Arts & Culture
Seven women to be honored in Kentucky Women Remembered state Capitol – The Kentucky Commission on Women unanimously recommended seven women to Gov. Andy Beshear to be added to the Kentucky Women Remembered portrait exhibit in the state Capitol, which displays dozens of portraits of Kentucky’s outstanding women. Inductees are Lonnie Ali, Jane Beshear, Sharon Currens, Hannah Drake, the late Mary Margaret Mulvihill, Peggy Purdom Patterson and the late Gloria Watkins, also known as bell hooks. The commission will soon commission portraits of the new inductees. https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/seven-women-to-be-honored-in-kentucky-women-remembered-state-capitol-exhibit/article_228e7398-bf8a-11ed-96b3-3b1ed232efad.html
Cadiz art museum celebrates 25 years – The Janice Mason Art Museum in Cadiz is celebrating 25 years. A host of events scheduled throughout the year will reflect the milestone, from the museum’s monthly Make n’ Mingle classes to its iconic Chocolate Affair, a popular event that features homemade chocolates and candies.https://www.kentuckynewera.com/cadiz_record/article_ecbcc874-b1f7-5994-b34a-e23180a5a6d1.html
Horse Mania ‘Hero Horse’ returns to Somerset – A Hero Horse Returns Home” is the title of Dr. Sylvia Cerel-Suhl’s work, one of more than 160 full-size horses created for the LexArts public art initiative Horse Mania. The horse now sits in the lobby of the Somerset Energy Center. The horse represents Lake Cumberland, Somerset-Pulaski County, the Appalachian region of Kentucky, the bourbon and horse racing industries, as well as SPEDA’s effort to utilize the arts to promote community collaboration and bridge the urban-rural divide. https://www.lanereport.com/163120/2023/02/horse-mania-hero-horse-returns-home-to-somerset/
White Squirrel Arts Fest to debut – The first ever White Squirrel Arts Fest will debut April 21-23. The event is slated to kick off with a concert at the Capitol Arts Center on April 21 featuring the musical group Seals & Crofts 2. After that, the White Squirrel Arts Fest is slated to feature art exhibitions, more music, poetry slams, book author booths and much more. It will also incorporate the popular Southern Kentucky Science Festival at Circus Square Park. https://www.bgdailynews.com/opinion/white-squirrel-arts-fest-a-great-blend-of-citys-best/article_a6bae8f7-c9ff-5aae-8465-4b6096eb6f63.html
Official artist and artwork of Kentucky Derby 149 announced – Churchill Downs announced Romero Britto as the official artist of Derby 149 and unveiled his official poster for the Kentucky Derby. The Miami-based Romero is originally from Brazil and one look at this year’s Derby print and you can tell he uses his birthplace and hometown for inspiration. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2022/12/06/churchill-downs-2023-art-kentucky-derby
Derby Festival names 2023 official poster artist – Liesl Long Chaintreuil has been selected as the Festival’s Official Poster Artist for the 2023 season. Chaintreuil is a Louisville native who has been honing her craft for more than 20 years, and her designs boast vibrant portrayals of the world-renowned events and people that define Kentucky’s culture.https://www.lanereport.com/161470/2022/12/derby-festival-names-2023-official-poster-artist/
Immersive children’s museum coming to Louisville – The Portland Museum, located on Louisville’s west end, is working to create AHOY, the Adventure House of You Children’s Museum which will feature risky play, an indoor and outdoor space, and pay tribute to the heritage of Louisville’s West End. AHOY is anticipated to cost $4 million, will be completed in four phases and is projected to open in 2024. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2022/10/28/ahoy-childrens-museum-to-open-in-west-louisville/69556208007/
New exhibit opening at the Kentucky Museum – The Kentucky Museum opened its new “What Happened to Jonesville” exhibit. In the 1960s, Jonesville was deconstructed so Western Kentucky University could expand. The exhibit features a buon fresco (French for true fresh) painting from Jonesville descendant, Alice Gatewood Waddell, and 15 panels that share photographs and stories of residents. In the spring, the exhibit will travel to Frankfort to share the importance of Jonesville with the state legislature. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2022/10/28/jonesville-exhibit-kentucky-museum-
Mural unveiled in Paris – A three-story mural of Secretariat winning the Kentucky Derby was unveiled in Paris, Ky in November. The mural, on the side of the historic Baldwin Hotel, was painted by equine artist Jaime Corum. It’s the first phase of the Secretariat Park Project, which will open in November 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown run. https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/worlds-largest-mural-of-secretariat-to-be-unveiled-dedicated-on-nov-19/
Mountain Arts Center Celebrates 25 Years – The Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg celebrated its 25th anniversary in November. The group of founders envisioned a venue to foster local talent and to bring in tourism for the community. Since 1997, the MAC has seen its fair share of stars from Brad Paisley to Loretta Lynn, but it is still focused on bringing up young, local talent. https://www.wymt.com/2022/11/03/mountain-arts-center-celebrates-25th-anniversary/
New statue unveiled at State Capitol – A statue of educator Nettie Depp now stands on the first floor of the west entrance at the Kentucky State Capitol. This is the first permanent monument of a woman to be displayed in the building. https://www.lex18.com/news/nettie-depp-statue-unveiled-at-the-kentucky-state-capitol
Memorial sculpture dedicated in Danville – The Stephen R. Powell Memorial Garden and Outdoor Classroom was dedicated on Centre College’s campus in October. The memorial features a 25-foot-tall sculpture that spectators can walk through, as well as a garden, walking path, three custom-made artistic benches and a small amphitheater that will serve as an outdoor classroom. Work by the late internationally acclaimed glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell is collected throughout the world, but perhaps equally as influential is the legacy he created from his glass art studio at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky—his alma mater and the epicenter of his artistic and professional accomplishments. https://www.centre.edu/news/centre-college-honors-renowned-glass-artist-stephen-rolfe-powell-74-larger-life-campus
Speed Art Museum displays Monet painting – The Speed Art Museum in Louisville is now displaying a piece of Claude Monet’s iconic Waterlilies collection, “Nymphéas,” for the next few months. It is one of the earliest versions of the impressionist’s famous waterlily paintings. It will be on display with another Monet piece, “The Church at Varengeville-sur-Mer, Grey Weather,” which was recently restored by the museum. https://www.wdrb.com/news/monet-waterlily-painting-nymphe-as-now-on-display-at-louisvilles-speed-artmuseum/article_5410fdf4-0497-11ed-91af-cf01a013ae03.html
Iconic Hometown Heroes banner series relaunches – Louisville’s Hometown Heroes program displaying Louisville-area icons on banners across the city is relaunching for its 20th anniversary in “Hometown Heroes 2.0.” A new Muhammad Ali banner was unveiled at Third Street and River Road in June. The first phase of the update will include new banners for Colonel Harland Sanders, Bud Hillerich, Pee Wee Reese, Denny Crum and more. The replacement program will also review new, sustainable ways to continue honoring the city’s many heroes in future updates. https://www.wave3.com/2022/06/29/hometown-heroes-celebrates-20th-anniversary-relaunch-with-new-muhammad-ali-banner/
New live performance venue planned in Jeffersontown – The City of Jeffersontown, a suburb in the Louisville area, recently broke ground on the Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater. The new multipurpose live event space will host concerts, weddings and more on an outdoor stage, a “Grand Lawn,” trails for cyclists and pedestrians, a pavilion, terraced outdoor seating, an indoor event space and more. It is expected to open late summer/fall 2023. https://www.leoweekly.com/2022/06/new-live-performance-venue-breaks-ground-in-jeffersontown-as-part-of-park-expansion/
New mural coming to Paducah – A new 10-panel mural is planned to fill every panel of a three-block stretch on Water Street in Paducah. The finished product will feature a historical railroad map with Paducah as a bull’s-eye in the middle panel. It is being added to a project that began in 1996 to decorate the city’s floodwalls with portraits showcasing the area’s history. https://www.wbko.com/2022/06/21/new-mural-complete-kentucky-mural-wall-begun-1996/
Louisville Slugger Museum adds new Hank Aaron statue – The Louisville Slugger Museum unveiled a new remarkably lifelike statue of Hank Aaron in June, with his widow, Billye, in attendance. Aaron was a humanitarian in addition to a sports icon and one of the greatest baseball players of all time. https://www.wymt.com/2022/06/02/hank-aaron-statue-unveiled-louisville-slugger-museum/
New mobile art carts along Lexington’s Town Branch Commons Trail – Lexington now has eight mobile carts as a part of a new “Art on the Town” program. The carts are on the Town Branch Commons Trail, typically near the Marriott and at these corners: Vine and Upper Street, Vine and South Mill Street, and Vine Street and Broadway. Artists can reserve the carts and use them to sell their goods, from paintings, jewelry, baskets, pottery and more. The carts are only available to artists who reside in or have a workplace in Lexington. https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/05-11-2022/discover-art-town-branch-commons-trail
