Manchester Farm is known as one of the most scenic horse farms in the Bluegrass. | Photo by @greggraysonphotography
The LEXtoday team has loved following the people and businesses that make our city shine, and we’ve rounded up some of Lexington’s biggest national spotlight moments from 2025.
Condé Nast Traveler named Lexington the No. 8 best small city in the US, according to the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The award recognized Lexington’s mark on the Kentucky Bourbon trail and eateries including Doodles, Bourbon on Rye, and Crank & Boom.
Southern Living put the spotlight on the home of one legendary Lexingtonian, listing the Mary Todd Lincoln House as one of 8 Homes of Legendary Women. The famous First Lady was joined on the list by Zelda Fitzgerald, Ava Gardner, and others.
Crank & Boom, a Lexington favorite craft ice cream company, has collected multiple recognitions this year, including Southern Living’s Top 20 Friendliest Places In The South, Food & Wine’s Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream Delivery, and won a Blue Ribbon at the ConeCon 2025 National Ice Cream Awards in Florida for their rich Dark Chocolate Truffle flavor.
Small businesses, this one’s for you: Commerce Lexington’s free Money Smart for Small Business program is back. This six-week series where you will hone your skills for “building and maintaining a successful business” kicks off Monday, Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. (The Lane Report)
Eat
Black Soil KY’s Neighborhood Farmacy Markets reopen today at 2 p.m. Shop produce from local farms at the best rates, including seasonal options from Cleav’s Family Market, Hutchinson Produce, Miller’s Farm, and many more local options to explore.
Drink
Beau’s Cafe may claim the title for one of the best espresso martinis in town, but we’ll let you be the judge. This local brunch hotspot makes theirs with house-infused brown butter bourbon — a true sip of the Bluegrass. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the breakfast burrito pairing.
Seasonal
Looking to tap in to your creative side for a “Galentine’s Day” activity? Look no further than Poppy’s Flower Bar Candy Hearts Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The flower bar is teaming up with The Cheerful Baker to teach you how to make candy heart fondant cookies to add to your very own floral arrangement.
Try This
Did you know the Lexington Humane Society has regular community events you can attend? Cat lovers may be interested in what’s on the docket: Cat Yoga + Check Meowt Book Club.
Job
The Living Arts & Science Center, a longtime community arts and science education space, is looking to fill two roles: Science Education Professional position + part-time Marketing & Membership position. Learn more.
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
Biz
Kickstart the new year by expanding your business’s reach. Our business promo portal puts your message in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers in as little as two days. Plus, first-time customers save 15% with code NEW15 at checkout. Get started.
Health
Did you find yourself straining to hear during holiday gatherings? Make 2026 a year of better hearing with Horizon IX. This revolutionary hearing aid delivers natural sound so real, experts are calling it a miracle. Dual processors separate speech from noise for effortless clarity so you won’t miss a single word. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
The Buy
Are you resolving to drink more water this year? Set yourself up for success with a sleek, insulated water bottle that keeps liquids chilled for up to 24 hours. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe.
If anyone regularly travels to Louisville or has plans to visit, consider a stay at Hotel Genevieve, the only other hotel in Kentucky with a Michelin Key.
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