Our follower @ashleynantz listed Kentucky Native Cafe as one of her third places. | Photo by LEXtoday
In recent newsletters + online, we introduced the idea “third places” in Lexington. Before we get into your answers, let’s revisit what they are.
What is a third place?
Ray Oldenburg, sociologist and author of “The Great Good Place,” shares that third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community (think:coffee shops, parks, libraries, bookstores, salons... etc.). Oldenburg says that these places are important for many reasons, but particularly because they promote social vitality + a sense of community.
Take a break from the busyness of your day + surround yourself with 60+ species of trees, shrubs, and flowers at UK’s Arboretum. | Photo by LEXtoday
Readers’ picks
“The Arboretum, great place to walk and enjoy nature. Always feels safe and yet private. Everyone you see there is always super friendly!” — Amanda H.
“Cross Keys Park. Geese, adult park bench swing, pond. I can walk to 3 parks from my house.” — Lee D.
“Shamrocks Brannon Crossing. It’s close, food is great, beer is ice cold and the staff is awesome!” — Gwen H.
“McConnell Springs, an absolute oasis in the middle of an industrial park in the city.” — Jill D.
“My third place has to be Joseph-Beth Booksellers. I can get lost in the aisles of books, peruse one by taking a seat between the aisles, or just meander around till something catches my eye. I’ve only lived in Lexington four years and Joseph-Beth was a place I was familiar with before I moved here. Its familiarity helped me settle into a new city until it felt like home. Now Joseph-Beth feels like a little piece of home.” — Kelli W.
“The labyrinth at Wellington Park. Peaceful, quiet, contemplative solace in the center of the business.” — Susan C.
“I love love love @highonartandcoffee, vibes are immaculate, super chill, tasty coffee and delicious food! The owners are also the absolute sweetest humans!!” — @makshausofglam
Yappy Hour | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Coldstream Park | Free, price of purchase | Bring your pup to the park for fun in the sun including food trucks, frozen treats, cold drinks, and activities for you and your furry bestie.
SEC Kickoff Party | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 5-7 p.m. | Double Dogs | Free, price of purchase | Show off your Wildcat pride + enjoy hot dogs as ABC36 films its sports segments live.
Summer Send Off Sale | Wednesday, Aug. 28-Saturday, Aug. 31 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Syers Browning | Free, price of purchase | Don’t miss 50% off summer items in-store now through Saturday.*
Thursday, Aug. 29
“Cirque du Soleil: OVO” | Thursday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Sept. 1 | Times vary | Rupp Arena | $25-$129 | Intrude into the lives of insects at this high-energy, acrobatic production including bouncing crickets + a contorting spider.
String Roots Trio | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater | Free | Pack your picnic for an evening of country bluegrass sounds from this Eastern Kentucky trio.
Friday, Aug. 30
KHP Foundation Battle in the Saddle | Friday, Aug. 30 | 5:30-11 p.m. | Kentucky Horse Park | $0-$125 | 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
Night Hike: Batty for Bats | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 7:45-9:45 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill | $15 | Take a guided, leisurely walk through the preserve to listen for + learn how to identify common Kentucky bat species followed by a post-hike fireside chat.
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A new school year is a great reminder that learning is a lifelong skill. | Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
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Umami Ramen & Grill is expected to open later this fall in the former McAlister’s Deli in Chevy Chase. Coming to us from one of the owners of Omakase, the Japanese-fusion spot will serve “innovative ramen and grill kitchen dishes” daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Festival
This Saturday, Aug. 31 at Moondance Amphitheater, the Bluegrass Indo-American Civic Society + LexArts are hosting an India Day celebration from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aimed at showcasing Indian culture, the free family-friendly event will feature food, dance performances, henna art, and more.
Coming Soon
In more foodie news, Zundo Izakaya off Nicholasville Road is expanding by ~1,000 sqft to add a sushi bar. Toku Revolving Sushi is expected to open in December, where guests can choose “family priced” sushi from a conveyor belt. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Try This
Matchstick Goods is opening its studio space for a series of Ceramics Workshops. The first class on Friday, Sept. 6 will offer guided instruction on hand-building your own mug. Each session is $45.
Watch
This one’s for the feline fanatics.CatVideoFest 2024 is returning to the Kentucky Theatre this Saturday Aug. 31 + Sunday, Sept. 1. And to make it even cuter, Halfway Home Rescue will have adoptable cats in the lobby for some pre-movie pets.
Listen
Calling all folk music fans. A creative new platform, Catfish Alley Folk School, is on the scene to help educate the community on the Kentucky tradition, as well as connect musicians with opportunities. Learn more about its pub jam sessions + banjo, fiddle, and guitar lessons. (WEKU)
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.*
Finance
American Trust Wealth recently partnered with local bourbon brand Never Say Die. The partnership was easily formed as both brands have quite a bit in common. Kevin Avent, Managing Director of Wealth Management for ATW, explains the parallels between the brands + what that means for you as an investor.*†
Travel
Our favorite travel hack? Flykitt by Fount. It’s trusted by Navy SEALS and pro athletes to conquer jet lag. Try it for yourself — use code NOJETLAG for 10% off.*
†Not FDIC Insured | No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value. Disclosures.
Legacy
Remembering Stanley Demos
Businesses Lexington Misses: The Coach House
Stanley Demos inside The Coach House. | Photo courtesy of Lexington Herald-Leader
Legendary restaurateur Stanley Demosdied Monday, Aug. 26 at his home in Sarasota, FL. Demos was 104 years old. To honor his memory, we’re taking a look back at an article we ran about businesses you miss — The Coach House.
After all, it’s Demos we have to thank for bringing the white tablecloth, fine-dining experience to Lexington. Prior to coming to the Bluegrass State in 1964, Stanley worked his way through the dining scene in Cincinnati+ went on to become the maitre d’hotel at The Maisonette.
Demos wanted to bring that same experience to Lexington, and in 1969, did just that by opening The Coach House at 855 S. Broadway on land owned by The Red Mile. The building was originally a home, but converted into a restaurant with a portico for coaches to pull under — hence the name.
Thefine-dining establishment featured French, Italian, and Greek cuisines with an atmosphere that felt more like an exclusive club — fresh flowers, gold-framed oil paintings, and ornate crystal chandeliers.
Peace out, y’all, this is your last newsletter from me for a while. But don’t worry, we have a special guest editor joining us for the time being. I’ll see you next month.
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