New exhibit at Kentucky Horse Park museum – The Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse recently unveiled a new exhibit that focuses on Derby eve parties hosted by Ashland native Anita Madden. She and her husband hosted extravagant Derby eve parties for more than 40 years in Lexington. The exhibit showcases some of the iconic outfits from those parties, on loan from the Madden family and in partnership with the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center in Ashland. https://www.lex18.com/sports/race-to-the-derby/new-kentucky-horse-park-museum-exhibit-remembers-famous-madden-derby-eve-parties
Kentucky site added to National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom – The National Park Service added 16 new listings to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom in March 2022, including the Dinsmore Homestead in Burlington, Kentucky. The 700+ national sites in the national network highlight the diverse experiences of freedom seeks who bravely escaped slavery, and the people who assisted them. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/ntf-listings-march-2022.htm
Kentucky Derby Museum has two new Derby exhibits – The Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville has two new exhibits focusing on the elite Kentucky Derby event. The newest permanent exhibit, “This is the Kentucky Derby!” opened in late April and is located on the first floor of the museum. It takes visitors through five main facets of the event: history, culture, spectacle, economic impact and tradition. The museum also has a new ‘Derbyville’ exhibit, featuring the wild stories and unique culture of the Kentucky Derby. The exhibit is located on the second floor in the museum’s Matt Winn Theatre. The focus of the exhibit is how on Derby Day, Churchill Downs transforms into a city within a city, creating a remarkable cultural experience for its temporary residents. https://www.lanereport.com/148894/2021/11/new-welcome-to-derbyville-exhibit-being-built-at-kentucky-derby-museum/ & https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-derby-travel-sports-louisville-54da86f70d15337efd19c39712a868a2
New permanent exhibit at Shaker Village – Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill has a new permanent installation, “Local Economies, Global Impacts.” The exhibit spans three rooms in two historic buildings, showcasing Shaker ingenuity, manufacturing and marketing through personal stories, interactive components and rarely seen artifacts. Entry is included with paid admission to Shaker Village. https://shakervillageky.org/events/new-exhibit-local-economies-global-impacts/
Frankfort sculpture park adds new exhibit – The Josephine Sculpture Park in Frankfort has a new sculpture for visitors to explore. “Sky Chamber” was created by Artist in Residence Daniel Shieh, using simple materials such as wood and mirrors. It is perched atop a rolling meadow and is immediately visible to visitors entering the park. The sculpture entices visitors to explore and reflect on the surrounding environment with a tunneled hallway and plain white interior. The park is open daily year-round from sunrise to sunset and is free. https://www.wtvq.com/sculpture-parkss-sky-chamber-is-a-portal-to-another-world/
Frazier History Museum unveils new exhibit – The Frazier History Museum, located on Main Street in downtown Louisville, debuted a new permanent exhibit, “The Commonwealth: Divided We Fall,” in June. The exhibit sheds light on Kentucky’s rich history including its native peoples, the Civil War, the early 19th century and more. The exhibition also builds upon viewers’ personal connection to history by pairing well-known historic figures such as Henry Clay, Cassius Clay and Abraham Lincoln with diverse narratives from lesser-known historic figures. Organized in partnership with the (Un)Known Project led by IDEAS xLab, the exhibit includes a space for visitors to reflect on the stories of the enslaved that lived in Kentucky. https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/frazier-history-museum-debuts-new-exhibit-detailing-centuries-of-kentuckys-past/article_9c00fbd0-e1bc-11ec-9fe8-47bb57f039a8.html
Attractions
National Corvette Museum opens new exhibit – The NCM opened its latest exhibit, Custom Carisma: The Legendary Creations of Carl Casper. Carl’s spectacular career and some of his most famous cars are on display. Cars on exhibit will include The Batman Returns BatmobileTM*, Turbo Shark Corvette, Popcorn Wagon, Young American Dragster, 51 Merc “Knight Cruiser”, Paddy Wagon, 32 Renegade Deuce and the Cosmic Invader. The exhibit is included with Museum admission and will run until December 31, 2023. https://www.wnky.com/see-the-legendary-batmobile-and-more-ncms-carl-casper-exhibit-opens-to-public/
Derby Museum to unveil new Secretariat exhibit – Tickets are now on sale for the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Secretariat Bourbon Dinner, presented by Fifth Third Bank, happening April 20. Guests will be the first to explore the new exhibit, Secretariat: America’s Horse, before it opens to the public April 21. https://paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/kentucky-derby-museum-launch-party-for-new-secretariat-exhibit-set-for-april-20/
Derby Museum to host exhibit honoring women jockeys – The Kentucky Derby Museum is honoring women’s contributions to the horse industry with its new “Right to Ride” exhibit opening Oct. 16. Some exhibit highlights include a main 29-minute documentary and three oral history video stations featuring interviews with female jockeys, artifacts and ephemera tracing the tory of the first American female jockeys, treasures from personal collections of Derby-riding women, and more. https://www.wtvq.com/right-to-ride-ky-derby-museum-to-host-exhibit-honoring-women-jockeys/
Racing’s Black Pioneers Exhibit Opens at Keeneland Library – The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers, an exhibit highlighting the lives and careers of 80 African American horsemen and women from the mid-1800s to the present, opened to the public at the Keeneland Library in February. The exhibit employs an engaging mix of interpretive panels, rare photographs, never-before-displayed artifacts, original artwork and video interviews to chronicle and bring to life the involvement of African Americans in the racing industry. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/racings-black-pioneers-exhibit-opens-thursday-at-keeneland-library/
Equip Exposition Celebrates 40th Anniversary – Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, announces Third Eye Blind will headline its trade show being held October 17-20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The three-day event will also include a free Fourth Street Live concert by Juicebox Heroes, world-champion, Kentucky-based chainsaw carver, Abby Peterson, and a welcome party. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/three-nights-of-concerts-announced-for-equip-exposition-this-october-301770489.html
LEGO Convention coming to Louisville – The Kentucky International Convention Center at 221 South 4th Street will be holding Louisville Brick Convention on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16. Fans in attendance will be able to meet professional LEGO artists displaying their creations and LEGO celebrities like the LEGO Masters cast. LEGO fans will be able to get creative in the Construction Zone, with thousands of bricks available, as well as live builds to watch and engage with. Galleries have also been set up with life-sized and extraordinary LEGO models on display. https://www.wave3.com/2023/02/07/lego-convention-coming-downtown-louisville/
Shaker Village opens new exhibit – Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill will open a new exhibit, Searching for Sister Mary, on March 24. The exhibit takes a look into the life of Sister Mary Settles, a Kentucky Shaker well ahead of her time. Settles passed away 100 years ago this month and is famously remembered as the last Shaker at the Pleasant Hill community, but the exhibit reveals that she was so much more than that. The exhibit looks at her life in six parts. https://shakervillageky.org/educational-exhibits/
Pickleball “Eatertainment” Venue coming to Louisville – Louisville’s first pickleball “eatertainment” venue will sit on an acre near downtown. The concept will feature several outdoor pickleball courts alongside outdoor bars, food vendors, a game yard and, of course, views of the river. The venue doesn’t have a name yet but is targeting to open in the first quarter of 2023. https://www.wlky.com/article/new-pickleball-open-riverfront-downtown-louisville-sport-fun-activity-waterfront-park/41574240
Callaway Corvette Exhibit Now Open At National Corvette Museum – Callaway Cars has built a reputation for producing some very special go-faster GM vehicles, including a long list of impressive Chevy Corvette models. Now, 35-years worth of Callaway Corvettes are on display at a newly opened exhibit at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/10/callaway-corvette-exhibit-now-open-at-national-corvette-museum/
National Corvette Caravan coming in 2024 – The National Corvette Museum’s Seventh National Corvette Caravan is slated for Aug. 29-31, 2024. The event has become known as the single largest moving automotive event in the world. To commemorate the five-year milestone anniversaries of the NCM’s founding, Corvettes from all over the world travel from all over the country, and indeed the world, to converge on Bowling Green, Kentucky for a homecoming. https://www.corvsport.com/the-2024-national-corvette-caravan/
