenter

Lexington Clinic OB-GYN

Sasha Neace, DO

Dr. Sasha Neace is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Lexington Clinic, specializing in reproductive health, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and prenatal and postpartum care. After earning her medical degree from the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2015, Dr. Neace completed her residency at TriHealth in Cincinnati before coming to the Bluegrass to care for women at every stage of life.

Dr. Neace delivers and operates at the Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East, which features a Level III birth center, a 16-bed NICU, 24/7 care, and a broad range of specialized women’s services. “Our practice provides the acuity of a hospital but the comfort of a birthing center,” Dr. Neace explained. “We strive for high standards both for birth experiences and safety for all moms and babies.”

Committed to providing the highest quality of care and guided by core values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence, and collaboration, Dr. Neace works alongside a team of board-certified specialists to provide a comprehensive range of women’s healthcare services in one convenient location.

“Our practice is very responsive to patient needs and wants to ensure every patient feels heard and supported,” she said. “Building trusted relationships is an important part of providing personalized, patient-centered care.”

859.765.7562

170 N Eagle Creek Dr. Lexington, KY lexingtonclinic.com/baby

Lexington Clinic Dermatology

Alexander Hines, MD & Tessa Mullins, DO, FAAD

Recognized as one of the top dermatology clinics in Lexington by the 2025 ABC 36 Viewers’ Choice Awards, Lexington Clinic Dermatology delivers a wide range of medical and cosmetic dermatology services. The practice has a large network of boardcertified dermatologists in five locations across the Bluegrass, thanks to the inclusion of Dermatology Associates of Kentucky (DAK) as part of Lexington Clinic.

As part of the Lexington Clinic Dermatology team, Dr. Tessa Mullins and Dr. Alexander Hines provide comprehensive dermatologic care alongside 15 board-certified dermatologists. Dr. Mullins specializes in general and surgical dermatology focusing on conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and skin cancer, while Dr. Hines focuses on adult and adolescent dermatology, treating conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails.

“I love dermatology,” Dr. Mullins shared. “I love seeing the difference I make in treating patients. I will always treat my patients as if they are my family members.”

Dr. Hines emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable discussing concerns and asking questions. “Having this level of expertise within our practice allows us to provide streamlined and efficient care for routine concerns, while encouraging close communication and collaboration within the group for more challenging cases,” he said.

Dr. Mullins: 859.258.5270

Dr. Hines: 859.263.4444

lexingtonclinic.com/dermatology

Lexington Clinic Pediatrics

Agata Toborek, MD

Dr. Agata Toborek has been a member of the Lexington Clinic Pediatrics team for nearly a decade, treating patients from birth through college. A board-certified pediatrician, she provides well-child checkups, sports physicals, and care for acute and chronic illnesses, with special interests in breastfeeding, ADHD, and adolescent medicine.

“As a mother, I treat my patients with kindness and understanding, ensuring they don’t feel rushed when they come to me for care,” she said.

120 N. Eagle Creek Dr. #250 Lexington, KY

859.258.5141

lexingtonclinic.com/pediatrics

Lexington Clinic Pediatric & Adolescent Associates

Jennifer L. Wilson, MD

Working with the team at Lexington Clinic’s Pediatric & Adolescent Associates (PAA), Dr. Jennifer L. Wilson values the opportunity to watch children grow from infancy to young adulthood. “It’s meaningful to see my patients start as infants, graduate from high school, and go on to college or careers,” she said.

With 11 physicians across two locations, PAA offers a comprehensive range of services, including labs, immunizations, and same-day sick appointments. Together, the physicians provide consistent, patientcentered care tailored to each child.

3050 Harrodsburg Rd. #100 Lexington, KY 859.277.6102

lexingtonclinic.com/paa

Family Practice Associates of Lexington

For more than four decades, Family Practice Associates of Lexington, PSC has been a steady presence in Central Kentucky’s healthcare landscape, blending the accessibility of a neighborhood clinic with the scope of a large, modern medical group. Founded in 1983 by Dr. Jeffrey Foxx, the practice has grown from a single-physician office into one of the region’s largest independent primary care providers, now encompassing a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and behavioral health professionals.

At its core, the organization is guided by a simple but enduring mission: to deliver preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. This philosophy is reflected in its commitment to family-centered medicine, serving patients across the full lifespan—from newborns to seniors—while emphasizing continuity of care and long-term wellness.

With locations in Lexington and nearby Nicholasville, the practice has expanded its reach without losing sight of personalized service. Its designation as a Patient-Centered Medical Home underscores a model built on coordinated care, strong patient-provider relationships, and active patient involvement in health decisions.

Beyond routine primary care, Family Practice Associates offers a broad spectrum of services, including pediatrics, chronic disease management, and behavioral health support, reflecting a holistic approach to wellness. Patients benefit from the convenience of 24/7, 365 scheduling through multiple channels—including phone access, website chat, and easy-to-use online booking tools—making care more accessible on their terms.

The practice is equally committed to keeping healthcare affordable. By referring patients to like-minded specialists and cost-conscious outpatient centers, and by offering expanded office hours that help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, Family Practice Associates works to minimize out-of-pocket expenses without compromising quality. Recognized nationally for quality and patient satisfaction, the organization continues to balance growth with its founding principle: putting patients and families at the center of care.

859.278.5007 • fpalex.com

Bluegrass Precision Wellness

Aaron Crum, MD • Kristie Mayer, APRN, ACLM

Michael Asher, APRN • Curtis Koons, MD

By combining comprehensive biomarker panels, genetic analysis, and advanced diagnostic testing with personalized nutrition, lifestyle services, and supplement protocols, the experienced providers at Bluegrass Precision Wellness help patients optimize their health and overall well-being through a unique people-first approach.

Board-certified physicians and providers work one-on-one with clients to develop tailored wellness and longevity plans, with care extending to hormone optimization, metabolic health, and ongoing primary preventive medicine. As a small, independent practice, the team maintains a limited patient panel so that every person who walks through the door receives the time, attention, and continuity that modern medicine can overlook.

The practice brings together a multidisciplinary team with decades of clinical experience across women’s health, lifestyle medicine, wellness, and preventive care. Dr. Aaron Crum, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN with more than 25 years of experience specializing in menopause and perimenopause, targeted hormone therapies, sexual health, longevity and wellness, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Curtis Koons, MD, completed his undergraduate, medical school, and postgraduate education at the University of Kentucky and is triple board-certified in Anesthesiology, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine, bringing more than a decade of clinical experience focused on metabolic health and preventive care.

Kristie Mayer, APRN, ACLM, has more than 22 years of healthcare experience, including 10 years as an advanced practice nurse practitioner. She specializes in helping women navigate menopause, hormone changes, and metabolic health challenges with compassionate, individualized care. A graduate of the Eastern Kentucky University Master of Nurse Practitioner Program, Michael Asher, APRN, has spent 20 years as an emergency department registered nurse/nurse practitioner and three years as a wellness and longevity health coach. With a focus on caring for the patient from every angle, Bluegrass Precision Wellness prioritizes building genuine relationships with every patient, taking time to learn their goals, stories, history, and long-term health data. “We bring academic-grade precision diagnostics and longevity science typically reserved for coastal concierge clinics directly to Kentucky, delivered with the warmth, accessibility, and the personal touch you’d expect from a hometown physician,” Dr. Koons explained. “Patients aren’t a chart number here—they’re understood, remembered, and cared for as people first.”

859.900.1088 • bpwlex.com

250 E. Short St. • Lexington, KY

Saint Joseph Medical Group Primary Care

Alexander Hernandez, MD

As a “Meds-Peds” primary care physician at Saint Joseph Medical Group - Primary Care, Alexander Hernandez, MD, cares for patients of all ages. Specializing in internal medicine and pediatrics, his areas of interest include hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Dr. Hernandez began practicing in 2022, after graduating from the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in 2018, and completing his Internal Medicine Pediatric residency at the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Hernandez emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment and working collaboratively with fellow providers to ensure patients’ concerns and questions get addressed efficiently and thoroughly. “The providers in our clinic all aim to help each other however they can, which makes it feel like a family,” he shared. “We are able to cover for each other’s patients when someone is sick, out of town, or experiencing an emergency, ensuring patients’ needs continue to be addressed as best we can.”

Working with the broad network of a hospital-based group, Dr. Hernandez coordinates referrals to specialists when more specialized evaluation, treatment, or work-up is needed. “We listen to our patients’ questions and concerns, explain medications that will be started or discontinued, and clarify the rationale for any labs or imaging being performed,” he said.

859.629.7245

211 Fountain Court #120 Lexington, KY commonspirit.org

Saint Joseph Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology

Elise Garrett, MD

Elise Garrett, MD, practices general Obstetrics & Gynecology, providing comprehensive care to women through every state of life. From preventative care and annual exams to pregnancy, delivery, and surgical care, she delivers compassionate, evidence-based care that makes patients feel supported.

Dr. Garrett completed both her undergraduate and medical education at the University of Kentucky before training in Obstetrics & Gynecology at TriHealth in Cincinnati. “I was drawn to OB/GYN for its unique blend of high-acuity care, surgery aspects, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships while helping women navigate some of life’s most important moments,” she explained.

As part of Saint Joseph Medical Group, Dr. Garrett’s practice benefits from access to a broad network of resources and specialists, while maintaining a personalized approach to women’s health. With an emphasis on continuity, thoughtful communication, and individualized care, patients receive efficient care in a patient-centered atmosphere.

“When patients come here, they can expect a physician who listens, creates a welcoming environment, and takes the time to ensure they feel heard, comfortable, and trusting of their care,” Dr. Garrett said. “I want them to feel at ease asking questions, discussing concerns openly, and making collaborative healthcare decisions.”

859.967.5848

170 N Eagle Creek Dr. #104 Lexington, KY commonspirit.org

Bux Pain Management

Anjum Bux, MD

Bux Pain Management, under the leadership of Dr. Anjum Bux, provides a patient-centered approach to the treatment of chronic pain throughout central Kentucky. A board-certified anesthesiologist specializing in interventional pain management, Dr. Bux has spent more than 18 years delivering advanced, minimally invasive therapies designed to improve function and quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions.

What began as a mission alongside his mentor and father to expand access to pain management services in Danville has since grown into a thriving practice serving patients in both Lexington and Danville.

“At Bux Pain Management, we personalize treatment plans for every patient to optimize function, restore quality of life, and decrease pain,” explains Dr. Bux. “We utilize a multidisciplinary approach along with advanced procedures such as radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, intrathecal pain pumps, SI joint fusion, and other minimally invasive therapies to provide patients with more treatment options and long-term relief.”

As part of its continued expansion, Bux Pain Management is currently developing Tates Creek Surgery Center, the first and only dedicated pain management ambulatory surgery center in central Kentucky, scheduled to open in early 2027. This state-of-the-art facility will provide a highly specialized environment focused exclusively on interventional pain procedures, increasing access to advanced pain care throughout the region while improving convenience, efficiency, continuity of care, and procedural capabilities for both patients and collaborating physicians across central Kentucky.

859.209.2423

4071 Tates Creek Centre Dr. 105 Lexington, KY buxpainmanagement.com

Thrive Pediatric Dental Studio

Kevin White, D.M.D.

Founded by Kevin White, D.M.D., Thrive Pediatric Dental Studio provides innovative children’s dentistry services that are reshaping how families think about pediatric dental care. With a focus on prevention and building a healthy foundation for growth, Dr. White is committed to helping prevent future dental and related health challenges.

A 2012 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Dr. White completed his residency at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital at Northwestern University and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. After a decade of serving families in Madison County, he opened his Lexington practice, where his team delivers compassionate, highquality care for growing patients.

“I’m passionate about helping children develop healthy smiles and positive dental experiences from an early age,” he said. “My goal is to identify patterns and address underlying causes before they become larger issues later in life, while creating a supportive experience where both children and parents feel confident in their care.”

Dr. White prioritizes an exceptional patient experience from the moment families walk through the door. From the thoughtfully designed office and stuffed animal companions to prizes, popsicles, and movies playing during treatment, he ensures every child feels comfortable, safe, and valued.

859.436.1366

Lexington Diagnostic Center

Jason Harris, MD

Dr. Jason Harris is a board-certified radiologist serving patients at Lexington Diagnostic Center. After earning his medical degree at the University of Louisville and completing his radiology residency at the University of Cincinnati, he went on to complete his musculoskeletal fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia.

With extensive experience across all facets of radiology, and a particular emphasis on musculoskeletal MRI, Dr. Harris specializes in providing patient-focused diagnostic imaging with exceptional accuracy, comfort, and affordability. Lexington Diagnostic Center offers a comprehensive range of services, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, and nuclear medicine. Each exam is performed by highly skilled technologists and interpreted by experienced radiologists using the most advanced technology.

“As a locally owned practice, we are deeply committed to serving the Lexington community and delivering personalized, affordable, and detail-oriented care,” explained Dr. Harris. “Our goal is simple: to make medical imaging as comfortable and stress-free as possible while delivering trustworthy results.”

In addition to radiology services, Lexington Diagnostic Center also offers a Health & Wellness Clinic that provides patients with convenient access to urgent and preventative care. “The clinic is located right upstairs, making it easy for patients to receive the imaging and medical attention they need in one visit,” Dr. Harris added.

859.278.7226

1725 Harrodsburg Rd. #100 Lexington, KY

lexingtondiagnostic.com

River Ridge Dermatology

Amanda Johns, D.O.

River Ridge Dermatology is a private, physician-led practice with 15 years of clinical excellence. Founded in Virginia, the practice recently expanded to Lexington as part of its ongoing commitment to providing premier dermatological care.

Situated in the heart of Hamburg, River Ridge is led by Dr. Amanda Johns, D.O., who serves as lead physician with a focus on medical and surgical dermatology. A boardcertified dermatologist with a degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, she specializes in medical dermatology of a variety of conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, skin cancer screenings, and more.

“We have one focus: our patients,” she explained. “Our goal is to bring unhurried, trusted care to the community, along with short wait times and seamless continuity of care for all ages. From the moment you walk through our doors, our priority is to ensure you feel comfortable, heard, and supported.”

Dr. Johns approaches dermatology care with an emphasis on accurate diagnosis, clear communication, and personalized treatment plans, delivering thorough options that prioritize long-term skin health and preventative care. “We want you to leave our office not just with a treatment plan or prescription, but with total clarity regarding your next steps and answers to all your questions,” she added.

859.203.6990

2424 Sir Barton Way #125

Lexington, KY

riverridgederm.com

Axia | Lexington Women’s Health

Renee Hensley, APRN • Victoria Nash, APRN • Erica Collier, APRN

At Lexington Women’s Health, an Axia Women’s Health practice, Erica Collier, APRN, Renee Hensley, APRN, and Victoria Nash, APRN work together on an all-female team dedicated to supporting women through every stage of life with personalized, evidence-based care designed to improve overall quality of life and long-term health.

“We are all specially trained in menopause and midlife women’s health, which allows us to offer expert, evidence-based care,” the providers shared. “With advanced education through the Heather Hirsch Academy and certification through The Menopause Society, we specialize in hormone replacement therapy, menopause symptom management, and midlife wellness.”

One of the team’s biggest priorities is making sure women going through midlife and menopause feel truly heard and supported. Symptoms like hot flashes, weight changes, sleep disturbances, mood shifts, brain fog, and low energy can significantly impact everyday life, and the providers at Lexington Women’s Health want patients to know they do not have to navigate those changes alone. The team offers compassionate, individualized care and a wide range of treatment options to help women feel their best during every stage of midlife and beyond.

By setting high standards, anticipating the needs of women, embracing new ideas, and working collaboratively with Axia’s connected network, Lexington Women’s Health is leading the way in improving women’s health.

“We focus on listening and meeting the unique needs of women,” Collier, Hensley, and Nash explained. “Whatever you’re facing, chances are we’ve been there too, and we’re happy to help.” Whether patients are coming in for routine care, life transitions, or more complex concerns, the goal is the same: to make sure they feel informed, comfortable, and cared for.

These three providers see patients at the Brannon Crossing and Hamburg locations, where the emphasis remains on making visits feel approachable and supportive, with space for real conversations and questions.

axiawh.com • 859.264.8811

Baptist Campus • 1720 Nicholasville Rd. #702 • Lexington, KY

Brannon Crossing • 615 E. Brannon Rd. #200 • Nicholasville, KY Hamburg • 1775 Alysheba Way #180 • Lexington, KY

CORE Health Centers

Beaumont: 989 Governors Ln. #80 Lexington, KY • 859.219.1011 Hamburg: 2530 Sir Barton Way Lexington, KY • 859.287.1170

gotcore.net

Since 2005, CORE Health Centers has served families across the Bluegrass with the highest level of chiropractic care, delivering personalized, patient-centered treatment to help relieve pain, improve mobility, and support long-term wellness. What began as one local clinic in Ashland, Kentucky, has grown into a trusted network of 21 locations across Kentucky and West Virginia, known for advanced techniques, state-of-the-art technology, and highly experienced specialists.

Following a straightforward approach, CORE provides high-quality chiropractic and wellness care that empowers clients to reach their health goals and improve their overall quality of life. By identifying and addressing the root cause of pain while incorporating supportive therapies, providers are able to create treatment plans focused on lasting relief and long-term function. This holistic, whole-body approach helps

patients find true relief from pain without relying on addictive drugs or painful, invasive surgeries.

“We know that one-size-fits-all medicine just doesn’t work,” said Hayley Willis, D.C., of CORE’s Beaumont office. “That’s why our team is so passionate about delivering personalized, patient-centered care. Whether you are bouncing back from an injury, managing chronic stiffness, or just looking to boost your everyday energy, we are here to help you feel your best.”

With a team of experienced chiropractic doctors and clinicians, personalized treatment plans, and two convenient Lexington locations, CORE offers comprehensive chiropractic and rehabilitative services including chiropractic adjustments, spinal

rehabilitative therapy, on-site X-ray, diagnostic testing, and range of motion evaluations. Using advanced diagnostic tools to assess spinal alignment and movement patterns, CORE’s experienced chiropractors help patients feel relief from back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines, nerve pain such as sciatica, and joint pain.

Patients can find CORE’s expert teams at the Hamburg and Beaumont locations, as well as neighboring clinics in Versailles, Georgetown, Paris, Winchester, Richmond, and Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. “Our motto is Keeping Kentucky Healthy, and that’s the CORE promise,” the team explained. “When you step into CORE, you are family. Let’s get you back to doing what you love!”

BACK PAIN

Heal the cause. Find lasting relief.

KNEE ARTHRITIS

STAY ACTIVE

Move with confidence. Live life fully.

