A Lexington institution, and a must stop every time Jean Ellen is in town. The BEST glazed doughnut with chocolate icing. The BEST egg biscuit. Pair them with the southern pecan coffee, and you are living large like a local.
Awesome egg place with a sprawling patio out back, close to 21c hotel downtown. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the rooster on the roof. Don’t let any midday line dissuade you -- it moves fast.
Laidback local spot with Michael-approved coffee (not an easy accolade). Don’t leave without a blueberry scone. Across from Thoroughbred Park.
Not a coffee person? This is your place. More rifts on hot chocolate than we knew were possible. Owned by Cup of CommonWealth.
One of our favorite restaurants in Lexington at any hour, with a killer brunch
Smoked meats! Think smoked southern goodness with eggy brunch additions and some notable sides (brussel sprouts that stand out in a sea of trendy brussel sprouts). Around the corner from West Sixth Brewery.
After two years in NYC, Michael still argues that Lexington is one of the best pizza towns in America. Pazzos is one of them. Jean Ellen loves the soft breadstick pretzels.
We’ll kick off the weekend here Thursday evening (weather permitting), but it’s great any night. You’ll walk through the greenhouses of Michler’s Florist to get to this magical space. Picnic benches, twinkle-light trees, pretzels with beer cheese (a local specialty!).
We’ve played many rounds of darts here over the past 15 years. It’s time to try it in a wedding gown. Join us late night Saturday! It doesn’t hurt that it’s ranked one of the best bourbon bars in the country. Around the corner from 21c hotel.
Close to downtown and perfect for a lazy afternoon. Around the corner from County Club Smoked Meats.
A great option for creative cocktailing (as is West Main Crafting Co. nearby)
Would this list be complete without a wine and cheese place? This cute daytime shop has great sandwiches as well — and usually stocks one of our favorite wines, Rioja Alta 904.
Yes, that Henry Clay from the history books. This lovely estate is a short walk from Magee’s and was the site of many a game of Ultimate Frisbee during high school. Some pretty cool monumental outdoor sculptures have been added in recent years. Just don’t run into them running after that frisbee.
Lovely, leafy park surrounded by beautiful, historic Lexington homes. Great destination as part of a ramble to explore some of the prettier spots of downtown. Be sure to note the “three sisters” houses and the yellow mansion featured in Black Beauty.
Missing Friday at Keeneland? Thoroughbred Park has all the horse statues you need. If you stand behind the stone sign, you can look through the carve out to see which horse is winning the photo finish. Across the street from Cup of CommonWealth.
At the southern tip of downtown, close to the Hyatt. Solid jumping-off point for exploring.
Top-notch children’s museum if you need to bribe the kiddos before leaving them with a sitter for the evening :)