Did you search “Eras Tour dates” this year? So did the rest of the US — but this is what Lexingtonians were googling on a more local level. | Photo by LEXtoday
It may come as no surprise that Taylor Swift was one of the most-searched people on Google this year, but what about the fact Lexington was the only place in the US with “pressure washing near me” as a top trending search?
2023’s Google Year in Search is out, and its local search function provides an interesting peek into our city’s queries. Take a look at what we were searching most this year (plus, our answers to your searches — we may not be Google, but we know a thing or two about where to find the best coffee in town).
Unique local searches
Top trending “tour” search in Lexington | Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Top trending “TV show” search in Lexington | “The Last of Us” on Max
5 top trending “near me” searches in the Lexington area
“Air quality near me” | If you’re looking to soak in that fresh Kentucky air, our guide to parks has you covered.
“Pressure washing near me” | The crew at Men In Kilts is here to help start your spring cleaning needs early.
“Optometrist near me” | Wear your sunglasses at night by learning about Louisville-based brand Shady Rays.
“Veterinarian near me” | While we’re not medical professionals, we know the perfect spots to butter up Fido after their appointment.
“Podiatrist near me” | Let the doctors at UK Healthcare kick off your year on the right foot.
The fact that “LEXtoday” wasn’t a top local search only hurts our feelings a little bit. There’s always next year.
Asked
What was the top trending “movies” Google search in the US this year?
A. “Oppenheimer” B. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” C. “Cocaine Bear” D. “Barbie”
Fire Up Your Soul | Wednesday, Jan. 3 | 6-7:30 p.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | $6 | Beat the winter chill with a slow-paced mindfulness walk, followed by hot cider and cocoa — registration is required.
Thursday, Jan. 4
Candle Pour Bar + Cocktail Lounge | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Wick + Mortar Studio / Poppy & Pomelo, 526 E. High St., Lexington | $38-$50 | Sip on spirits while you choose from from 50+ scents to create your own candle.
Beginner Dance Class: Triple Two | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 7:15-8 p.m. | Bluegrass Ballroom, 4750 Hartland Pkwy., Ste. 190, Lexington | $9 | Grab a partner or ride solo at this beginner-friendly dance class where you’ll master the art of the two-step.
Friday, Jan. 5
Studio Artists Exhibit | Friday, Jan. 5 | 12-4 p.m. | Artists’ Attic, 401 W. Main St., 4th Floor, Lexington | Free | Explore, purchase, and meet the creators behind these art pieces.
Explore More Outdoors: Intro to Hiking | Friday, Jan. 5 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Tates Creek Ballroom, 1400 Gainesway Dr., Lexington | Free | Join parks staff to sample outdoor gear while they educate the best ways to plan, prepare, and take a hike.
Saturday, Jan. 6
A Tribute to Nirvana | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $15-$18 | Come as you are to this tribute celebrating the 90s grunge legends iconic album “MTV Unplugged in New York.”
After announcing it would close in December, Chocolate Holler will reopen today under new ownership. The coffee and chocolate shop at 400 Old Vine St. is expected to keep some of its classic menu items, like its drinkable chocolate and baked treats.
Sports
UK men’s basketball has climbed its way to the No. 6 spot on AP’s Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Poll — the highest ranking they’ve received since 2017. At the beginning of the season, the now 10-2 Wildcats were ranked No. 16. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Closing
Kismet, the walk-up eatery on The Burl’s campus, announced it will close up shop. The eatery will bring back some menu items and continue serving its iconic Basic B Smashburger until Sunday, Jan 21. A new restaurant will take over the space, so we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
Civic
As the Kentucky legislature kicks off its 60-day General Assembly session, Mayor Linda Gorton says her team is focused on accessing more flexible local tax options. For instance, Mayor Gorton showed interest in local sales taxes for a specific project that would sunset. (WEKU)
Legacy
Esteemed jazz pianist + Lexington native Les McCann, died on December 29. McCann was known for his protest song “Compared to What,” and was later sampled by hip-hop artists like Snoop Dogg, The Notorious B.I.G., A Tribe Called Quest, and others. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Cause
The Hope Center is asking the community for help with winter coat donations. The organization is collecting all sizes (with a preference for larges) for the folks at its emergency shelter. You can drop off coats 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every weekday at 298 W. Loudon Ave.
Where should Lexington build more affordable housing options? | Photo courtesy of @femi.branded
A new affordable housing project is proposed for a historic downtown church, and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) wants your input.
The building at 530 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. was previously home of New Day Community Church, but the team behind Qureshi Development Group wants to transform the space into affordable multi-family units.
Here are a few key takeaways from the potential new space:
The space falls under the Federal Section 106 Review Process, which helps preserve historical buildings during project planning processes.
The proposal can be viewed at LFUCG’s building on 200 E. Main St. The public can provide feedback through the online comment form or by emailing Celia Moore by Friday, Jan. 26.
The Buy
The Buy 1.03.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A colorful planner or calendar to get you organized for the new year with intentionality, purpose, and plenty of inspiration.
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