Tis the season for... shopping events!
There are two awesome holiday shopping events going on in Lexington this week. Get ready to shop!
One of the brightest gems in Lexington is house by jsd. This design trio and associated store is full of Kentucky charm and whimsy all year long, but as the weather gets colder, it turns into a Christmas wonderland. Each November, house has their Christmas Open House, where everything is 20% off. Not only can you find the most amazing trimmings for your tree, you can also find beautiful, unique gifts. Check out this video - I dare you not to get into a Christmas spirit afterwards:
Christmas Open House, November 5-10
250 Walton Ave
Lexington, KY 40502
Monday-Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday 10-4pm
Next up is the Junior League of Lexington Holly Day Market. Not only is this a beautiful shopping event with lots of variety, it is also the second biggest fundraiser for the Junior League of Lexington, which funds grants for non-profits in Central Kentucky. In 2012, they awarded $40,000 in grants.
Here is a full list of Holly Day Market merchants. There are also several events per day that are great for adults (wine tastings) and children (Santa) alike!
This years Holly Day Market will be November 9-11 at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. Tickets are $8.
Hours: 7-10pm Thursday; 9am -7pm Friday; 9am-5pm Saturday; 11am-5pm Sunday
One of the brightest gems in Lexington is house by jsd. This design trio and associated store is full of Kentucky charm and whimsy all year long, but as the weather gets colder, it turns into a Christmas wonderland. Each November, house has their Christmas Open House, where everything is 20% off. Not only can you find the most amazing trimmings for your tree, you can also find beautiful, unique gifts. Check out this video - I dare you not to get into a Christmas spirit afterwards:
250 Walton Ave
Lexington, KY 40502
Monday-Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday 10-4pm
Next up is the Junior League of Lexington Holly Day Market. Not only is this a beautiful shopping event with lots of variety, it is also the second biggest fundraiser for the Junior League of Lexington, which funds grants for non-profits in Central Kentucky. In 2012, they awarded $40,000 in grants.
Here is a full list of Holly Day Market merchants. There are also several events per day that are great for adults (wine tastings) and children (Santa) alike!
This years Holly Day Market will be November 9-11 at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. Tickets are $8.
Do you plan on visiting either event?
The HerKentucky 60 Things Project: Lexington
In last Sunday's Herald-Leader, Cheryl Truman, with the help of many readers, listed 50 things that define Lexington. We thought it would be fun to make a similar HerKentucky list, with 10 things that define our respective hometowns. Today, Emily shares her take on 10 things that define Lexington.
In choosing things to include on my list of 10 things that define Lexington, I opted to go for things that are top-of-mind for me right now. There is a lot of history (and I'll fully admit I know very little of it) behind lots of places in Lexington, and were covered well in Cheryl Truman's Herald-Leader piece. I'm just sticking with what I know (and love) about my city.
1. Interstates 75 and 64. Lexington is located in a prime sweet-spot of I-75 and I-64, which will set you off in whichever direction your car needs to go. It's so convenient to have both north-south and east-west interstates right at your back door. Whether you're heading away on a vacation or are traveling for work, there are many destinations within a one day driving distance. Today, I hit the road for Knoxville - a short drive straight down I-75 that took less than 3 hours, and was smooth sailing (hooray for no construction!)
2. The seasons. Also related to today's drive along the interstate is the seasons. Lexington has all four seasons, but without too many extremes. We get bright, warm summers but without the humidity of our friends further south. We get fall and these AMAZING colors all around on the trees. If you squint your eyes, the colors seem as vibrant as they are in a crayon box. Winter brings enough snow to build snowmen and go sledding a couple of times, but not so much that it shuts down the city (usually). Spring brings with it some rainy days, but also delivers pastel-colored blooms that will snap your winter blues.
3/4. Coffee Times Coffee House/Street Scene. These two are lumped together because they are right next to each other and you can't possibly go to one without going to the other. In high school, Coffee Times was my favorite hangout spot, where I could act all cool because I was drinking coffee and being all philosophical (ha!). These days, I go there to meet with friends to have brainstorming sessions, and use it as my second office if I need to get out of the house. Also, if I ever need a funny greeting card, this is where I go first. Street Scene is a vintage store right next door, which has awesome items from jewelry to furniture to lighting to clothing to Toms shoes. It simply makes you happy to go there, even if you're like me and have no idea how to use vintage items in modern decor.
5. University of Kentucky football. Since hubs is a loyal UK football fan and we got married the day UK beat #1 LSU, UK football is embedded into my life. Every fall, I listen to disgruntled fans call into talk radio shows demanding for the current coach to be fired. Even during the bowl games times, you'd hear people wanting a change. It's never ending, and kind of funny.