Target the source. Relieve pain.

Lexington’s Regenerative Spine & Joint Specialists for Arthritis and Back Pain.

Your Body Was Built to Heal. Wellward Helps It Find the Way.

You take your health seriously. You stay active, make thoughtful choices, and expect the same level of care from the people you trust with your body. But when knee arthritis, low back pain, or neck pain begins limiting the life you want to live, it may be time for a more precise approach than simply managing symptoms.

At Wellward Regenerative Medicine, we believe regenerative medicine is not one treatment. It is a strategy. Our physicians begin with detailed evaluation, advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound, image-guided diagnostics, and personalized treatment planning to identify the structures, mechanics, and inflammatory patterns driving your pain.

Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, and Prolotherapy may be used when appropriate — but never as generic protocols. Each treatment is selected, placed, and integrated with purpose.

At Wellward, we look beyond the painful joint or spine segment alone. We consider joint integrity, tendon and ligament health, spinal mechanics, movement patterns, inflammation, recovery, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Through our HEAL framework, we build care plans designed to address the root contributors to pain rather than simply quieting symptoms.

That level of precision changes everything.

From there, we design targeted therapies that work with your body’s own repair mechanisms to reduce pain, restore function, and support healthier movement over time. Orthobiologic options such as Platelet-Rich Plasma, Bone

The goal is not temporary relief. It is helping you preserve motion, restore confidence, and stay active in the life you want to live.

If you have tried other approaches and are still hurting, Wellward offers something different: precision, depth, and a commitment to helping your body move toward healing.

Functional Foods

Tasty Ingredients That Pack a BIG Health Punch

Blueberries

These little nuggets of summer goodness are packed with nutrients. Notably, they’re rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant that is thought to help protect against chronic diseases. They are associated with improved heart and brain health as well as better insulin sensitivity.

How to Get More in Your Diet:

Blueberries are so easy to incorporate into your diet! Toss them into salads. Blend them into smoothies or popsicles. Eat them right out of the container as a snack. Bake them into desserts or breakfast foods.

Greek Yogurt

Also known as strained yogurt, Greek yogurt is thicker and tangier than regular yogurt. The straining concentrates the nutrients, making it rich in calcium, protein, and probiotics. Those probiotics can help support a healthy and diverse gut microbiome. As a bonus, Greek yogurt can be easier to digest for those with mild lactose intolerance.

How to Get More in Your Diet:

Greek yogurt works well for both sweet and savory applications. Eat it topped with fruit, granola, honey, or olive oil and spices. Use it as a base for dips, smoothies, or sauces, swapping out sour cream, plain yogurt, or mayonnaise.

Salmon

This lean protein is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as selenium and vitamin B12. These nutrients help support heart health and cognitive function. Because it is a complete source of protein, it can also help support muscle growth and maintenance!

How to Get More in Your Diet:

Grilling season is here! Grilled salmon is a delicious summer option. Serve it over a bed of leafy greens or alongside some grilled squash and zucchini.

Kimchi

This traditional Korean side dish is made from salted and fermented vegetables. It’s packed with friendly Lactobacillus bacteria, which can help support a balanced gut microbiome. The vegetables bring lots of vitamins and minerals to the table. Because it’s salted, however, kimchi is moderately high in sodium. Be aware that if you’re highly sensitive to histamines, this dish may trigger headaches.

How to Get More in Your Diet:

Kimchi’s fermented flavor – and occasionally spicy bite –

can be an acquired taste. Many people incorporate kimchi into other dishes, such as stirring it into fried rice or using it as a condiment over eggs.

Turmeric

The curcumin in this golden spice has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Boost that effect with black pepper; piperine, a compound found in black pepper, significantly enhances curcumin absorption.

How to Get More in Your Diet:

This spice is a tasty add-in for soups, poultry dishes, and curries. It can be blended or stirred into smoothies and drinks, including the traditional Ayurvedic drink known as Golden Milk. Many people also use turmeric in their beauty routines, from face masks to special soaps!

Avocados

These tasty fruits are rich in oleic acid, which can help lower “bad” cholesterol and reduce triglycerides. They offer plenty of fiber and monounsaturated fats, which can help you feel full longer while stabilizing your blood sugar. However, some people do experience “guac belly,” bloating and discomfort that can happen after eating avocado.

How to Get More in Your Diet:

The signature creaminess of avocados makes them perfect for dressings, smoothies, and sauces. Chopped, they’re wonderful in salads and fresh dishes like sushi, as well as in hot dishes, particularly those from their native regions of South and Central America.

TOPS Tip:

Love making summer popsicles? Avocado popsicles are a creamy, dairy-free dessert option. Just blend the avocado with coconut milk, a little honey, and a dash of lime juice, then freeze. Dip them in melted chocolate, smoothed with a bit of coconut oil, for a decadent treat – your guests will definitely be wowed!

Chia Seeds

Fiber, protein, omega-3s, minerals, antioxidants, and more come packed into these tiny seeds. They aid with digestion, heart health, blood sugar regulation, and so much more.

How to Get More in Your Diet:

Chia seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid, creating a gel that can thicken puddings, smoothies, and oatmeal. Many people add them to salad dressings or pancake batter, as well. It’s recommended to start small (about 1 T per day) to avoid any digestive discomfort.

Honey

This natural sweetener is rich in antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative stress. Research shows that honey may help lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease “bad” cholesterol while raising “good” cholesterol. It can also act as prebiotic, supporting healthy gut bacteria.

Matcha

This nutrient-dense powdered Japanese green tea is a health powerhouse. It offers a potent burst of antioxidants. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine promotes a calm, jitter-free sense of alertness without the “crash” that can come with coffee or energy drinks. Regular consumption of matcha has been linked to improved cognitive function.

How to Get More in Your Diet:

Matcha can obviously be made into a beverage, but it can also be mixed into smoothies or smoothie bowls. It can also be added to baked goods for a tasty dessert or breakfast treat.

TOPS Tip:

Why is matcha “better” than regular green tea? Both matcha and green tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant, though the plants are handled slightly differently during growing. However, the big difference comes after the tea is picked. Green tea is made by steeping and discarding dried leaves. Matcha, however, is made by grinding the leaves into a fine powder. That means you’re directly consuming the plant, offering more nutrients per serving. That said, both offer a lot of health benefits!

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a nutrient-dense source of protein. While health benefits vary by variety, overall, mushrooms act as a prebiotic, supporting gut health. Their high levels of antioxidants have been shown to reduce oxidative stress, which can protect your cognitive function. They’re also a good source of vitamin D!

How to Get More in Your Diet:

Mushrooms are a wonderful savory treat. Use them alongside or in lieu of other proteins. They’re also wonderful in salads. Dried, powdered mushrooms are used to make a functional beverage.

Chickpeas

These highly nutritious legumes are a source of plantbased protein. They provide dietary fiber, which supports digestion, along with minerals such as folate, iron, and magnesium. They can help support your blood sugar levels while lowering cholesterol.

How to Get More in Your Diet:

Chickpeas are wonderful add-ins for soups, salads, pasta dishes, and other saucy creations, like casseroles or curries. You can also use them to form patties, which work well as a main dish or a tasty side. •

sun damage The Tru About

There’s confidence that comes with adding a little color. Warm, sunkissed skin has a tendency to make everything look a bit more polished. For years, we’ve been told that bronzy skin is healthy skin, but that’s not actually the case. Sun exposure has a way of leaving its mark slowly until it’s impossible to ignore. The same thing we aim for may actually be what dulls our skin over time. by Emma Stevenson

What Your Skin is

Really Experiencing

The sunkissed look might feel like an upgrade, but beneath the surface, your skin is doing a lot more than absorbing light. Sun exposure triggers a slight stress response that prompts your skin to produce more pigment in an effort to shield itself. What we call a tan is actually your skin going into protection mode. It can look flattering to your complexion in the moment, but it’s actually an indicator of deeper problems.

In addition to being almost imperceptible after immediate damage, the effects of sun damage are pretty delayed to cause any problems. Sun spots that appear at the end of summer, a subtle uneven skin tone, and a loss of skin brightness are hard to pick out. The skin you’re seeing today reflects habits from years ago, not just last weekend. That disconnect can make it hard to link cause and effect, especially when things seemed fine in the moment. It’s only over time that the pattern becomes clear. Sun exposure doesn’t just create visible damage; it alters the overall texture and clarity of your skin in ways that are difficult to undo. Fine lines may begin to settle in more noticeably, especially in areas that see the most exposure.

Over time, repeated sun exposure starts to reduce the qualities associated with healthy, glowing skin. The structures that keep skin firm and smooth don’t respond well to constant stress, and those effects build gradually rather than all at once. Don’t be as concerned with one single sunny afternoon; worry more about the quiet accumulation of many small exposures over time – a long walk, road trip with the windows down, catch-up lunch with a friend outdoors. Individually, these experiences may feel harmless, but over time, they mean something different.

Sneaky Signs of Sun Damage

Myths We Believe

For something so universal, sun exposure is still wrapped in a surprising number of half-truths. “I tan, I don’t burn!” often feels like a pass, as if avoiding redness means avoiding damage. In reality, a tan is just a different expression of the same response. Though it may look more even and “controlled” than a sunburn, it’s still the skin reacting negatively to sun exposure.

The enduring appeal of the “base tan,” a little early color that somehow protects you later, is also not particularly reliable. And relying on one quick layer of SPF from morning moisturizer creates a false sense of security. It’s a good habit to start, but you should always be reapplying throughout the day to keep coverage. Even on cloudy days when the sun is less bright, UV exposure continues undetected. Even though these myths are convenient and make consequences less immediately visible to our eyes, over time, they’re quietly building up harmful sun exposure.

Effortless Protection

Sun protection doesn’t have to feel like a dramatic lifestyle overhaul. It’s mainly about refining what you’re already doing. The key is consistency rather than protection – that’s what will do the most to protect you over time. A daily sunscreen should become less like a rule and more like a skincare staple, as routine as using moisturizer or brushing your teeth.

Reapplication (the most inconvenient step, we know) has evolved into something much easier to manage. Lightweight formulas, misting sprays, and on-the-go sizes make it possible to maintain full coverage without disrupting your activities. And your accessories can double as protection – breathable layers, oversized sunglasses, and sunhats are all summer staples for a reason. They help you move through the day with style and intention.

Undo the Damage

There is no shortage of beauty solutions to rewind the clock. Targeted skincare can help brighten uneven tone, soften fine lines, and restore smoothness, and professional treatments can take these results further for longer-lasting effects.

All things considered, though, improvement isn’t elimination. Some changes run deeper than what’s visible on the surface, and while lines and spots can be softened, the effects of sun damage are not always completely reversible. That’s why prevention acts as preservation in the long run.

Redefining the Healthy Glow

A “healthy glow” no longer means a (fake) base tan and damaged skin. Now it’s shifting toward something a little more sustainable. It’s not about the depth of your tan, but more about how your skin reflects light with a hydrated, radiant tone. It’s time to support your healthy skin rather than push it to react to the sun’s damaging rays. Glow isn’t about something you acquire – it’s something you maintain through care, consistency, and balance.

And this doesn’t mean you need to avoid the sun entirely. Sunlight is still warming, energizing, and enjoyable in small doses, but you can approach it with more awareness. Small, consistent adjustments make a difference – choose shade when it’s available, reapply SPF when needed, and be mindful of peak hours.

Modern Aesthetics, Personalized Care

From cutting-edge technology to expertly tailored treatments, Luxe Lounge Medspa is setting the standard for aesthetics in Lexington! As the first Medspa in town to offer the Halo Tribrid laser, Luxe Lounge continues proving they are ahead of the latest treatments and innovations.

As we prepare for the summer season, here are 6 of their go-to treatments for the ultimate glow-up:

HydraFacial

The ultimate skin refresh. This deep-cleansing, hydrating facial exfoliates, extracts impurities, and infuses the skin with nourishing serums for an instantly smoother, brighter glow.

OxyGeneo Facial

A next-level facial treatment designed to exfoliate, oxygenate, and rejuvenate the skin from within. Perfect for achieving that fresh, luminous summer complexion with no downtime.

NEW! HALO Tribrid

The newest, most advanced laser on the market! With its triple wave technology, prepare to target signs of aging, resurface skin, and erase sun damage without the downtime of traditional ablative resurfacing lasers.

Facial Balancing

Enhance your natural beauty with soft, balanced volume and definition. Whether you’re looking for better symmetry or a fuller pout, Luxe Lounge specializes in customized, natural-looking results.

NEW! Nano Channeling

Boost collagen production and reveal your inner radiance! This treatment is similar to microneedling, without the downtime! Pro tip: Pair with a deluxe Hydrafacial for the ultimate glow.

Wrinkle Relaxers

Smooth fine lines and soften wrinkles for a refreshed, youthful appearance. Wrinkle relaxers are a great go-to for effortless, confidence-boosting maintenance.

See why Luxe Lounge Medspa was voted Best In Lexington by calling or scheduling your free consult today!

Leading With Purpose

More Than a Campaign

Sarah Bays and Molly Robertson led a team of Sayre students through Blood Cancer United’s Student Visionaries of the Year program – a national leadership initiative that empowers high school students to raise critical funds and awareness while developing the skills to lead far beyond the classroom.

Together, the Sayre team raised $77,911, contributing to a Lexington grand total of $212,124 – the most Lexington has ever seen.

Sarah and Molly didn’t just participate in the program –they built and led a team, called Cells of Strength. From coordinating fundraising efforts to managing outreach and donors, they took full ownership of the process.

$77,911 raised by the Sayre team

Sarah Bays and Molly Robertson named Student Visionaries of the Year

The experience required organization, communication, and resilience – the kind of real-world leadership that extends far beyond the classroom.

Their groundbreaking fundraising campaign distinguished itself through both scale, consistency, and the strength of the community they mobilized. Their success reflects not only their individual drive, but also the strength of the Sayre community and the collective effort behind their campaign.

Programs like Student Visionaries of the Year, led by Blood Cancer United, continue to empower young leaders from across the country – giving them the opportunity to create meaningful impact while developing the skills to lead in whatever comes next.

$212,124 raised across Lexington 20 Sayre students

Built by Leadership. Driven by Impact.

Sarah and Molly led every aspect of their campaign, from strategy and outreach to team engagement and donor development.

They coordinated dine-in nights with local restaurants, organized a Give Back Day with Kendra Scott, and designed a custom campaign shirt to drive donations.

They encouraged student participation at Sayre by making it rewarding to get involved. They fed the Sayre team during group meetings at lunch, celebrated weekly progress, and created a culture of recognition and incentives that kept momentum strong.

Throughout their leadership, the team came together around a shared mission – raising funds, spreading awareness, and rallying behind a great cause.

“ ” This wasn’t just fundraising. It was leadership, ownership, and showing what’s possible when young women decide to lead.

Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS) is a national nonprofit dedicated to funding research, supporting patients and families, and advancing cures for blood cancers.

If your high school student would like to participate, please contact Haley Hardy at haley.hardy@bloodcancerunited.org

going viral

Skin Pick-Me-Up

rhode Caffeine Reset Sculpting Cream Mask ($38)

Collagen Wrap

MediCube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask ($21)

Face Mist AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream Mist ($24)

Body Exfoliator

The INKEY List Exfoliating Body Stick ($20)

Lipgloss

Laneige Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum ($22)

Red Light Therapy

ORA Method LED Gua Sha ($269)

Blurry Color

fwee Blurry Pudding Pot ($16)

Face Palette Made by Mitchell Curve Case ($33)

Spicule Serum

VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle Shot ($22)

MAKEUP & FACE

Shadow Single

MERIT Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow ($26)

Overall Foundation Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow ($48)

Eyeshadow Palette

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam ($48)

Cream Lipstick

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge ($35)

Foundation Stick Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish ($49)

Lip Pencil

Skin Blurring

Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm ($39)

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes ($29)

Invisible Skin Mattifying Typology. L55 Mattifying Stick ($34)

Liquid Blush Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($25)

Lightweight Concealer ILIA Skin Blur Serum Concealer ($32)

Lip Stain Summer Fridays Flushed Long-Lasting Lip Tint ($22)

more makeup

Tinted Moisturizer

Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($20)

Bronzer

Victoria Beckham Beauty Bronze Water Tint ($46)

Lip Gloss

Dior Addict Glass Lipstick ($13)

Setting Powder

Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur ($48)

Powder Blush YSL Make Me Blush ($46)

Primer

Bobbi Brown Face Base Moisturizer Primer ($69)

Brow Pencil

Anastasia Beverly Hills ArchiBrow Microblade ($30)

Setting Spray Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Mattifying ($36)

Highlighter Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminator ($29)

HAIR CARE

Deep Conditioning Mask

Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask ($40)

Most Versatile Shampoo

ROZ Foundation Hydrating Shampoo ($48)

Hairspray

Color WOW Texas Hold ‘Em Big Hold ($32)

Texturizing Spray

Bumble and bumble Dryspun Texture Spray ($37)

Volumizing Mousse

Shu Uemura Awa Volume ($46)

Glass Hair

Drybar Liquid Glass Sealant ($36)

Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Olaplex N°3 Complete Repair Treatment ($34)

Damaged Hair Repair Mask K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair ($29)

Dry Scalp Serum

Crown Affair The Calming Scalp Serum ($58)

Coily & Curly Hair Shampoo PATTERN Hydration Shampoo ($22)

Curly Hair Conditioner L’Oréal Paris Ever-Pure Curl Conditioner ($11)

Gray Hair Shampoo Oribe Silverati Shampoo ($49)

more hair

L’Oreal Paris Ever Pure Iron Sleek ($11)

Co-Wash

UnWash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner ($36)

Root Touch-Up

Shampoo for Fine Hair

John Frieda Ultra Filler+ ($12)

Dry Shampoo

I Dew Care Tap Secret ($18)

Bond Builder

Nexxus KERAPHIX Liquid Crystallizer ($30)

Color Gloss dpHUE Gloss+ ($39)

Pre-Wash Oil Hair Syrup Lemon Aid Pre-Wash Oil ($25)

SKIN CARE

Age Support + Peptides

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper 1%

High-Performace Anti-Aging

Lancôme Rénergie HPN 300-Peptide Cream ($150)

Neck Firming

StriVectin Peptight Serum Roller ($82)

($32)

Peri + Menopausal Skin bioelements iconic hyaluronic ($49)

Spot Treatment

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M ($25)

A.M. Moisturizer

AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 ($32)

All-Over Hydration

Merle Norman Universal Cream ($38.25)

Budget P.M. Moisturizer

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($18)

