#Optoutside — this hashtag trends nationwide this time of year and was started by REI — a retail + outdoor recreation company.

The company encourages people across the US to leave behind the hustle + bustle of Black Friday shopping, and instead reconnect with family by spending time outdoors together.

We want to make it easy for you and your family to choose to #optoutside around Lexington. So wrap up those extra turkey sandwiches, fill your Yeti tumblers with hot chocolate + enjoy this list of local hiking trails that we think would make great post-turkey day hikes.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary | Green Trail

Raven Run is a 734-acre nature sanctuary just outside of Lexington with 10+ miles of hiking trails. Taking the Green Trail east will be the most direct and easiest route to the Kentucky River overlook — one of the preserve’s more popular + instagrammable spots.

Cove Spring Park | Raceway Spur Trail

Cove Spring Park is a 240-acre nature preserve in Frankfort, KY that features waterfalls, springs + forested ravines. The Raceway Spur Trail makes for an easy adventure. The leisurely .15-mile trail will allow you to explore a waterfall and a historic reservoir dam.

Jessamine County Nature Preserve | Gorge Trail

The Jessamine County Nature Preserve is 155-acres + sits along the palisades region of the Kentucky River. The Gorge Trail is ~2 miles long and features a beautiful overlook of Jessamine Creek. Late fall is the best time to hike this trail — foliage tends to obscure the overlook during the summer.

Daniel Boone National Forest | Broke Leg Falls

The Broke Leg Falls Trail in Daniel Boone National Forest is a .5-mile trail that features a 60-ft. waterfall. The trail has built-in steps that lead hikers down to the base of the falls — making this an easily accessible adventure for families with small kids.

EVENTS

Friday

UK vs. University of North Florida | Fri., Nov. 26 | 7 p.m. | Rupp Arena | Prices vary | The UK men’s basketball team take on the Ospreys at home. 🏀
Happy Hour Yoga + Pizza | Fri., Nov. 26 | 4:30 p.m. | Wildfire Yoga | Registration required | This happy hour yoga event features free pizza at Mirror Twin after class. 🍕

Saturday

Christmas at the Market | Sat., Nov. 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Beech Springs Farm Market, Winchester | Come shop 40+ vendors with live music, food trucks + wine.
UK vs. UofL | Sat., Nov. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN 2 | It’s Cats vs. Cards in a classic rivalry that’s taking place in Louisville this year. 🏈

Sunday

Lexington Chamber Chorale — Noel | Sun., Nov. 28 | 5 p.m. | Second Presbyterian Church | $22 | Kick off the holidays with fresh arrangements of familiar holiday classics.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE NOVEMBER EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

45º | Rain | 83% chance of rain

Holiday

Happy turkey day — today is Thanksgiving, a day of thanks celebrated since 1621 and made a national holiday in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln. Thanks, Abe. 🦃

History

Yesterday — November 24 — was the 57th anniversary of the completion of the I-64 + I-75 interstate project in Fayette County. The 13-mile stretch of interstate opened on November 24, 1964 and cost ~$16 million dollars. (Localtonians)

Lexingtonian

Barbara Harper Bach is a Lexington-based author who recently published an all-cookie cookbook simply called, “Cookies!” The book is 47 pages of delicious cookie recipes. 🍪 (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Cause

UK is hosting its annual Circle of Love program. The program allows Lexington residents to sponsor a child for the holidays — giving them gifts or essential clothing items. A child’s wish list can be picked up in the student center, STE. A154. (UK NOW)

Eat

If you choose to take advantage of some of the Black Friday shopping deals near the Hamburg shopping area, Boonedog’s will be setting up shop at the Hamburg Liquor Barn. Eat local while shopping for the hottest deals around town. 🌭

Drink

Tomorrow, Fri., Nov. 26, West Sixth is releasing five different flavors of its highly coveted imperial stout — Snake Cakes. The different flavors include original, peanut butter, cinnamon bun, double chocolate + smoked pepper. Get all five bottles for $100. 🍺

📸 @coles735main

One of Coles’ most iconic menu items — the apricot + tomato chutney — is now available for you to take home. This signature spread pairs well with holiday parties, cheese boards + UK basketball games.

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THE WRAP

Editor's Pick: This year, I am feeling especially grateful for Lexington's hospitality. I recently relocated to Lexington in April, and have since been greeted with open arms, full hearts + full pours of bourbon.

Missed yesterday's newsletter? Learn where to shop small in Lexington on Saturday.

Today's Edition by:

Aaron

LEXtoday Team

Editorial: Aaron, Molly, Kaylee

Sales: Rachel

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