Parking in the Helix on Main Garage starts at $1 for 18 minutes on weekdays + $5 for the whole day on weekends. | Photo courtesy of @lexpark_
Raise your hand if downtown parking makes your palms sweat. Now, keep them raised if you’ve ever circled to find a spot, cried a little, then just decided to leave. Well, stress no more — we’re here to take the pressure out of parking downtown.
Who’s who
LexPark
The quasi-governmental entity, formally known as the Lexington & Fayette County Parking Authority, is one of the most common parking providers downtown. It manages and operates street parking (1,208 metered spaces) + four garages downtown (2,000+ spaces).
Parking.com
This company manages 12 lots around downtown, such as the First Presbyterian lot on Mill Street, the government lot on North Limestone, and the valet at City Center.
Premium Parking First things first, RIP to the city-wide secret of free parking we all enjoyed in the Traditional Bank parking lot. The lot is now managed by Premium Parking which also enforces parking in the Chevy Chase Plaza garage.
Rates
Parking + its prices is a topic everyone in LEX loves to talk about. So let’s get into it.
Street meters: From $0.75 to $2 per hour — varies by location, flat rate no matter the time
Garages: From ~$2 to $6 per hour — rates vary depending on day + time
Lots: Varies based on location, time, day, and events
Keep an eye out for signs with specific times like this — August 31-May 16 there is no parking in these spots outside of Sayre from 2 to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. | Photo by LEXtoday
Pro tips
Does the left hand parallel parking make you panic? Same. But, they are all over Lexington, so we just have to take a deep breath + learn.
Street parking is free after 7 p.m. on weekdays + all day on the weekends.
Take your time, and read the signs. If there’s red, it likely means there are some restrictions or specific hours for public parking.
While lots + meters accept cash or card, you can also re-up your meters and track your remaining time via your phone by downloading these apps: PaybyPhone, Parking.com, and Premium Parking.
Events
Friday, Aug. 16
Neighborhood Yard Sale | Friday, Aug. 16-Saturday, Aug. 17 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | North Limestone | Free, price of purchase | Join the block of North Limestone and West Third Street for a yard sale featuring discounts, beverages + pastries, and more from surrounding businesses.
Lakeside Live | Friday, Aug. 16 | 7-10 p.m. | Lexington Green | Free | Bring your own picnic set up, browse nearby businesses, then soak in the fun vibes + vocals of local singer Kara Shepherd.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Triple Crown Trot 5K | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 7-10 a.m. | Coolmore’s Ashford Stud | $30-$55 | This chip-timed race will give you insider’s view of this world-famous thoroughbred farm, all in support of the Woodford Humane Society.
Mojo Thunder | Saturday, Aug. 17 | The Burl | $15-$18 | Jam out the local rockers whose high energy draws inspiration from Kings of Leon, the Black Crowes, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Singles Mingle for Dog People | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 2 p.m. | Tin Roof Lexington | Free | Mix and mingle with fellow dog lovers + meet adoptable dogs or bring your own four-legged friends.
Zane Lamprey’s “Thirsty Stand-Up” Comedy Tour | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 8-9:30 p.m. | The Void Sake Company | $44.94 | Get ready for a night filled with sake + laughs as you hear Zane Lamprey’s misadventures of life on the road as a bar-hopping comedian.
Try This: A financial planning session with WealthSouth
Presented by a LEXtoday Partner
Your path to financial clarity all starts with a conversation. | Photo by LEXtoday
More often than not, conversations about finances are the last topics people want to discuss. But if you have to have them, there’s no one better to talk to than the team at WealthSouth.
No matter your life stage — starting your first job, mid-career and wanting to better understand the financial planning process, or nearing retirement — WealthSouth’s team is equipped to understand your situation and help you attain your goals.
What we tried:
We met with Tim Yessin, a Wealth Management Advisor at WealthSouth, for a financial planning session.