Moisture Barrier Recovery

Glossier After Baume ($34)

Dark Spot Correction

Shiseido Benefiance Dark Spot Serum ($89)

Best Hydrating Serum Allies of Skin Advanced Hydrating Serum ($89)

Daily Sunscreen

Clinique UV Solutions Hydrating SPF 50 ($39)

fragrances

Feminine: Floral, Cashmere, Musk

Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc Blanc for Her ($170)

Feminine: Citrus, Floral, Vanilla Parfums de Marly Athénaïs ($410)

Feminine: Fruity, Coconut, Floral YSL Libre Berry Crush ($180)

Unisex: Amber, Spicy, Woody Aesop Above Us, Steorra ($200)

Unisex: Intimate, Vanilla, Woody NOYZ Only Human ($85)

Unisex: Citrus, Aromatic, Green Jo Malone Yuzu Zest ($170)

Masculine: Citrus, Musk, Fresh Versace Eros Energy ($139)

Masculine: Herbaceous, Vanilla, Spicy Emporio Armani Stronger With You Parfum ($11)

Masculine: Woody, Spicy, Leather Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif ($275)

FOR THE GUYS

Pomade

Blind Barber 101 Proof Classic Pomade ($22)

Thickening Shampoo

Kératase Genesis Homme Bain de Masse ($46)

Beard and Brow Color

The Men Pen Brow & Beard Hair Dye ($20)

Concealer

Horace Concealer ($25)

Daily SPF

Clinique for Men Daily Hydrator SPF 35 ($43)

Soothing Shave Gel

Caldera+Lab The Smooth ($30)

Color Correction

Dr.Jart+ Cicapair SPF 30 ($54)

Nail Smoother Manicurist Active Smooth ($19)

Tinted Powder

Mënaji Hi-Def Anti-Shine Powder ($38)

Men’s Forumulated Skin Care Particle Face Cream For Men ($69)

After Shave Care Korres Aftershave Barber Comfort Balm ($30)

Gel Cleanser PrettyBoy Fresh Start ($49)

other beauty goods

Toner medicube Zero Pore Pad ($31)

Bar Soap

Beekman 1802 Pure Goat Milk Body Soap ($16)

Press-On Nails

Static Nails Pop-On Manicure ($20)

False Lashes

Ardell Seamless Underlash Extensions ($20)

Hand Sanitizer Touchland Power Mist Hydrating ($10)

Clean Deodorant (That Works) Corpus N° Green Deodorant ($26)

Nail Polish Gel by Essie ($13)

Brow Gel (and Edge Gel!) Got2B 2-in-1 Brow & Edge Gel ($10)

Lip Treatment

Mary Kay Satin Lips White Tea & Citrus Set ($26)

stories by Allyson Mattingly

photos by Shelly Fryman

Stephanie Gilmore

Susan E. Neil, MD

Aesthetic Medicine & Wellness

Susan E. Neil, MD

Susan E. Neil, MD believes in offering personalized aesthetic medicine and wellness care in a private office setting. Each patient receives one-on-one attention from Dr. Neil.

“The best part of working in health care is direct interaction with my patients,” she said. “I love being able to see how we are helping improve their quality of life, whether it’s relieving migraines, helping them look better, or improving cardiovascular health.”

She also views her team as family. Office manager Lisa Stiff has been working alongside Dr. Neil for over 20 years.

Maité Perez, RN helps provide a seamless, welcoming patient experience.

Staying ahead of the curve is important to Dr. Neil. She was an early adopter of cosmetic fillers and laser, as well as many non-invasive procedures. She proudly offers SculpSure® and Sculptra®, and is the only practice in the area offering Thermage®

In addition to being an avid golfer, Dr. Neil is a CSW (certified specialist of wine) and a member of the Society of Wine Educators and the Wine Scholars Guild.

859.278.6345 2101 Nicholasville Rd. Lexington, KY susanneilmd.com

Commonwealth Plastic Surgery

Renee Nimtz • Jared Nimtz • Cassidy Blair-Dixon Tisha Ducas • Ashley Michalski

As a board-certified and top plastic surgeon in Lexington, London, and Georgetown, Jared Nimtz, MD, is highly experienced in a comprehensive range of plastic surgery procedures for the face, breast, and body. He is a member of leading plastic surgery professional associations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society.

Dr. Nimtz has built and maintained a profound trust with his patients through his expertise and talent in aesthetic surgery and a range of non-invasive treatments. Known for his compassionate care and commitment to patient education, he works closely with each individual to create personalized treatment plans tailored to their goals and lifestyle.

Dr. Nimtz has been in practice for 13 years. He operates in his own surgery facility, privately located next to his main office in Lexington. His surgical suite provides patients with high-quality care while offering added convenience, privacy, and comfort.

Fat transfer is one example of the many procedures he performs. Also called fat grafting, this highly sought-after procedure uses the patient’s own fat to provide the most natural-looking results while restoring youthful volume and contour. This treatment can offer an alternative to injectable fillers and volumizers in facial rejuvenation. For many patients, it’s used as a way to enhance volume in the breasts or buttocks region.

The Commonwealth Plastic Surgery team combines extensive expertise with a passion for patient care. Director of Operations Renee Nimtz ensures that every client experience is positive, smooth, and uplifting. Tisha Ducas, RN-BSN, has 20+ years of combined experience in laser, skincare, perioperative plastic and surgical nursing, enabling her to offer a host of skincare services with precision. Ashley Michalski is a licensed massage therapist and cosmetic tattoo artist whose passion for healing supports her wholebody approach to patient care. Cassidy Blair-Dixon serves as Front Desk Manager, assisting the team by keeping the office running smoothly while ensuring patients feel at home from the moment they walk through the door.

Whether you are looking for a mommy makeover, breast augmentation, or skin rejuvenating procedure, Dr. Jared Nimtz and the team at Commonwealth Plastic Surgery look forward to meeting your unique aesthetic goals.

859.277.9435 • commonwealthplastics.com

Fullers Family Home Care

Samantha Walters • Michelle Fuller

Clients who choose Fullers Family Home Care can expect a compassionate, individualized approach to care that prioritizes safety, communication, and flexibility. Offering in-home care assistance for seniors, surgical patients, and individuals with disabilities, Fullers is a Kentuckycertified personal service agency that helps with daily tasks clients are unable to manage alone, including personal care, meal preparation, errands, safety, and transportation.

As a local, family- and woman-owned business, Fullers Family Home Care is built on the belief that clients should be treated like members of the family. With a career spanning almost 20 years in the home care industry, Michelle Fuller created the company to provide dependable, highquality in-home support for individuals and families navigating complicated care needs. “We aim to provide not just physical care, but also emotional and social support, ensuring a high quality of life at every stage of care,” she explained. “Whether it’s short- or long-term care, patients and their families will feel supported and confident in the process.”

Fuller works closely with her leadership team to ensure each client receives thoughtful care, including her daughter, Samantha Walters, who acts as Director of Operations. A native of Central Kentucky, Walters brings more than 16 years of clinical experience with a background in emergency medicine, labor and delivery, mother-baby, NICU, PICU, and home health. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Maternal Child Health and an Associate of Applied Science in nursing and is currently studying to be a Family Nurse Practitioner to further expand her ability to serve patients and families.

“My diverse clinical background has shaped a deeply patient-centered approach focused on advocacy, education, and compassionate support for both clients and their families,” Walters said. “One of my greatest passions is supporting mothers affected by substance use disorders and their infants, helping families navigate recovery, strengthen bonding, and build healthier futures through compassionate, judgment-free care.”

Together, Fuller and Walters emphasize a hands-on, relationship-based model of care supported by experienced staff and a strong commitment to the community. Their approach focuses on consistency, flexibility, and trust, ensuring families feel wholly supported throughout the care journey.

Fuller is also continuing to expand her approach to care and is currently training to become an end-of-life doula, further extending her commitment to supporting families through some of life’s largest transitions.

859.880.4680

Hourglass Aesthetics

Beth Hourigan

At Hourglass Aesthetics, Beth Hourigan, MBA, has elevated the medical spa experience to something beyond the ordinary. Offering aesthetic injectables, laser skin services, skin health, hormone replacement and optimization, body contouring, functional wellness, lashes, hair extensions and more, Hourglass provides a balance between clinical excellence and a truly luxurious, personalized experience.

Composed of highly trained aesthetic experts and medical professionals, the team at Hourglass stays at the forefront of industry innovation, ensuring that every treatment is both safe and results driven. Their services range from injectables and laser skin treatments to body contouring and skincare services.

“It’s not just what we do, but it’s how we do it,” says Hourigan. “From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll notice an attention to detail that reflects our commitment to excellence. We take time to understand your goals, curate treatment plans, and create an atmosphere that feels warm, welcoming, and elevated.”

The milestones in Hourigan’s life have included everything from a master’s in business administration to serving as a Tennessee Titans NFL cheerleading captain. Her leadership experience, expertise in the field of aesthetics and vision led to the founding of Hourglass Aesthetics. As a mother of three, wife and entrepreneur, Hourigan knows that investing in yourself is more than self-care.

“In our busy, constantly connected lives, making time for yourself is a quiet luxury that speaks volumes,” Hourigan says. “It’s about choosing to prioritize your wellbeing, your confidence, and the way you feel in your own skin.”

The services Hourigan and her team provide are intended to enhance not just your natural beauty, but your everyday experience. She says, “At Hourglass, it’s not just about looking your best - it’s about feeling rejuvenated, empowered, and confident!”

Hourigan adds, “The most timeless investment you can make is in YOU.”

859-904-5274

Ballard Wellness & Aesthetics

Emma Ballard • Amber Ballard, APRN • Lucille Carr

At Ballard Wellness & Aesthetics, Amber Ballard, APRN, and her team help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and long-term wellness through medically supervised, individualized care.

After 15 years as a primary care provider, Ballard felt drawn to create a different kind of practice while continuing the work she loved. In 2024, she founded Ballard Wellness & Aesthetics, centered around wellness, prevention, confidence, and helping patients feel like the best version of themselves. “In primary care, much of my day was spent managing illness, stress, and chronic medical problems,” she explained. “I wanted to create a space where I could focus more on wellness and helping people feel good.”

Ballard works with patients on weight loss, hormone optimization, wellness therapies, and aesthetic treatments, noting the most rewarding part of her work is watching patients regain their quality of life. “Seeing their excitement, renewed confidence, and accomplishments brings me joy,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch someone feel healthier, more energized, confident, and comfortable in their own skin.”

Rather than focusing on isolated services or temporary results, Ballard provides a structured pathway designed to support sustained change. Drawing on her extensive medical experience and individualized approach to care, she helps patients feel comfortable, heard, and supported throughout their journey.

859.303.6319 • ballard-wellness.com 1025 Dove Run #105 • Lexington, KY

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Thrive at any age with these businesses designed to keep up the health & happiness of seniors!

What Does Happy Look Like at 80?

On a bright April morning, something quietly extraordinary happened on the grounds of The Lafayette. A ribbon was cut. A trail was named. And a man named Sonny Witt — retired firefighter, lifelong competitive runner, and someone who has been lacing up his walking shoes every single morning, rain or shine, for decades — stepped forward as the kind of person this community was built around.

The Sonny Witt Walking Trail, unveiled on Earth Day, is more than a path through green space. It’s a symbol of everything The Lafayette believes in: staying active, staying connected, and finding meaning in the everyday. Sonny, also beloved as the “tomato guy” for the sweet cherry tomatoes he grows and shares from the gardening club each season, embodies a spirit that runs through this entire community.

In his fifties, Sonny ran 5K and 10K races across Kentucky and Indiana nearly every weekend — a circuit of starting lines and finish lines that took him all over two states and kept him rooted in the simple discipline of putting one foot in front of the other. That discipline never left him. Like many people who have lived fully, Sonny has also known loss in recent years — grief that doesn’t just disappear. But he has found, as he always has, that moving helps. Walking the trail. Tending the garden. Stopping to talk with a neighbor. At 84, those are the things that make him happy, and at The Lafayette, he has all of them within reach every single day.

In the weeks surrounding that ribbon cutting, Sales Director Jana Hedges sat down with several residents and asked them a simple question: what does happiness really mean — at this stage of life, with all you’ve seen and done? The answers she received were honest, funny, hard-earned, and deeply human.

A Life Well Lived Starts With Saying Yes

Gail Carpenter, 88, didn’t hesitate when asked what brought her the most happiness. “My career,” she said. “It allowed me to do all kinds of things I wasn’t aware were going to happen to me.” A nurse by calling and a clinical educator by legacy, Gail spent decades teaching new nurses at some of Lexington’s top hospitals — and her influence is still felt

in the halls of The Lafayette. Visitors and staff sometimes stop mid-conversation when they realize who she is. “Mrs. Carpenter?” they’ll say. “You were my teacher.”

She built a life rich with connection — and she’s still doing it. She has a nursing school roommate she’s kept in touch with for over sixty years. “She lives in New York now. We call each other around Christmas. We are both 88 years old and still keep in touch.”

Gail is clear-eyed about happiness, too — refreshingly so. “You’re not going to change someone’s personality by suggesting activities,” she said with a laugh. “I pick my friends. I like people who talk.” At The Lafayette, she’s found plenty of them.

From Getting to Giving

Beth O’Donnell, 83, spent her career as a utility company attorney — work that lived largely in the world of laws, regulations, and careful paperwork. Precise, methodical, detail-oriented work. And yet when you ask her what brings her happiness, none of that is what she reaches for. Her answer was immediate: “Being able to help others.” She reflected on how her understanding of joy has shifted over the decades. “When I was younger I thought it was about me getting things or doing things. As I get older I realize that true happiness comes from helping others.”

But don’t mistake that for something abstract or grand. Beth also finds it in a morning walk, birdsong, flowers blooming, a good meal, and the people she loves. “I don’t know if that’s a small thing,” she admitted with a smile. “That’s kind of a big thing, actually.”

Independent, Grounded, and Grateful

Ms. Ritter, 79, spent her career teaching mathematics — a discipline that rewards precision, patience, and the willingness to work through a problem from every angle. It’s not hard to see how those same qualities shaped her philosophy on happiness. She has thought deeply about it, perhaps more than most. “I decided to be happy independent of external influences,” she said, “because people go through

life changes, and I was not responsible for other people’s happiness.”

“I would encourage young people to be contemplative,” she added. “Become very aware of your surroundings. How you react to people. Understanding people is paramount.”

Letting

Go of the Culture’s Scorecard

Larry Maze, 82, served for decades as an Episcopal Bishop — a calling he embraced fully, pouring himself into the spiritual lives of thousands of people across his diocese. It was meaningful, demanding work. And when he retired, something unexpected happened: stepping back from the busyness of it all opened a door to a quieter, deeper kind of happiness.

“The further I have distanced myself from the commands of the culture — what it means to be important, what I should spend my life doing — the more I’ve pushed that away and found the freedom of just being alive and trying to pay attention to life as it is all around me,” he said. “I’ve gotten happier by the year.”

For Larry, that shift came down to one thing: the interior life. Soul work, as he calls it. “The inner work is the most important thing to be doing. You should always be checking in with your soul. The culture teaches us a completely different value system — more money, more power, more influence. Those are part of the American dream and I don’t believe any of it anymore.”

What he does believe in, he found here at The Lafayette. “I have never enjoyed connecting with people as much as I enjoy it now,” he said. “Since living here, I really found a new freedom — don’t ever let anybody walk by without speaking to them.” He describes himself as fundamentally an introvert, yet his extroversion, he says with a laugh, “has been out playing more than it’s ever been out.” Part of what makes it work: the balance. “If I’m sick of it I can just stay home all day.”

He chose The Lafayette, he says, because of the people — a lesson learned the hard way when he visited another community and watched residents eat lunch in total silence. “I thought to myself: this won’t work.”

His advice to younger generations wrestling with pressure and ambition is disarmingly gentle. “You can’t get it all

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figured out until you have life experience that will help you figure it out. You should be kind to yourself — you cannot know what you don’t know until life is ready to teach you. And then it will teach you.”

Often, he notes, the deepest lessons arrive in the dark. “When the light is shining and everybody is sweet, I don’t learn much. But when the darkness moves in — man, I learn something.”

The Trail, the Tomatoes, and the Bigger Picture

Back on the Sonny Witt Walking Trail, residents and staff gathered on Earth Day to mark a new chapter. Steps are being tracked. Mileage is being logged. Friendly competition and mutual encouragement are already in full swing. The gardening club tends its beds nearby, and somewhere in there, Sonny’s tomato plants are quietly doing their thing. Mrs. Barkman, 86, whose family moved often when she was young — her father a sought-after marketing executive — knows something about adapting and finding joy wherever you land. That adaptability only deepened over a career in clinical psychology and hospital administration, where reading people and navigating complexity were daily requirements. “You can’t do anything if you don’t get out there and put a smile on your face and do what needs to be done,” she said. And happiness? “Sometimes it takes work. It doesn’t just automatically happen. Look for the positive — otherwise life is no fun.”

This Is What It Looks Like

What does happy look like at 80? At The Lafayette, it looks like Sonny — the firefighter who never stopped running — walking the trail at dawn. It looks like Gail on the phone with her best friend of sixty years, still the teacher to anyone who needs her. It looks like Beth, the attorney turned Resident Council President, stopping to listen to the birds. It looks like Ms. Ritter, the math teacher, solving for joy with the same quiet precision she brought to every equation. It looks like Larry Maze waving to every single person he passes in the hall and meaning it. It looks like Mrs. Barkman — who spent decades understanding the human mind — smiling anyway. It looks, in other words, like a life fully lived — and a community built to support every step of it.

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photos courtesy Justin’s Place

Inspirations: Justin’s Place

The bond between children and animals is truly special. At Justin’s Place in Wilmore, this connection helps kids build confidence, find healing, and experience joy when they need it most.

This Kentucky nonprofit was founded in honor of Justin King. Justin was known for his kindness, always standing up for others, caring for those who were sick, and listening without judgment. He enjoyed helping at school and volunteering with the Southland Christian Church Jesus Prom. Tragically, his life was cut short by a car accident. His family chose to transform personal loss into something deeply meaningful for the community. Inspired by Justin’s love for children, the organization now offers equine-assisted programs that support kids’ emotional growth, learning, and connection while embodying Justin’s heartfelt care for others.

Justin’s Place may look like a quiet horse farm at first, but there is much more happening than just riding lessons. The team provides a safe and welcoming space for children ages 3 to 13 who have a disability or disorder. Through therapeutic riding and horse-related activities, kids can build confidence and independence while having fun. Whether they are grooming horses or learning to ride, children are encouraged to try new things in a supportive, judgment-free setting.

