You could rent this charming downtown apartment. | Photo via Vrbo
Lexington has no shortage of unique places to stay, and many visitors are turning to short term rentals (STRs) like Airbnbs and Vrbos. The city recently implemented regulations allowing property owners to register STRs, but some locals still have concerns.
To address this, Lexington introduced a new hotline to streamline reporting + resolving issues — think: noise regulations, parking violations, or licensure questions. Concerned Lexingtonians can submit potential STR-related issues through the city’s online portal or by calling (859) 710-9048.
In July 2023, the Urban County Council passed changes to its ordinances to help regulate STRs, including licensure requirements, duties of license holders, and occupancy limits. So far, 729 STRs have registered with the city.
These rules aim to balance the number of STRs while still making it possible to register a rental — which generates revenue for the city through taxes. According to recently released data from Airbnb, it’s estimated that hosts + guests in Lexington generated $54 million in economic activity in 2023.
Wiseguy Lounge Educational Series: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep | 6:30-8 p.m. | Goodfellas Pizzeria Distillery District | $25 | Sip and savor at this mixologist-led class where you’ll sample a Wild Turkey flight. Dinner with Strangers | 7-9 p.m. | Location given with registration | $13.26 | Eat dinner with strangers so you’ll have new friends by the time dessert is served. “The Matrix” | 8-10 p.m. | Granddam Lounge | Free | Enter this Manchester Cinema Series screening featuring the 1999 sci-fi thriller.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Art and Apps | 4-6 p.m. | 21c Museum Hotel | $65 | Enjoy appetizers at Artists’ Attic, followed by a walking tour of Lexington’s art scene. Burl Country Disco | 7 p.m. | The Burl | $15+ | Do the hustle in your cowboy boots at this show hosted by Abby Hamilton.
Friday, Nov. 22
Mixmas Holiday Market | Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | Manchester Music Hall | Free | Eat, drink, and browse a selection of local vendors at this holiday shopping experience. Beginner West Coast Swing Crash Course | 7:30-8 p.m. | Bluegrass Ballroom | $15 | If you’re curious about this lively style of dance, this is your chance to learn — tickets include admission to the Super West Coast Swing Party following the class.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Decorating Workshop | 1-3 p.m. | Local LEX Market | $55 | Learn to bake gobble-worthy sugar cookies in festive shapes like turkeys, pumpkins, and footballs.
Fun fact: Cornbread Hemp’s CBD and THC gummies are the first-ever USDA-certified organic gummies in America.|Photos courtesy of Cornbread Hemp; GIF by 6AM City
This year, the holidays are even more joyful with the help of Cornbread Hemp.
From soil to oil, the entire supply chain is owned by Cornbread Hemp, and only USDA-organic ingredients are used to produce their products, all within a 60-mile radius of Louisville.
Additionally, instead of using the whole plant (including roots, stems + leaves), only the flowers are used to create the highest quality hemp extract. Why is this so important? The resulting products are free of harmful chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals + other impurities.
Whether you’re looking for yourself or a gift for someone on your nice list, here are a few products we hope to unwrap this holiday season:
Blueberry Breeze THC Gummies: Experience a balanced, pleasant sense of happiness, comfort, and warmth with these accurately-dosed gummies.
CBD Sleep Gummies: Perfect for folks who want a natural sleep aid without melatonin. (Read: Wake up feeling well-rested without any grogginess.)
Bonus: Try Cornbread Hemp products risk-free for 30 days. Have an issue, or you just don’t like them? Return them for a full refund, no questions asked.†
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Cornbread Hemp advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by LEXtoday.
News Notes
News Notes
Civic
LexPark is helping locals feel better about paying their parking tickets. Through Friday, Dec. 13, the Connect for Community program will allow citations to be paid as charitable donations to one of six local organizations. And, in the spirit of giving, LexPark will match gives to help reduce fines. (WEKU)
Announced
A vintage boxcar is getting new life at the forthcoming Gatton Park on the Town Branch. The former railway carrier — donated by R.J. Corman Railroad Group — will be used as a cafe serving grab-and-go items, hot + cold foods, and drinks. Gatton Park is expected to open next year. (WKYT)
Eat
Panda Cuisine has been sold, but new owner Bo Shi will keep serving Chinese cuisine with a few updates. Expect new menu items, a weekday lunch buffet, and a nightly dinner buffet. Don’t worry, the Dim Sum isn’t going anywhere, and the weekend brunch buffet + sit-down dining will remain. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Concert
REO Speedwagon is planning for its last stop in Lexington. The legendary rock act will stop touring in 2025, meaning their show at Rupp Arena this Saturday, Nov. 23 will be their final performance in the city. If you want tickets and can’t fight this feeling, they’re still on sale. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Plan Ahead
If you’re planning to procrastinate your holiday shopping, The Void Sake Co.'s Last Minute Mini Market is for you. The indoor bazaar will feature giftable goods from local vendors + artisans on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 12 to 5 p.m. Don’t forget, Lexington has many more holiday markets.
Feel Good
As Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler recovers from his World Series win, he wants to ensure local first responders can do the same. Through his Buehler Family Foundation, the Lexington native donated rehabilitation equipment to the Lexington Fire Department, knowing the toll physical work takes on the body. (FOX 56)
Home
Don’t risk a busted washer or drier in the middle of winter — get American Home Shield Home Warranty. For a limited time, they’re offering $150 off some of their most comprehensive plans.(Think: Peace of mind, for less.)Claim the discount. Read website disclaimer for important consumer information.*
Wellness
No more feeling wired and tired. Seven forms of magnesium in Magnesium Breakthrough help you unwind + sleep deeper. Get 25% off bundles — Black Friday sale ends today.*
Category
Seasonal
🎁 Holiday magic for two
Including comfy flannel and a book embosser. | Graphic by 6AM City
It’s always the ultimate question of the season — what are you going to gift your partner for the holidays? Shop great gift ideas, including local picks.
Local pick:Sugar Boo & Co Johnny Mug | $18 | Fill your partner’s cup with love with this speckled coffee mug scripted with the Johnny Cash lyric, “because you’re mine I walk the line,” from Worlds Apart Lexington.
Local pick:Cheese of the Month Club | $75-$300 | You’ll forever be “the big cheese” of the house after gifting this subscription, which includes two different wedges each month, from Boone Creek Creamery.
With friends and family visiting for the holidays, there’s no better time to break out the board + card games. Here are five for your next family game night:
🎲 Up to 20 players can participate in Herd Mentality for some udderly hilarious fun. 🎲 Ticket to Ride is a top-rated board game for 2-5 players ages 8+. 🎲 Everyone can put their poker face to the test in You Laugh You’re Out. 🎲 Ransom Notes is an easy-to-play game that will leave the entire family belly laughing. 🎲 Coup is a fast and fun bluffing game for 2-6 players ages 13+.
Is it too early to listen to Christmas music? I wholeheartedly vote no, and I recently heard Kentucky’s favorite song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” for the first time this season. My favorite tune is “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love — but Mariah Carey has a great version, too.