Topgolf opens in Louisville – Modern golf entertainment leader, Topgolf opened its first Kentucky venue in Louisville near the Interstate 264 and Shelbyville Road intersection at Oxmoor Center shopping mall. There, 102 hitting bays await Players at the three-level venue, where you will also find chef-inspired dishes, premium drinks, music, family-friendly programs, private event rooms, a rooftop terrace and a sports bar with a two-story TV wall. https://press.topgolf.com/2022-11-14-Topgolf-Opens-First-Kentucky-Venue-in-Louisville
Mercer County To Join The Faith Trail – Mercer County will be one of a few counties to have two stops on the Faith Trail, the Old Dutch Mud Meeting House and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. There are eight stops on the trail.https://www.harrodsburgherald.com/2022/10/19/mercer-county-to-join-the-faith-trail/
NCM Motorsports Park plans improvements – The National Corvette Museum’s Motorsports Park has announced plans for multi-million-dollar improvements. The facility was damaged when an EF-3 tornado touched down in Bowling Green and will devote $2.4 million for indoor and outdoor event spaces, bar and restaurant offerings in the track observation areas, upgraded garage facilities and more. It will remain open during construction, with the project set to be completed by early 2024. https://www.wbko.com/2022/07/14/ncm-announces-plans-24-million-improvements/
Louisville Zoo reveals sensory certification, new animals & exhibits, plans for expansion – The Louisville Zoo is now certified as sensory inclusive. Guests can download the KultureCity App to see what sensory features are available at the zoo, such as sensory bags including noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads. The zoo is also celebrating a new female zebra foal born in May by female Azizi, a new female Sumatran tiger, Jingga, added in May, who enjoys water and will be on view at the Islands exhibit and a new female pygmy hippo Zemora added in July. The zoo is working on its expansion plans, which will include a new open vehicle guided tour, restaurant, event space celebrating bourbon, habitat theater and a new exhibit. The new exhibit will be called “Kentucky Trails,” which will include bison, elk, beaver, bobcat, eagles and other native animals https://www.wdrb.com/news/louisville-zoo-now-certified-sensory-inclusive/article_4702ea10-e6c8-11ec-bf72-6b7711d39726.html, https://louisvillezoo.org/plan/, https://www.wdrb.com/news/incredibugs-exhibit-at-louisville-zoo-displays-18-giant-animatronic-bugs/article_03e6a806-f88a-11ec-83f7-dfc12116483e.html & https://www.wlky.com/article/louisville-zoo-sneak-peek-20-acre-expansion-fischer/40657651
New trail at Lincoln Birthplace for kids – The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville unveiled a new trail designed to engage children and families in outdoor recreation. The Track Trail offers a series of self-guided brochure to make hiking fun, encouraging children to find items hidden in nature. The park partnered with the Kids in Parks program to create the first Track Trail in Kentucky. https://apnews.com/article/travel-kentucky-parks-national-outdoor-recreation-f193ba681eba6d9a87a205ac3f004c13
Esports and entertainment venue opens in Newport – Velocity Esports, a cutting-edge esports and entertainment company for adult gamers, has launched its first location at Newport on the Levee. The company has state-of-the-art technology, professional gaming equipment, over 100 esports titles and a variety of arcade games and prizes. The facility features a premier esports lounge, arcade games and prizes, a social gaming lounge, live and online tournaments and live entertainment, plus a full-service restaurant and bar serving craft beverages with elevated casual dining. https://www.lanereport.com/153965/2022/03/velocity-esports-opening-first-location-at-newport-on-the-levee-this-spring/
New farm-to-table marketplace coming to Louisville – Ashbourne Farms broke ground on a new marketplace and urban farm project called Haymarket by Ashbourne Farms in early 2022 at 3032 River Road in Louisville. The marketplace is expected to be completed by winter 2023. It will feature an onsite urban garden, fresh produce, bakery products, garden products and other locally sourced items. https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/ashbourne-farms-breaks-ground-on-new-louisville-marketplace-on-river-road/article_97fa2566-7ee3-11ec-9dca-23ff22b9cff4.html
Louisville Slugger opens distillery experience in downtown Louisville – A new distillery experience, Barrels and Billets, opened in early 2022 next door to the Slugger Museum on Main Street in Louisville. It is owned by Hillerich and Bradsby, the company who operates Louisville Slugger. Barrels and Billets offers a custom bourbon blending experience lasting approximately 45 minutes, with six different wood-finished bourbons that visitors can taste and blend. The new custom recipes will then be bottled, sealed and labeled with a custom label so guests can take their new blends home with them. https://www.wlky.com/article/barrels-and-billets-custom-bourbon-experience-now-open-in-downtown-louisville/39187864
Whiskey Row entertainment venue planned – The six-story W. L. Weller building on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row is set to become an entertainment venue called Number Fifteen, celebrating the history and future of Kentucky, and named after the Commonwealth being the 15th state to join the union. The venue will offer a combination of the state’s best musicians, distillers, brewers and chefs and is set to open in spring 2023. The building was purchased by The Number Holding Company, LLC and is located at 121 West Main Street in Louisville. https://www.lanereport.com/142529/2021/06/whiskey-row-building-purchased-by-colorado-based-company/ & https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/companies/2022/05/05/louisville-whiskey-row-building-being-turned-into-number-fifteen-bar/9554047002/
Bourbon
*See the separate document, What’s New in Kentucky Bourbon, for a list of new and expanded bourbon experiences.
Culinary
Goodwood planning Bowling Green location – Goodwood announced plans to open its sixth location in downtown Bowling Green in fall or winter 2023. Previously the restaurant had indicated plans to open a restaurant & brewery on the first floor of The Enclave at the corner of Frederica Street and Veterans Boulevard. https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/features/goodwood-now-planning-bowling-green-location/article_a9cfe277-f124-5435-9abd-969347ffd430.html
House of Marigold opens in Shelbyville – Husband and wife team Kris and Adrienne Cole will open a new restaurant, The House of Marigold, at 10310 Shelbyville Rd. on Saturday, March 25. The restaurant will serve seasonal comfort food for breakfast and lunch, hot pop-up dinners, special events, and private parties. https://www.leoweekly.com/2023/03/husband-and-wife-team-to-celebrate-opening-of-the-house-of-marigold-restaurant-in-douglass-hills/
Winery and event venue planned for Utica – The venue will be geared toward agribusiness with a wine-tasting room, a spot for a wedding venue, a natural lake, and on-site lodging with up to four short-stay homes and RV parking. There is currently no timeline for the business to open, as there are still other process that must be completed first. https://www.owensborotimes.com/features/business/2023/03/local-couple-looking-to-open-winery-event-venue-in-utica-hoping-to-boost-local-agritourism/
Bully Barbeque reopens in Oldham County – Bully Barbeque is located at the former Skylight Country Store on U.S. 42 in Goshen The menu features pulled pork, chicken and brisket sandwiches, barbecue plates, traditional southern sides and wings. The restaurant’s hours are set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. It’s closed on Sundays. https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/bully-barbeque-reopens-in-la-grange-after-2-closures-in-2022/article_69d62560-b3ab-11ed-83b7-bb06ff9e9516.html
New wine bar opens in Oldham County – La Vigne Wine Bar will have its grand opening on April 8th. Located at 111 North First Street, La Vigne has room for around 25 patrons or more inside, the outdoor patios can host dozens of more people. There’s an elevated stage on the back patio for live music, performances and speakers. https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/oldham-county-wine-bar-la-vigne-set-to-open-in-la-grange-on-saturday/article_ec9c0638-71c3-11ed-bcb0-93aea2b60d7e.html
Toogie’s Table opens in Bardstown – Toogie’s Table opened in October with a new take on the historic foundation of the Kurtz Restaurant. The Kurtz Restaurant and neighboring Parkview Motel, formerly owned and operated by Marilyn “Toogie” Dick and her family, operated across from My Old Kentucky Home State Park for 84 years before closing their doors officially last December. The restaurant and motel were purchased by Louisville’s Weyland Ventures, which has revitalized the operations and is reopening them as Toogie’s Table and the Bardstown Motor Lodge. https://www.thenewsenterprise.com/news/business/toogie-s-table-hopes-to-honor-tradition-and-encourage-tourism/article_ec89c1c6-aed7-5817-8dfc-bc4210108dcc.html
Paristown Food Hall opens in Louisville – The Village Market in the historic Paristown area of Louisville opened in October at 712 Brent Street. The 5,000-square-foot food hall houses five local, independent restaurants under one roof along with a bourbon-focused bar. It encompasses the space vacated by The Cafe when it moved into a new space in the area. Ramble, Taco Rito and Bunz Burgerz are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Jeff’s Donut’s is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/paristowns-village-market-food-hall-opens-with-5-local-restaurants/article_5795287e-45ab-11ed-9f7b-a7cac92b2a7e.html