One of the most popular programs at Justin’s Place is Stable Moments, a mentorship program for children in foster care, kinship care, adoption, or those who have experienced trauma. Each child is matched with a mentor and a horse for weekly sessions that focus on life skills, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and building healthy relationships. This straightforward approach helps children feel noticed, supported, and safe.

The team at Justin’s Place understands that transportation can be a challenge for many children. To help, they work with local elementary schools and bring the Stable Moments Mobile program to kids who need extra support. Through creative, child-led activities, children build confidence, self-esteem, responsibility, healthy relationships, emotional awareness, and self-regulation.

Every lesson and mentorship session is made possible by a dedicated team of instructors, volunteers, and community supporters who believe in the mission of Justin’s Place. Many staff members are certified in therapeutic riding, trauma-informed care, and equineassisted learning.

Life can often feel busy and overwhelming, but Justin’s Place gives children and families a chance to slow down and enjoy an hour of joy, connection, and encouragement. For many, that hour truly makes a difference.

To learn more about Justin’s Place or to help support their mission, visit justinsplaceky.com.

The Benefits

Research shows that the children that Justin’s Place aims to help are at a higher risk of anxiety, depression and related mental health disorders. Their certified instructors and trained volunteers aim to help these kids to reach their full potential and overcome their struggles.

They’re doing it by using one of Kentucky’s best resources: the horse. For children with trauma, anxiety, developmental challenges, or facing difficult life transitions, equine therapy can be incredibly impactful.

Horses are naturally intuitive animals, often responding to human emotions in ways that help children feel calm, understood, and accepted. Programs like those at Justin’s Place use these interactions to aid in children’s emotional growth.

Working with horses also encourages important life skills. Children learn patience, communication, responsibility, and emotional regulation while grooming, leading, or riding the animals. For kids in foster care or those who have experienced trauma, the consistency and connection formed with a horse can help rebuild selfesteem and create a sense of stability.

Equine-assisted activities may also improve balance, coordination, focus, and social skills for children with developmental or physical disabilities.

Perhaps most importantly, these programs allow kids to simply enjoy being kids: being outdoors, engaged,

Inspirations A Blank Canvas, A Brighter Future

How MY VIBE Transforms Lives, One Apartment at a Time Before

For countless young people navigating the complexities of the foster care system, the eighteenth birthday isn’t a celebration of newfound freedom, but often a terrifying, daunting moment. At the stroke of midnight, many find themselves “aging out,” facing independence with little more than the belongings they can carry, oftentimes in a garbage bag.

The stark reality is that by the time they reach this critical juncture, these resilient individuals have, on average, experienced thirteen different homes, never truly knowing the stability or comfort of a space that is their own. While the state offers a small apartment and basic essentials, for those who choose to reinstate into the system, the yearning for a personalized sanctuary – a place to truly belong – often remains unfulfilled.

Enter MY VIBE, an inspiring and innovative program under The Foster Care Council and spearheaded by the compassionate vision of its creator and director, Buffy Lawson. Two years ago, Lawson joined forces with Cassie

Slone, Executive Director of The Foster Care Council, and together they have since transformed over 24 apartments into personalized havens, each a testament to hope and selfexpression. “MY VIBE isn’t just about decorating; it’s about empowering young adults to reclaim their narrative and build a foundation for a successful future,” says Lawson.

Buffy Lawson lovingly refers to these young individuals as “MY VIBERS.” The journey begins with a deeply personal collaboration. “We go room to room, drawer to drawer, and first determine their needs,” Lawson explains. But the process goes far beyond practicalities.

“We then begin peeling the onion to discover what colors, styles, and VIBE they are wishing to have,” she states. “Then, the shopping begins!” This meticulous, empathetic approach ensures that every choice reflects the unique personality and aspirations of the MY VIBER, fostering a sense of ownership and identity that has often been absent in their lives.

The transformation is comprehensive and heartwarming. MY VIBE furnishes these first apartments with new or gently used furniture, bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, rugs, and plants. The kitchen is stocked with matching dishes, pots and pans, a full array of spices and oils – as Lawson puts it, “All the way down to a junk drawer!”

The apartments are also furnished with artwork. “We are thrilled by the support of the Arts community. Many phenomenal artists have donated original art to our MY VIBERS, which is thrilling to them, as they are learning to identify art styles as well as owning something that is a oneof-a-kind,” Lawson explains.

Initially, MY VIBE focused primarily on the decorative aspect of apartment setup. However, through deep listening and genuine connection with the participants, the program evolved. “Listening to our MY VIBERS, we realized that a wonderful apartment is fantastic! But they have told us that they need help with résumés, dressing for success, interviewing skills, and cooking – just to name a few,”

After!

Lawson recounts. This invaluable feedback propelled MY VIBE to broaden its scope, now offering crucial life skills support, often in collaboration with other phenomenal non-profits.

Lawson recalls a particularly poignant moment that underscores the core impact of MY VIBE. “I will never forget the afternoon that we finished an apartment with a precious young lady,” she said. “I commended her on her ability to articulate herself and her VIBE. Her response as she looked me squarely in the eyes was: ‘I have always been able to express myself. This is just the first time I have ever felt heard.’”

The most unique and profound aspect of MY VIBE lies in its unwavering commitment to personalization, perfectly encapsulated by its powerful slogan: “MY VIBE… MY HOME. MY VIBE. MY RULES.”

If you would like to be a part of the MY VIBE experience, please visit the provided QR code or email buffy@myviberocks.org •

story and photos courtesy MY VIBE | Buffy Lawson

IS OUR MOMENT

Now is the moment we’ve been waiting for. With new treatments emerging in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, now is the time for hope. But not the time to stop.

Help us keep the momentum going in your community at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk To End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

Join us at alz.org/walk

2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Lexington Sporting Club Stadium – Lexington October 18, 2026 | 1:30p.m.

2026 National Presenting Sponsor

Horsin’Around

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation

Spring Trail Ride

June 6 | Kentucky Horse Park

Support the KHP Tree Fund Initiative while taking in the scenic beauty of the Kentucky Horse Park’s rolling acres. Guests of all levels, disciplines, and breeds are welcome. A $45 entry fee provides access to the trails from 9am-4pm, rain or shine. Learn more at khpfoundation.org

Keeneland Library Lecture Series:

Tom Durkin

June 11 | Keeneland Library

Join the author in a discussion of A Life’s Calling: The Voice Behind the World’s Greatest Horses. Get tickets at tickets.keeneland.com.

EquineEd: Featuring Kurt Becker

June 6 | Kentucky Horse Park

At 12:30pm, join announcer Kurt Becker for an inside look at calling races. This event is free to attend. Learn more at kyhorsepark.com.

Starting Gate Storytime: “Seabiscuit”

June 27 | Keeneland Library

Kiddos will love this event! Starting Gate Storytime features a children’s book featuring horses and the equine industry, paired with a literacy, history, art,

Having Fun in Horse Country JUNE 2026

or STEM activity. While Keeneland Kids Club mascot Buckles is always on hand, this time, the littles will enjoy a special visit from Hank the Horse! This series is perfect for ages 3 to 7: programs are free, but you reserve your spot ASAP: tickets.keeneland.com/special-events.

Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show

July 6 - July 11 | Kentucky Horse Park

Save the date for a week of the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred show, and the first leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown.” Created in 1937, this horse show helps fund the Lexington Junior League’s community works project. You won’t want to miss the fun events! Learn more at lexington.jl.org.

Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trials & Rally

June 17 - June 21 | Kentucky Horse Park

Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship - East

June 17 - June 21 | Kentucky Horse Park

Split Rock USHJA Amateur Festival

June 24 - June 28 | Kentucky Horse Park

MSEDA Dressage at the Park

June 27 - June 28 | Kentucky Horse Park

Get Glossy

photo / Rhode

There’s something irresistible about a perfectly glossy lip. Whether you like to swipe-and-go or someone who keeps a balm in every bag, your lip gloss can do more for you than just shine – they deliver serious nourishment, subtle color, and unbeatable hydration. We’re diving into tips, tricks, and can’t-live-without picks to keep your lips soft and smooth all summer long. by Emma Stevenson

Why Lip Care Matters More Than You Think

Your lips play by different rules than the rest of your skin, and that’s why they’re so quick to feel dry, cracked, or uncomfortable. Unlike other areas of your skin, lips don’t have oil glands to keep them naturally moisturized, so they rely almost entirely on what you put on them. Add extra stressors like sun exposure, cold air, and indoor heating, and it’s no wonder they need a little extra attention. But the good news is, new glosses and balms aren’t just about shine – they’re skincare in disguise.

Prep is Everything

Before you get glossy, you have to set your lips up for success. Smooth, hydrated lips allow products to glide on evenly and look more luxe. A gentle exfoliation once or twice a week (with a sugar scrub or even a soft toothbrush) helps buff away flaky skin without irritation. Follow with a nourishing lip balm to lock in moisture, and let it sink in before applying anything else. And don’t forget SPF – lips are especially vulnerable to sun damage, making protection just as important as hydration.

Make Your Lip

Products Last Longer

If you’ve ever felt like your gloss disappears the second you step outside, a few small tweaks can make all the difference. Start by applying a thin layer, blotting gently, then adding another swipe – this builds longevity without heaviness. Using a lip liner underneath can also create a subtle grip that helps gloss stay put, even if you’re going for a sheer look. Formula matters, too: balmy glosses tend to fade faster but feel more comfortable, while slightly tackier formulas offer longer wear. The key is finding that sweet spot between shine and staying power.

The Wind Problem

It’s the universal gloss dilemma: one gust of wind and suddenly your hair is stuck to your lips. While there’s

no way to control the weather, there are a few tricks to minimize the chaos. Applying gloss more strategically by focusing on the center of the lips rather than all the way to the edges can reduce stickiness. Opting for hybrid balmgloss formulas can also help, as they tend to be less tacky. On breezy days, consider simple styling tweaks like a sleek ponytail, a tucked-behind-the-ear moment, or smoothing down flyaways so they’re less likely to get caught in the breeze.

Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)

Not all glosses and balms are created equal, and a quick glance at the ingredient list can tell you a lot. Hydrating standouts like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and natural oils help draw in and seal in moisture, leaving lips feeling soft and supple. Ceramides can help reinforce the skin barrier, making them especially helpful for chronically dry lips. On the flip side, ingredients like menthol or high levels of alcohol may feel refreshing at first, but can ultimately lead to more dryness over time. The goal is to choose formulas that treat your lips while they shine.

Lip Care Habits That

Make a Difference

Incorporating a nighttime lip mask can help repair and deeply hydrate while you sleep, leaving lips noticeably smoother by morning. It’s also worth resisting the urge to lick your lips, which can actually make dryness worse over time. Instead of constantly reapplying product throughout the day, focus on layering thoughtfully and choosing formulas that truly nourish. Keeping a go-to balm or gloss within reach makes it easier to maintain soft, comfortable lips no matter where you are.

Final Swipe

At the end of the day, glossy, hydrated lips are less about perfection and more about ease. Whether you lean toward barely-there balms or high-shine glosses, consider this your invitation to experiment, layer, and find your signature lip look – one swipe at a time.

SPF 40 with no sunscreen taste

Supergoop! Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm ($22)

Shea butter, non-sticky, super shiny

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Gloss Luminizer ($23)

Unique plumping formula in a stick

MAC Cosmetics Squirt Plumping + Nourishing Lip Gloss Stick ($26)

Merle Norman Natural Lip Oil Cola ($26)

Loads of fun flavors with hyaluronic acid

E.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm Blueberry ($5)

Dermatologist recommended for moisturizing

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hydration Restore Lip Balm ($10) Natural, plant-based, and sheer

Craveable flavors beyond the trend

Peptide Lip Treatment ($20)

Leave-on lip mask with skin-loving ingredients

E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Lip Mask ($8)

Oil-infused plumping gloss

Extra smooth, nourishing formula

REFY Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid ($20)

Vitamin E, shea butter, sugar scrub

E.l.f. Lip Exfoliator Strawberry ($6)

Click-up stick for the perfect swipe every time

A bestseller for good reason

Rhode

YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss ($40)

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm Gloss ($27)

Aquaphor Lip Repair Tube ($7)

Make a Splash

by Emma Stevenson

Your sweat-proof, splash-proof, anti-frizz beauty routine

1: The Prep

Humidity-proof makeup starts before you even think about putting on makeup. When the air is thick, heavy creams and overly rich layers can melt fast. Instead, start with light, breathable, and strategic layers – gel-based moisturizers, quick-absorbing SPF, and just enough hydration to keep skin balanced without looking greasy.

If you don’t use it already, summer is when it’s important to implement primer into your makeup routine. Primer acts like double-sided tape, helping makeup stick to your skin while smoothing out rougher areas.

2: A Good Base

3: Eyes & Brows

If anything is bound to betray you in humid weather, it’s your eye makeup. Mascara and liner tend to migrate the second things heat up, so this is where waterproof (or at least water-resistant) formulas earn their spot.

Cream-based eyeshadows are your best bet here. They grip onto skin and are less likely to crease compared to powders. Brows can benefit from a stronger hold, too, with gels that set hairs in place rather than leaving them to their own devices.

When in doubt, simplify your routine. A defined lash line, nicely groomed brows, and maybe a flat wash of color can go a long way, and they’re easier to maintain during the heat of the day than a full, intricate eye look.

In humid weather, less is more, but smarter is everything. Instead of packing on a full-coverage foundation, switch to a lighter texture and only build when needed. A sheer base or skin tint evens things out, and you can let concealer do the heavy lifting. This will look much fresher and is less likely to melt off by lunchtime.

Setting is where most routines go wrong. It’s tempting to powder everything into submission, but this can lead to cakiness once heat and sweat kick in. Focus on areas that crease or get shiny first, and let the rest of your skin do its thing. Strategic setting keeps everything in place without looking overdone.

Seduction Eyeshadow

Cloud Dew® Gel Cream Moisturizer (Summer Fridays, $38)

Ballin’ Base Poreless Primer (Tarte, $34)

The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick (Merit, $38)

Glazing Mist (Rhode, $30)

High Impact Waterproof Mascara (Clinique, $20)

Total

Stick (NARS, $34)

5: The Midday Meltdown

Even the best routine can’t outlast a full day of heat and humidity without a little backup. The key is keeping your touch-up kit simple and resisting the urge to pile on even more product.

Blotting papers or sponges can be an essential addition for the humid season to remove excess oil without disturbing your makeup. If you need powder to get rid of extra sheen, use it sparingly and only after blotting, so you’re not layering texture over shine.

Hair fixes follow the same philosophy: adjust, don’t restart. A quick part flip, smoothing flyaways with your hands, or reworking a style into a bun can make everything look

4: Hair in Humidity

Frizz is not a sign of failure on your part – sometimes it’s unavoidable, as it’s just your hair reacting to moisture in the air. When humidity hits, the hair shaft swells, and your smooth style takes on a mind of its own. Try to fight it all you want, but at a certain point, the easier method is to lean into the frizz.

Lightweight serums or oils can help smooth things down, but the key is restraint. Too much product weighs hair down and makes everything look limp instead of sleek. A tiny amount, focused on dry ends or flyaways, is usually all you need to calm the chaos without overcorrecting.

You could also skip the battle entirely and choose styles that benefit from texture. Low buns, braids, and loose waves tend to hold up far better than anything that relies on pin-straight perfection.

6: Nighttime Reset

At the end of a long, humid day, what you take off matters just as much as what you put on. Long-wear and waterproof products are designed to stick around, which means a quick face wash typically won’t cut it on its own. A proper cleanse (even a double cleanse) helps remove buildup without leaving residue behind.

Once your skin is clear of products, keep hydration light but effective. After a day of sweat and SPF, your skin doesn’t need any more heaviness. Use soothing, lightweight, and replenishing moisturizers that won’t clog pores or feel suffocating.

Hair might need a reset, too. If you’ve been layering products to fight frizz, a gentle cleanse or occasional clarifying wash can help bring things back to baseline so you’re not starting the next day with buildup.

No Frizz Vanishing Oil (BeautySpace, $36)

The Beach Bender Triple Barrel Waver (Nordstrom, $139)

Instant Oil Control Roller W/ Halloysite Clay (Peace Out, $28)

Blotterazzi (Beauty Blender, $10)

Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo (DermStore, $52)

Milky Oil Waterproof Makeup Remover (Glossier, $18)

TOPS Local SPOTlight: Carson’s Back Porch

Carson’s Food & Drink’s newest concept has officially arrived, and if first impressions are any indication, Carson’s Back Porch is on its way to becoming one of Lexington’s most talked-about dining destinations. Blending elevated Southern charm with the atmosphere of a Charleston-style back porch, this newest concept from the Carson’s family of restaurants hopes to offer an all-new experience – with the same Carson’s hospitality.

Recently, TOPS in Lexington was invited to experience the restaurant’s “soft opening,” and the evening delivered. The mood was set with the warm glow of copper lanterns, umbrella-chandeliers, exposed brick walls, tufted booths, and a Dolly Parton-inspired restroom. Guests were ready to slow down, stay awhile, and enjoy the experience just as much as the meal itself.

The menu shakes things up, too, offering a few Carson’s favorites (Sweet & Spicy Ribs, Seared Ahi Tuna, and others) while providing many new items from Corndogs to Steak and Lobster.

Guests can comfortably stop in for approachable appetizers, sandwiches, entrées, and handcrafted cocktails without stretching the budget – while also setting the table for a

more indulgent evening filled with prime steaks, seafood, and elevated wine selections worthy of a celebration. That balance of accessibility and sophistication is part of what makes this concept so unique. Whether it’s Happy Hour after work or a full upscale dining experience, Carson’s Back Porch manages to find that sweet spot for any occasion.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during weekend dinner hours. The Back Porch also offers an outdoor patio space! Guests should note that, while full outdoor table service is still to come, patio guests can simply visit the bartender directly for cocktail service while enjoying the atmosphere outside.

Carson’s Back Porch has also announced that brunch service – something Carson’s has become widely celebrated for throughout Lexington and beyond – is expected to launch within the next 60-90 days.

For a city that appreciates great food, genuine hospitality, and spaces designed to bring people together, Carson’s Back Porch may already be this season’s hottest reservation.

And, as the team puts it, “The weather is always perfect at the Back Porch.” •

SaladCourse

Building the Perfect Salad Without a Recipe

Trying to classify what is – and is not – a salad is a losing game. A plate piled with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, croutons, and ranch dressing is a salad; so is a bowl of cubed potatoes and eggs tossed with relish, mayonnaise, and mustard. They’re usually cold or at room temperature, but warm salads are very much on trend, especially as grilling season heats up.