6. University of Kentucky basketball. You can't escape it, nor do I really want to. The juggernaut of UK basketball brings energy, life, and unity to the city (although not to the state... sorry Cards fans). One look at Big Blue Madness and you'll realize that this NBA-size production is unlike anything else in college basketball. Further evidence? The ESPN All-Access Kentucky series currently running. Craziness.
7. Keeneland. Until you go yourself, you'll never understand the magic of Keeneland. Between the people watching, horse gazing, food/beverages, and pretending like you know how to bet, it's just an amazing experience that seems even better since we can only experience it in April and October.
8. Good Foods Co-Op Hot Buffet. Yes, I'm going straight for the cafe/buffet and not for the grocery-part of the store. The by-the-pound hot bar has a menu that changes daily, save for the Good Foods Kale, which is like healthy green crack. With vegetarian, vegan, and carnivore options, everyone is satisfied with this tasty stuff. On the weekends they have brunch items, of which my favorites are the chorizo burritos and the grits - always a different flavor (cheddar jalapeno, smoked gouda, basil, etc). Not so great for my waistline, but oh-so-yummy.
9. Lexington Cemetery. I've written about the cemetery before, which you can find here. Every time I enter the gates it's like I'm being transported into both history and into a secret garden. The least creepy cemetery ever!
10. The people: There are some good peeps in Lexington. Yes, there are some douchenuggets, but the awesome, honest, beautiful friends I have outnumber them by far.
In choosing things to include on my list of 10 things that define Lexington, I opted to go for things that are top-of-mind for me right now. There is a lot of history (and I'll fully admit I know very little of it) behind lots of places in Lexington, and were covered well in Cheryl Truman's Herald-Leader piece. I'm just sticking with what I know (and love) about my city.
1. Interstates 75 and 64. Lexington is located in a prime sweet-spot of I-75 and I-64, which will set you off in whichever direction your car needs to go. It's so convenient to have both north-south and east-west interstates right at your back door. Whether you're heading away on a vacation or are traveling for work, there are many destinations within a one day driving distance. Today, I hit the road for Knoxville - a short drive straight down I-75 that took less than 3 hours, and was smooth sailing (hooray for no construction!)
2. The seasons. Also related to today's drive along the interstate is the seasons. Lexington has all four seasons, but without too many extremes. We get bright, warm summers but without the humidity of our friends further south. We get fall and these AMAZING colors all around on the trees. If you squint your eyes, the colors seem as vibrant as they are in a crayon box. Winter brings enough snow to build snowmen and go sledding a couple of times, but not so much that it shuts down the city (usually). Spring brings with it some rainy days, but also delivers pastel-colored blooms that will snap your winter blues.
As seen on my drive down I-75 today. |
5. University of Kentucky football. Since hubs is a loyal UK football fan and we got married the day UK beat #1 LSU, UK football is embedded into my life. Every fall, I listen to disgruntled fans call into talk radio shows demanding for the current coach to be fired. Even during the bowl games times, you'd hear people wanting a change. It's never ending, and kind of funny.
6. University of Kentucky basketball. You can't escape it, nor do I really want to. The juggernaut of UK basketball brings energy, life, and unity to the city (although not to the state... sorry Cards fans). One look at Big Blue Madness and you'll realize that this NBA-size production is unlike anything else in college basketball. Further evidence? The ESPN All-Access Kentucky series currently running. Craziness.
7. Keeneland. Until you go yourself, you'll never understand the magic of Keeneland. Between the people watching, horse gazing, food/beverages, and pretending like you know how to bet, it's just an amazing experience that seems even better since we can only experience it in April and October.
From Keeneland last Wednesday |
8. Good Foods Co-Op Hot Buffet. Yes, I'm going straight for the cafe/buffet and not for the grocery-part of the store. The by-the-pound hot bar has a menu that changes daily, save for the Good Foods Kale, which is like healthy green crack. With vegetarian, vegan, and carnivore options, everyone is satisfied with this tasty stuff. On the weekends they have brunch items, of which my favorites are the chorizo burritos and the grits - always a different flavor (cheddar jalapeno, smoked gouda, basil, etc). Not so great for my waistline, but oh-so-yummy.
9. Lexington Cemetery. I've written about the cemetery before, which you can find here. Every time I enter the gates it's like I'm being transported into both history and into a secret garden. The least creepy cemetery ever!
10. The people: There are some good peeps in Lexington. Yes, there are some douchenuggets, but the awesome, honest, beautiful friends I have outnumber them by far.
Writing is in the Kentucky Air
Perhaps it's just because I'm working on writing more, but doesn't it seem that Lexington is just ripe for fostering writers? Between great book stores, lots of published local authors, inspiring scenery and places for improving your craft, all signs point to Lexington being an incredibly wonderful place to embrace writing. Here are some resources to get your writing mojo flowing:
- Carnegie Center: I attended my first writing event at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning earlier this year and have been really impressed by the wonderful workshops they offer. Not only is the instruction from wonderful, motivating writers, but the environment is open to novices and published authors alike. They also have writers spaces where you can work without interruption. To learn more, visit their website.