Big Bad Breakfast opens second location in Louisville – The southern-inspired breakfast restaurant chain Big Bad Breakfast opened its first Kentucky location in Louisville in February. It’s located at 984 Barret Ave. in the old Lynn’s Paradise Café location between the Highlands and Germantown neighborhoods. A second location open in November at Brownsboro Crossing at 5050 Norton Healthcare Blvd in the former location of Corbett’s: An American Place. The breakfast menu includes traditional favorites including bacon, eggs, and biscuits and gravy along with fried chicken, grits and a specially curated Big Bad Hot Brown. The lunch menu includes salads and sandwiches. The restaurant will incorporate local and regional ingredients from Kentucky businesses including Weisenberger Mill and Sunergos Coffee. https://www.wlky.com/article/breakfast-restaurants-first-louisville-location-opening-in-former-lynns-cafe-spot/39006792 & https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/second-big-bad-breakfast-location-opening-this-summer-in-louisville/article_503ab87e-b99b-11ec-ac43-777bff5d6712.html &
https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2022/11/16/big-bad-breakfast-opens-second-location.html
North of Bourbon launches brunch, revamps menu – Germantown Restaurant North of Bourbon is launching a new Sunday brunch experience, including dishes from fried rabbit to grits to beignets, with a New Orleans vibe. The Louisville restaurant located on Goss Avenue has also added crawfish boudin balls, chicken and shrimp gumbo, flounder crudo and shrimp yakamein to its regular menu. https://www.wlky.com/article/louisville-restaurant-north-of-bourbon-sunday-brunch/40689127#
Sanders Café & Museum in Corbin reopens – The Sanders Café & Museum in Corbin reopened in April 2022 after being closed since 2019. It has undergone renovations to both the interior and exterior. Visitors can explore historical exhibits, including a model of Sanders Café’s original kitchen and hotel room, a historical KFC timeline and Harland’s Herb and Spice room celebrating the secret blend of herbs and spices, then grab a bucket of the original recipe chicken to enjoy from the restaurant. https://www.lex18.com/news/corbins-original-kentucky-fried-chicken-sanders-cafe-museum-re-opens-after-renovations
Upscale Italian restaurant planned for Versailles – Vallozzi’s, a Pittsburgh-based upscale Italian restaurant, is planning to open in the former Versailles police department building, located at 108 Court St. next to the Amsden Bourbon Bar. The owners are hoping to in 2023. The menu is set to include pastas made in-house, sandwiches, eggplant Parmesan, roasted salmon, sandwiches and more. https://smileypete.com/business/upscale-italian-restaurant-opening-in-versailles/
Chef Ouita Michel launches video series – Kentucky Chef Ouita Michel has launched a new video series called “Up Home with Ouita Michel,” as part of her lifestyle brand Holly Hill. The series weaves together cuisine, family, agriculture and heritage, chronicling food culture of Kentucky one relationship at a time and was made in partnership with acclaimed filmmaker Harrison Witt. https://www.kentuckyliving.com/news/chef-ouita-michels-holly-hill-video-series-premieres
New vintage arcade bar, restaurant opens in Lexington – Tilty Bob’s, a vintage arcade bar and restaurant, has opened at South Broadway and Cedar Street in Lexington. The three-story venue features more than 70 different machines, including classic video games from the 80s and 90s. The ground floor features a full bar and dining, with an emphasis on comfort pub food such as tater tots and burgers. https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/restaurants/article259892025.html
New restaurant from ‘Walking Dead’ star, creator opens in downtown Lexington – “Walking Dead” series star Norman Reedus, Cynthiana native and co-creator of the comic book series the TV show is based on Robert Kirkman, plus special effects artist Greg Nicotero have opened a new Nic & Norman’s location at 135 W. Main Street, previously home to West Main Crafting Co. It features a Southern-American plate style menu, including meatloaf, chicken pot pies, brisket and more. The restaurant has a full bar but is family friendly and has a kids’ menu, too, and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/restaurants/article260214955.html
Upscale French restaurant in Lexington – A new, upscale French restaurant has opened in The Woodlands, 111 Woodland Ave., in Lexington, Owner Carlo Vaccarezza is the racehorse owner and restaurateur of popular downtown dining spot Frank & Dino’s. The menu features elegant dishes, including an escargot appetizer, mussels, duck à l ‘orange, filet mignon au poivre, beef bourguignon, Tournedos foie gras and more. https://lafolielex.com/
Purple Poulet reopens in new location – Purple Poulet, a southern bourbon bistro, has reopened in a new location in Newport. The restaurant is in the iconic, renovated Green Derby historic building located at 846 York Street, and doubles space for indoor seating, adds an outdoor patio with its own bar and has private themed rooms on the second floor for small parties and events. https://www.nkytribune.com/2022/02/new-purple-poulet-opening-in-terrifically-re-newed-green-derby-chef-zumwalde-has-surprises-in-store/
Korean hot pot restaurant coming to Lexington – A new Korean hot pot restaurant, similar to do-it-yourself ramen, is coming to 2860 Richmond Road in Lexington. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is a New York-based chain that is expanding and bringing the popular Asian eating style to more people. A Korean hot pot is a communal experience where a table of diners select meats, seafood or seafood proteins with vegetables and seasonings in boiling water or broth at their table. The location will be 8,400 square feet and plans are to open in mid-to-late 2022, with potential plans to open additional KPOT restaurants in Louisville and northern Kentucky. https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/restaurants/article257125982.html
Chef David Danielson leading Dant Crossing/Log Still Distillery culinary experiences – Chef David Danielson, who previously served as Churchill Downs’ executive chef for 11 years, is now leading culinary experiences at Dant Crossing and Log Still Distillery. The new bourbon experience located in Nelson County about 20 minutes south of Bardstown includes a state-of-the-art tasting room, The Homestead Bed & Breakfast and The Poplar Cottage lodging, an outdoor amphitheater, a 20,000-square-foot event venue for weddings and events called The Legacy, train depot, fishing lake, walking trails and a restaurant and bar. The full-service restaurant, 47 & Poplar, is expected to open in 2022. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/2022/01/20/former-churchill-downs-executive-chef-joins-log-still-distillery-staff/6565016001/
Greyline Station in Lexington becomes mixed-use space – The long vacant bus terminal, Greyline Station, in Lexington has been transformed into a year-round public marketplace featuring a farmer’s market, local restaurants, retail shops, office space and an outdoor entertainment venue. The $5 million-plus project involved a complete restoration of the 65,000-square-foot building. A special 23,000-square-foot section called the Julietta Market has stalls that entrepreneurs can rent during special events and other times to help serve as a stepping stone to a brick-and-mortar business. https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/restaurants/article245593395.html
Horses
Keeneland announces 2023 Spring Meet schedule- Keeneland will award a season record $8.05 million for 19 stakes to run during its 2023 Spring Meet, covering 15 days from April 7-28. Leading the schedule are the 99th running of the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) and 86th running of the $600,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1), both major targets of the nation’s top 3-year-olds. https://www.lanereport.com/161980/2023/01/keeneland-announces-2023-spring-meet-stakes-schedule-worth-record-8-05-million/
New Secretariat sculpture displayed at Kentucky Horse Park – 2023 is the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s historic run to the Triple Crown. In honor of the milestone a steel sculpture, named “God’s Boy” is now on display at the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park through the end of 2023. https://www.lex18.com/news/british-artist-creates-secretariat-sculpture-out-of-steel & https://www.lex18.com/news/secretariat-sculpture-made-of-steel-now-on-display-at-kentucky-horse-park
New horse racing facility breaks ground – The groundbreaking for a new horse racing facility in Boyd County near Ashland was held at the end of October. It will be Kentucky’s first track dedicated to quarter horses, as well as an equestrian center and entertainment complex. The facility is a $55 Million investment. https://www.wsaz.com/2022/10/28/groundbreaking-ceremony-held-new-horse-racing-facility-ashland/ & https://apnews.com/article/sports-kentucky-horse-racing-ashland-18bbca9bfff6330ce12b763c7112372d
Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup – The 39th annual Breeders’ Cup World Championship horse race was held at Keeneland in November. Unbeaten, “Flightline” won the 2022 Breeders’ Cup and has retired to stand at stud at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/flightline-settling-in-at-lanes-end/#:~:text=Lexington%2C%20KY%20%E2%80%93%20While%20the%20Flightline,home%20at%20Lane%27s%20End%20Farm.
