Lexington has very strong...
by jtb2inky
Lexington has very strong aristocratic, old-south feel to it. This is partially attributed to the fact the during the Civil War while Louisville was true blue, Lexington held its allegiance to Dixie. It was the home of John Hunt Morgan, the famous raider. It was also home to a very large slave-trading post called 'Cheapside'. This is the history you don't get in the history books, but it is true nonetheless. To this day you still get the feeling that this is a city of the have's and the have not's. For some reason Lexington has tried to retain much of this heritage. City council seems to think that Lexington is a kingdom, the mayor is the King (or Queen as the case may be) and the people are its servants. I don't say any of this to put down Lexington, because there is much that I love of the town. I do say this because it is a culture that you will doubtless notice if you visit. Many of my friends from the north who have visited me have also noticed this Lexington aristocracy. All that being said, Lexington is also starting to change. It is a growing city and will soon pass Louisville in population. The growth is entirely middle-class. A well needed adjustment for this place. As the middle-class grows, the Lexington aristocracy becomes less and less prevalent.
Good Regional Food
by Krumlovgirl about De Sha's
This is a great place for regional food in a beautiful, Victorian setting. My mom likes the Kentucky Hot Brown and claims that it's the ebst to be found. I personally like the shrimp. For brunch you can have a great Hawaiian chicken salad, complete with little banana nut bread muffins. The famous Kentucky Hot Brown (what my mom always orders):
A Kentucky tradition. A lunch portion of sliced breast of turkey smothered in a rich cream sauce, topped with cheddar cheese, crisp bacon and tomatoes broiled to a golden brown. It's rich, so be warned!!
Coconut Chicken:
Strips of chicken in a coconut breading, served with honey mustard sauce for dipping. NOt really comparable to Atomic Cafe's coconut shrimp though.
Golden Fried Shrimp:
Select shrimp, butterflied and lightly breaded then deep fried. Served with cocktail sauce and steak fries. This is pretty good. Had it a couple of times. My friend Bobbie Sue claims it's the best she's ever had.
deSha's Sampler:
Sampler includes potato skins, stuffed banana peppers, and coconut chicken. I'd go for this if you weren't sure what you wanted. The stuffed banana peppers are pretty good, too.
Filet Mignon:
Cerified Angus Beef tenderloin filet char-grilled in a garlic butter with sauteed mushrooms and a Cabernet bordelaise. But then again, I love filet mignon so I am a little biased.
Also noteworthy: the stuffed mushrooms.
Several Choices for Good Patio outdoor dining
by Ky_Happy_Dad about Dudleys/ Merrick Inn/ Cheapside Bar and Grill
I've listed several local favorites for eating outdoors: Dudley's has a bricked in patio. This restaurant is located in an old school building built about 1884 on Maxwell street between Mill and Upper, near UK. Chefs usually have interesting selections.
The Merrick Inn located on Tates Creek Road (3380 Tates Creek Rd.) just off New Circle Road is in an old restored house in a complex of apartments. Casual, yet upscale food. (though some critics might find atmosphere stuffy). This is a favorite of racing fans that come to Lexington during Keeneland's spring and fall meets. Reservations highly recommended at that time.
The Cheapside Bar and Grill, located at 131 Cheapside next to the old court house on Main street is a good place to mingle with Lexington's young single professionals after work downtown and have a drink while listening to a local band. These three restaurants have stayed in business for many years because they have consistently good food and service. If you like dining outdoors (in good weather), you can't go wrong with any of these. Dudelys and Merrick Inn are more upscale. Cheapside would appeal more to the single crowd.
Antiques
by gkitzmil
I have not seen them ALL but in this part of KY you can find many antique shops.
Ann Greely Interiors and Antiques
497 East Main Street
(859) 367-0200
Antique Mall at Historic Danville
158 North Third Street
Danville, KY
(859) 236-3026
Antiques & Collectibles
528 Angliana Avenue
(859) 255-7309
Dana Kelly Oriental Rugs
870 East High Street
(859) 266-7802
The Gift Box
171 West Lowry Lane
(859) 278-2399
Heritage Antique Galleries
380 East Main Street
(859) 253-1035
Irish Acres
4205 Fords Mill Road
(859) 873-7235
Lafayette Galleries
The Shops at Lexington Center
410 West Vine Street
(859) 253-1633
Lenabelle Harkins Antiques
732 National Avenue
(859) 253-0137
Lexington Antique Gallery
637 East Main Street
(859) 231-8197
Lexington Antiques and Collectibles
(April -October)
528 Angliana Avenue
(859) 255-7309
L.V. Harkness
531 West Short Street
(859) 225-7474
Meadowthorpe Antique Mall
1463 Leestown Road
(859) 255-2607
Old Towne Antique Mall
161 North Main Street
Versailles, KY
(859) 873-6326
Pless Antiques
247 North Broadway
(859) 252-4842
Shelley’s Limited
765 East Seventh Street
(859) 225-7426
Thomas Baldwin Antiques
115 Clay Avenue
(859) 381-9820
Minor League ball at Applebees
by JREllison
Applebee's Park, home to Lexington's Legends. Park cost 13.5 million dollars and is state-of-the-art. Base line seating seems to be almost on the field and . Stadium seats more than 6,000 people and built with the family in mind.