Stores like these make LEX go around. | Photo provided by Poppy & Pomelo
What’s your favorite small business in Lexington? That’s what we asked our newsletter readers in honor of the city’s Salute to Small Business Week, an occasion to celebrate LEX’s coffee shops, boutique stores, bakeries, bookstores, salons, creatives, maintenance workers, and too many others to name.
You named a few of your faves:
“I would like to celebrate a small business: The Lamp Place at the corner of Clay and Main streets. Its unique array of lamps is amazing.” — Janet G.
“We would love the opportunity to be considered by LEXtoday. Appreciate you.” — Kevin Y., owner of Crushr Lexington, “a mobile dumpster compaction service that helps businesses reduce waste hauls by up to 65%.”
Asked
Asked
Is there another local small business you’d like to see us feature in a future newsletter?
Reiki-Infused Sound Healing with Amy Hudson | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Sound Healing Center of Lexington | $25 | Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations from crystal singing bowls, a rain drum, and rattles designed to dissolve stress + promote relaxation.
All That Jazz | 1:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre | $8 | This dazzling, semi-autobiographical musical drama follows a workaholic choreographer-director whose relentless pursuit of perfection threatens his life.
Floral Arranging Workshop | 6:30-8 p.m. | Poppy’s Flower Bar | $90 | Looking for the perfect night out? Unleash your creative side at this all-inclusive workshop while sipping on your complimentary drink.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Arts + Apps walk | 4-6 p.m. | Artists’ Attic | $75 | This tour takes foodies + art lovers on a downtown stroll to spaces they’ll enjoy with a few stops for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
Molly Tuttle | 6:30 p.m. | Burl Live Music | $30+ | Grammy-winning bluegrass guitarist and singer Molly Tuttle is bringing her acclaimed Americana sound to The Burl for an unforgettable outdoor performance.
Comedy Open Mic | 8-10 p.m. | Ethereal Public House | Free | Strut your stuff at this comedy classroom, or laugh along with local comics as they hone their craft.
Friday, Aug. 15
Book Nook and Book Swap | 5-8 p.m. | Kenwick Community Center | Free | Not sure what to read next? Whether you’re looking for mystery, romance, or a thriller, collect your gently used books to exchange at the community center for an exciting new read.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Community Yoga at Greyline Station | 10-11 a.m. | Nourished Folks | Free | Grab your mats and join this donation-based yoga class hosted by instructor Ashtin who has returned to her home in Kentucky after backpacking, living, and teaching in Spain.
Art Exhibit: Exploring Nature as Sacred World | Saturday, Aug. 16-Sunday, Aug. 17 | 12-3 p.m. | Mill & Max Gallery | Free | View dozens of artworks by renowned women artists from across the globe, including interactive exhibits.
Sunday, Aug. 17
Sunday Funday Karaoke | 8-11 p.m. | Lost Palm | Price of purchase | Celebrate the start of a new week with $5 beers, tacos, shots, and karaoke, hosted by Cowboy Cam.
Big Blue is getting some big green. A historic multimedia rights agreement deal worth over $465 million was just announced between the University of Kentucky and JMI Sports. Yesterday’s statement says the deal runs through 2040 and “reflects a shared commitment to innovation, adaptability and long-term growth.”
Health
In other UK news, the school’s Markey Cancer Center is showcasing new, innovative lung cancer technology. While it usually takes weeks between diagnosis and treatment, ION Endoluminal system da Vinci 5 surgical robots can perform surgery directly after diagnosis — significantly increasing the speed of the process. (LEX 18)
Development
Fayette County Public Schools is opening a new middle school today, marking its first new middle school in 21 years. The Herald-Leader has an inside look at the $82 million, 185,000-sqft complex, which features specialized academic programming, expansive extracurriculars, a state-of-the-art agricultural science lab, and more. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Opening
Buffalo Trace is adding a restaurant to its Frankfort campus. The John G. Carlisle Cafe will serve made-to-order sandwiches, salads, soups, and will also boast a range of Buffalo Trace-infused cocktails. It’s expected to open next spring. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Plan Ahead
Taylor Swift announced her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” earlier this week. While we’re eagerly awaiting a release date, there’s no better way to celebrate all it has to offer than a party. Join the fandom on Saturday, Sept. 6, for a Swiftie Sing–Along and Dance Party.
Try This
From 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Char on Ashland is home to Funky Rooster Coffee Bar, becoming one of Lexington’s newest coffee spots. Beat the summer heat with their refresher menu, and take your favorite drink to-go thanks to their unique in-house canning system.
Quoted
“Stable Recovery was created to serve two purposes. First and foremost, addiction recovery and then also help with the labor crisis that the equine industry was in.” Learn how Keeneland is helping those in recovery and hear more from Christian Countzler, CEO of Stable Recovery. (WKYT)
Giveaway
Have you entered our All-Access Pass to the Y Giveaway in partnership with the YMCA of Central Kentucky? There are two days left to enter for a chance to win a one-year membership. Enter on our Instagram.*
Read
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Did you catch the sunflowers and zinnias at Evans Orchard and Cider Mill this year? It’s one of the many beautiful spots in and around Lexington in the summertime, that’s for sure.
A moment in a field surrounded by sunflowers, a low sun in a wispy cloud-scattered sky, the occasional sneeze. All things we ought not take for granted. A reminder to stop and smell the roses — or any of their floral counterparts.
This summer, make every weekend count with Groupon. Score up to 70% off chef-curated experiences, wine tastings, riveting tours + attractions, spa days that melt the dress away, and more.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Let’s end with some more small businesses — this time, we’re highlighting a couple that would make a perfect afternoon itinerary in Versailles. Start off at the Jack Jouett House Historic Site, which has links to the Revolutionary War and the establishment of Kentucky as a state. It’s a piece of local living history on our doorstep.
After a visit to the house, a cup of joe and sweet treat at The Amsden is a perfect way to cap off the afternoon.