07 Aug WealthSouth Lex Today Staycation – 08.18.23
WealthSouth LexToday Staycation – 08.18.23
Money is saved for many things: retirement, education, and to leave a legacy. We also save and invest to take some time and enjoy life. While a dream vacation (Hawaii or Italy, anyone?) may take a while, you can use a smaller amount of savings for a great “staycation” right here in the Bluegrass! Here are some suggestions from the team at WealthSouth, which knows a thing or two about the area since the organization started here in 1909!
Coffee, dogwalking, shopping & dinner!
Senior Portfolio Manager
A day of staycation for me in the Bluegrass would start with a trip to one of the two Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii locations in Lexington. I would indulge in either a cup of 100% Kona coffee or one of their delicious specialty lattes for summer, like the Beach Bonfire, which you can get hot or iced with coffee ice cubes. To accompany my coffee, I would pick up a cinnamon roll that Bad Ass Coffee carries in their stores from DV8 Kitchen.
Next, I would head over to the Arboretum at the University of Kentucky for a walk around the paved loop and through the woods which is about two miles. I might attempt to take our two German Shorthaired Pointers, Doc and Rip, with me but I’m afraid it might be them walking me around the Arboretum and not the other way around. From there, I would head to one of the Lexington Public Library locations to pick up a book to read while “staycationing”.
The afternoon might start with grabbing a sandwich from The Mousetrap or sitting down at Drake’s in the Lansdowne Shoppes and then perusing some of the great shops there like The Cotton Patch, Pirie Boutique or Peppermint Palm. Another option for lunch might be Bella Café and Grille in Chevy Chase for their tasty grilled salmon salad. Then I might head to Clay Avenue for shopping at Peggy’s Gifts, Monkee’s of Lexington or Linens Limited, and maybe pop into Hourglass Aesthetics for a facial.
I would cap off the day with my husband for dinner at any one of Lexington’s fantastic restaurants whether it be Epping’s on Eastside, Dudley’s on Short or Omakase Sushi in Chevy Chase, just to name a few. All in all, there is so much to do here, no matter your interests.
Manchester Mania
Lending Manager
When you’re in Lexington every day, it is easy to forget about all the great things there are to do. I really enjoy live music, so I would plan a staycation around a concert at the Manchester Music Hall. This venue is great as it is smaller in nature while still being able to attract well-known artists. I would start the evening by visiting the nearby Distillery District to have dinner at my favorite pizza place, Goodfellas. After dinner, I would head to Manchester Music Hall for the concert. I would stay in the new hotel, The Manchester. The Manchester is a luxury hotel that is next door to the Manchester Music Hall. The hotel has high-end rooms, great dining options, and a rooftop bar.
Enjoying the past & present
Lexington Market Director
Since elementary school, I have always enjoyed studying history. The discipline of knowing history offers tremendous perspective to our present and gives guidance as to where our future can take us. I was blessed to have very vibrant teachers who made history lessons interesting and thought provoking. They have passed away now, but they instilled in me a desire to both protect and share our history. One way which I try to fulfill their memories is serving on the board that operates the Mary Todd Lincoln House. It is one of the historical jewels of Lexington that gives visitors wonderful insight into the life and times of one of America’s most fascinating First Ladies. It is easy to be inspired while in rooms that once hosted Abraham Lincoln. This is a great way to spend a free day and I invite everyone who has yet to visit to come take a tour.
Taking Advantage of Town & Country
Trust & Loan Assistant
A perfect staycation for my husband and I involves the city and the country. We would stop in for brunch at Minglewood. They offer all local products made from scratch and delicious drink specials. We would stop by the Lexington Farmers Market downtown (every Saturday until 2 p.m.) and spend some time pursuing the local produce, food, arts & crafts, and a variety of other local businesses. Red River Gorge is a favorite destination of ours as well. The Red River Gorge National Geological Area is a short drive from Lexington and offers a ton of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and much more! Make sure to have yourself an Ale-8-One and stop by Miguel’s Pizza on your way back to Lexington!