New series, “The Derby” to be produced – In celebration of the Kentucky Derby’s 150th anniversary in 2024, Churchill Downs Racetrack has partnered with Roundtable Entertainment and Wrigley Media to produce the upcoming series “The Derby.”The show doesn’t yet have a telecast partner, but will be shopped to global Kentucky Derby broadcasters at the Mipcom programming conference. Season 1 of “The Derby” will take viewers behind the scenes of the prestigious horse racing event in Louisville, Ky., spotlighting the various figures, exclusive soirees and festivals in its 150-year history. https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/churchill-downs-racetrack-kentucky-derby-roundtable-entertainment-wrigley-media-group-1235401694/
Horse farm unveils new visitor’s center – Spendthrift Farm unveiled its B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Center in November. Named in honor of the farm’s late founder, the 7,000 square-foot, two story facility will serve as the home for Spendthrift’s tourism. The building is located between the farm’s stallion complex and main office and features a trophy room, which showcases Spendthrift’s collection of trophies, artifacts and racing memorabilia, as well as a gift shop. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/spendthrift-unveils-b-wayne-hughes-visitors-center/
Kentucky Horse Park hosted 2022 National Horse Show – The 139th edition of the National Horse Show took place at Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena from Oct. 26-Nov. 6. https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/what-you-need-to-know-2022-national-horse-show
Horse Park adds trotter to Hall of Champions – The Kentucky Horse Park between Lexington and Georgetown has added 2016 trotting Triple Crown winner and triple harness racing millionaire Marion Marauder to its prestigious Hall of Champions. He is the first Hambletonian winner at the barn and is owned by Jean Wellwood and Devin Keeling. He raced for six years and retired in October 2020 as the richest active Standardbred. Visitors to the horse park can meet Marion Marauder during normal operating hours. https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/trotting-triple-crown-winner-marion-marauder-joins-kentucky-horse-parks-hall-of-champions/
Derby Museum adds mini horse, reopens stable – The Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville has reopened its stable to guests and has added a miniature horse ambassador. Mighty Aristides, or “Ari” for short, was adopted after a six-month search. Ari will live at the stable full-time, but the resident Thoroughbred rotates every few months. Guests can visit the museum’s stable for free every day during normal hours. https://www.wdrb.com/news/kentucky-derby-museum-reopens-stable-reveals-name-of-new-mini-horseambassador/article_d17ce6f8-ee7c-11ec-ac90-e3041eaca3f7.html
Horse yoga experience in Lexington – Hallway Feeds in Lexington is offering a new horse-centric experience – “The Horse Yoga Retreat.” The horse feed mill has created this upscale experience for horse and yoga enthusiasts, with a full day celebrating horses and the local area. A one-hour yoga session is led by horses Swampy, Vanilla Ice and Applejack and includes master poses such as Downward Horse. The experience also includes a tour of the feed mill. Visitors can also book separate one-hour tours of the mill. https://foxlexington.com/news/local/__trashed-6/
Churchill Downs unveils new homestretch club, continues multi-year renovations – Churchill Downs in Louisville, the home of the Kentucky Derby, is working on three major capital investments totaling $135 million to transform areas of the famous racetrack. The Homestretch Club was unveiled the week before Kentucky Derby 148 in May 2022. The $45 million all-inclusive trackside space includes new stadium seats, club lounges, hospitality rooms and a 95-foot-bar that is believed to be the state’s longest bar ever built. The Turn 1 Experience will add permanent all-inclusive stadium seating with a picturesque view of the first turn framed by the Twin Spires and is set to be completed by Kentucky Derby 2023. Finally, the Paddock Area redesign will transform the existing Paddock and Plaza areas, streamlining guest circulation paths, updating the audio and visual experiences and enhancing the visibility of the iconic Twin Spires, and is to be completed by the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2024. https://www.wave3.com/2022/04/26/look-inside-churchill-downs-45-million-homestretch-club/ & https://www.wlky.com/article/churchill-downs-unveils-plan-to-redesign-paddock-set-to-debut-at-150th-kentucky-derby/39843927
Ellis Park plans Owensboro expansion, celebrates 100 years – Ellis Entertainment and Ellis Park in Henderson have announced an extension project in Owensboro Towne Square Mall to generate extra revenue to improve racing at Ellis Park. The 62,000-square-foot space is set to feature a selection of horse racing machines, simulcast betting, a viewing area and a new race and sports-themed restaurant. Construction started in 2022 with an expected opening date in 2023. https://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/local-news/ellis-entertainment-expanding-into-owensboro/ & https://www.14news.com/2022/06/14/ellis-park-celebrating-100-years-racing/
Cumberland Run horse racing to open in Corbin, Williamsburg – A joint venture between Keeneland and Kentucky Downs – ECL Corbin LLC – has plans for new horse racing, gaming and entertainment facilities in Corbin and Williamsburg, located approximately 15 miles apart. The Cumberland Run facility in Corbin, located at 75 Buchanan Boulevard, will include a new harness track for standardbred racing and a historical horse racing betting parlor. Plans are for the track to open by mid-2023. The Williamsburg facility will be built off I-75 at Exit 11 and is set to include a larger, satellite historical horse racing parlor. https://www.wymt.com/2022/07/25/cumberland-mint-hall-gaming-facility-set-open-williamsburg/ & https://www.thekentuckydaily.com/cumberland-run-horse-racing-facility-set-to-open-march-2023/
New historical racing facility planned for downtown Louisville – Churchill Downs Inc. is planning “Derby City Gaming Downtown” in the U.S. Bank building located at Fourth and Market streets in downtown Louisville, with construction to begin in late 2021 and a projected opening in mid-2023. Plans include 500 historical racing gambling machines, 200+ onsite parking spaces, a “fresh-air gaming area,” sports bar, live entertainment stage, bourbon library, elegant wine and charcuterie lounge and a Kentucky Derby retail store. https://www.wdrb.com/in-depth/churchill-downs-plans-to-spend-80-million-on-derby-city-gaming-downtown/article_93bcb7e8-373a-11ec-b63f-2b029fb49cf8.html
Horse Country Inc. offers virtual and in-person tours – Go behind-the-scenes at a horse farm in the Bluegrass State with Visit Horse Country. Horse Country, Inc. includes a variety of horse farms, equine medical clinics and equine attractions in Central Kentucky. From nursery farms to stud farms, training facilities to aftercare – there’s sure to be a new experience waiting for you. Several horse farms also have virtual tours. https://visithorsecountry.com/virtual-tours/
Hotels & Lodging
Mammoth Cave working on hotel renovation – In December 2021, Mammoth Cave began renovating its hotel, which includes roof replacement , renovations to the exterior of the building to help it blend with the environment, renovating the indoor lobby of Mammoth Cave Lodge, installing new energy-efficient windows and increasing overall efficiency. The project is estimated to be complete late summer 2023. https://www.wymt.com/2023/03/02/mammoth-cave-gives-update-hotel-renovation-project/
New SpringHill Suites by Marriott coming to Bowling Green – With a 198-room Embassy Suites hotel nearly ready to open in The Hub commercial and residential development in Bowling Green, plans to build a second hotel on that 103-acre property are underway. The four-story, 128-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel will be located at 541 Hub Blvd. It will add to a $200 million development that will eventually include more than 800 high-end apartments along with commercial parcels and a Tony’s steak-and-seafood restaurant. That restaurant, along with the Embassy Suites, is projected to open in February 2023. SpringHill Suites is anticipated to open in the spring of 2024. https://www.bgdailynews.com/news/second-hotel-planned-for-the-hub/article_ceef1291-1a23-5c72-9085-f1ccdae4df93.html
Raven Rock Resort planned for Jenkins – The City of Jenkins and representatives with the foundation are working to create the Raven Rock Resort. Although it is still early in development, they are planning to use a recent grant to help fund new infrastructure, cabin builds and other ideas. The project is anticipated to break ground in 2024. Though flood recovery may cause it to be delayed. https://www.wymt.com/2023/02/04/eky-community-makes-plans-new-resort/
Historic Fire Tower and Cabin in Morehead now available for overnight stays – visit Morehead and Rowan County announced the Historic Fire Tower and Cabin (Hickory Flats Fire Tower) owned by the Route 377 Fire Dept. is now available for overnight stays. Hike to the location, sleep among the trees and stars, enjoy a fireside story or chat by the light of the moon, focus your gaze over the forest canopy from high above the trees, unplug from life and enjoy the peaceful serenity of nature. https://www.facebook.com/visitmoreheadky/posts/508194417983386
Resort Park celebrates 60 years – Rough River Dam State Resort Park celebrated the 60th anniversary of its lodge in November. Located in Falls of Rough, the park has a lodge with 40 rooms, 17 two-bedroom cottages, a lakeside restaurant, fishing, hiking trails, boating, mini-golf, a gift shop, an airfield and much more. https://www.kentuckytoday.com/news/rough-river-dam-state-park-to-celebrate-60th-anniversary/article_09561782-5946-11ed-96bf-435cd5a37fe7.html