- Lexington Public Library: The Lexington Public Library has a lot of workshops - some in conjunction with the Carnegie Center, and some that they produce by themselves. Their calendar always has something going on, and anything I've attended there has been wonderful. They also have great meeting spaces you can use if you want to find a place for your writers group to meet. I must also give a shout out to their online systems and hold services. I reserve everything I want online and pick it up at the location of my choice, labeled with my name. Insanely convenient. Learn more here.
- Morris Book Shop: The Morris Book Shop is an independently owned bookstore that is just a place you want to explore and spend time in. I stopped in a couple of days ago to pick up a new book from one of my favorite authors and I had to drag myself out of there. They also have a wonderful seating area with pretty chairs. (Really, they're Pinterest-worthy). I love that they have over 20,000 titles but feel like a neighborhood place you could drop by daily and not get overwhelmed at the shelves. Here's their website.
- Joseph-Beth Booksellers: Pre-Barnes and Noble, there was Joseph-Beth Booksellers. The founders lived across the street from me when I was a teenager and I just thought they were the coolest people ever for creating this beautiful store with SO MANY BOOKS! Roam around as long as you want, grab a treat from the cafe, and if you ever have a question, ask their insanely educated staff. It's transferred to new owners, but still retains the charm of old. Visit their site.
- Keeneland: So I know this doesn't really seem to fit into the list (although they do have a wonderful library with everything Thoroughbred). Every time I step into Keeneland, whether it's for horse racing or for a community event, I get a million story prompts in my head. Some examples: Unrequited love story in the 1940s between a farm hand and the daughter of the trainer; the young adult novel including a girl having her first taste of bourbon in the Keeneland parking lot; the story behind the group of 6 widows that sit in the clubhouse every Thursday in near silence... it goes on and on! If you can't get there in person, at least check out their website for photographic inspiration.
What are some other local literary resources or inspirations?
It's Corn Maze Time!
The fact that I've had my windows open nearly all day the past two days means one thing: it's almost corn maze time! (Technically I guess it means a bunch of things, but go with me here.)
I visited the Kelley Farms Corn Maze in Lexington for the first time last year and shared my experience here. I joked that I wanted to go in order to test out my new riding boots, but really, I wanted to say I walked among corn shaped like Coach Calipari's head.
Not only can you get lost in the corn maze (is it just me or does the 2012 design look a little harder? What if I get lost in the arm pit?) but you can play corn hole, pick pumpkins, have a funnel cake, hot cocoa, feed goats, and take a hayride. If that doesn't personify fall in Kentucky, I'm not sure what else does (except the Keeneland fall meet). The maze is fun for families, couples, or friends. Just make sure that if you get easily frustrated when lost like I do, that you have a companion that can calm you down so you can soothe your ragged emotions with a funnel cake.
Opens September 21. For days, times, and weather updates, visit them on Facebook or on their website for the most recent updates.
I visited the Kelley Farms Corn Maze in Lexington for the first time last year and shared my experience here. I joked that I wanted to go in order to test out my new riding boots, but really, I wanted to say I walked among corn shaped like Coach Calipari's head.
Not only can you get lost in the corn maze (is it just me or does the 2012 design look a little harder? What if I get lost in the arm pit?) but you can play corn hole, pick pumpkins, have a funnel cake, hot cocoa, feed goats, and take a hayride. If that doesn't personify fall in Kentucky, I'm not sure what else does (except the Keeneland fall meet). The maze is fun for families, couples, or friends. Just make sure that if you get easily frustrated when lost like I do, that you have a companion that can calm you down so you can soothe your ragged emotions with a funnel cake.
Opens September 21. For days, times, and weather updates, visit them on Facebook or on their website for the most recent updates.
HerKentucky Charity Event: Lexington Trivia Bowl
Once per month, we feature a non-profit or event benefitting a non-profit that serves Kentuckians. Today we spotlight the Lexington Trivia Bowl which benefits the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute for Parkinson's Disease Research at the University of Kentucky and the Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana.
I have participated in lots of fundraisers over the years for causes that I support. None have come close to being as fun, or as personally meaningful as the Lexington Trivia Bowl. My mom was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease when she was in her early 40's, and passed away at the age of 50 from complications caused by the disease. She had an atypical progression of the disease, and the awesome work being done locally at UK's Kentucky Neuroscience Institute (KNI) is something I can't promote enough.
This year, the trivia bowl also benefits the Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana, which is something I really wish I knew about when I was trying to decipher what was really going on with my mom as the disease progressed.