So how do you make a salad when it’s impossible to say what even goes into one?

Salads are a bit like jazz. It’s an expressive medium, rife with improvisation and complexity, yet no one can definitively say any particular move is “wrong”: do what’s in your heart, and you’re nailing it.

But while there may be no rules, there are themes and guidelines that – just as in jazz – can set you up for success. For our purposes, we’re going to be talking about garden salads, featuring primarily raw vegetables and fruits – not “bound salads” like coleslaw or pasta salads. Got it? Let’s play! by Amanda Harper

Start With a Base

When you think of a typical salad, you probably think of lettuce. The bulk of most salads is at least one leafy green. This is generally lettuce, arugula, kale, spinach, microgreens, or spring greens. Many cooks prefer to utilize multiple leafy greens to add a depth of flavor, but this also offers more textural and visual appeal.

Shred It

Adding a shredded element brings more crunch to the party. The fruits and vegetables selected for shredding are often fibrous, so this processing ensures that they’re eaten easily. For a simple salad, one shredded element is often plenty, but we love having two or more.

Carrots, cabbage, brussels sprouts, “zoodles”, apples, radicchio, fennel, kohlrabi, beets, parsnips, radishes, and jicama are all lovely options. (Note that some of these items don’t shred well, so they must be chopped by hand.)

Grain Gains

Adding in grains and legumes is optional, but this can be a wonderful way to make your salad stand out. Consider quinoa, rice, barley, chickpeas, black beans, farro, bulgur, couscous, and more.

The Main Event

Proteins are the star of every plate. Whether it’s grilled shrimp or poached chicken, tofu crumbles or sliced mushrooms, every salad is better with a main attraction. Some people incorporate the protein within the salad, but you could also simply top the salad with a beautifully cooked piece of salmon or a steaming-hot crab cake. Don’t forget about boiled eggs; rather than hard-boiling, consider going for a jammy yolk texture or soft poached egg.

The Magic Contrast

For a complex salad, consider building in a surprising flavor contrast. Pungent raw red onion, bold grilled vegetables, sour grapefruit, chopped mint, sweet dried fruit, crunchy sunflower seeds, bold herbs, or sticky-sweet grilled peaches. This is the point in your recipe-free salad building that you’ll want to carefully taste everything to ensure that you’re on a delicious track.

You’re Chopped

Chunkier, chopped, sliced, or diced elements like tomato, avocado, cucumber, pear, bell pepper, or apple add bulk while bringing a whole lot of beauty to the plate. Let these ingredients shine!

Dressing Up

Is there any element of a salad more important than the dressing? If you’re feeding a crowd, you may wish to offer multiple options. But for yourself or your family, select a dressing that perfectly complements the dish’s flavors.

If you’re not certain what would work best, making your own vinaigrette may be just the ticket. Remember the magic of contrasts, and experiment with which vinaigrette style best sets off the flavors present.

Bready or Not

Bread is another optional element, but a time-honored one. Whether you’d prefer to add croutons directly into the salad or serve a crust of bread on the side, everyone will welcome the texture (and the opportunity to sop up that delicious dressing).

If you’re skipping bread, we recommend adding nuts, seeds, tortilla strips, or crispy onions to add crunch.

Get Cheesy

Cheeses are a wonderful finishing touch. Whether it’s a quick shred of Parmesan or a generous sprinkle of feta, cheeses offer a delightful depth of flavor. For a vegan salad, marinated or fried chopped tofu is a great alternative.

Salt and Pepper

This is such a simple step that is too often neglected: season your salad! Freshlycracked black pepper and sea salt bring all the ingredients to life.

Toss ‘Em

The key to a successful traditional garden salad is ensuring all of the salad ingredients appear on every plate. For most folks, that means tossing everything together in a serving bowl or platter. If you’d like to toss the salad with the dressing, then add about a third and leave the remaining two-thirds on the table for guests to dress their own portion. If there will be a delay between preparing the salad and serving, then leave adding warm ingredients until then. If some elements may get soggy, such as croutons, hold off on adding those, as well. If you’re planning on serving salad bowls, then simply distributing the elements into each bowl is sufficient. •

Ready to Get Jazzy?

• Br iefly grill a heart of Romaine lettuce for a smoky, charred flavor. In fact, grilling most fruits and vegetables can impart a ton of flavor – and beauty!

• Add in war m elements. Grilled corn, charred peppers, warmed grains, and roasted root vegetables or squash all bring so much interest to the plate.

• Offer guests some condiments so they can dress their salad. Chili crisp, olive oil, yogurt, balsamic vinegar, and tahini are popular options. Don’t forget about crunchy elements like fried onions, nuts, seeds, and more.

• Wedge salads are fun! Simply quarter a head of iceberg lettuce, then cover with your preferred salad toppings.

• Don’t be afr aid of adding fruit, as these wonderful ingredients can add brightness and sweetness.

• Char halved lemons on the grill and offer them alongside each serving of salad.

• Quick pickle onions or other matchstick vegetables for a tangy contrast.

• Think outside the bacon bits. Crispy pancetta, smoked tofu, chicken skin cracklings, and panfried mushrooms are all more exciting alternatives.

• Going vegan, but still want umami? Add depth of flavor with nutritional yeast or liquid aminos.

• Get fancy with edible flowers for a garden-fresh feel. Enjoy! •

Your Instruments

1 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 8 2

1. Chef’n Emulstir Salad Dressing Mixer ($26.99) • 2. OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner ($32.95) • 3. Axe Sickle Bottle Spout ($5.99/2) • 4. Microplane Premium Classic Zester ($18.99) • 5. Chef’n Herb Stripper ($12.95) • 6. Prepara Salad Pod ($25) • 7. Fox Run Spring Salad Tongs ($26.99) • 8. The Grate Plate ($39.99) • 9. Fullstar The Original Pro Chopper ($29.99+) • 10. Cole & Mason Derwent Grinder Set ($109.95) • 11. Fante’s Mezzaluna Rocking Chopper ($18.99)

“For weeks, I searched for a home care agency in the Lexington area and interviewed several companies, hoping to nd the right t for my mother and our family. From the moment Michelle Fuller came into our home, she presented herself with professionalism, con dence, and compassion. It was immediately evident how deeply she cares for the individuals and families she serves.

After meeting with Michelle, we knew she and her agency would be the perfect match for our family. The team of caregivers she has chosen is, without question, the most professional group we have ever encountered. They are always on time, schedule changes are rare, and Michelle personally checks in every couple of days to review the care being provided and ensure everything is going well.

The transformation in my mother has been nothing short of remarkable. At 93 years old, she had reached a point where she was determined to stay in bed and simply give up on life. Today, she is getting up every day, engaged in life again, and honestly doing better than she was two years ago.

We truly feel blessed to have found Michelle Fuller and her wonderful team of caregivers. They have made an incredible di erence in our mother’s life and in the lives of our entire family.”

-LeeAnn

F, Lexington, KY

Dopamine Drinks

There’s almost nothing a fun drink can’t fix! And we’re not talking alcohol – a cute iced coffee while shopping or a dirty soda to boost your mood are all the rage. Besides the intrinsic benefit of indulging in a little treat every once in a while, there are actually mocktails you can make at home that work to boost the neurotransmitter dopamine. by Emma Stevenson

When looking for a simple way to boost your mood, it might seem obvious to have a glass of wine or a cocktail, but alcohol-free dopamine drinks actually do more to boost your mood, without the hangover. It’s all about the intention behind the drink – make sure to use ingredients that promote dopamine production, and wake up feeling great the next day.

How Do Dopamine Drinks Help?

These days, it’s normal to struggle with a dopamine deficiency for a handful of reasons, from lack of sleep to chronic stress to ultra-processed foods and constant digital stimulation. But there are ways to combat this, namely with intentional nutrition. Adding ingredients that stimulate dopamine production can boost your mood, improve your focus, and aid your memory.

Banana puree: Bananas contain B6 in addition to being a natural source of L-tyrosine, making them effective converters of tyrosine to dopamine.

Matcha: Matcha provides L-theanine, which supports dopamine stability and counteracts stress-fueled depletion.

Even the act of concocting a dopamine drink can be impactful – if you get excited to make a fun drink you’re looking forward to can increase dopamine production. This way, your drink should look good, taste good, and help you feel good, too.

Best Dopamine Drink Ingredients:

Unsweetened cacao: Containing flavonoids and PEA, cacao promotes dopamine release, making it a strong choice for your base.

Himalayan salt: Salt includes trace minerals like magnesium and zinc, supporting dopamine metabolism and nerve signaling.

Tahini or almond butter: It may seem odd to add these to a drink, but they’re a good source of healthy fat and L-tyrosine.

Vitamin C: As a building block of dopamine, Vitamin C-rich ingredients like oranges, mangos, berries, kiwis, and papayas are great additions.

This viral drink trend is meant to be fun, but the end goal is to boost dopamine production and, in turn, have longerterm impacts on your mood and brain function. Being strategic about what to include (and avoid) to make this happen most effectively is important.

According to nutrition experts, dopamine is made from the amino acid L-tyrosine, which is most commonly found in foods like bananas, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. You also need “co-factors” like B vitamins, magnesium, and iron to best convert L-tyrosine into dopamine. Here are a few mood-boosting ingredients to make your mocktail most effective:

Wild blueberries: This variety is packed with antioxidants and rich in polyphenols to protect dopamineproducing neurons from stress.

Magnesium: Dopamine depletes more quickly when we are stressed, and magnesium-heavy ingredients, like blackberries, papayas, and dark chocolate, help protect from the effects of stress.

Ingredients to Avoid:

Alcohol and caffeine: While they may have temporary effects to trigger dopamine release, these dopamine-depleters also create a dependency, which is not good long-term.

Artificial sweeteners: Sweet drinks might taste great, but quick sugar spikes interfere with dopamine signaling. Plus, high amounts of sugar have been linked with depression. (Instead, try a natural sweetener like agave or honey.)

Flavors you don’t like: Above all else, a dopamine drink won’t be as effective if you don’t enjoy drinking it. Dopamine comes from the reward center of the brain, so if you hate what you’re making, you won’t get as big of a boost. The experience is worth almost as much as the drink itself, so find a fun recipe with ingredients you enjoy and get mixing. Cheers!

Bee’s Kiss Mocktail:

Ingredients:

1/4 c. orange juice

2 T honey simple syrup

1 T lime juice

Blueberry Fields Mocktail:

Ingredients:

1/4 c. frozen wild blueberries

1.5 tsp. peeled, fresh ginger root

1/4 T honey

1/4 c. water

(optional) juice of 1 lemon slice

Splash of sparkling water or ginger ale

Directions:

1. Fill a glass 2/3 with ice.

Single-Serving Dopamine Drinks

2. Add orange juice, lime juice, and honey simple syrup.

3. Stir to combine. Garnish as desired.

(adapted from Lemon Tree Dwelling)

Directions:

Superfood Mixed Berry Mocktail:

Ingredients:

1/8 c. mint leaves

1/8 c. lemon juice

1/8 c. lime juice

3/4 T honey

1/4 c. strawberries

1/4 c. blueberries

1/2 c. coconut water

1/2 c. sparkling water

Spicy Peach Mango Mocktail:

Ingredients:

1/2 peach, peeled & diced

1/2 c. mango juice

1 T lime juice

1 sliced jalapeno

2 T Tajin seasoning

1. Blend blueberries, ginger, honey, water, and lemon juice in a blender on high for 30 seconds.

2. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass. Taste and adjust any sweetener.

3. Add a splash of blueberry juice to a glass with ice. Pour blended mixture over the top. Add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale. (adapted from The Dizzy Cook)

Directions:

1. Add mint leaves to a glass and muddle.

2. Add lemon juice, lime juice, and honey, then stir.

3. Add sparkling water and coconut water and stir.

4. Top with strawberries, blueberries, and ice.

(adapted from Kale Junkie)

Directions:

1. Rub the rim of your glass with lime juice and sprinkle soome Tajin seasoning on a small plate, then coat the rim.

2. Muddle peach and jalapeno slices in cocktail shaker.

3. Add mango juice, lime juice, and ice. Shake.

4. Strain into your rimmed glass over ice. Add additional peach and jalapeno slices for garnish.

(adapted from Mary Ruth Organics)

Patio Perfect

Brunch Babes

Pearl Charm and Toggle Bracelet: Matte Gold/ Pearl (Ada & Lo, $28)

Jonna Yellow Multi Gingham Sleeveless Midi Dress (Lulu’s, $79)

Moon Raffia Bag (Staud, $350)

Shepa Denim Jacket (Lilly Pulitzer, $178)

Freshwater Cultured Pearl Sculptural Drop Earrings (Quince, $78)

Leighton Gold Pearl Strand Necklace in Freshwater Cultured Pearl (Kendra Scott, $98)

Callie Embellished Thong Sandal (Michael Kors Outlet, $79)

Su y Daze

Daisy Weekend Belted Floral Peplum Top (Vici, $64)

Daisy Weekend Floral Linen Shorts (Vici, $58)

Favorite Daughter Visor with Embroidered Logo in Light Sage (Sierra Deane, $48)

Scalloped-Edge Jacket in Light Dusty Turquoise (H&M, $48)

Lotus Fan Clutch Bag (Kate Spade Outlet, $239)

Stevie Hex Sunglasses (Free People, $30)

7-Stone Link Bracelet (Ippolita, $695)

Sterling Silver PSTM Afghanistan Moon Pebbles Single Drop Earrings (Pippa Small Jewellry, $165)

Sporty & Stylish

Lemon Yellow Georgia Golf Dress (Tuckernuck, $118)

Doris Weave Crossbody in Gold (Cleobella, $298)

Baseball Huggies (Hey Harper, $74)

Anguilla Visor – Natural (Monday Swimwear, $85)

Trinity Interlocking Bangles (MYJS, $47)

Olive Toggle Necklace (Brook & York, $90)

New Balance 327 in Stone Pink (New Balance, $105)

D ner Views

Jeffrey Campbell Fluxx Kitten Heels in Red Pattern (Anthropologie, $155)

Enameled Metal Flower Earrings (Zara, $30)

Elora Woven Tote Bag –White (JW Pei, $159)

The Farlow Cotton Faille Midi Dress in Sky (Carl Meyers, $795)

Ramy Brook Brushed Flower Anya Goldtone Bracelet (Saks Fifth Avenue, $225)

Rousseau Wave Necklace (Lilly Pulitzer, $78)

Photos by Shelly Fryman

see you at:Wild Eggs

Tell us all about Wild Eggs: Wild Eggs is a breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant with a bar. We serve up everything from Tex-Mex inspired cuisine to our classic down-home offerings.

Our fresh-squeezed orange juice can be enjoyed as is or topped off with champagne or vodka for those who want a little something extra with their meal!

What will guests experience on your patio?

Our patios boast ample seating for those who want to skip the indoors on those pleasant days, while enjoying their favorite brunch and lunch dishes and drinks with friends and family.

What else should guests know about your patio locations?

We’re dog-friendly – we’d love to see pups on our patio!

wildeggs.com | Palomar: 3735 Palomar Centre Dr., Lexington Hamburg: 1925 Justice Dr., Lexington | Tates Creek: 4228 Saron Dr. Ste. A, Lexington

KY Hot Brown Mimosas

see you at: Carson’s on Main

Downtown Lexington patios can be few and far between, and Carson’s on Main provides the perfect mashup of enjoying the beautiful summer weather while still being part of the vibrant energy of the main Carson’s dining room.

Specializing in good Kentucky comfort food, such as the fan-favorite sweet & spicy ribs, signature steaks, and award-winning brunch, guests always experience a wide variety of options. Looking for Saturday morning plans with your family or friends? Carson’s brunch on the patio is the perfect way to begin your day!

Carson’s has become a go-to spot in Lexington, offering delicious eats, a welcoming environment, helpful staff, and affordable prices. Combining Kentucky Proud products and local craft breweries with new and exciting recipes, Carson’s on Main provides “old Kentucky elegance” for diners.

see you at: Carson’s at Andover

As Carson’s second and newest location, Carson’s at Andover provides the same great dining experience as Carson’s on Main with its own distinct, vibrant atmosphere in Hamburg. Referred to as “The Terrace,” this location’s patio is one of the more unique patios in Lexington with a fully enclosed greenhousestyle space that offers scenic views of the Hamburg area. Not only can guests enjoy beautiful views while dining, but they can also enjoy nice summer breezes as the windows on the patio can all open.

The terrace is not only available to guests during normal brunch, lunch, or dinner hours, but it can also be rented as its own event or private dining space through Events at the Hudson. The patio can accommodate its own bar and has space for up to 70 guests.

Truly, Carson’s at Andover is the perfect place for business lunches, large family gatherings, or celebrating any special event.

Sweet & Spicy Ribs

Grapefruit Margarita

s you at:Cafe Patachou

Tell us all about Cafe Patachou:

Designed to feel like it’s always been part of the neighborhood, Cafe Patachou transforms everyday rituals into moments of connection and joy. The all-day cafe offers an elevated take on breakfast and lunch, with a kids menu, coffee bar, cocktails, and grab-and-go items and pastries also available.

The menu, which offers breakfast and lunch all day long, offers approachable yet creative breakfast offerings like French Omelettes, Croissant French Toast, and

Chilaquiles, plus lunch sandwiches like Waffled Grilled Cheese – all made fresh in-house.

What will guests experience on your patio?

Our patio is dog-friendly and covered! Great on a warm day to find some shade while still enjoying the outdoors. What else should guests know about your patio location?

Spacious, covered, and dog-friendly! We’re the perfect spot for a lingering brunch with friends or a quick bite and a champagne cocktail while shopping at Fritz Farm.

Cuban Breakfast Strawberry Cream Cold Brew

see you at: Harry’s

Encased in glass for cooler days and open to the air in warmer weather, Harry’s patio is open year-round. Its atmosphere overflows with energy from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. SundayThursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“An American Bar & Grill, Harry’s offers American fare, made-to-order sushi, classic and seasonal cocktails, hand-selected wine and private select bourbon. Whether visiting for a leisurely lunch or dinner, winding down after work, or catching your favorite team on one of the flat screen TVs, Harry’s is perfect for any occasion,” shared a Harry’s team member. “It’s unique in that Harry’s is attached to Malone’s Prime Beef Steakhouse, allowing guests to enjoy favorites from Harry’s or Malone’s menus while sitting on the patio.”

Recommended by the Harry’s team are fanfavorites: Mini Macs, Dynamite Roll, and the Pixy Stix Martini.

see you at: Drake’s

Patio dining is a year-round experience at Drake’s, “Garage doors go up in the summer and a fire roars in the winter,” explained the Drake’s team.

