WealthSouth’s Bill Howell says he’d spend time soaking in Lexington’s vibrant history like taking a tour of the Mary Todd Lincoln House. | Photo provided by Mary Todd Lincoln House
We save money for many things: retirement, education, and leaving a legacy. We also save and invest in order to enjoy life. While a dream vacation (Hawaii or Italy, anyone?) may take a while, a smaller amount of savings can be used for a great “staycation” — right here in the Bluegrass.
We recently chatted with the team at WealthSouth, which knows a thing or two about the area since the organization started here in 1909, to get their recommendations for the ultimate staycation. Here’s what they had to say:
Manchester Mania
“I love live music, so I would plan a staycation around a concert at the Manchester Music Hall. This venue is great — it’s small, but still attracts well-known artists.
I’d start the evening by visiting the nearby Distillery District to have dinner at my favorite pizza place, Goodfellas, then head to Manchester Music Hall for the concert. For a real staycation feel, I’d stay in the new hotel, The Manchester, which is a luxury hotel featuring high-end rooms, great dining options, and a rooftop bar, located right next door to the Manchester Music Hall.” – Jeff Zinger, Lending Manager
Enjoying the past and present
“Since elementary school, I’ve always enjoyed studying history. It offers perspective to the present, and provides guidance for the future. I was blessed to have vibrant history teachers who made their lessons interesting and thought-provoking.
One way I honor their memories is serving on the board of the Mary Todd Lincoln House. It’s one of the historical jewels of Lexington that gives visitors a wonderful insight into the life and times of one of America’s most fascinating First Ladies. It’s easy to be inspired while in rooms that once hosted Abraham Lincoln. It’s a great way to spend a free day, and I invite everyone who has yet to visit to come take a tour.” – Bill Howell, Lexington Market Director
Keep reading for two more staycation itinerary recommendations.
Golden Hour: $5 Friday | Friday, Aug. 18 | 5-8 p.m. | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, 5199 Combs Ferry Rd, Winchester | Price of purchase | Soak in the sunset + sip on specially priced glasses of wine, sangria, or cocktails.
Summer Nights in Suburbia | Friday, Aug. 18 | 7-9 p.m. | MoonDance Amphiteater, 1152 Monarch St., Lexington | Free | Grab your lawn chairs to kick off your weekend with live music and plenty of local food + drink vendors.
Saturday, Aug. 19
Second Annual East End Arts & Music Festival | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 3-6 p.m. | The Artists’ Village, Holbrook Ct., Lexington | Free | Enjoy live music from The Keith McCutchens Trio as you browse a variety of art + sample fare from local food trucks.
Love at First Page | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 7-9 p.m. | Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Lexington | $25 | Celebrate Bookstore Romance Day with cocktails, mocktails, dessert, and a book recommendation session.
Sunday Aug. 20
Mindful Moments | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington | Free | Disconnect from the hustle and bustle + enjoy a slow-paced outdoor experience including quiet reflection and stillness.
Paint n’ Sip w/ Sinclaire Marie | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 3-4:30 p.m. | The Void Sake Company, National Ave Ste. 190 , Lexington | $35 | This 90-minute workshop will give you step-by-step instructions to paint a mystical Japanese blossom scene.
What’s poppin’? Well, the news that Jack Harlow is coming to Rupp Arena on Sunday, Dec. 3 is. We are one of six stops for the Louisville rapper on his “No Place Like Home: The Kentucky Tour.” Register now for presale tickets before the general sale starts Friday, Aug. 25. (LEX18)
Civic
Changes are coming to the city council’s neighborhood development fund. In addition to members receiving a $10,000 increase — bringing the total amount to $15,000— changes were proposed that included more oversight + accountability. Additionally, 50% of funds will be held back in an election year. (WEKU)
Legacy
Chevy Chase Inn will hold a Celebration of Life for its late + beloved bartender Russell “Redeye” Salyer this Saturday, Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop in for Bloody Marys, a Chili Dog Potluck, and see the new Little Free Library in his honor. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Eat
Old North Kitchen, the restaurant of Old North Bar at Greyline Station, announced it will begin serving Sunday Brunch starting this Sunday, Aug. 20. Sip mimosas while digging into menu items like PB&J French Toast + Breakfast Hash made with tater tots.
Real Estate
According to online listing site Apartment List, Lexington outpaced the national average for rent growth in July, which was 0.6%. Our city’s rent increased 1.6%, making it the second highest increase in the US for the month. LEX’s median rental price across all apartment sizes is $1,232 — higher than LOU’s $1,068. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Learn
Next Wednesday, Aug. 23, registration will open for Fall + Winter classes at Artworks at the Carver School. Areas of interest include pottery, karate, and Thriller Parade zombie dance lessons for adults, as well as printmaking, archery, and more for kids.
Job
Looking for a new way to experience Keeneland? One that will guarantee you come home with some money? Then check out its list of available positions for the upcoming Fall Meet. If you’re looking for seasonal part-time work in areas like hospitality + inventory, learn more at the Hiring Center.
Finance
One card, all the perks. A $200 welcome bonus, unlimited cash back, and 0% interest into 2024 all with no annual fee almost sounds too good to be true — but this card has it all.*
Festival
See 180+ artists in Lexington in two days
Best practices to have the best time at the Woodland Art Fair
A picture perfect weekend awaits at the Woodland Art Fair. | Photo courtesy of @shessosingle
Get ready for an awesomely artistic weekend, y’all. This Saturday, Aug. 17 + Sunday, Aug. 18, the Woodland Art Fair returns to Woodland Park.
Before we get into our pro tips + best practices, let’s look at some numbers:
It’s the 48th year for this annual event hosted by Lexington Parks & Recreation + the Lexington Art League
The park sees an average attendance of 70,000+ over the weekend
There will be ~200 artists to browse
It was ranked No. 40 on the Top 100 Fine Art & Design Fairs list by Sunshine Artist Magazine
Gates open at 10 a.m. both days
Keep an eye out for the handy maps to guide you throughout Woodland Park. | Photo by LEXtoday
🚗 Parking
There is loads of street parking in the area, but go slow as there will be plenty of pedestrians about. Keep an eye out for a spot on:
Clay Avenue
Central Avenue
Woodland Avenue
Oldham Avenue
Euclid Avenue
🍻 Snacks, libations + merriment
Music + entertainment will kick off daily at 10 a.m. where, you can soak in the sounds and sights of D.N.R. Deep Nourished Roots and Mecca Dance Studio, just to name a few.
Explore some of the culinary arts the festival has to offer, such as local bevs from Lexington Brewing Company and Wise Bird Cider + sample plates from Jasmine Rice and Sav’s Chill. Don’t forget to hydrate + pack an umbrella — it’s gonna be a warm one.
If you’re in the middle of a home renovation, or maybe planning a big event, you have to check out this new company called Walk Thru Plans. They can project your layout on a 1:1 scale so you can experience the look + feel of your potential space. BRB, looking for my old dream farmhouse to update.
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