12.15.2023

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Today’s Forecast

38° | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:54 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

📝 Put your LEXtoday knowledge to the test

Putting your LEXtoday knowledge to the test

Two women stand in front of a large sign that says "LEX Lexington, Kentucky"

City Editors Molly + Aayat have worked hard this year to bring you informative, fun, and uplifting news. | Photo by LEXtoday

As the new year approaches, and in the spirit of nostalgia, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of our top stories and social posts of 2023. Consider this your final exam. Read carefully to see if you can answer one question about each story/post.

🗞️ Top articles

Unwritten rules of Lexington
You all had very strong opinions on what it means to be a Lexingtonian. For example — Do you know the other name for New Circle Road?

A brief overview of new developments
Developments are happening around Lexington all the time, but you all were particularly interested about UK’s newest education building. How much did the building cost?

Happy hour deals
It’s no surprise, but you all were very much on the hunt for the best happy hour deals around Lexington. Which downtown bar has a cocktail called One More Thyme?

25 great brunch restaurants to try
Brunch is the great equalizer, and our brunch guide was especially enticing to our readers. Which spot is known for its Frosted Flake-coated PB+J?

An aerial shot of mansion surrounded by colorful fall trees with a big courtyard — The perfect amount of space for horse drawn carriages and Rolls Royces. | Photo by Jeff Walker

Small gift idea: $14.5 million mansion
It might be too late to snag this one for a Christmas gift, but — do you know which road the house in this post (the largest house in Kentucky, btw) is located?

Cardinal Run Park North
Our readers always love the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that the groundbreaking of a new park resonated with many of you. How many acres will the new park be?

Imagine New Circle
Another thing we know you’re passionate about is our roads, particularly their accessibility + safety. What did 95% of survey respondents say they value the most for this project?

Groundbreaking of Town Branch Park
The beginnings of our own Central Park had the town abuzz this summer when ground finally broke on the Town Branch Park. What’s the estimated cost of the park?

That’s your crash course. Now, put your LEXtoday knowledge to the test with our 2023 quiz.

Asked

Question 1: Do you know the other name for New Circle Road?

A. Circle 4
B. New Circle Wrap Around
C. The Circle Trap
D. Scary Circular Road

Quiz starts here

Events

Friday, Dec. 15

Hollerday Gitdown | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 16 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $24-$42 | Stomp, clap, and celebrate the y’allidays with Nicholas Jamerson & The Morning Jays for two nights of festive fun.
Top Soil, Monterey, Car Club | Friday, Dec. 15 | 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. | girlsgirlsgirls Burritos, 395 S. Limestone St., Lexington | $7.61 | Boogie down to the sounds of local indie bands while snacking on these Lexington-famous burritos.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Merry & Bright Christmas | Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Hamburg Pavillion, 2308 Sir Barton Way #190, Lexington | Free | Bring the kids for storytime with Mrs. Claus, horse + carriage rides, face painting, and more festive fun.
Dirty Division/Authentic Entertainment Label Launch Party | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. 3rd St., Lexington | $23.18 | Dance the night away as you celebrate the launch of Lexington’s newest label and mingle with like-minded music fanatics.

Sunday, Dec. 17

Pancakes at the North Pole | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Main Event, 240 Canary Rd., Lexington | $18-$35 | Revel in merriment with breakfast, festive decorations, crafts, and a chance to take photos with Santa.
Cards for Kindness: With Love from the Outside | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 12-4 p.m. | Pivot Brewing, 1400 Delaware Ave., Lexington | Free | Help bring Christmas cheer to individuals who have been incarcerated by writing letters of positivity.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Cause

Duke Energy Foundation shows its support for local businesses

three people stand in a store holding a giant check

Businesses can use the funds for everything from physical space adaptability + beautification and technology improvements to professional development training costs. | Photo provided by Duke Energy

Small business owners in northern Kentucky received some extra holiday cheer from local chambers of commerce + the Duke Energy Foundation to kick off the season. The Small Business Assistance grant program awarded $100,000 to support 25 minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.

Since 2020, the Duke Energy Foundation has provided ~$880,000 to help small businesses in southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky survive and rebound from the pandemic.

See which businesses were selected for this year’s grants below.

News Notes

Development

Last week, UK’s Board of Trustees greenlit an $81 million residential hall. The plan, which would be part of the school’s ongoing student housing project, calls for a four-story building featuring ~644 beds to be built on Woodland Avenue. Now, the school is awaiting legislative approval. (UK NOW)

Ranked

According to a new ranking from Pollstar Magazine, Rupp Arena came in at No. 33 in the US (and No. 54 in the world) for tickets sold at non-sports-related events. The 2023 list saw our downtown venue move up 14 spots in one year. (Spectrum News)

Announced

While we still have one big game left this year, we’re already making plans for next fall. UK unveiled its 2024 schedule, kicking off the season on Aug. 31 hosting Southern Mississippi at Kroger Field. See the full schedule. (UK Athletics)

Number

$340.8 million. That’s how much money Kentuckians have wagered in-person + online the first full month that sports betting was legalized in the state. According to Bet Kentucky, 96% of the revenue came strictly from online apps like DraftKings and FanDuel. (Bet Kentucky)

Arts

Head to the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center tonight to see the grand opening of the Invitational Exhibition. Here, you’ll see artwork of all mediums from Kentucky’s finest artists. The exhibit runs until Feb. 3, 2024.

Sports

UK Track & Field unveiled the new name of its indoor facility — The Jim Green Track & Field Center. The space is named in honor of alumni Jim Green, who in 1971 became the first African American student-athlete to graduate from the school. (UK Athletics)

Wellness

Planning for personal growth and emotional well-being in 2024? Connect with a licensed therapist on BetterHelp in just 48 hours + get 25% off your first month.*

Finance

This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*

Drink

☕️ Warmth in a cup

Seasonal drinks to keep you warm

A mug filled with a latte surrounded by gingerbread man cookies

The gingerbread latte from Leestown Coffee is what cozy dreams are made of. | Photo courtesy of @leestowncoffee + @bretaulbeephotography

It’s that time again, folks. A change of seasons is approaching and with that, winter and holiday-themed drinks are beginning to hit local coffee shop + bar menus.

We can’t possibly cover them all, but here’s a quick look at a few of our favorite spots:

Leestown Coffee | From classic gingerbread lattes to their newly perfected rosemary latte, the entire menu here will certainly warm you up.

Lussi Brown Coffee Bar | Struggling to choose between coffee and spirits? Have both. Try a Sugarplum Shooter with Castle & Key gin or an Under the Mistle-Tow oatnog.

Third Street Stuff & Coffee | Knock out some holiday shopping while sipping on The Grinch, a take on a classic peppermint mocha.

Coffee Times Coffee House | Fuel up with a Nutcracker Cortado, featuring hazelnut and espresso, then explore its dozens of other coffee + tea offerings for the warm drink lover in your life.

The Buy

The Buy 12.15.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This smart mug warmer that keeps beverages the temperature of your choice and has automatic shut-off.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

I know eggnog is a controversial topic, but if you’re on the fence, please try the oatnog from Lussi Brown. You won’t regret it. And if you do, please don’t tell me.

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Putting your LEXtoday knowledge to the test

🗞️ Top articles

📱 Top social posts

Seasonal drinks to keep you warm

The Buy 12.15.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)