Drake’s is a neighborhood restaurant and bar with an unconventional spirit. Dedicated to giving everyone a place to come play, everything at Drake’s — from the atmosphere to the team and menu — is designed with an infectious energy that ensures everyone leaves with a story to tell.

“We’re not afraid to push the boundaries (and maybe break a few rules) to give guests an experience like no other. After all, we’re the restaurant that dared to put burgers and sushi on the same menu.”

With more than 20 craft beers on tap, a summer-themed cocktail menu, epic burgers and Lexington’s freshest sushi, there’s something for everyone at Drake’s.

Southern Fried Chicken Minis

Mini Macs

s you

Parlour Pizza & Pints

As one of the latest additions to Lexington’s and Richmond’s food scenes, PARLOUR Pizza + Pints offers great tastes, a vibrant environment, and good times for all! Bringing people together with a diverse, high-quality menu featuring artisanal pizzas, an extensive craft beer selection, hand-crafted cocktails, and exceptional customer service, PARLOUR offers an experience that transcends traditional pizzerias. While the artisanal pizzas take center stage, the menu offers a variety of tempting options, from house-smoked wings, to savory calzones, and refreshing

salads. On the drink menu, signature cocktails such as the PARLOURita are fan favorites, and limited-release seasonal cocktails are always a fun treat.

Another draw of PARLOUR’s Lexington and Richmond locations are the indoor/outdoor patios, which are a great place to hang out no matter the season. Stop by for weekly deals and happy hour from 2-6 p.m MondayFriday, plus $4 pints on Tuesdays, and 10 for $10 wings on Wednesdays. Join the Parlour Rewards program and get free breadsticks!

House-Smoked Wings Blushing Sunflower

see you at: Crust Pizzeria

Crust Pizzeria’s patio is a bright, inviting space surrounded by lush, beautiful plants that create a relaxed, natural atmosphere for diners. With the touch of a button, retractable side panels adjust to the weather, allowing for an open, breezy space in the spring and summer, or a warm, cozy space in the fall and winter with heaters and a gas fireplace.

Crust provides a fresh take on classic dishes by using locally made, fresh ingredients in its pasta, homemade pizzas, fresh appetizers, and madefrom-scratch desserts. They serve up delicious artisan pizzas like the Dante and Margherita di Buffalo. Stop by weekdays 3-6pm for Happy Hour specials (like $3 off appetizers) or enjoy half-priced bottles of wine on Thursdays!

3195 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington, KY 40513 859.303.4331 | crustlexington.com

One of Crust Pizzeria’s most popular dishes is the garlic knots, which are crafted by taking pizza dough, smothering them in Crust’s housemade garlic butter sauce and serving them up warm and buttery.

see you at: Bella Cafe & Grille

Bella Cafe & Grille offers everyday dishes that are artfully elevated with fresh ingredients, refined technique, and a touch of culinary creativity. With three locations in Palomar, Hamburg, and Chevy Chase, there is lots of deliciousness to go around.

Bella’s patio offers an elevated, all-season experience with retractable side panels that adapt effortlessly at the push of a button. Thoughtfully designed with built-in heaters and ceiling fans, the space is bright, refined, and exceptionally comfortable no matter the weather.

From the fan-favorite halibut entree that is grilled to perfection and served with polenta, sauteed greens, and shiitake mushrooms, to the blackberry jalapeno margarita made with blackberry-infused jalapeno tequila, Bella Cafe & Grille provides everyday dining you deserve.

Garlic Knots

fa ite entree:

Halibut Entree

Beaumont:

see you at:Casa Rosita

Tell us about your patio:

Casa Rosita is the kind of place where guests can kick back with great food and drinks, whether they’re stopping in for a casual lunch, date night, or weekend hangout. It’s welcoming to families during the day and upbeat enough for groups looking to enjoy specials and entertainment in the evening.

What will guests enjoy on your patio?

The family-friendly games at both locations, along with a wide range of seating options – paired with our delicious

food and drink specials – make this the best spot to spend your summer!

What else should everyone know?

We have some new dishes that everyone should check out. The Antojos Platter and Papas con Carne are classics that guests love, and they pair wonderfully with the Skinny Jalapeño Margarita.

We have specials all week long, so there’s always an exciting reason to stop by and see us!

1988 Stockton Way, Suite 190, Lexington | 859- 303-4356 3901 Fountainblue Lane, Suite 180, Lexington | 859-286-9397

Antojo Platter Tamarindo con Tajin

A Better Patio. Even Better Company.

Since 2005, Azur Restaurant and Patio has offered a chef-driven menu that reimagines classic dishes — all crafted with fresh, local ingredients, and best enjoyed on their stunning patio! Azur’s patio is designed for community and connection.

Bring a friend and dive in to Azur’s craft cocktails and mocktails, Luci’s Tiramisu, Sunday brunch, seasonal specials, events, live music, and so much more. Be sure to ask about reserving the patio for private parties.

3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550 | Lexington 859. 296.1007 | azurrestaurant.com

Smoked Salmon Toast

Luci’s Tiramisu

Mi Pequeña Hacienda

Serving Central Kentucky since 1996!

Lexington’s fun, festive, casual neighborhood restaurant is open and ready to serve you! Mi Pequeña Hacienda’s patio is perfect for gathering with amigos or stopping in for a casual lunch during the workday or weekend.

Known for its relaxed dining experience and great family atmosphere, the Mi Pequeña Hacienda patio at the Landsdowne Drive location offers guests more to love

with ample outdoor seating to enjoy all season long! Enjoy the best in authentic Mexican food with a Baja Californian flair, freshly prepared sauces and salsas, and warm hospitality on our colorful patio.

Come try the new seafood recipes from Baja Nayarit Cuisine. Don’t forget to visit our Brannon Crossing location for a totally unique experience!

Tacos al Pastor Margarita

Merrick Inn

Merrick Inn has long been a beloved part of Lexington’s dining scene. Known for classic Kentucky fare, warm hospitality, and a wonderfully welcoming patio, this spot is a timeless gem you’ll return to again and again.

At its core, Merrick Inn is about people. Their commitment to unmatched hospitality has made this spot a local favorite for sharing meals with loved ones and new friends. For generations, guests have gathered at Merrick Inn to celebrate both major life milestones and everyday moments.

They are open seven days a week for dinner (4pm-10pm) and cocktails (4pm-11pm). On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, stop by and savor their delicious brunch menu (10am-3pm). Follow them on Facebook for the latest live music lineup out on the patio.

Merrick Inn’s Southern Fried Chicken is widely regarded as the best in the state. They offer an impressive list of wines and bourbons, but if you’re not selecting one of those, we recommend checking out their Signature Cocktails – the variety will delight everyone at your table!

Southern Fried Chicken Signature Cocktails

Equus Run

Tell us about Equus Run’s patios:

Our three patio venues offer beautiful views of thoroughbred horse farms and vineyards on our 38 acres.  Each patio setting is open for picnicking, sipping cocktails and wines, sharing charcuterie, or simply relaxing in a peaceful atmosphere in the Bluegrass.  We are also serving up live music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout the season.

What else should guests check out?

Our onsite Saddlestone Distillery – featuring our Blanco and Reposado Agaves and Brandy – where our staff walk you through a curated tasting experience using fruits and cheese to elevate each flavor.

What’s the best thing about your patios?

It’s Horse Country meets Wine Country!

you at: Mama Tequila

Tell us about Mama Tequila’s patio: Mama Tequila is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner; we serve food and drinks every day of the week, right in the heart of downtown Lexington.

Our patio is the perfect place to sip and savor authentic Mexican flavors, inspired by one of the world’s most flavorful regions. For instance, summertime diners love the Tacos Volcan: steak and shrimp, melted cheese, onion, cilantro, and avocado sauce – paired with one of our specialty margaritas, of course!

What else should guests know?

We have daily happy hour specials. Be sure to stop by on Taco Tuesdays for 2 for 1 margaritas, $1 off hard and soft tacos, and $2 off street tacos.

Equus Run Chardonnay

Margarita

The wave of minimalism seems to be coming to a close in some ways, which means intricate details and wispy textures have their time to shine. Whether you’re leaning cool and trendy, wispy and boho, or sultry and sophisticated, lace can have its place in your summer wardrobe. This lightweight, flowy fabric is a great choice for the sunny season, as well –it’s versatile, breezy, and can be layered without packing in the heat.

A Case for Lace

photo / Boden

Light & Br zy

Dress: AE V-Neck Pleated Lace Midi Dress (American Eagle, $75) | Shoes: Juny Sandals Off White Leather (Dolce Vita, $115) Headband: Paige Mini Puff Headband (Violet & Brooks, $16) | Purse: Flecked Canvas and Wicker Bucket Bag (Jimmy Choo, $1,450)

Dress: Lacey Mini Dress - Lemon (Billy J, $80) | Bracelets: Natalia Wavy Hinge Bangle Set (BaubleBar, $58) Earrings: Leaflet Hoops (GLDN, $98) | Shoes: Calelian (ALDO, $78)

Layered Up

Top: Teddy Silk Top (Reformation, $168)| Bottoms: Butterfly Tulle Culottes (Zara, $36) Jacket: Apparis Ella Canvas Cropped Jacket (Saks Fifth Avenue, $275) | Earrings Bloom Hoop & Charm Earring (Julie Vos, $155)

Top: Georgia Lace Top (Revolve, $139) | Cami: FigureKnit™ Commons Top (Aritzia, $78) Skirt: Lace Hem Skort (Zara, $50) | Shoes: Women’s Vienna Flats with Memory Foam Insole (Target, $35)

Sl k & Sophisticated

Top: AQUA Lace Inset Slip Top (Bloomingdale’s, $62) | Shoes: Presley Strappy Kitten Heel Sandal (Sam Edelman, $140) Bottoms: AQUA Lace Inset Slip Skirt (Bloomingdale’s, $70) | Purse: Carson Small Floral Laser Cut Bucket Bag (Michael Kors Outlet, $119)

Top: White Smocked Rollins Top (Tuckernuck, $128) | Skirt: Verity Lace Skirt (Boden, $220) Earrings: Promise Earrings Sapphire (Brinker + Eliza, $98) | Shoes: Scalloped Cutout Platform Sandals (Anthropologie, $158)

Spotted

For most fashion aficionados, stripes are now considered neutral. But there’s a new pattern on-trend that’s begging to join your summer closet – polka dots are here to stay!

Dressed in Lala

Dasha Polka Dot Blouse (Bohme, $65)

Jacklynn Polka Dot Blouse (Bohme, $53)

Dalia Maxi Dress (Show Me Your Mumu, $218)

Polka Dot Balloon Jeans (Mango, $90)

Polka Dot Midi Pencil Skirt in Linen Blend (Ann Taylor, $89)

Polka Dot Halter Tank Top in Linen Blend (Ann Taylor, $54)

Petite Poplin Corset Shirt Dress (White House Black Market, $105)

L’IDÉE Libertie Printed Gown (Anthropologie, $599)

Collins Polka Dot Bomber Jacket (Nordstrom, $119)

Polka Dot Halter Two Piece Pant Set (Maison Layla, $80)

Polka Dot Ruched Lace Hem Sleeveless Blouse (Commense, $36)

Maryl Pink Polka Dot Top (Avara, $74)

Bertine Mini Dress (Petal & Pup, $89)

Peixoto Addison Cotton Mini Dress (Anthropologie, $158)

Polka Dot Sleeveless Midi Dress (English Factory, $141)

Multiway Mesh Top (Abercrombie & Fitch, $32)

Blue/Chocolate Brown Polka Dot Mesh Asymmetric Cape Top (Next, $49)

Lisa Says Gah Olson Caped Trench Coat (Anthropologie, $250)

Sittin’ Pretty

Serena & Lily

Summer is

when lasting outdoor memories are made. From sun-soaked cookouts to lounging by the pool, long conversations on the deck to nights by the firepit that you hope never end, the right outdoor furniture can help make your summer unforgettable. Here are some stunning setups and clever ideas to ensure you’re sittin’ pretty this summer. by Amanda Harper

Tailored to You

We will always be big fans of tailored cushions for outdoor spaces. There’s simply no better way to ensure that you get exactly what you want –and to ensure that it actually fits your furniture. Work with an expert to select perfectly coordinated outdoor upholstery that will withstand the conditions of your outdoor space; cushions that rest in shaded, covered areas have different fabric needs than those that bake in the sun all day. Fading is inevitable, but sealants can help your cushions and pillows last for many seasons to come.

Multipurpose

The biggest trend in outdoor spaces for 2026 is flexibility. People need their porches, patios, and backyards to serve as an extra room for entertaining, dining, lounging, playing, and even working from home! More and more homeowners are looking for outdoor furniture that can be easily rearranged to suit the vibe. Modular pieces allow you to switch a spot from serving as a cozy nook to a party pad. Our tip? Don’t overlook your dining furniture; a carefully selected set can provide seating just about anywhere.

Coastal Boho

Boho is back, but it’s not quite the same as the iteration we saw in the early aughts. In 2026, boho is softer and more casual. And it happens to mesh really well with a slightly coastal aesthetic, which is a perennial favorite for outdoor spaces! To achieve this look, mix natural materials, textured patterns, and quirky touches with clean, minimalist basics. The result is surprisingly elegant. Wicker, rope, and warm woods are signature elements of this style.

Sunbrella

West Elm

Pottery Barn

Vintage Advantage

This season, throwback styles are all the rage, and we couldn’t be happier! Designers are incorporating lots of vintage details, resulting in outdoor spaces that are très chic! Vintage metal furniture is a current microtrend that we think is actually timeless. From scalloped details to curvy lines, you’ll be seeing these retro touches everywhere in 2026.

Pattern Play

We’ll say it ‘til we’re blue in the face: mix your patterns! Getting playful with prints can make your space truly become your own. Minimalists needn’t fear this motto, as even subtle prints can make a big impact.

It’s the Little Things

Never underestimate the power of a carefullyselected detail. Cute trim, ric-rac, and tassels can totally transform your umbrellas, pillows, runners, and more. If you’re itching for a DIY challenge, we love it when umbrellas are lined with a different fabric or even painted on the underside!

BBQ Guys

Ballard Designs

Maison Margaux Ltd Ruggable

Fine Dining

Outdoor dining is such a delight during the summertime. Be sure that your table is up to the task! We recommend a table that is slightly longer than the chairs it will typically accommodate to allow extra space for entertaining. Choosing armless chairs ensures that they can be utilized as additional seating for those guests throughout the evening. Finally, be sure you’re selecting a set to last the long haul; pick timeless styles in durable materials, and you will be gathering around your table for many, many memorable meals.

Show Your Stripes

While stripes aren’t a must for outdoor spaces, they are very beloved by designers – and we totally see why! As a graphical element, they’re bold, yet integrate seamlessly with other patterns and nearly any style. They add a subtle preppy touch that can translate as nautical, retro, feminine, or classic, depending on the styling.

Let’s Chat

We love outdoor spaces that encourage conversation. If you have the space, arrange your furniture to mimic a living room so that you and your loved ones can lounge, chat, and make some memories. Even if you don’t have space for facing seats, angling chairs slightly toward one another is more inviting.

McGee & Co.

Lulu & Georgia

Häti Home

Big Color

In recent years, all design has steered toward earthy tones and neutrals. While that’s not going anywhere anytime soon, we would argue that the outdoors demand a little boldness. Bright colors that might be jarring indoors can reach their full potential outside, blending into the riot of color that’s already found in nature. In particular, we find homeowners enjoy playing around with shades of red, orange, pink, and teal in their outdoor areas. If you find yourself shying away from certain colors inside your home, give them a try on the patio or by the pool. We bet you’ll find your wild streak!

A Bistro for Two

Bistro tables are a wonderful way to add an intimate sitting space to your backyard. Imagine having your morning coffee (with a croissant) at a cute little table, situated within the most serene part of your property. These charming sets definitey pick up on the vintage trend.

Built-in Beauty

Hardscaped firepits with ready-made seating provide an entertaining space that will stand the test of time. We love when these seats perfectly match the firepit and mirror its shape. Many builders are utilizing poly lumber to create more comfortable seats. But you can also simply add cushions! •

Annie Selke

Terrain

Camille Styles

Gentle Gray

Benjamin Moore

Don’t let the name fool you. This pale blue is lightly kissed with just a touch of warm gray, creating a paint color that is infinitely adaptable.

Soft blues have a timeless appeal. Paired here with a soft, neutral-warm white and classic details, this look will not fall out of fashion anytime soon. This paint looks great with warm metals and warm-neutral woods.

We rounded out the palette with a neutralleaning dark khaki and a denim blue. Avoid using colors with very cool undertones to keep the space warm, comfortable, and inviting.

Notice the designer’s choices in this entryway. Painting the wainscoting with this interesting blue draws the eye up. Trimming it out with this shade of white emphasizes the staircase’s architectural lines, creating visual movement. Imagine the space in all white: all the wonderful details of the trim would fall flat.

Gentle blues work wonderfully in spaces that need a sense of calm. Walking into this home would feel like a sigh of relief after a hectic workday. This paint would also make a great choice for nurseries, powder rooms, formal sitting rooms, and offices. In recent years, this shade has shown up in many kitchen cabinets; the result is a home hub that is less frenetic and more welcoming.

Palette Inspiration

Pretty Paper

Farrow & Ball

Hornbeam 5001

Baracé 6604

Amime 4404

These local businesses are keeping good taste alive in Lexington. Keep reading to meet a few of our favorite providers of all things luxury!

HazyDays

Summer is all about taking a load off. It’s a time to relax, take some time off, and make things just a little bit simpler – including your most-reachedfor beauty products. It’s not about precision or perfection; it’s about ease, warmth, and letting things get undone in the best way. by Addie Zoellner

For Hazy Days:

Embrace cheeks with that effortless, sun-kissed glow. Ditch the sculpt and pigment, and diffuse any warm, peachy blush lightly into the skin. Use a cream product and tap into the apples of your cheeks, letting imperfection do all the work.

For Cloudy French Manis:

Take a subtle spin on a classic combo. Switch the traditional crisp white tip for a softened look with a sheer, creamy base, or a simple chrome powder. This new mani looks and feels like a dream-like morning fog: full of light, whimsy, and nostalgia.

