Plus, City Editor Aayat's top five stories.
 
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Today’s Forecast

75º | 19% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:33 a.m. | Sunset 7:21 p.m.

 

Culture

City Editor Aayat’s top 5 favorite stories
City Editors Molly and Aayat chat over their laptops.
Over the last few years, City Editor Aayat has gotten to tell uplifting and interesting stories that could only happen here in Lexington. | Photo by @femibranded
Hey y’all — City Editor Aayat here. In case you missed it, this is the last newsletter I’ll be writing as a City Editor here at LEXtoday. My goal from the start, way back in February 2023, was to tell the stories that maybe readers hadn’t heard before. To investigate and answer questions that made Lexingtonians scratch their heads. And most importantly, to make some of y’all laugh + learn something new.

As I transition to a new position, I wanted to look back at my time with LEXtoday and highlight some of my favorite stories.

Tapestries draped over the Old Lexington Courthouse.

The project started here in Lexington, with large tapestries draped over the Old Fayette Co. Courthouse. | Photo courtesy of the I Was Here Project

“I Was Here” shines a light on neglected history

Curiosity has always been a driver for my work. Seeing these recognizable photographs around town led me to speak with artist Marjorie Guyon, whose homegrown idea has become a nationally renowned project.

The story behind Kentucky’s oldest operating business

For years, I had heard about the tales of the free ferry that takes you from Lexington to Richmond — and finally became determined to see it for myself. Little did I know how much I would learn along the way.

The Manchester's lobby with green velvet chairs, blue velvet and floral couches, a navy tiled bar, and arch-like ceilings.

Since it’s opening in June 2023, The Manchester has been named one of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2024" by TIME Magazine. | Photo by LEXtoday

Sneak peek: Lexington’s newest boutique hotel

City Editor Molly and I lived out our Wes Anderson dreams at the opening of The Manchester. From the Art Deco-inspired rooftop bar Lost Palm to the Kentucky-centric eats at Granddam, this hotel is a must-see for Lexingtonians.

The life and legacy of LGBTQ+ icon Henry Faulkner

After speaking with Henry Faulkner’s friend, gallery owner, and mentee John Hockensmith, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Hockensmith has a way of sharing Faulkner’s history in a way that is both jovial and sentimental.

Help rehabilitate this 200-year-old building

This neoclassical home, aka the Latrobe Pope Villa, took me on quite the journey. I learned more about architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, you know, the man behind designing the White House and US Capitol, as well as the work of our very own Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation.
 
Events
Monday, Sept. 30
  • Frank X Walker Book Signing | Monday, Sept. 30 | 6 p.m. | Joseph-Beth Booksellers | Free | The Danville-born Affrilachian poet will discuss and sign copies of his new book “Load in Nine Times: Poems.”
  • Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue | Monday, Sept. 30 | 8 p.m. | Lexington Opera House | $49.50+ | See this Louisiana artist bring New Orleans to Lexington with his booming upbeat sounds.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
  • Paint and Sip Night | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 5 p.m. | Charlie Brown’s | $20 | Head out to the patio for a paint and sip session with your drink of choice.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
  • Nature Olympics | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 5-6 p.m. | McConnell Springs Park | Free | Kids ages 7-13 are invited to learn about animals + their habitats through guided outdoor play activities — registration required.
Thursday, Oct. 3
  • The Alchemist Series | Thursday, Oct. 3-Thursday, Nov. 21 | Times vary | Bespoken Spirits | Experience a new, innovative spirit flavor each Thursday, exclusively at The Greyline Station tasting room — a limited number of bottles will be available for purchase.*
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Stronger Life
 
Biz

🎁 Is your small business ready for the holiday rush?

two women work in a clothing store
Don’t miss out on the holiday rush — start planning today and watch your business thrive. | Photo provided by Field & Main Bank
No need to turn into a Grinch as the holiday season kicks off. Field & Main Bank is here to help get your small business ready with their suite of business products and services.

From tailored financial solutions to expert advice, their team can help you boost your sales, attract more customers, and make this holiday season your best.

Contact their team to get started and make this holiday season unforgettable for your small business.†
'Tis the season
†Member FDIC
News Notes
Community
  • The city is offering two ways for Lexingtonians to dispose of storm debris this week. Residents with curbside service can leave debris, cut into four-ft sections, to be collected with your normal weekly service. Waste can also be taken to the Haley Pike landfill, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed
  • Castlewood Community Center will be closed today through Friday, Oct. 4 as it refinishes its basketball court. Got the itch to dribble? Explore 21 of our parks to find more courts in town.
Drink
  • We know this is Ale-8-One country, but Roxa Kola is making a comeback. Find it in stores Monday, Oct. 7 or head to Gumbo Ya Ya in Brannon Crossing on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. to get a first fizz sampling.
Kids
Eat
Plan Ahead
  • A season of celebrations is right around the corner, and Lexington Marriott City Center can help coordinate your dream event. Take the stress out of planning and let their team handle all the details. Connect with Event Sales Manager Tara Suetholz (859-479-1290 ext. 223) to start planning. Meet the venue.*
Eat
  • Whether you’re looking to celebrate your winnings or just a fun day at the races, Chez Lyndon’s Special Keeneland Dinner is the perfect way to end your day. Feeling lucky? Snag the Special Prix Fixe four-course dinner for $69 (served Wednesdays-Saturdays; Oct. 9-26). Peep the menu + make a reservation.*
Listen
  • Ready to silence the chaos and hear what matters? These next-gen hearing aids are here to crush the noise and put you back in control. With razor-sharp sound and a stealthy design, they’re your little secret. Hear the difference.*
Finance
  • Rates just dropped. Now could be the perfect time for you to tap into your home equity — calculate your payment.*
6AM City In-House pt 2
 
Sports

💡 Rupp Arena is getting lit

Rupp Arena to feature state-of-the-art interactive floor during Big Blue Madness
A short video showing what the interactive LED floor at Rupp Arena will look like.
We’re going to be giving wiping the floor clean a whole new meaning. | Images courtesy of UK Athletics
Go ahead and set those alarms, because tickets for UK basketball’s annual season debut, Big Blue Madness, will be up for grabs tonight at 5 p.m. via Ticketmaster. And this year’s event is one you don’t want to miss.

ALT INTRO: While tickets may be sold out, UK’s annual season debut, Big Blue Madness, will take to Rupp Arena next month with the help of a new, very lit (as the kids say) friend.

In addition to officially introducing our new head coaches + teams, Rupp Arena will also debut a new immersive experience for fans thanks to ASB GlassFloor. Essentially, the court will transform into a full LED video screen featuring interactive applications.

While the exciting new technology was highlighted during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend — you can see some of the features during the Slam Dunk Contest — UK will be the first collegiate program to feature the state-of-the-art court.

“We are so excited for Kentucky Basketball to be the first college program to partner with ASB GlassFloor, bringing this exciting technology to Big Blue Nation. Our team can’t wait to put on a show in Rupp Arena on Oct. 11,” said men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope.
The Buy

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More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
Aayat Ali

Today’s edition by:
Aayat
From the editor
Hello and goodbye! This is my last newsletter with LEXtoday as I move into a new role. Thank you to everyone who has ever sent out kind messages to our team and helped us catapult this newsletter into what it is today. But the biggest thank you goes to City Editor Molly, who welcomed me with open arms since the beginning and has since become a true friend.
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