About Parkinson's disease:
How it works: You can have a team of up to 6 people. For $10 a person, you get a great brain workout in a fun atmosphere, and your team could win $500 plus the coveted Horseshoe Cup Trophy.
When: September 19, 2012 at 7:30pm
Where: The Cellar Bar & Grille, Lexington
Visit this link to register, or if you'd rather do it the day of, just come a few minutes early!
I have participated in lots of fundraisers over the years for causes that I support. None have come close to being as fun, or as personally meaningful as the Lexington Trivia Bowl. My mom was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease when she was in her early 40's, and passed away at the age of 50 from complications caused by the disease. She had an atypical progression of the disease, and the awesome work being done locally at UK's Kentucky Neuroscience Institute (KNI) is something I can't promote enough.
This year, the trivia bowl also benefits the Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana, which is something I really wish I knew about when I was trying to decipher what was really going on with my mom as the disease progressed.
About Parkinson's disease:
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. It develops gradually, often starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. But while tremor may be the most well-known sign of Parkinson’s disease, the disorder also commonly causes a slowing or freezing of movement. Friends and family may notice that your face shows little or no expression and your arms don’t swing when you walk. Speech often becomes soft and mumbling. Parkinson’s symptoms tend to worsen as the disease progresses. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, many different types of medicines can treat its symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgery.I got the wild idea to do a half marathon and raise money to go towards KNI. I will completely admit that going to and supporting the Lexington Trivia Bowl is a much more fun way to raise money!
me and my mom |
When: September 19, 2012 at 7:30pm
Where: The Cellar Bar & Grille, Lexington
Visit this link to register, or if you'd rather do it the day of, just come a few minutes early!
A Kentucky Football Family
When I met my now-husband 12 years ago, I remember being flabbergasted that he liked the much dogged UK football team more than the celebrated UK basketball team. Actually, I take that back: he liked them equally, which around Lexington practically means the same thing - it's pretty uncommon.
We've been through the years of Guy Morriss, Rich Brooks, and now Joker Phillips. If you don't live in the state and haven't ever heard of those names, no worries as I had permanently blocked out Guy Morriss and the ridiculous Bluegrass Miracle against LSU. Here is where I link to the definition of "premature celebration" that is forever embedded into Kentucky football history.
I can't hate on that momentary lapse of judgement by then-QB Jared Lorenzen since we got our LSU redemption when they sat at a #1 ranking and our mighty Wildcats beat them in triple overtime during my wedding reception in 2007. My poor husbands family (who loves Kentucky football as much as he does) huddled around the DJ's little laptop squinting to make out the figures on the field that led us to victory. The UK fight song then blared over the speakers of my reception and the party was kicked off with a bang. I think that's the only reason we were able to get the men on the dance floor. Thanks Cats!
This weekend with the Cats v. Cards, the family will gather at my house in front of our obscenely large TV where we've watched many games. There will be screaming and accusing the referees of poor officiating. And for the umpteenth time, I'll be reminded: "Hey, remember that time you guys got married?" I will smile and nod and accept that I am among a Kentucky football family, and be proud of it.
California Conveniences in Kentucky
When I was in high school (late 90s), I went to California every summer for camp. For 8 weeks, I would bask in southern California sunshine and enjoy things I couldn't get back in Lexington. When I arrived home from my trip, my dad would always ask what businesses they had in California that I thought would take off well in Kentucky. This morning as I ran errands, I realized that my California conveniences have pretty much all become a reality.
Starbucks: I remember the first taste of Frappuccino at the San Diego airport and becoming hooked. It was at least 2000 before Lexington got their first Starbucks, and it was located on UK's campus. Now, they're everywhere!
Jamba Juice: The delicious, sweet, ginseng-infused nectar of a mega cup of berries was enough to make me get a brain freeze. Lexington got their first Jamba Juice in the past year, located near the north end of UK's campus.
Conveyer Belt Sushi: While this is a concept versus a specific brand, I loved having drool-worthy fresh sushi rolling down a fancy conveyer belt for me to grab at my convenience. Imagine my delight a couple of years ago when new hotspot School opened in Lexington to make my conveyer wishes come true!
California Pizza Kitchen: Their chopped salad has long been a favorite of mine, and I can get it in Louisville. Still waiting for this chain to make it to Lexington, but for now, my waistline thanks CPK for staying geographically at bay.
Anthropologie: Pretty home things and accessories as well as clothes (that I admittedly don't fit into)? I am a fan. This year, Anthropologie is coming to Louisville and Lexington. Score!
Driving down Nicholasville Road today on my way home from the brand new Trader Joes, I also noticed Lexington will soon have a Panda Express. My half-Chinese self silently begrudged the arrival of Americanized-Chinese-Fast-Food, but perhaps others will think of it as progress. Also recently announced? Plans for a Costco in Lexington! We've come a long way, baby.