Lasting Cheekcolor Dusty Rose (Merle Norman, $24)

Flush Balm (Merit Beauty, $30)

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush (Sephora, $24)

OPI Nail Lacquer Funny Bunny (Ulta Beauty, $12)

Starry Chrome (Londontown, $16)

Le Mini Macaron Quick Dry Nail Polish (Target, $10)

For Blo ed Lips:

Your lips should follow suit; press in the color instead of painting it on. This lived-in effect gives a blurred look that’s perfect for the summertime. Add a simple gloss for added moisture and let the

For

Nothing ties a look together more than a little bit of glow. Face balms are not skincare nor makeup, but rather the star of the show. They add shine without sparkle, hydration without the oily finish, and catch the light in the most carefree way. It should feel accidental – dab onto your cheekbones, lips, lids, or anywhere that needs a little more radiance.

Bu ery Balms:

Peptide Lip Tint (Rhode, $20)

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plumping Gloss (Ulta Beauty, $27)

Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil (Goop, $22)

Shadow Stick Glow (Merle Norman, $28)

Patrick Ta Major Glow Balm (Sephora, $50)

Miracle Balm (Jones Road, $38)

You can’t beat summer in Lexington. Our area offers countless opportunities for fun, from free outdoor concerts to thrilling events that will delight. No matter your age or interests, there’s magic waiting for you in town this season. Looking for more fun? Be sure to check out the TOPS Calendar at TOPSinLex.com/calendar for something wonderful to see, do, or experience every single day of the summer!

FREE LIVE MUSIC

Central Bank Thursday Night Live

Thursdays | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Tandy Centennial Park comes alive on Thursday evenings with music from some of the area’s best acts. Food, drinks, and art will be available nearby for you to peruse and enjoy.

Big Band & Jazz

Tuesdays | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Tuesday evenings get jazzy with this beloved concert series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and if you like, a picnic to enjoy while you listen. Through June 30th, catch the show at Moondance Amphitheater; July 7August 11, things will be swinging over at Ecton Park.

Lunch & Brunch With the Arts

Wednesdays and Saturdays | through August 29th

Bring a snack, grab a bite from a food truck, or simply take in the fresh air while you enjoy live music in the reimagined Phoenix Park. On Saturdays, we recommend walking across the street to check out the Lexington Farmers’ Market!

Southland Jamboree

Thursdays | 7:00 PM

Love bluegrass? Head to the Moondance Amphitheater for a great show on Thursday evenings through September 3rd. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Food trucks will be available, or bring your own bites. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are also invited. Do you play an instrument? Bring it with you and jam after the concert!

Summer Nights in Suburbia

Fridays | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Head to Moondance Amphitheater through September 18th to enjoy a variety of music genres this summer. Food trucks and vendors will be on site to browse. Bring a chair or blanket for seating.

East End Evenings

July 17, July 31, August 14, August 28

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Enjoy great soul, R&B, dance, and funk music at Charles Young Park this summer. Bring chairs or blankets for seating. Food trucks will be on site for your enjoyment.

Music on the Lawn

Fridays & Saturdays | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

If you’re willing to take a drive, Shaker Village offers a great concert series through October 31st. Food will be

available. There is limited seating, including some cozy spots near the fire pits; bring your own lawn chair, just in case.

From the Front Porch

June 27, July 25, August 29, September 26 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

This jazz series, brought to you by Phoenix Rising Lex and Lexington Parks & Recreation, is one to see at the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden. Bring a blanket or chair for seating. Bring a picnic or grab a bite from a food truck parked on-site.

Lakeside Live

Fridays June 12 - 26, July 10 -24

Lexington Green fills with music on Friday evenings in the summertime. Enjoy great bands, local vendors, and much more.

Tahlsound

June 28, July 22-25, August 23

The Olieka Temple Great Lawn is home to a concert series that features a wide variety of music. General admission tickets are free or pay-what-you-can to support the programming; an upgraded seat at the Friends of Tahlsound table is also available.

Friday Porch Pickin’ & Sunday Tunes in the Vines

Fridays & Sundays through November

Take in family-friendly live music at Equus Run Vineyards. Sundays kick off at 2 PM while Fridays get going around 6 PM. They also offer special ticketed events, so check out their calendar.

Music at the Mansion

June 19, July 17, August 21, September 25, October 16

Celebrate the summer at the Marriott Lexington Griffin Golf Resort & Spa Mansion. Bring a lawn chair and kick back while enjoying great tunes. VIP seating tickets are available for a fee.

Live Music at Talon Winery

Fridays & Saturdays | 6: 00 PM

Enjoy free live music at Talon Winery. Be sure to check out their calendar for special events.

Is That It? Nope!

There are dozens of local venues, from wineries to bars, that offer free live music during the summer. So many so that we couldn’t possibly list them all here… that’s why we’ve got a handy online community calendar and a brand new newsletter to keep you in the know. Stay up-to-date by visiting TOPSinLex.com today!

Lakeside Live

Tahlsound

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Railbird

June 6 - 7 | Red Mile

Start summer off right with Lexington’s signature music festival. The Lumineers, Tyler Childers, The Wallflowers, Ella Langley, Robert Earl Keen, and more hit the stage for two days of music, bourbon, and fun.

Kentucky History Day

June 6 | Frankfort

Celebrate Kentucky’s 234-year history with music, performances, and hands-on activities that will inspire.

Spirit in the Bluegrass

June 10 - 13 | Kentucky Horse Park

Enjoy the best of America’s bluegrass talent right here in Lexington. Learn more at spiritinthebluegrass.com.

Swahili Day

June 13 | Gatton Park

Join in celebrating the Swahili language and the African communities that have made Kentucky home. From food to crafts, live performances to fun activities, the whole family will love this gathering.

Beer Cheese Festival

June 13 | Winchester

Who doesn’t love beer cheese? Sample this delicious product while checking out food, music, vendors, shopping, and more fun. Learn more at beercheesefestival.com.

SoulFeast Week

June 18 - 28 | Lexington

This week-long celebration of culture, cuisine, and community highlights Lexington as a soulful destination. Cap it all off with Kentucky Black Restaurant Week.

Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Celebration

June 19 - 20 | Harrodsburg

Head to West Lane Park to celebrate Juneteenth with guest speakers, food vendors, kids’ activities, and so much more.

Juneteenth Block Party

June 19 | Versailles

Come together with the Versailles community to celebrate Juneteenth. There will be food, music, kids’ activities, and more to enjoy.

Great American Brass Band Festival

June 24 - 27 | Danville

The campus of Centre College and the Danville downtown district are filled with music each year during this fun, free

celebration of music.

Lavender Festival

June 26 - 28 | The Kentucky Castle

June means lavender is in bloom. Celebrate the moment with this fun festival. Shop, enjoy live music, and enjoy.

Fourth of July Celebration

June 30 - July 5 | Lexington

Lexington’s Fourth of July festivities are a can’t-miss cornerstone of the summer season. From the Big Band & Jazz Patriotic Night to the Summer in Suburbia: Red, White, and Blues concert on Sunday, Lexington will send up America’s 250th birthday in style!

BreyerFest

July 10 - 12 | Kentucky Horse Park

Looking for a unique experience for the kids and horse lovers in your life? This festival celebrating Breyer Horses is a can’t-miss event for all ages. Tickets are available online at breyerhorses.com.

Ballet Under the Stars

July 29 - August 2 | Woodland Park

This unique event is an underrated gem. Enjoy a night of professional ballet, food trucks, and more in beautiful Woodland Park. The pre-show youth production is absolutely darling.

Picnic With the Pops

August 8 | Keene Meadow

Join the Lexington Philharmonic for the highlight of the summer season. The theme this year is Pop Goes Country, Country Hits: Songs from Nashville. That means everyone will be gussied up in boots and cowboy hats with honky tonkin’ table decorations. Learn more at lexpops.com.

Woodland Art Fair

August 15 - 16 | Woodland Park

Save the date for this incredible showcase of artisan talent. Get the details at woodlandartfair.org.

Bourbon Jam Music Festival

August 22 | Richmond

Rock out with over 12 hours of live music. Enjoy local vendors, food trucks, activities, and so much more. Learn more at bourbonjam.com.

Jazz on the Lawn

September 6 | Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate

Say goodbye to summer with this outdoor concert on the beautiful grounds of this historic property.

SPORTS

Lexington Legends lexingtonlegends.com

Go cheer on Lexington’s professional baseball team at Legends Field. Be sure to check their schedule for exciting promotions that will make the experience even more memorable – including their spectacular Fireworks Nights!

Lexington Sporting Club lexsporting.com

Kick it at the Lexington Sporting Club for thrilling soccer matches. Be sure to check the schedule for upcoming games and promotions. If you’ve never made it out to the Lexington SC stadium, it’s time to change that!

Noches de Polo

@commonwealthpolo

Enjoy polo in a casual environment with live music, food trucks, and more fun on summer evenings! Follow them on Instagram for upcoming dates.

Kentucky Horse Park kyhorsepark.com

Speaking of Kentucky’s equine athletes, the Kentucky Horse Park has a full calendar of heart-pounding and awe-inspiring equestrian eventing this summer. The Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show is an annual can’t-miss event with lots of special events and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Make a Splash

Lexington’s parks are the perfect place to make a splash this season. In the summer, the city offers five free spraygrounds at Castlewood, Charles Young, Douglass, Jacobson, and Masterson Station parks. Don’t forget about Gatton Park’s Water Play area! Want to go swimming? The whole family can visit Lexington’s six aquatic centers. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for youth (15 and under).

Golf

Lexington boasts a number of incredible golf courses and driving ranges, from public courses to private clubs. Visit TOPSinLex.com for a local guide to golfing hot spots. Not feeling up to sweating it out on the greens? Be sure to check out local spots with simulators for indoor fun!

Play Your Way

lexingtonky.gov

Lexington’s parks have fantastic facilities for enjoying all of your favorite sports with friends, from basketball to pickleball, horseback riding to disc golf, bicycling to fishing. Visit the city’s website to learn more about what’s out there!

Lexington Legends

Lexington Parks & Recreation

Lexington Parks & Recreation

GETTIN’ ARTSY

LexArts Gallery

LexArts | 161 N. Mill Street

Peruse stunning, thoughtfully curated art in this gallery space in the heart of downtown. Admission is free, open Monday through Saturday.

The UK Art Museum

Singletary Center for the Arts | 405 Rose Street

Wednesdays through Saturdays, head to this free art museum located on the UK campus. Their permanent collection spans over 5,000 objects as well as rotating temporary exhibits.

Lexington Art League

Loudon House | 209 Castlewood Drive

Discover local and regional contemporary art inside this stunning historic Gothic Revival villa. Admission is free, and the galleries are open Wednesday through Saturday. Don’t miss the Castlewood Downs sculpture garden.

Headley-Whitney Museum

4435 Old Frankfort Pike

With stunning art exhibitions and a permanent collection featuring fascinating bibelots, this site is a wonderful spot to visit year-round. But during the summer, the Marylou Whitney Rose Garden is spectacular – and the Shell Grotto feels so seasonal! Admission is $10.

The Lyric

300 E. Third Street

While this historic venue is best known for incredible performances and shows, their 3,000-square-foot gallery features several unique, inspiring, thought-provoking exhibits a year.

Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center

lexingtonky.gov

In this entertainment center run by Lexington Parks & Recreation, you can enjoy the work of Kentucky artists inside their three distinct galleries. Admission is free. Be sure to check out their theatre schedule for some more summer entertainment!

Lexington Mural Challenge

VisitLEX.com

There are thoughtful, imaginative works of art practically around every corner of our city. This free self-guided tour will help you discover some you may have missed. Get outside, take some selfies, and enjoy the city’s incredible public art.

Galleries Galore

Lexington’s art scene is truly impressive, with artists’ studios and curated galleries scattered throughout the city – so many that we couldn’t possibly list them all here! Visit the TOPS Calendar to discover upcoming shows, talks, and more.

Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center

VisitLEX

LexArts

GET AROUND

We get that cars – and traffic – can throw a wrench into your summer plans. In addition to LexTran buses, walking, bicycling, and rideshares, here are some fun ways to get around Lexington that won’t ruin your vibe.

LexRide lextran.com/lexride

Getting around downtown Lexington, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block has never been easier thanks to Lexington’s new downtown circulator. For just $1 each way, you can hop on LexRide buses and ride the loop around some of our city’s coolest destinations. This service is available through October. Want to head further out? Transfer to any other Lextran route for free!

Scooters & eBikes

Wheel around downtown on the mico-EVs, available for rent by app. Just pick one up, follow the rental steps detailed on your phone, and get moving.

Private Tours

Whether you prefer to walk or ride, private tour groups can take you around to some incredible destinations on planned intineraries.

Pedal Taverns

Have a drink while pedaling with friends around the heart of downtown. Operators like Big Blue Pedaler and Pedal Pub offer these fun group rides. Buy an individual seat or rent out the pedal tavern for your crew.

LexPark lextran.com/lexride

If you are taking your car, remember that LexPark’s 1,208 metered spaces are free all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and on select holidays; on weekdays, they’re free after 7:00 PM.

FOR THE LOVE OF LEARNING

Lexington History Museum

210-214 North Broadway

Take a walk through Lexington’s incredible 250+ year history. You will love learning about the communities and figures who made our city what it is today. Open Thursday through Saturday.

Kentucky Horse Park

4089 Iron Works Pike

This local treasure is a facility unlike any other. From museums to special events, you’ll want to visit and follow their calendar for upcoming equestrian shows. If you enjoy camping, the Kentucky Horse Park Campground is top-notch! Visit their website for pricing and more information.

The Aviation Museum of Kentucky 4029 Airport Road

This hidden gem in Lexington offers an impressive collection of modern military and classic vintage aircraft. All ages will love learning here.

Lexington Children’s Museum

440 W. Short Street

Need a fun way to pass an afternoon with the kiddos? This immersive museum inspires children through educational play and creative exhibits.

Waveland State Historic Site

225 Waveland Museum Lane

This beautiful Greek revival home offers the opportunity to learn about the realities of 19th-century Kentucky plantation life. Grounds are open 7 days a week and are free to explore. Admission for tours is available.

Mary Todd Lincoln House

578 W. Main Street

Explore the family home of one of America’s most fascinating First Ladies. They offer both self-guided and guided tour experiences full of rich history.

Living Arts & Science Center

362 N. Martin Luther King Boulevard

From art galleries to planetarium shows, hands-on programs to interactive exhibits, there is always something new to discover at the LASC. Visit their website for the latest information.

Lexington Public Libraries lexpublib.org

With six locations spread across the city, there’s always a library close to you. They offer a wealth of enriching events, special programming, hands-on fun, and – of course – books to read. Visit their website to find out what’s new. •

Adventure!

Kentucky

is full of wonder for those who aren’t afraid to get out and explore a little. From incredible sights to thrilling attractions, the Bluegrass State has something to get anyone’s heart racing.

Warm weather means we’re all ready to set off on fun excursions, from quick day trips to weekend getaways. Here are a few destinations we think might be worth checking out in 2026. by Amanda Harper

Red River Gorge

This stunning natural area east of Lexington is widely considered to be a playground for adventure seekers. From rock climbing to ziplining, it’s one of the biggest international attractions in the state that remains an underrated gem.

Beginners are often intimidated by well-regarded hiking and climbing destinations like Red River Gorge. But there is plenty for folks of all skill levels and abilities to enjoy. Take the skylift to the top of Natural Bridge, then enjoy a fairly easy hike down. The Gladie Visitor Center is the perfect place for families to start their RRG excursion.

Want more thrills? You could kayak at The Gorge Underground in a flooded limestone mine – truly, a oneof-a-kind experience. Book a private climbing tour or lesson with a local expert to learn the ropes, so to speak. Go off-road with the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway, a rugged route that winds through hundreds of miles of Kentucky’s most beautiful country.

Speaking of driving, there’s plenty of natural wonder to see from the comfort of your vehicle. The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway will take you through some of the area’s most spectacular sights. You’ll drive through the historic Nada Tunnel, a 900-foot-long single-car path cut into the base of a hill.

If you’re planning to stay overnight, there are plenty of rental accommodations, including treehouses, cabins, yurts, campgrounds, and more. There are plenty of dining options and watering holes in the area, including the legendary Miguel’s Pizza, a favorite of hikers for decades. Also check out Red River Rockhouse and RedPoint Barbecue.

If you’ve never been to Red River Gorge – or if you haven’t been in the last several years – it’s time to hop in your car and enjoy some time in the outdoors. The drive will take about an hour, but once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re a world away.

Natural Bridge | Kentucky Tourism

Red River Gorge Zipline Tours

Miguel’s Pizza

Mammoth Cave National Park

The longest cave system in the world stretches beneath Kentucky soil. Below ground, enjoy guided tours among the stunning formations while learning about the cave’s fascinating history; for many tours, the number of stairs can make this a challenging hike. Heading up, you’ll discover hiking, biking, rafting, and birding in the area. While you’re in the area, check out Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. Kids will love meeting kangaroos, lorries, reptiles, and more. For some goofy (and informative) fun, Dinosaur World is a quirky stop that will produce many silly selfies. Hikers will love the Green River Bluff Trail, a 4.6-mile loop with a 580-foot elevation gain that offers stunning overlooks.

Breaks Interstate Park

Known as “The Grand Canyon of the South,” the Breaks is an underrated gem located along the eastern border of the state. There are many thrills to be found in the area. Class II - Class V whitewater offers opportunities for pulse-pounding rafting. ATV and offroading opportunities abound. You could also go rock climbing or ziplining.

Looking for a more serene excursion? Nature lovers will enjoy guided elk tours, as well as opportunities for fishing, birding, and hiking throughout the area. Laurel Lake offers canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating on fairly calm waters. Kids will love splashing around in the 4,000-square-foot water park.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

If you’re looking for a spot that offers something for every member of the family to enjoy, look no further. From a planetarium and observatory to target shooting, this 170,000-acre natural area located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border is a perfect vacation destination for folks who love the outdoors.

All that space means there’s plenty of room to play. LBL offers 261 miles of hiking and walking trails, 106 miles of mountain biking trails, and 100 miles of OHV paths. You can enjoy scenic drives, guided horse rides, wildlife viewing (including elk and bison), and more. For those who love to sleep beneath the stars, there are over 1,400 campsites.

Looking for some lake time? There are 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Boating, swimming, paddling, kayaking, and canoeing abound. Anglers know the area is beloved for its abundant bass, crappie, and catfish.

Land Between the Lakes | USDA

Mammoth Cave | NPS Photo/David Kem

Breaks Interstate Park

Who Canoe?

It’s officially time to get out on the water once again. While everyone loves a little boat time, there are plenty more ways to enjoy Kentucky’s lakes and streams this year. If you’re into water-powered fun, be sure to check out local adventure groups like Kentucky Kayakers on Facebook to get the best tips.

