09.02.2024

Today’s Forecast

80º | 5% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:09 a.m. | Sunset 8:04 p.m.

The best of LEXtoday in August

So long, summer: Our top stories for August 2024

A photo of a road with tall buildings in the background.

Here’s a quick update of our biggest stories for August. | Photo by @madeyalookphotography

Let’s go back, back to the beginning...of August. Lexington was bustling per usual last month, with new restaurant openings and developments galore. So we took a look back at our 40 stories, crunched the numbers, and identified our top five performers.

Oranges umbrellas provide shade on a patio, where people sit at tables eating food. — This tucked-away patio at Doodles makes for a cozy Sunday brunch. | Photo by LEXtoday

Outdoor dining options

The heat waves didn’t stop readers from wanting to get your bites al fresco. Our roundup of 26 patios around town topped the list — and we can’t blame y’all. Featuring shade levels and a variety of spots for foodies and coffee lovers, there’s a chance for everyone to catch some rays.

Unwritten rules of Lexington

Soft serve ice cream at basketball (and football) games, avoiding Nicholasville Road, and making room for Missy’s Pies — Lexingtonians sure do have strong opinions about what it takes to live in the Horse Capital of the World. And remember — it’s pronounced Shin-Oh-Way.

Lexington 2024 development updates

We love keeping a pulse on all the new and growing developments around Lexington — and turns out y’all do too. Our article about major developments around town — The Fountains at Palomar, Phoenix Park, Gatton Park on the Town Branch, and The Commons — highlighted their progress + anticipated timelines.

Lunch for around $10 or less in Lexington

LEXtoday readers are clearly foodies. Our article of budget lunches was hot — and we’re not just talking the spicy shrimp tacos from Local Taco. Don’t worry though, there’s 21 options to explore across five LEX neighborhoods.

An ice cream parlor with stools and a sign that says "Freshie's" in teal letters — What’s cuter than an old-fashioned date at a local milkshake and soda parlor? | Photo courtesy of @freshiesicecream

Date night ideas in Lexington

Who knew we were a city full of romantics? Our roundup of ideas for the perfect date night for all interests really caught your attention. Whether your partner is a gamer, sports fan, or foodie, there’s something that will surely spice things up.

Asked

Which is NOT one of the features of the reimagined Phoenix Park?

A. Interactive fog area
B. Dog park
C. Play equipment
D. Food + beverage stand

Time for a pop quiz

Events

Monday, Sept. 2

Lexington Vegan Chef Challenge | Through Monday, Sept. 30 | Times vary | Locations vary | Price of purchase | Browse a selection of new vegan menu options at local restaurants and vote for the dishes you love.
Women’s Circle | Monday, Sept. 2 | 2-3:30 p.m. | The Sound Healing Center of Lexington | Free | Share, grow, and connect with this supportive women’s community at this donation-based class.
Sunflower Painting | Monday, Sept. 2 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Painting With a Twist | $35-$49 | Take home your own hand-painted creations at this step-by-step class, with an optional $20 soy candle add-on.

Tuesday, Sept. 3

Bluegrass Farmers Market | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 2-5 p.m. | Liquor Barn | Price of purchase | Shop for fresh, Kentucky Proud fruits and veggies.

Wednesday, Sept. 4

“The Big Lebowski” | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 1:30 + 7:15 p.m. | The Kentucky Theatre | $8 | Tie the room together by wrapping up the theater’s Summer Classics series with a screening of this 1998 fan-favorite film.
Art Start: Wild About Art! | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Lexington Public Library, Beaumont Branch | Free | Celebrate National Wildlife Day by making animal art at this class for kids 3-5 and their caregivers.

Thursday, Sept. 5

The Alchemist Series | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Bespoken Spirits | Be the first to taste the extraordinary at Bespoken Spirits’ Alchemist Series, unveiling a new, experimental spirit crafted with precision and creativity every Thursday — limited bottles are available.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Today Is

Labor Day — an annual federal holiday, first designated in 1894, that honors the contributions of workers in America. Spend the day relaxing outdoors with our guide to hiking or pack a picnic and head to one of our parks.

Civic

Speaking of Labor Day, here’s your reminder that waste collection will not take place today due to the holiday. Lexingtonians on a Monday pickup cycle will be serviced on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Be sure to set out your cans after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Eat

Wingstop is finally landing in Lexington. The Texas-based chicken wing spot will be opening two locations: Richmond Road near the Man O’ War Boulevard intersection + Tates Creek Road near the Kroger. It’s unclear when the restaurants will open, but we’ll keep you updated. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

State

The US Department of Agriculture awarded $55.9 million in funding to support new Kentucky River projects. The money will be used to build three hydropower plants in Jessamine, Lee, and Madison counties to provide electricity for ~4,800 houses. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Drink

Country Boy Brewing is introducing a new beer that may be its most drinkable yet. Say hello to Country Light, a 4.2% ABV lager ideal for those football tailgates. Find a 12-pack at local retailers.

Home

Cooler weather is approaching — time to replace drafty windows with beautiful, energy-efficient Renewal by Andersen^® windows. For a limited time, enjoy 20% off your entire order.*

The Buy

The Buy 9.02.24 (Affiliate)

A sleek bathroom organizer. This piece adds a decorative touch while providing space-saving organization. Bonus: It’s on sale for a limited time.

Shop Amazon's Labor Day sale

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

Did you know the month of September marks the beginning of Halloween Eve? Maybe the internet made it up, but either way, I’ll be celebrating.

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