Castle & Key adds Airbnb – Castle & Key Distillery has opened The Stone House as its first Airbnb experience in downtown Frankfort. Guests will be charmed by this recently renovated historic home with all the modern-day amenities. The rental property, located on Main Street near the restaurant Bourbon on Main, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, views of the Kentucky River and more. The property is an extension of the Central Kentucky distillery with special Castle & Key chocolates, scents and curated imagery showcasing the distillery’s history. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/633221140477855047?source_impression_id=p3_1658168498_179Hr1nbthOuUN73
Home2 Suites by Hilton coming to Owensboro in 2024 – A new hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton, is planned for Second Street in Owensboro, across from the Owensboro Convention Center. The 121-room facility is expected to open in spring 2024. https://news.yahoo.com/bluegrass-bourbon-sports-grow-23-092300886.html
Common Bond Hotel Collection comes to Kentucky – Weyland Ventures LLC, a Louisville-based real-estate development firm, has announced the Common Bond Hotel Collection, a hospitality venture that is set to debut a slate of boutique hotels throughout Kentucky’s bourbon country, starting with Bardstown Motor Lodge in late 2022. The Bardstown Motor Lodge is a reimagined design of the former Bardstown Parkview Motel & Kurtz Family Restaurant, and will feature a farm-to-table kitchen, a resort-style pool, outdoor bar, adjacent courtyard lounge and 35 rooms and suites. The Common Bond Collection will feature additional properties in Louisville and Frankfort. The second hotel in the series, Discotel, is set to open in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood in spring 2023 at the former stie of a disco ball factory. https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/577970398/weyland-ventures-launches-common-bond-hotel-collection-this-fall-with-opening-of-bardstown-motor-lodge
New Homewood Suites being constructed in Covington – A new 132-room hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton Newport Cincinnati, is coming to northern Kentucky. The hotel will be located at 201 West 4th St. in Newport on top of a 550-space parking platform at Ovation and adjacent to the PromoWest Pavilion concert venue. The new construction will feature a plaza-level restaurant with a bar and rooftop bar, fitness center and wellness club. https://www.nkytribune.com/2022/05/construction-has-started-on-homewood-suites-a-132-room-hotel-part-of-corporexs-ovation-project/
Lexington boutique hotel’s new plant promotion – Elwood Hotel & Suites in Lexington, a boutique hotel, is offering guests “plant-friendly” accommodations. Guests can choose to bring their own houseplant along with them, or the hotel has special packages for guests that include potted plants, locally made botanical toiletries and more. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/kentucky-hotel-houseplants-trnd/index.html
New Embassy Suites planned for Bowling Green – A new hotel, Embassy Suites By Hilton, opened in January at 556 Hub Boulevard in Bowling Green. The 195-suite hotel will be a short drive away from the National Corvette Museum and will have event space and an on-site restaurant. Tony’s Steak and Seafood combines a classic American steakhouse with fresh, modern fare and a diverse wine list. https://www.visitbgky.com/listings/embassy-suites/310/
Hotel Genevieve planned for NuLu – Bunkhouse is launching a new boutique hotel project in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville, and is set to begin welcoming guests on May 3. Hotel Genevieve will be located at 730 E. Market Street and will feature 122 rooms spread over six floors, a rooftop restaurant, “grocery concept” and bar. Rabbit Hole Distillery, a neighbor to the unnamed new hotel, will help develop an art garden to enhance connectivity to the distillery from Market Street. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2022/04/21/altered-travel-plans-led-to-genevieve-hotel-louisvilles-nulu/7310474001/ & https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2023/01/26/hotel-genevieve-nulu-kentucky-derby-week-2023-boutique-opening/69840988007/
New boutique hotel planned for Lexington’s Distillery District – A new upscale boutique hotel, The Manchester, started construction in late 2021 at 941 Manchester Street in Lexington’s booming Distillery District. The project has a likely opening date of spring 2023. The seven-story hotel will feature 125 hotel rooms, four restaurant and bar spaces including a rooftop bar, an event space, a café and a salon. https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/fayette-county/article256459656.html
Hotel Covington announces expansion – In January 2022, The Hotel Covington announced plans to expand to the building at the corner of Pike and Madison in Covington. The expansion project will be called North by Hotel Covington and will maintain the integrity of the building and the Hotel Covington quality. The new project will have 53 luxury suites and a ballroom with room to entertain more than 500 guests. Expected opening is early 2023. https://www.nkytribune.com/2022/01/hotel-covington-expanding-to-building-at-corner-of-pike-and-madision-north-to-open-in-october/
Bourbon-centric hotel project planned for Frankfort – A boutique hotel is planned for the old Simon Warehouse, located at 106 E. Broadway in the state’s capital city of Frankfort. The four-floor building is set to be transformed into a bourbon-centric experience with 49 guest rooms, a restaurant-bar and a tasting room. https://www.state-journal.com/business/broadway-bourbon-themed-hotel-project-gets-arb-approval-2-7-million-state-incentive/article_709cc6f4-3807-11ec-b17e-13202554e2a5.html
Dream Hotel planned for Louisville – Dream Hotel Group, known for its vibrant dining, nightlife and entertainment, plans to open a hotel on Main Street in downtown Louisville in 2025. Dream Louisville is set to feature 168 guest rooms and suites, 10,000 square feet of private meeting and event space, rooftop lounge and four original food and beverage concepts including a signature restaurant. The hotel project will be housed in the former Tapp Leather & Co. building, a 19th century icon on the city’s historic Whiskey Row just steps from Louisville’s downtown attractions. https://www.travelpulse.com/news/hotels-and-resorts/dream-hotel-group-expands-to-louisville-kentucky.html
Maker’s Mark founding family transforms home into exclusive overnight experience – Experience an intimate piece of Kentucky bourbon history like an insider at The Samuels House near Bardstown. The 1820s manor was purchased by eighth-generation whiskey maker Rob Samuels of Maker’s Mark Distillery, who restored the historical home to share his family’s history with bourbon lovers and for select guests to stay in overnight. There are three suites (sleeps up to eight people total), multiple bathrooms and a variety of sitting areas, including a spacious back porch and patio. The home’s centerpiece is the parlor, featuring a handmade bar displaying 50 bottles of whiskey spanning 150 years of Samuels family distilling. Special one-of-a-kind experiences are available as add-ons to overnight accommodations. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/spirits/bourbon/2021/08/03/makers-mark-distillery-opening-samuels-house-to-bourbon-tourists/8024348002/
Music
Bourbon & Beyond announces 2023 lineup – 2023 Bourbon & Beyond headliners include Brandi Carlisle, Billy Strings, Train, The Killers, Duran Duran, Hozier, The Black Keys, The Black Crowes, The Avett Brothers, Bruno Mars, Blondie, and John Batiste. This year’s festival is happening from Sep. 14-17 at the Highland Festival Grounds. https://www.lex18.com/entertainment/bourbon-beyond-releases-2023-lineup
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma play at Kentucky Center and Mammoth Cave– The Louisville Orchestra is gearing up for its two-year journey across Kentucky with a concert in the Metro featuring Yo-Yo Ma. Teddy Abrams and the Orchestra will play with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma at the Kentucky Center on April 27. Yo-Yo Ma is also doing a once-in-a-lifetime performance inside Mammoth Cave days later on April 29. https://www.wlky.com/article/yo-yo-ma-louisville-orchestra-kentucky-center/43147068#
Railbird Festival announces lineup and sells out in less than three hours – Kentucky natives Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan will come home to headline the 2023 Railbird Music Festival. Set for June 3rd and 4th, the celebration of Kentucky music and bourbon will return to The Infield at Red Mile in Lexington with over 30 artists across three stages. The festival is set for June 3 and 4, 2023, at Red Mile.
Railbird Music Festival Reveals 2023 Lineup: Tyler Childers, Nathaniel Rateliff, Goose, More
https://www.kentucky.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article269779902.html
Derby Soundstage bringing hip-hop icons to Louisville- Derby Soundstage is returning ahead of the Kentucky Derby 149, featuring artists T.I., Jeezy and Trina at Freedom Hall on May 4. The concert will be hosted by Grammy Award-winner DJ Drama, who works closely with Louisville-native and rapper Jack Harlow. https://www.wdrb.com/community/derby-soundstage-bringing-hip-hop-icons-to-louisville-in-may/article_ba95ecda-a986-11ed-8d9c-8fa1177b7728.html
Marc Broussard coming to the Kentucky Center – Kentucky Performing Arts presents Marc Broussard, Friday, April 21, 2023 at 8 p.m. at The Kentucky Center – Bomhard Theater. Marc Broussard is an artist with the unique gift of channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock and soul into contemporary terms, creating an infectious mix of rock, blues, R&B, funk-pop and soul. His incomparable brand of soul coupled with his powerful vocals has garnered worldwide praise from critics and fans alike. https://www.broadwayworld.com/louisville/article/Marc-Broussard-Coming-To-The-Kentucky-Center-In-2023-20221212