Canoeing and kayaking are popular choices for more low-key adventurers. Elkhorn Creek offers beginner to intermediate waters within just a short drive. Taylorsville Lake is a great destination for beginners, while more experienced paddlers will love the Cumberland River near Cumberland Falls. Don’t want to leave town? Check out the public launch near the Kentucky Palisades at Kelley’s Landing, located along Old Richmond Road at the Kentucky River.

Want to try paddleboarding? Jacobson Park is a great place to start. Once you’ve got the hang of it, head toward Richmond to Lake Reba and Taylor Fork Lake for calm waters. Owsley Fork Reservoir in Berea offers one of the quietest, most serene experiences. Take a drive to Grayson Lake State Park for incredible views of waterfalls and grottoes. For a more adventurous run, Elkhorn Creek is an exciting destination that offers a little more challenge –and if you’re feeling flexible, Canoe Kentucky offers Stand Up Paddleboard yoga for a truly relaxing experience.

Looking for a lazy float? South Elkhorn Creek offers a very slow, mellow current that is largely shaded. Dix River near Harrington has a flatwater feel with no shuttle needed – just float and turn back when you’re ready to head in. If you want to tie on with friends, Harrington Lake is a great option.

Elkhorn Creek

Approx. Drive Time: 30-45 minutes

Kentucky River Palisades

Approx. Drive Time: 10-45 minutes

Taylorsville Lake

Approx. Drive Time: 1 hour

Cumberland River

Approx. Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Lake Reba

Approx. Drive Time: 40 minutes

Taylor Fork Lake

Approx. Drive Time: 45 minutes

Owsley Fork Reservoir

Approx. Drive Time: 1 hour

Grayson Lake State Park

Approx. Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Dix River

Approx. Drive Time: 45 minutes

Harrington Lake

Approx. Drive Time: 1 hour

Green River

Approx. Drive Time: 2 hours

Canoe Kentucky | Kentucky Tourism

Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts | Kentucky Tourism

Indoor Fun

Not that into the great outdoors? There’s still plenty to explore in the Bluegrass State that doesn’t necessarily require buckets of sunscreen and bug spray. Whether you’re open to being outside – just not lost in the wilderness – or you’d rather have some fun in the shade, these exciting spots might just be the ticket.

Louisville Mega Cavern

Avoid the sun while seeking thrills in this 100-acre marvel. Enjoy ziplining, guided adventure tram rides, walking tours, and an aerial ropes challenge course in this former limestone quarry. Best of all, you’ll be within minutes of the best of Louisville. From bourbon tours to truly fantastic museums, there’s plenty to enjoy in the ‘Ville.

Owensboro, KY

One of the most underrated cities in the state lies along the Ohio River. Visit the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, tour a bourbon distillery, try the city’s signature mutton barbecue, explore museums, or take a stroll along the waterfront. In the area, you can enjoy golfing, racing at the Kentucky Motor Speedway, or playing at the Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari theme park.

Newport on the Levee

If it’s been a while since you headed up to Newport on the Levee, it may be worth revisiting this riverside town. The Newport Aquarium is a must-see, but there’s far more to explore. Right across the river, Cincinnati offers dozens of fun ways to spend the day; the American Sign Museum, Krohn Conservatory, and Findlay Market are incredible, while the city’s many museums are certainly worth checking out.

Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay

This 67-acre theme park in Louisville offers lots of thrills within an easy drive of Lexington. Rollercoasters, classic carnival rides, and a fantastic water park await.

Bowling Green, KY

Close to Mammoth Cave is another great Kentucky city. The National Corvette Museum & Motorsports Park is the perfect destination for car fanatics. Beech Bend Amusement Park & Splash Lagoon offers fun for all ages. From the historic rail park to Lost River Cave, there’s so much to see and do. And, yes, there’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be found in the area, too. •

National Corvette Museum

Newport Aquarium | Newport on the Levee

Owensboro Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau

PROPS TO Pops

FATHER’S DAY GIFTS THAT AREN’T YOUR USUAL WHISKEY STONES OR GRILLING TOOLS

Koda 12 – 1st Generation (Ooni, $299)

For foodie dads: For do-it-yourself dads:

9-in-1 Builder’s Pen Multi-tool (Lucky Jack, $28)

Self-Leveling Laser Level (Amazon, $25)

BBQ Champion Gift Basket (A Taste of Kentucky, $95)

Monkey Business Farfalloni-Shaped Pot Holders (Amazon, $16)

Saker Mini Chainsaw (Amazon, $54)

(Amazon, $20)

The Doors Poster Print 18”x24” (EcelyStudioCore/Etsy, $39)

For music-loving dads: For luxurious dads:

Levanto Lighter (MarbleForDecor, $79)

Jumbo Hitster

Classic Rock Album Cover Art End Table (RusticRelixHomeDecor/Etsy, $180)

SPARK-Rosso

Super-Plush Robe (Brooklinen, $149)

Ember Mug 2 (Ember, $130)

party on!

Gettin’ Nauty

Summer officially begins this month. Nautical themes and patriotic hues will be everywhere, and we love the look for a warm-weather party. From Father’s Day to summer cookouts, this is a great look to go with. Whether you go kitchsy or classy, nautical decorations are timeless and fun!

Theme Scheming

A nautical theme has a few foundational elements. Generally, the color scheme is red, white, and blue – perfect for this patriotic time of year. That said, some people opt for navy blue, white/cream, and natural jute for a more elegant look.

Sailor stripes are another common element; we particularly love thinner blue-and-white stripes bordered with a thicker red stripe. Anchors, lobsters, sailboats, crabs, seashells, stars, and sea-related imagery are common choices.

To ensure that the party steers clear of looking too childish, we recommend sticking to a few bold graphical elements while keeping other details more neutral. This can be achieved with neutral serveware, chargers, or accessories.

Throw Me a Rope

Boat rope, twine, and jute cordage perfectly fit this theme and offer a host of DIY possibilities. Wrap and glue rope around the bottom of clear candleholders. Practice your hands at nautical knots to serve as décor. Tie napkins with rope and placecards with twine. Coil rope to create placemats or coasters.

Seafaring Menu

Obviously, seafood is a common choice for a nautical theme. But classic American cookout fare works just as well; burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, and more. Serve desserts that tie in the color scheme, such as strawberry shortcake or a berry-bedecked pie.

For drinks, offer classics like lemonade and sweet tea; kids may enjoy a red or blue fruit drink. If you’re serving alcohol, aim for white wine, beer, and canned seltzers. A featured cocktail in red, blue, or clear would be perfect.

Meri Meri

Craft & Sparkle

Bellwether Events

Green, Owner / Operator Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream

Advertising with TOPS in Lexington has been a powerful tool in growing my real estate brand and team.

“The visibility has created meaningful brand awareness and helped us connect with clients we may not have reached otherwise. It’s a partnership that has truly made a difference in our business. I’m thankful for the opportunity and look forward to what’s ahead.”

Crystal Gail Smith Owner/Managing Broker In House Real Estate

TOPS has brought brand recognition to our practice and has led to an increase in patient flow.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to work with TOPS and serving the Lexington/Nicholasville community for many years to come.”

Dr. George Quintero Owner Grey Oak Dental

Partnering with TOPS Magazine has been a great experience for Russell Capital Management.

“Their ability to showcase our brand in a way that feels both elevated and authentic has made a meaningful impact. The visibility we’ve gained and the connections we’ve built through their audience have been invaluable. We’ve been extremely pleased with the results.”

Jack Russell Founding Partner, CEO Russell Capital Management

Fullers Family Home Care has proudly partnered with TOPS for the past several years, and the experience has been exceptional.

“The professionalism, creativity, and community inspiration that this magazine brings each month are truly phenomenal. We have signed up nearly 98% of those who have contacted us after seeing our ad in TOPS. Their platform has been a fundamental part of helping us connect with the community and grow our outreach.”

Michelle Fuller Owner, Executive Director Fullers Family Home Care

JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2026

JUNE 4

Voices HEaRd: A Women’s Festival Through June 14 | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center

JUNE 5

I’ve Got Friends Garth Brooks Tribute Band

7:00 PM | Manchester Music Hall

Zarna Garg: Million Dollar Excuses Through June 6 | Comedy O Broadway

Scary Movie 6 Screening with Cast Members

12:30 PM | LexLive

JUNE 6

KET Summer Celebration

7:00 PM | Donamire Farm

Lexington Porch Fest Through June 7 | Varies Railbird Through June 7 | Red Mile

JUNE 7

Kentucky Card Show

9:00 AM | Oleika Temple

Edwin McCain and Five for Fighting

7:30 PM | Lexington Opera House

JUNE 9

Lexington Legends vs. Gastonia Ghost Peppers Through June 14 | Legends Field

JUNE 10

Spirit in the Bluegrass Music Fest Through June 13 | Kentucky Horse Park

The Queer Literary Hoedown

7:00 PM | Carnegie Center

JUNE 12

It’s a Grand Night for Singing! Through June 21 | Singletary Center

Dean Stan eld Through June 13 | Comedy O Broadway

Lexington Antique Show Through June 14 | Athens Schoolhouse

JUNE 13

Lexington SC (Men’s) vs. San Antonio FC

7:00 PM | Lexington SC Stadium

Midway Bourbon and Blues Festival

12:00 PM | 101 E Main St., Midway

Swahili Day

4:00 PM | Gatton Park

Truck-A-Palooza

9:00 AM | Tates Creek High School

Free Community 5K

7:30 AM | John’s Run/Walk Shop

JUNE 14

Steph Tolev

7:30 PM | Comedy Off Broadway

JUNE 16

#OneNightOnly with Carly Pearce

7:30 PM | Lexington Opera House

Soulful Sounds

7:00 PM | The Lyric

JUNE 18

Josh Blue Through June 20 | Comedy Off Broadway

Nearly Nicks: Tribute

8:00 PM | Manchester Music Hall

JUNE 19

SoulFeast Through June 21 | Varies

Juneteenth

10:00 AM | The Lyric

Spamalot Through June 21 | Lexington Opera House

JUNE 20

Lexington Card Fest Through June 21 | Manchester Music Hall

Central KY Pet Expo

12:00 PM | Jack Kain Ford

SoulTeenth Fest

2:00 PM | Gatton Park

Lexington SC (Men’s) vs. Indy Eleven

7:00 PM | Lexington SC Stadium

Steve Hofstetter

7:00 PM | The Lyric

Juneteenth Celebration

12:00 PM | Charles Young Park

Voluntourism: River Sweep

8:30 AM | Kelley’s Landing

Monster Jam Through June 21 | Rupp Arena

SPORTS & ATHLETICS ARTS & PERFORMANCES COMMUNITY EVENTS

JUNE 22

Kentucky Black Restaurant Week Through June 28 | Various Restaurants

JUNE 23

Lexington Legends vs. Hagerstown Flying Boxcars

Through June 28 | Legends Field

JUNE 25

Dale Jones Through June 27 | Comedy Off Broadway

JUNE 27

Barrel Creek Revival Through June 28 | The Kentucky Castle

Ashland Lawn Party

5:30 PM | Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate

JUNE 28

Tahlsound Concert Series: Back to Our Roots

TBA | Oleika Temple

Aries Spears

7:00 PM | Lexington Opera House

JUNE 30

Big Band & Jazz: Patriotic 7:00 PM | Moondance Amphitheater

JULY 2

3rd Annual Lexington Tattoo Expo Through July 5 | Central Bank Center

JULY 3

Patriotic Concert

5:00 PM | Transylvania University

JULY 4 Fourth of July Parade 10:00 AM | Downtown Anne Wilson

8:00 PM | Gatton Park

*While we make every effort to ensure accuracy of the information presented, some listings may be out of date. Before attending any event, please check with the hosting organization for the latest updates.

one of two Exceptional Bourbon Collections!

Proceeds provide scholarships for University of Kentucky Opera Theatre music students.

Tickets Available Now through June 21!

Drawing: Sun., June 21, 2026, 5-5:30pm

Playing for the Home Team

Story by Larry Vaught / Photos by UK Athletics & provided by Willie Rodriguez

Kentucky junior tight end Willie Rodriguez admits it was a “crazy situation” after coach Mark Stoops was fired at the end of the 2025 season. He not only didn’t know who the new coach would be, but also didn’t know who would be on the 2026 Kentucky roster.

“I really just put my head down. I was working out at home, trying not to focus on that too much at first, and just spending time with my family,” said the 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end who has played in 24 games with 10 starts in his two years at UK.

Once Will Stein was named head coach and hired Joe Sloan as his offensive coordinator, Rodriguez was impressed with their “energy” immediately.

“I really liked the type of people they were because I’m very competitive, and I feel like when you walk into a room, you can just feel somebody’s presence,” Rodriguez said.

“I felt that a lot with coach Sloan when I first met him, and then Stein as well. Like, they’re both dudes, you know? They’re both very confident, which I love, and then they’re both willing to do whatever it takes to win.

“It didn’t feel like any bluff for me. It felt real, and they’re here to compete. That’s what I love to do and what I loved about them.”

Rodriguez has 28 career catches for 404 yards in his two seasons, but had 23 catches for 310 yards and one score in 2025. Those numbers figure to dramatically increase this year because Stein believes Rodriguez is a future NFL player.

“He’s got the size, he’s got the speed. I think he’s really worked on his ability to catch the football consistently. He’s a guy who looks like he has been in the system now for a long time. He can play in line, off the ball. He can flex out. He can be the number one receiver out on the perimeter,” the new UK coach said. “If we don’t find a way to get him the ball, then we are screwed up. He’s a really, really good player.”

Rodriguez comes from an athletic family. His father, Willie, was a middle linebacker at Thomas More University from 1992-96, and his mother, Jody, was an outside hitter on the volleyball team at Dayton from 1993-97 – she also played basketball in high school. His sister, Sofia, 21, is the goalkeeper on the IU-Indy soccer team. His twin brothers, Antonio and Emilio, 16, both wrestle at Covington Catholic High School, and Antonio also plays football. The UK tight end also has a 24-year-old brother, Alexes.

“My dad was born in Cuba. He came here on a boat when he was 6 years old and made it up to Cincinnati, Ohio, and that’s where he met my mom. Coming on a boat to this country and everything he went through, we carry that with us, and that teaches us a lot,” the UK tight end said.

However, his biggest inspiration is his 19-year-old sister, Gabby. She has Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that impacts her cognitive level, and she is unable to communicate consistently. She needs assistance in all parts of her daily life.

“Gabby was never able to play sports, and it makes me thankful for every day I do get to play, and my siblings are the same way,” Rodriguez said. “We grew up together, helping take care of her. We tried to give my mom a night off because taking care of her every day is hard. Whatever we needed to do to help, we did it, whether it was feeding, bathing, or getting her to sleep.

“That helped bond our family together and also gave all of us a daily perspective on life. You think something is hard, and then you think of my little sister’s situation. We all think of that 24/7. Our parents used to always preach to us when we were younger. If you thought something was going bad, you still can’t really complain.”

Out & About!

Photo captions are typically provided by event organizers, photographers and other external sources. While every attempt has been made to ensure that captions are accurate, please accept our sincere apologies for any errors. Reach out to photos@topsmarketing.com to alert us to the mistake.

God’s Pantry Afternoon Tea

Lighthouse Ministries Ribbon Cutting

Amber Lakin and Susan Neville at the Silver Lexington 10 Year Celebration

Chrysalis House Mother’s Day Luncheon

Derby Day at Keeneland

Superhero 5K

FEAST 2026

Lexington Hospitality Awards, presented by VisitLEX

TOP EVENTS!

TOPS SOCIAL: MAY

May 20 • Alpha Reserve & Events • photos by Mary

Pace

Chase Williams, Tiffany Lewis, Lacy Martin and Shannon Gordon

Art Hubbard, Vicki Evans and Rob Ruddick

Meredith Adkins, Mike Turner and Lisa Edwards

Megan Bryan and Kali Patel

Blake Joner, Alex Van Dynhoven, Tanner Revis and Garrett Hardesty

Marc Cobane

BLOOM RECEPTION

April 9 • Gatton Park on the Town Branch • photos by Tracie Dillon

TOP EVENTS!

Ben Shaffer, Allison Lankford, Ford Lankford and Kristen Byrd

Ed Webb, Rob Brewer and Jim Host

Tom Bulleit, Betsy Bulleit, Connie Jennings, Ann Bakhaus, Cathy Jacobs and Ben Shaffer

Larry VanMeter, Kip Cornett and Jennie VanMeter

Justin Welch, Kaely Rock and Megan Reynolds

Brien Lewis, Linda Gorton and Charlie Gorton

TOP EVENTS!

BLUE JEANS, BOOTS & BULLS DERBY EVE PARTY

May 1 • Blue Grass Stockyards •

photos by Tracie Dillon

Crystal Amburgey with Maybelle and Magnolia

Warren Perez, Jill Perez, Susan Morrison and Laura Barber

Josh Boggs and Miranda Stewart

Maddy Ripley, Kelsey Bruner and Lauren Johnson

Emily Hook and Dana McCall

Adkins Family

BIA GOLF OUTING

May 13 • University Club of Kentucky • photos by

TOP EVENTS!

Tracie Dillon

Jeff Morrett, Tom Miller, Dallas Scott and Josh McCurn

Todd Johnson, Tom Miller, Amy Durban, Joe Palumbo and Brent Anderson

Darryl Virts, Tonya McFarland and Matt Dennis

Tim Martin, Stacy Starkey, Ginger Stein and Kelly Webb

Brittney Lovell and Jacoby Lovell

Alli Brummer and Lisa Cheal

TOP EVENTS!

KENTUCKY DERBY 152

Churchill Downs • photos by Michael Huang, Brian Wood & Mont Dawson

Lance Bass Star Jones

Melissa Joan Hart and Danika McKellar

Cassie Donegan and Heather French Henry

Neil Patrick Harris

Will Levis, Ray Davis and Wan’Dale Robinson

TOP EVENTS!

KENTUCKY DERBY 152

Churchill Downs • photos by Michael Huang, Brian Wood & Mont Dawson

Cherie DeVaux and Jose Ortiz

Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks

TOP EVENTS! KENTUCKY OAKS

Churchill Downs • photos by Michael Huang, Brian Wood & Mont Dawson

Nicole Scherzinger

Mike Law, Sarah Law, Kayla Monohan, Jeff Monohan, David Coultas, Megan Coultas, John Yager and Tony Yager

Cailes Garcia and Ella Gould

Anne Brownell, Kenny Minchey, Theresa Bascom and Michelle Mullaney

Dominic Moore and Darshelle Moore

Rhett Harris and Cliff Harris