Plus, meet the construction firm behind Keeneland's upgrades.
 
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Today’s Forecast

57º | 13% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 6:16 p.m.

 

So long, farewell

Lexington businesses of yesteryear

The red and green Parkette Drive In sign that says chicken, shrimp, fish boxes
RIP, Parkette Drive In, you are missed. | Photo by @ginamarieyoung + @gatheredliving
Are there old Lexington diners, music venues, bars, and businesses you still miss? We recently asked you which shuttered spots you miss the most, and now we’re taking a trip back in time.

Consider this is an ode to some of your favorite now-closed Lexington businesses.

Alfalfa

This beloved staple called South Limestone home, then East Main Street in its later iterations. Opened in 1973, the spot was known for its Southern fare (anyone remember the griddle cakes?) and vegetarian options.

Atomic Cafe

Instagram user @kamorris2 said every time they drive by the "[still] empty carcass of Atomic Cafe,” they’re flooded with memories of being in their early 20s in a rock and roll band.

“Atomic Cafe! Best patio in Lexington.” — @markmonzinger

An outside shot of the old Lexington restaurant The Coach House.

The Coach House was located at 855 S. Broadway. | Photo courtesy of the Lexington Herald-Leader

The Coach House

The fine-dining establishment featured French, Italian, and Greek cuisines with an atmosphere that felt like an exclusive club.

Cosmic Charlie’s

Nothing said a night out on the town like catching a concert at Cosmic Charlie’s. It’s Deadhead-inspired vibes welcomed some iconic acts like Apples in Stereo and Unknown Hinson of Adult Swim fame.

The Dame

Another beloved music venue, this West Main Street venue saw budding artists (many of whom went on to win Grammy Awards) like Jason Isbell and St. Vincent before it closed in 2009.

The outside of a brick building with a red sign that says "Magee's Bakery"

Magee’s Bakery closed last spring after 67 years in business. | Photo by LEXtoday

Magee’s Bakery

“I’ll never get over Magee’s being closed. A true Lexington gem!” — @sarahkosidedwards

Parkette Drive In

“If I dare to dream, I would love for the Parkette to be re-opened in a new area, move the sign (or leave it where it stands), and bring back the iconic drive-in eatery that was one of the spots Lexington was known for!” — Reader Ginni H.

Sav’s Grill

This West African spot served up comforting food, like its peanut chicken bowl and fufu. But don’t fret — you can still grab Sav’s hot sauce and ice cream around town.
 
Events
Thursday, Feb. 15
  • Discover: Black Inventors | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Eastside Branch, 3000 Blake James Dr., Lexington | Free | Kids will learn about inventions created by Black Americans through food, art, and activities.
Friday, Feb. 16
  • Valentine’s Dance and Fondue Party | Friday, Feb. 16 | 8-10 p.m. | The Ballroom House, 312 Southland Dr., Lexington | $5-$10 | Grab a partner for this all-level 30-minute Rumba dance lesson, followed by chocolate fondue and mingling.
  • For The Love Of R&B: Valentines Edition | Friday, Feb. 16 | 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. | Stings Lounge, 123 W. Main St., Lexington | $40-$60 | Dress in your Valentine’s best for a night of nonstop R&B jams, with a live performance from Carl Thomas — must be 25+ to enter.
Saturday, Feb. 17
  • Sow Like a Pro | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Wilson Nurseries, 2700 Palumbo Dr., Lexington | $30.23 | Learn the foundation of growing your own veggies, herbs, and flowers from seed before spring arrives.
  • Art Attack! | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Learn about the art forms of artist Kehinde Wiley, known for painting the 2017 presidential portrait for Barack Obama.
Sunday, Feb. 18
  • Weekly Sound Bath with Amy Hudson | Sunday, Feb. 18 | 5:30 p.m. | The Sound Healing Center, 333 E. Short St., Ste. 320, Lexington | $25 | Let your tension and stress melt away to sweet serene sounds of crystal singing bowls.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Development
  • Lexington-based construction company Deanbuilds has been tapped to lead the Keeneland renovations. Work on the $93 million project has begun, and once completed, will include new experiences to the grounds, including an on-site restaurant + bar and improved saddling stalls for a safer equine environment. (The Lane Report)
Ranked
  • UK ranked No. 100 on Forbes’ “America’s Best Large Employers” list, based on insight from 170,000 US workers. The publication analyzed data from both employee feedback and indirect surveys (think: responses from friends, family, or those within the industry).
Cause
Plan Ahead
  • Bluegrass Greensource will host the 4th annual Sustainability Summit on April 1. The conference invites regional + local community leaders who are interested in boosting sustainability efforts in their respective towns on a grassroots level. Registration is open now.
Arts
  • Ever wanted to try your hand at henna? The Living Arts & Sciences Center is hosting an Intro to Henna Design class on Saturday, Feb. 24. During the four-hour session, you’ll learn the basics of rolling henna cones, mixing paste, as well as creating and properly applying designs.
Sports
Try This
  • Want to advertise with us but not sure where to start? Check out our self-service advertising, a quick and easy way to get acquainted with our local audience through Listings, Banner Ads, and Articles. Get started today.
Wellness
  • Regain’s couples therapy is accessible via phone, text, and video call and is FSA/HSA-friendly. Get 25% off your first month for Valentine’s Day.*
 
Development

Here we grow again

Meet the new apartment complex coming to Paris Pike

A screenshot of a map marking where the new apartment complex will be located along Paris Pike.
The proposed apartment complex will be located within this triangle-shaped corner of Paris Pike. | Map courtesy of Google Maps
A new apartment complex is coming to Old Paris Pike after a zone change was approved by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council.

The zone change takes the land from a B-3 (highway business zone) to an R-4 (medium density residential zone.)

Here’s what to expect from the development:
  • Located at 2200 Old Paris Pike and 2324 Paris Pike
  • Housed on a 5.2-acre lot
  • Features 165 units across five apartment buildings
  • First-floor garage parking
  • A clubhouse with a pool and gym
According to Dick Murphy, lawyer for development company Joyland Crossing LLC, this option provides “missing middle work-force housing” — a goal outlined in the Imagine Lexington 2045 plan.
The Buy

The Buy 2.15.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Some stylish sunglasses by Rheos or I Am Girl Stephanie, because we’re dreaming about summer and soaking up sunny rays. Pro tip: With the days already getting longer, it’s never too soon to start protecting your eyes.
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The Wrap
 
Aayat Ali

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor
Just joking about Kentucky spring being over. You can catch me hammocking at Jacobson Park before tomorrow’s rain.
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