Central City planning public space honoring musical heritage – Central City in western Kentucky is planning a public space at the corner of First and Broad to honor local music legends the Everly Brothers and John Prine. Festival Square will feature bronze statues, park benches and tables for public use, guitar stanchions at each entrance and signage telling the story of the Everly Brothers Homecoming Festival and its local impact on Muhlenberg County. https://wbkr.com/festival-square-central-city-ky/
Bluegrass festival coming to Kentucky Horse Park in 2023 – A live bluegrass music festival, Spirit of the Bluegrass, is set for June 8-10, 2023 at the Kentucky Horse Park. More details will be forthcoming. https://www.kentucky.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article262919688.html
Historic venue renovated in Somerset – The Virginia, a historic building in downtown Somerset, has been converted into a live performance venue that opened in June 2022 to mark the building’s 100th anniversary. The building first opened in 1922 and served as a theater and movie cinema before falling into disrepair and had been vacant since 1994. The City of Somerset has announced a partnership with Pure Grain Presents to bring more than 60 performing artists to the newly restored venue in 2022. In addition to live music events and the theater-in-residence, Flashback Theater Co., the venue is available to rent for private events. https://www.lanereport.com/156239/2022/06/the-virginia-opens-to-the-community-of-somerset-kentucky/
Outdoors
Mammoth Cave adds new tour – Mammoth Cave’s new Grand Historic tour is a four-hour trip that provides visitors the experience of traveling through the past as they learn about those who first discovered the cave, its first uses, early tourism, and the cave exploration that continues today. Visit some of the cave’s most iconic landmarks such as Gothic Avenue, Giant’s Coffin, the Tuberculosis Huts, Bottomless Pit, Fat Man’s Misery, River Styx, and Mammoth Dome. https://103gbfrocks.com/kentuckys-mammoth-cave-adds-massive-tour-that-takes-you-to-river-styx-gothic-avenue-and-more/
Burkesville Certified as Kentucky Trail Town – The Department of Parks has announced that Burkesville in Cumberland County has officially been certified as the commonwealth’s 26th Kentucky Trail Town. http://www.columbiamagazine.com/index.php?sid=124454
The city of Hyden officially recognized as a ‘Trail Town’ – Leslie County and the city of Hyden have been working towards the Kentucky Tourism certification for more than six years. Hyden is only the 27th ‘Trail Town’ in Kentucky. https://www.wymt.com/2022/10/24/city-hyden-officially-recognized-trail-town/
The city of Liberty recognized as a ‘Trail Town’ – Liberty in Casey County has officially been certified as the commonwealth’s 28th Kentucky Trail Town. http://www.columbiamagazine.com/index.php?sid=124627
Town Branch Commons Trail officially opens – The 2.2-mile Town Branch Commons Trail roughly follows the path of historic Town Branch through downtown Lexington. The trail will serve as a conduit through the city, linking nature and outdoor activities to urban development, and aims to spark a revival for businesses in the area. https://www.lex18.com/news/lexingtons-town-branch-commons-trail-officially-open
Monument unveiled at Mammoth Cave – The Bransford Monument was unveiled at Mammoth Cave to honor the lives and legacies of the Bransford family members who have worked at the cave for nearly 200 years. The Bransford family’s history at Mammoth Cave began when Mat Bransford, an enslaved African American man, was brought to the cave in 1838 as one of the first black tour guides. He was also the first of five generations to work as tour guides in the cave. https://www.wbko.com/2022/10/15/bransford-monument-unveiled-mammoth-cave-national-park/
Kentucky BASS Nation Tournament returning to Laurel Lake – The Kentucky BASS Nation tournament is tentatively scheduled for April 22 on Laurel Lake for the second year in a row. https://www.thetimestribune.com/news/kentucky-bass-nation-tournament-returning-to-laurel-lake/article_47411854-4da6-11ed-aaae-e324cb26f05a.html
Riverfront Commons Trail in Covington now open – Covington’s newly expanded multi-use Riverfront Commons Trail winding along the Ohio River is now open to cyclists, walkers and bikers. The 1.5-mile concrete path begins west of the Brent Spence Bridge and stretches west to Swain Court. It is part of Phase III of Covington’s Riverfront Commons project. https://www.covingtonky.gov/news/2022/08/03/extend-your-walk-ride-or-run-in-the-cov
Pikeville debuts new family-friendly Story Trail – Pikeville City Tourism, in partnership with the Pike County Public Library, has unveiled the Story Trail, a new family-friendly path at Bob Amos Park. It combines recreation, nature appreciation, literacy and family time for a unique take on a walk in the woods. The 0.25-mile-long ADA-accessible, paved trail features several stops for walkers to read the pages of a story, beginning with “RRRalph” by Louis Ehlert. Plans are to update the weather-proof book seasonally. https://news-expressky.com/news/pike-county-public-library-and-pikeville-tourism-launch-new-storytrail/article_7be70274-0b40-11ed-9e16-fbcec673e3f1.html
New bikepacking trail near Corbin – A new bikepacking route has opened at Laurel River Lake near Corbin, passing through the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Spillway. Bikepacking is an extended mountain biking trip, where bikers can periodically ride and then camp. https://www.wymt.com/2022/07/22/bikepacking-route-opens-laurel-lake/
Bernheim opens sensory garden, meditation trail – Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont recently opened a new Sensory Garden, designed to allow guests to enjoy nature in a way that works for everyone, including people with sensory issues, particularly those living with autism, blindness or other visual impairments. The garden includes five plant and flower beds near the Education Center and the Silos. It features interpretative signage with pictograph and Brailled, tactile plants, quiet space, sound features and special seating. Bernheim also launched a new Meditation Trail in memory of Lily Banerjee, whose family honored her with a donation to Bernheim for the installation of this special trail. It’s located along the Bent Twig Trail and has six spurs, each featuring a meditation prompt based on a positive attribute of a nearby trail. Handmade wooden benches and decks offer welcoming places to pause, contemplate, breathe and center oneself. https://www.wlky.com/article/bernheim-forest-differently-abled-experience-nature-with-sensory-garden/40316139 & https://bernheim.org/meditation-trail-opens-at-bernheim-forest/
Breaks Interstate Park awarded grant for upgrades – Breaks Interstate Park, straddling the KY-VA state line, has received a $358,035 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the Ratliff Hole Area Renovation Project. The grant money will help upgrade parking and restrooms, repave an access road and create a new trail at the Ratliff Hole Area of the park located in Pike County. The trail will connect to a pedestrian bridge over the Russell Fork River which will be more than 750 feet when completed, making it the longest pedestrian swinging bridge in the nation.
https://www.wymt.com/2022/05/18/breaks-interstate-park-begin-upgrades-kentucky-gateway/
Berea to update trails system – The city of Berea received $1 million to create a new 10-foot-wide, 2/3-mile-long shared use trail along Scaffold Cane Road. The trail will connect downtown Berea and the Berea College Campus to the residential area immediately south of town. The new trail will intersect with Boone Trace Trail and provide connectivity to the city’s existing trails system. https://news.yahoo.com/berea-receives-1-million-trails-191500718.html
Frankfort adds new e-bike rental company – Kentucky E-Bike Adventures has opened in downtown Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital city. The company is mobile but sets up at River View Park on the weekends, and customers can choose from multiple styles of e-bikes for their one hour, three hour or six-hour rental. The company also offers guided tour options including visits to historic sites in the area. https://www.state-journal.com/business/new-e-bike-rental-company-helps-the-rubber-meet-the-road/article_de9f0772-b2f3-11ec-9619-3f5ce7884a76.html
Mammoth Cave system adds 8 miles – The world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park, has added 8 miles to its length, bringing the total length of the south-central Kentucky cave system to 420 miles. The additional mileage was mapped and documented by the Cave Research Foundation. The park is open daily for tours. https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-travel-kentucky-parks-national-parks-41a09ec99a6b6a50f5566d4489db30aa
Waterfront Botanical Gardens plans to add Japanese garden – Louisville’s Waterfront Botanical Gardens plans to add a touch of Zen with the creation of an authentic Japanese garden just north of the current Graeser Family Education Center. The 2-acre garden will include a Tea House, summer house, Zen Garden, bonsai garden, pond, waterfall and traditional arched bridge. Construction began in late 2022 and will take 15-18 months. https://www.wdrb.com/community/louisvilles-waterfront-botanical-gardens-moving-forward-with-authentic-japanesegarden/article_d5bca256-ee4c-11ec-aebf-7bb51b362a5b.html
Other
Northern Kentucky University launches Newport History Walk – The Newport History Walk is a smart phone app that takes users on a six-stop, self-guided tour of the river city’s rich and important history. Users can listen to a short podcast at each stop about the historic site. The Newport History Walk app takes about an hour to complete and can be done all at once or broken up into phases. The app be downloaded from the iPhone or Android app stores.
Breeze Airways adds new routes from CVG – Beginning March 30, Breeze will have nonstop routes from CVG airport to Providence in Rhode Island and Orange County in California. In February, the airline began routes to Charleston, SC and to San Francisco, CA. In May, the airline will offer nonstop flights to Richmond, VA and one-stop/no plane change service to Jacksonville, FL.