To be honest, meeting with Tim is more like hanging out with a friend — an easy, judgment-free conversation. His goal is not to sell you on their services but to understand your situation and educate you on options + action steps.
In the first meeting, you’ll lay out your financial picture — where you are currently + where you want to go. Just as each person and situation is unique, so is the roadmap and plan you will receive.
Keep reading to see how WealthSouth takes the stress out of the financial planning process.
Kinetic, the fiber internet company, will be installing modems + routers throughout the new Gatton Park on the Town Branch, meaning free internet for everyone who visits. It will cost $1 million over a 10-year span for this perk. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Plan Ahead
Get ready for the ultimate girls night out. Dine + Design returns to Henry Dry Goods on Thursday, Sept. 19. For $195, you’ll enjoy a sit-down dinner, meet new friends, and design your choice of a leather sling bag or denim jacket with vintage patches, ribbons, and exclusive add-ons + prints.
Learn
The kids aren’t the only ones going back to school. You can too with the classes + workshops at Artworks at the Carver School. Registration opens Wednesday, Aug. 21 for its new lineup of offerings including pottery and Shorin–Ken Karate.
Active
Mark your calendars, because the YMCA’s fourth annual Step Up for Kids 100K Challenge returns Saturday, Sept. 21. Teams can walk, run, or participate in another form of exercise to try and reach 100,000 steps in one day. Sign ups are coming soon.
Outdoors
Next time you’re hitting the trails at Shaker Village, you’ll now have a comfy spot for a break. Scattered throughout the 30+ acre preserve are six new benches for visitors to find respite and soak in the breathtaking views.
Number
79.3 million. That’s how many visitors came to the state of Kentucky, according to a 2023 study. This statistic is a 4.5% increase over 2022 numbers. Mike Mangeot, the Commissioner of Kentucky Tourism, was also named the 2024 State Tourism Director of the Year. (LEX18)
Legacy
Gunnar Lubicky, the sweet local pup affectionately known as @themayorofdowntown, died this week at the age of 17. He was well-loved by many + a frequent visitor to local businesses around town like Old School Coffee.
Home
Cringe alert: Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down for toilet paper. But this new bamboo toilet paper just might save the planet. It feels just like high-end TP, but doesn’t harm trees. Plus, code 6AM30 gives you 30% off your first purchase. Read more.*
Wellness
Curious about CBD gummies? Cornbread Hemp is giving first time customers a second jar for free with code SUMMERTIMEBOGO. Choose from watermelon, berry, peach, or special sleep varieties.*
Answered
A more than fair-ly fabulous time for all
Do Lexingtonians go to the Kentucky State Fair?
In addition to rides + food, there are nightly concerts at the Kentucky State Fair. | Photo courtesy of the Kentucky State Fair
The 120th Kentucky State Fair settled into The Kentucky Exposition yesterday, bringing fun, food, games, rides, and a little friendly competition to Louisville through Sunday, Aug. 25.
Earlier this week we asked, “Do you typically attend the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville?”
50% said, “I have, but not in a long time”
34% said, “Nope, never been”
16% said, “Yes, every year”
And for those who go every year, here’s what you all said were your favorite aspects:
The animals
Food (and funnel cakes, specifically)
The county booths
The arts + crafts
Exhibits
In addition to all the fried foods your heart desires + wild rides your stomach can handle, there’s livestock and horse shows, pageants, and nightly concerts to soak in. See the full schedule.
Asked
The best food you can find at the fair is?
A. Kettle corn B. Fried Oreos C. Funnel cake D. Corn dog E. Turkey leg
These waterproof Chelsea rain boots. Prepare for rainy months ahead with these stylish rubber boots — available in three different colors — that will keep your feet safe and dry from any inclement weather.
I’m not gonna lie, the first time I saw that the Traditional Bank lot became paid parking, I shed some tears. But I still parked there, because I’d rather pay than have someone watch me attempt parallel parking on the left side. Also, don’t forget about my pro tips for free parking in the Distillery District.
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