Plus, a new smoothie bowl shop is opening.
 
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89º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. | Sunset 8:40 p.m.
 

🏗️ Keep on growin’

What’s coming to Lexington: 2024 development updates
A banner that features renderings of a new park and reads "Coming 2025: Phoenix Park Reimagined."
The revamped Phoenix Park is expected to open next year after years of stagnation. | Photo by LEXtoday
Here we grow again. This year kicked off a massive spree of new developments around Lexington. We’ve been covering everything from a new shopping center near Palomar, to what will become our city’s own Central Park. So strap in, we’re giving you an update on all the biggest developments in Lexington.

Phoenix Park

This past June, city officials kicked off construction for the reimagined Phoenix Park at the the corner of Main Street + North Limestone. The park has spent 30+ years being a popular gathering space, and the $4.6 million upgrades are expected to bring it back to its former glory.

Once completed in early 2025 — residents can expect to see:
  • New play equipment
  • An interactive fog area
  • A performance stage area
  • An improved dog park
An entrance that reads "The Fountains."

The Fountains at Palomar is soon to become a popular destination for all things food and shopping. | Photo by LEXtoday

The Fountains at Palomar

Seemingly overnight, the Fountains at Palomar has made its presence known on Harrodsburg Road. So far, several businesses have already made this district home, including local favorites like Bella Cafe & Grille and Papi’s Mexican Restaurant. Soon, other noteworthy businesses are expected to open by the end of 2024, such as one of the highly anticipated Publix locations.

Gatton Park on the Town Branch

Along with undergoing a name change, Gatton Park’s construction is getting more tangible by the day. The 10-acre city park is expected to be completed in 2025, but it’s already showing signs of life.

Driving down West Main Street, you can see the nearly completed structure of:
  • The amphitheater
  • Tunnel pathway and walking bridge
  • A food + beverage space
  • Gathering plaza
  • The park’s main building
A building under construction with a sign in front that reads "Coming Summer 2024."

The new RD1 Spirits distillery will feature a two-story research space, tourism center, gift shop, and private event space. | Photo by LEXtoday

The Commons

Just a little further down Main Street is a more tucked-away block that is also quickly burgeoning. The Commons is a 40-acre mixed-use development that has already made its presence known in the city thanks to established businesses like Sora Aerial Arts and Battle Axes. In January, RD1 Spirits, a $5 million distillery, also broke ground in the area + is expected to be completed later this year.
 
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 7
  • Guided Museum Tour | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 5-6 p.m. | 21c Museum Hotel Lexington | Free | Take a tour of the museum’s current contemporary exhibits and learn the stories behind each art piece.
Thursday, Aug. 8
  • Thirsty Thursday Run | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 6-8 p.m. | John’s Run/Walk Shop | Free | Join in on a run to Mirror Twin Brewing’s Annex while you demo new running shoes from Mizuno.
Friday, Aug. 9
  • “Horseplay” Exhibit Opening Reception | Friday, Aug. 9 | 5 p.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Company | Free, price of purchase | Come see the curated picks of horse-related artwork created by Kentucky artists.
  • SUGAR: The Nu-Metal Party | Friday, Aug. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | The Burl | $16-$19.20 | Get down with the sickness at this party celebrating the intersection between rock and metal.
Saturday, Aug. 10
  • Rewind Time Toys & Collectibles Show | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Clarion Hotel & Conference Center | $0-$5 | Tap into your inner nostalgia with this retro toy and vintage collectibles show.
  • Allegro 10th Anniversary Celebration | Saturday, Aug. 10 | Times vary | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center | $15-$20 | Celebrate 10 years of the Allegro Dance project with aerial circus arts, contemporary dance, live music, and a silent auction to benefit its Inclusive Dance Outreach Program.
Sunday, Aug. 11
  • Trivia | Sunday, Aug. 11 | Times vary | Wise Bird Cider | Free | Calling all knowledge nerds, sip and laugh the Sunday scaries away with brain-teasing trivia + cider.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Opening
  • A new restaurant is bringing the beach vibes to LEX. Playa Bowls will host its grand opening at the Fountains at Palomar on Thursday, Aug. 10. The fruit-forward menu features smoothies, juices, and of course, customizable bowls with your choice of toppings and drizzles. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Ranked
  • You don’t have to tell us how much we love our pets, but now we’ve got science on our side. WalletHub’s ranked Lexington as the No. 5 most pet-friendly city in the US. The study used three determiners to create the list: budget, access to pet healthcare, and outdoor pet-friendliness.
Drink
  • Beer and sports — can you name a better duo? Lexington Sporting Club and West Sixth Brewing have announced Stadium Ale ahead of the new soccer complex opening in September. The fruity, hoppy brew can be found at all West Sixth taprooms, retailers, and bars throughout LEX. (The Lane Report)
Kids
  • The Lexington Public Library is bringing back its After School program on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Kids ages 5-12 + a caregiver can head to the Marksbury Family and Northside Branches for homework help, snacks, and drinks every week day, 3-5 p.m.
Festival
  • The Chamber Music Festival returns Monday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 25, bringing orchestral sounds to different venues around town. To kick things off, Joseph-Beth will host a special free performance on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. The main stage concerts begin on Friday, Aug. 23 at Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center.
Plan Ahead
  • HARVEST 2024, returns Thursday, Sept. 12 at 21c Museum Hotel. FoodChain’s culinary event includes a five-course dinner featuring ingredients from the organization’s aquaponics farm, music by Origins Jazz Series, and a silent auction that benefit the nonprofit. Get your tickets.
Try This
Health
  • Did you know? Baptist Health Hamburg is now open, offering 24-hour emergency care, free valet parking, an on-site pharmacy, outpatient imaging and labs, an ambulatory surgery center, cancer center, and physical therapy in a location that’s easy to access. Learn more about providers, test results and services.*
Wellness
  • Focused on staying hydrated? Most hydration products contain more sodium than you need. Enter: Native Hydrate’s essential amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, and electrolytes for hydration and health.*
 
Shop

🥬 Time to eat farm-to-table

Your guide to Lexington’s farmers markets
Multiple tents with tables and vendors.
The Warehouse Block is the newest addition to the Lexington Farmers Market family. | Photo by LEXtoday
Get ready to fill up your reusable shopping bags with fruits and veggies, Lexingtonians, because it’s National Farmers Farmers Market Week.

In the spirit of supporting all things local, we’ve rounded up seven farmers markets in the Lexington area where you’ll find fresh food, live music, and local vendors.

Lexington Farmers Market at Warehouse Block | Tuesdays + Thursdays, June-October | 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Features: This new location is taking over for the former market in the High Street parking lot and is the perfect place for a midday break. It offers the goodies you can find on the weekend, plus you can explore surrounding businesses like Sav’s Chill + Lucia’s World Emporium to truly get a feel of this neighborhood.
  • Parking: Plenty of on-site parking
  • Space: Outdoor
Note: Some vendors may sell out prior to the 4 p.m. closing time.
City Guides are presented by VisitLEX.
6 more farmers markets
Asked

What types of products do you typically purchase at farmers markets? (e.g., fresh produce, handmade crafts, artisanal foods)
A. Fresh/seasonal produce
B. Handmade crafts
C. Artisanal/specialty foods
D. Locally-made goods
E. Flowers and plants
Lettuce know
The Buy

The Buy 8.07.24 (Affiliate)
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The Wrap
 
Aayat Ali

Today’s edition by:
Aayat
From the editor
Earlier this week, I quizzed our readers on how much money the US spent on Halloween candy last year. Only 19.4% of respondents got the right answer — $12.2 billion. You could say we have a sweet tooth.
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