https://www.fox19.com/2022/12/07/breeze-airways-adds-more-flights-cvg-ahead-debut/
https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/lexington/news/2023/02/14/breeze-airways-adding-new-destinations-to-richmond–jacksonville
2024 North American Eclipse Viewable from Paducah – The solar eclipse is anticipated to be the biggest travel event ever in the U.S. The duration of totality will be up to four minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017. Paducah is located in the path of totality. https://www.nextavenue.org/the-2024-north-american-eclipse-a-luminous-travel-event/
Lexington named top city in Kentucky for LGBTQ equality – For the second year in a row, Lexington received the highest marks of any Kentucky city for policies that support LGBTQ inclusion and equality, according to a nationwide ranking. The annual Municipal Equality Index, MEI, review is based on how inclusive city laws, policies and services are of their LGBTQ communities. The city scored 110 out of 100. The index gives cities additional points for various policies. The highest score possible is 122. That score puts Lexington in the top 20 cities in the country for LGBTQ equality, according to the index. https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/fayette-county/article269410442.html#storylink=cpy
Louisville maintains perfect LGBTQ inclusivity score – According to the latest Municipal Equality Index scores from the Human Rights Campaign, Louisville maintains it’s perfect score for LGBTQ inclusivity for the for the eighth year in a row. The HRC’s index examines each city’s inclusivity on a range of issues including non-discrimination laws, municipal services and law enforcement. Lexington and Covington also received perfect scores from 2022’s HRC index. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2023/01/30/louisville-maintains-perfect-lgbtq-score-streak-from-human-rights-campaign
Allegiant offering new route from Las Vegas to Kentucky – Allegiant announced a new seasonal route from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, will begin June 15, 2023, with introductory one-way fares as low as $69. https://news3lv.com/news/instagram/allegiant-offering-new-route-from-las-vegas-to-kentucky-adds-8-across-the-country-denver-international-airport-lexington-portland-omaha-airport-lax-chicago-midway
Spirit Airlines offering new nonstop flight to Fort Lauderdale- Beginning April 5, Spirit Airlines will offer a new nonstop flight from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport to Fort Lauderdale, FL. https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/spirit-airlines-offering-new-nonstop-flight-from-louisville-to-fort-lauderdale/article_49d9502c-a986-11ed-b654-c39a54b75e0e.html
Delta adding daily nonstop flight to Boston – Delta will be adding a daily nonstop flight from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport to Boston Logan International Airport. This makes the third daily flight from Louisville to Boston, with American announcing two daily flights this year as well. The new flight will be launching on May 8, 2023. https://www.wlky.com/article/delta-air-lines-daily-nonstop-flight-louisville-muhammad-ali-boston/42363511
New direct flight to London – British Airways announced a new direct route from London Heathrow to CVG which will begin operating in summer 2023. This will become the only directflight between the UK and all of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. To begin, the flight will operate five times per week. Tickets are now on sale for the route at www.ba.com. https://www.fox19.com/2022/11/16/direct-flights-cvg-london-coming-summer-2023/
Digital pass leads participants through downtown Lexington – The experience is a digital pass available via smart phone and the VisitLEX website. Using GPS geofencing, users will go through 11 “stops” in downtown Lexington, where people can learn more about the I Was Here project and history of Lexington. Every stop on the pass is within a one-block radius, centering around Henry Tandy Centennial Park and the Old Fayette County Courthouse (Courthouse Square). https://www.lanereport.com/160034/2022/10/i-was-here-project-to-launch-digital-experience-on-oct-25/
Bowling Green to offer trolley tours – Trolley tours of downtown Bowling Green and the Western Kentucky University campus will officially begin in Spring 2023. The historic tour will include landmarks and institutions like the National Corvette Museum and WKU along its hour-and-a-half route. The trolley is now available to rent for private tours and special occasions. https://www.wbko.com/2022/11/07/bowling-green-trolley-takes-victory-lap-with-inaugural-tour/
New baseball experience coming to Elizabethtown in 2023 – Ripken Baseball is adding its fourth Ripken Experience™ through a partnership with Elizabethtown Sports Park starting in spring 2023. Officially called The Ripken Experience™ Elizabethtown, it will bring world-class youth baseball and softball tournaments plus week-long experiences to the state-of-the-art complex. https://news.yahoo.com/ripken-baseball-adds-fourth-ripken-130300925.html
Derby Festival announces 2023 dates – The Kentucky Derby Festival has announced dates for its signature events. The PNC Tour de Lou is set for Sunday, April 16, 2023. Thunder Over Louisville and the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies will be Saturday, April 22, 2023. The GE Appliances minimarathon and Marathon are set for Saturday, April 29, 2023, with the Pegasus Parade on the following day, Sunday, April 30, 2023. The Great Steamboat Race will be Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Check out the website for more details. https://www.lanereport.com/156552/2022/06/derby-festival-announces-chair-and-dates-for-2023/ & https://kdf.org/
CVG brings back Paris flight, adds Raleigh-Durham service – The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has restarted its nonstop Delta Airlines service between CVG and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the first nonstop transatlantic flight for CVG since March 2020. The Paris flight will be offered three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, departing at 6:05 p.m. CVG has also recently added a new nonstop American Airlines flight to Raleigh-Durham International airport (RDU), which will operate daily beginning January 10, 2023. The date is also the airport’s 76th anniversary. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2022/08/03/paris-flights-cvg & https://www.lanereport.com/158308/2022/08/american-airlines-announces-new-service-from-cvg-to-raleigh-durham/
Louisville airport announces new parking, future projects – The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) has two new parking lots for fliers. The East and West Premiere lots are located on either side of the terminal, and anyone can park in them. The additional parking is a result of increase traffic, causing the garage and surface lots to fill up. The airport also announced it will upgrade runway lighting and guidance systems and rehabilitate the runway and taxiway. https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/new-parking-options-available-as-travelers-flock-to-louisvilles-international-airport/article_d4711e7e-03a8-11ed-a958-2319dec329da.html & https://www.lanereport.com/156456/2022/06/18-million-in-funding-for-louisville-muhammad-ali-international-airport/
New nonstop flight from Louisville to Boston – American Airlines has a new nonstop daily flight to the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). The flight uses a 76-seat aircraft and began in June 2022. https://www.wdrb.com/news/american-airlines-adds-nonstop-flight-from-louisville-to-boston/article_e7104888-e39c-11ec-bc2a-272fae3f36d8.html
New lounge bar in Louisville – Louisville has debuted The Biscuit Lounge on South 10th Street between Main and Market streets. There’s also event venue space, the Loft at the Biscuit Lounge. The lounge bar is open 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and is meant to create an experience for guests. It features leather couches and chairs, a pool table and bar featuring craft cocktails such as gimlets, Old Fashioned and margaritas. https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/new-lounge-bar-in-louisville-focused-on-creating-experiences/article_79c05c22-edca-11ec-94ea-978d125adb5b.html
Backroads of Appalachia launces app – Nonprofit motorsports organization Backroads of Appalachia has launched a new free app, developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for motorsports and adventure enthusiasts. The app is available for iPhone and Android users, highlighting local trails, restaurants and other fun things to do in eastern Kentucky. https://www.wymt.com/2022/06/07/backroads-appalachia-launch-app-that-will-benefit-tourism-eky/
New motorsports trail in Corbin area – There’s a new motorsports trail in the Corbin area – “I Be Dam” – starting and ending in downtown Corbin. The new trail is more than 35 miles total, traveling through Corbin, going around Laurel River Lake and over the Laurel River Dam. https://www.wymt.com/2022/05/20/i-be-dam-motorsports-trail-opens-corbin/
Kentucky Derby to celebrate 150 years in 2024 – The greatest two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby, will celebrate its 150th running in 2024. The Kentucky Oaks will also be celebrating 150 years. Churchill Downs is currently undergoing multi-million-dollar renovations, with a Paddock Area redesign to transform the existing Paddock and Plaza areas, streamline guest circulation paths, update the audio and visual experiences and enhance the visibility of the iconic Twin Spires set to be completed by the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2024. https://www.kentuckyderby.com/
Bowling Green debuts two free resources – Downtown Bowling Green has created two new free sources for visitors – a downtown parking map and a Fountain Square shop and dining guide. There are more than 1,200 public parking spaces within the downtown area along streets and within lots and parking structures. The shop and dining guide will help visitors explore the area. https://www.wbko.com/2022/04/21/new-free-resources-announced-downtown-bowling-green/
PGA Championship returning to Valhalla in 2024 – The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Championship is set to return to the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville May 16-19, 2024. This will be the fourth time the club has hosted this event. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1986 and has since become one of golf’s most storied venues. https://www.pgachampionship.com/2024
Louisville lands major meeting and events conference for 2025 – The city of Louisville is set to host the world’s largest industry association for meeting and event professionals – the Meeting Professional International’s (MPI) World Education Congress (WEC) June 10-12, 2025. This is the first time Louisville is a host city for the event and marks the first time in more than a decade that WEC will return to the southeastern United States. An estimated 2,500 attendees will be in town for the event. https://original.newsbreak.com/@jc-phelps-563771/2566840691936-louisville-lands-major-industry-conference
Breeze Airways adds nonstop to San Francisco – The domestic low-fare carrier Breeze Airways has added a new nonstop flight from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) to San Francisco (SFO). The service started Friday, May 27, 2022, and is offered twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays on Breeze’s new Airbus A220. Tickets are available online, with fares starting at $89 one way. https://www.wave3.com/2022/03/08/breeze-airways-adds-new-non-stop-flight-sdf/
United Airlines adds new mainline service from Louisville to Denver – United Airlines has announced the introduction of mainline service on the morning flight from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) to Denver (DEN). The service began in June and departs daily at 9:40 a.m. The service marks an 80 percent increase in seat capacity over the current aircraft being used. https://www.lanereport.com/153756/2022/03/united-airlines-grow-presence-with-mainline-service-from-louisville-to-denver/
2023 African American Golf Expo & Forum to be in Louisville – Louisville Tourism’s Black Tourism Advisory Council has attracted the 2023 African American Golf Expo & Forum. The weeklong event is set for August 25-30, 2023, and will include a golf scramble, educational sessions, networking events and professional opportunities in the golf industry. https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/louisville-tees-up-2023-african-american-golf-event/
Lexington adds second minor league baseball team – Lexington has announced the addition of a second Minor League Baseball team – the Kentucky Wild Health Genomes. Both the Genomes and the existing Legends will play at the newly renamed Wild Health Field – formerly known as Lexington Legends Ballpark. https://www.lex18.com/sports/lexington-announces-second-minor-league-baseball-team-the-kentucky-wild-health-genomes
Pro soccer team coming to Lexington – A United Soccer League (USL) League One professional soccer team is coming to Lexington. The club will be called Lexington Sporting Club (Lexington S.C.) and the brand and crest features a bright green stylized horse figure set against a dark green background. The club’s first season will be played at a collegiate facility, with the first season set to begin play in 2023. More details will be forthcoming. https://www.wvxu.org/sports/2021-10-06/professional-soccer-team-lexington-2023 & https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1217223
Renovated Central Bank Center opens in Lexington – The $300 million expansion Central Bank Center project in downtown Lexington is now complete and the center held its grand reopening in April. Many new innovative amenities make it one of the most high-tech, sustainable meeting and event spaces in the region. It features transparent glass exteriors, boosting the center’s exhibit and ballroom spaces, as well as a renovated, expanded kitchen with state-of-the-art equipment. The development will help better connect the Center and the adjoining Rupp Arena to downtown. https://www.tsnn.com/news/4-impressive-new-convention-center-developments-watch-2021-and-beyond
