Julietta Market was opened in its namesake’s honor in 2020. | Photo by LEXtoday
Sunday, Dec. 4 marked 24 years since the passing of local civil rights activist, Julia Etta Lewis. If you’re thinking that name sounds familiar, here’s why.
Julia’s memory + legacy has been carried on through the Julietta Market at Greyline Station — a space that holds special significance to her life and work.
Julietta, a nickname she received from those close to her, was a leader of the civil rights movement in Lexington in the 1960s. She was an instrumental member of the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) + the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), arranging sit-ins and non-violent demonstrations throughout town.
Much of her efforts focused on the segregation in entertainment businesses like restaurants, stores, movie theaters + hotels.
One notable site of a sit-in was the old Phoenix Hotel. Julietta, fellow members of CORE + the NAACP “sat day after day in the hotel’s restaurant waiting for someone to acknowledge their patronage,” according to VisitLex. The hotel changed its policies, sealing a success in the civil rights movement.
💙 Later in life
Julietta went on to live in Ann Arbor, MI for some time and returned home to Lexington where she worked at the Housing Authority for 14 years. She died in 1998 + is buried in the Lexington Cemetery. Julietta was posthumously inducted into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2001.
Julietta Market was created with Julietta’s values in mind: freedom, love, and equality. It provides a space + platform for community members to support themselves, their families, and pursue their dreams and passions. And now, Lexington is blessed with a thriving marketplace featuring artists, craftspeople, chefs, entrepreneurs + more.
Lexington Children’s Theatre Presents: Puss in Boots | Monday, Dec. 5 | 4-5 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | This family-friendly show is an original adaptation of the classic fairy tale of a fancy cat’s journey of imagination, adventure, and true friendship.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree featuring Coach Mitchell Band | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 6 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St., Lexington | $15 | Proceeds from this concert, in partnership with The Fayette Education Foundation, will benefit character and leadership development among students in Fayette County.
Wednesday, Dec. 7
5 Across FINALS Startup Pitch Competition - Awesome Inc | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 5-7 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St., Lexington | $5 | After five rounds of pitches from area startups, $55,000 is on the line in this special edition of 5 Across — featuring dinner, drinks + an after party at the historic Kentucky Theatre.
Thursday, Dec. 8
Jazz at the Library | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Enjoy free, live jazz music on the second Thursday of every month.
Friday, Dec. 9
Nicholas Jamerson’s Hollerday Gitdown | Friday, Dec. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd, Lexington | $20 | A happy “hollerday” show featuring music from Nicholas Jamerson & The Morning Jays, Buffalo Wabs, and The Price Hill Hustle.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
George Vanderbilt worked closely with his importers to make quality selections — a tradition carried out today by Biltmore Winery.
| Photo provided by Biltmore Wines
With a long history rooted in the George Vanderbilt legacy of hospitality and high standards, Biltmore Winery offers wines handcrafted in Asheville, NC by expert winemakers — each with its own own source, intention, and backstory (from the Chenin Blanc to the Sangiovese).
Wines embody a belief in sustainability and exceptional quality while being accessible and, of course, shareable. Experience Biltmore Wines yourself by visiting Biltmore Estate or purchasing wine online and from nearby retailers. 🍷*
Brevede Coffee‘s second location, located at859 E. High St.in Chevy Chase, is officially open. The new coffee + pastry shop features two floors with ample seating and a cozy fireplace for relaxing with friends. Its hours are Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. ☕
Civic
In case you missed it, Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins Jr. announced he will be retiring from the position he has held for 13 years. He’ll remain in the role through the end of January as the city searches for his successor. Interested candidates should apply by Wednesday, Dec. 14. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Last week, council membersvoted to approve Mayor Linda Gorton’s proposal for pay increases for city police officers + E-911 staff. Police and sergeants will receive an $8,000 raise, while lieutenants and above will receive $5,000. E-911 workers will get a $4,000 annual supplement. (ABC36)
Sports
UK football is bowl bound. The Wildcatswill face the Iowa Hawkeyes — a rematch from last year’s Citrus Bowl — this time in Nashville for the Music City Bowl. The game will kick off at 12 p.m. on Dec. 31. This is UK’s fifth time playing in the Music City Bowl. 🏈 (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Feel Good
A Cup of Common Wealth has brought back its annual holiday tradition — The Community Tree. Everyone is welcome to donate a gift or pick up a gift at the friendly coffee shop located at 103 Eastern Ave. 🎁
Pets
Lexington Humane Society is partnering with the BISSELL Pet Foundation, for a national adoption event called Empty the Shelters. Now through Sunday, Dec. 11, there will be reduced adoption fees at the LHS Main Adoption Center, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike + the Everyday Adoption Center, located inside the PetSmart in Hamburg. 🐶 (LEX18)
Shop
No time to shop for holiday groceries (or just don’t want to get out of your PJs)? Becoming a Kroger Boost member comes with big perks — like free grocery delivery. Learn more + join. 🛒*
Chef Ouita Michel’s family recipes never disappoint. | Photo by @hollyhillandco
If Santa can eat cookies late at night, we can too, right? ‘Tis the season for holiday treats and there’s no shortage of shortbread, sugar, or gingerbread goodies going around.
Here’s a sampling of the sweetness we’ve seen:
Futile Bakery, 399 Waller Ave., Ste. 130 | $38 | The Holiday Cookie Tin is filled to the brim with ~36 cookies in nine different varieties including classic Irish butter, cinnamon roll pinwheels + guava twists.
Holly Hill & Co., 426 N. Winter St., Midway | $37 | A beautifully-decorated tin packed with 24 cookies with four of each of the following flavors: chocolate chip, spicy sorghum, buttery corn, rich Woodford, and tender vanilla cranberry shortbread.
La Petite Delicat, 722 National Ave. | $20 | The holiday box contains a bag of chocolate mint meringues, two too-cute-to-eat holiday-shaped macarons + four holiday-flavored macarons.
Martine’s Pastries, 400 E. Third St. | Prices vary | Stop by next Saturday, Dec. 10 for the open house with Santa + pick up a holiday cookie bag or an assortment of seasonally-decorated sugar cookies.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Molly.
Editor’s pick: Ok, this is a weird question, but hear me out. In your opinion, which restaurants/businesses in townhave the prettiest bathrooms?
I was at Epping’s a few weeks ago + thought to myself, “Wow, now this is a beautiful bathroom.” And we all have that one friend that posts proof of a Jeff Ruby’s visit with a bathroom selfie. Help me build a beautiful bathroom tour — share your favorites with me.
Missed Friday’s newsletter? Learn about Lexington’s top equality score, here.
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