08.29.2024

Today’s Forecast

96º | 17% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:05 a.m. | Sunset 8:11 p.m.

Get a road of this history

13 historic street names in Lexington

The outside of the Lyric Theatre at night.

The Lyric Theatre sits on the corner of East Third Street + Elm Tree Lane. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX

The city of Lexington was incorporated in 1831, but named in 1775 — 17 years before Kentucky officially became a state. Now that 190+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history.

It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Lexington’s buildings, parks, and streets. In this guide, we’re delving into the history of Lexington’s streets — specifically how they were named.

East End

The East End — which was once owned by affluent families in Lexington who then sold these areas to Black families needing refuge in the post-Civil War era. Now, the neighborhood commemorates its struggle and history through artistic creativity and bustling businesses.

DeWeese Street — After segregation made housing difficult for Black families, DeWeese Street became the epicenter of Lexington’s Black culture and led to the founding of iconic businesses such as The Lyric Theatre.

The facade of Henry Clay's mansion — Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, is located off Richmond Road on Sycamore Lane. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX

Ashland Park

Sitting on the edge of downtown, Ashland Park is one of the more eye-catching neighborhoods in town. But its stunning architecture tells only part of the story.

Fincastle Road — In 1776, Fincastle County, VA helped with the formation of Kentucky County, VA. Fincastle then became the name of a city in Jefferson County, thus inspiring the Ashland-area street name.

Desha Road — This road is named after Desha Breckinridge, the husband of Madeline. He served as the editor + publisher for Lexington Herald, which we all now know as The Lexington Herald-Leader.

Hamburg

What was once acres and acres of farmland is now a sprawling suburban area of town. However, the area’s ties to the thoroughbred history are honored through its street names.

Madden Drive — This street is named after the well-known Madden family, particularly John E. Madden, who was known for his massive farm that bred multiple champion racehorses.

City Guides are presented by VisitLEX.

8 more historic streets

Asked

You have the opportunity to name a street in LEX. What do you name the street after?

A. A loved one
B. My pet
C. My favorite athlete
D. Someone who’s made an impact in the community

Name your street

Events

Thursday, Aug. 29

Queen-Agers: Fit & Fabulous | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 12 p.m. | Solar Bodies | $15 | Women ages 55+ are invited to this small-group fitness class where you’ll practice balance, flexibility, and pain management.
Recruitment Happy Hour | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Old North Bar | Free | Join members of the New Leaders Council board to ask questions, network, and get involved with the nonprofit which focuses on leadership development

Friday, Aug. 30

Pups & Pints | Friday, Aug. 30 | 2-5 p.m. | Liquor Barn | Free, price of purchase | Stop by for a tail-wagging good time featuring pints of local beer, samples of bourbon, deals on snacks + visit with adoptable pups.
Battle in the Saddle | Friday, Aug. 30 | 5:30-11 p.m. | Kentucky Horse Park | Free | This fundraiser for the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation will see penning teams test their skills + bravery to see who can pen a group of cattle the fastest.*

Saturday, Aug. 31

Bluegrass Family Fest | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 11 a.m. | Wallace Station | Free | Bring your own lawn chairs + blankets to enjoy a fun-filled family day with yard games, face painting, watermelon eating contests, and live music — barbecue plates available for purchase.
“The Big Lebowski” Day | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 5-11 p.m. | The Void Sake Co. | Free, price of purchase | Channel your inner dude with activities like a costume contest, a nonstop loop of the movie, White Russians + more.

Sunday, Sept. 1

Local LEX Market Block Party | Sunday, Sept. 1 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Local LEX Market | Free | Peruse local crafters and artists at this monthly block party and market.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Watch

A country icon stumbled out of bed and into Lexington this week. Dolly Parton made a stop at The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center in support of the statewide expansion of her Imagination Library program. Through the initiative, kids receive free books every month from birth to age five.

Featured

Looks like we’re not the only ones falling in love with our city. Lux Exposé, a lifestyle publication, named Lexington as one of the top hidden gems for fall vacations. The luxury-focused website cited our “hills [that] come alive with fiery foliage,” the Keeneland Fall Meet, and The Kentucky Castle.

Concert

Teach your children well by taking them to Manchester Music Hall. The mid-sized venue recently announced that it is now all ages, allowing everyone to join in on the live music fun — unless noted in the event description. Sounds pretty rock ‘n roll to us.

State

For this year’s statewide sticker contest, Carlisle County middle schooler Lillian Bonczkiewicz won with her design of a horse in front of a US flag. And luckily, county clerks can request them to be available at polling precincts all over the state. (Lexington-Herald Leader)

Plan Ahead

Join the Masquerade Murder Mystery in partnership with the Lexington Theatre Company at Chez Lyndon in the Lyndon House on Friday, Sept. 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The event features five gastronomic-themed plates, a cash bar + an opportunity to play a character — spots are limited.*

Eat

Looking to add some global fare to your weekday meals? Check out Kroger’s collection of international + multicultural recipes (think: Peruvian grilled chicken thighs, harissa turkey lentil skillet, fufu, jollof rice, and more).*

Try This

If phrases like 401K + Roth IRA make your eye twitch, then reach out to WealthSouth for a free financial planning session. Tim Yessin and the team make conversations about money feel like catching up with a friend — no matter what phase of life you’re in.*

Number

25. You can study this many languages (and more) with Rosetta Stone. Ready to start learning? Get 50% off.*

Festival

🎵The hills are aliiiive

The fourth annual Symphonic Stroll returns

An aerial view of last year’s Symphonic Stroll. | Photo provided by Lexington Philharmonic

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Symphonic Stroll returns to Josephine Sculpture Park in Frankfort to bring an immersive and interactive music experience for the whole family.

Today, we’re sharing a sneak peek of what you can expect, along with other ways you can experience the musical magic of the Lexington Philharmonic.

The Symphonic Stroll is “pure delight,” according to Mollie Harris the director of marketing & development of the Lexington Philharmonic. “There are so many hidden surprises,” she said. “The music is paired with these sculptures, adding a different layer to the pieces of art.”

Here’s the deets:

There will be staggered entry at 4 p.m. + 5 p.m. so you can explore at your own pace.
Food + drink trucks will be available.
A shuttle is available and golf cart reservations can be made.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $11 for youth under 17, and free for kids 10 and under.

Learn more about the park

The Buy

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

Earlier this week, I asked our readers what their favorite late-night bites were. Here’s what y’all said:

45.1% said pizza
29.4% said burgers
21.6% said tacos
3.9% said burritos

Gotta say that I’m with the pizza folk — there’s nothing like chowing down on a slice of Goodfellas at 2 a.m.

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