A day at the Lexington Center (Clay, Martin: relocate, hotels, travel)

[blueberrie]

My husband will be attending an event at the Lexington Center on a Saturday in June. I'll be tagging along, but I don't want to go to the event, so I need some ideas on how to spend my afternoon. Is there any interesting shopping in that area? How safe is it to walk around the area alone? And afterwards, we'll need a good restaurant before we head back home to North Carolina. Can anyone help?

[Irishtom29]

The area is safe. I don't pay much attention to shopping but there are a couple of museums and Mary Todd Lincoln's house close. There are a few coffeehouses and taverns downtown and some decent restaurants, DeShas is pretty good.

IMO the best restuarants in Lexington are the two Malones. Pretty good steakhouses, one on Tates Creek Rd and the other in the Hamburg area by I-75 and Man-o-War. The Hamburg one might be your best bet if heading southeast.

[lexingtongal]

There are several really good restaurant options downtown. Bellini's is on Main St, Metropol is on Short, Jonathon's (my personal favorite) is off of Limestone (I think it's on Market but can't say for sure). Mia's just relocated to the corner of Short and Limestone. To me the Malone's are too noisy. The food is good but I don't care for the atmosphere.
In the Civic Center there is a nice shop that sells hand made items. They have great jewelry, wind chimes, and other interesting things. Some of what they sell is a little pricey but you can find some nice earrings pretty reasonably priced. I don't know what else is in the Civic Center. The next closest shopping area will be Clay Ave. There are several local shops located in historic homes. Peggy's has great gift items. On Euclid Ave. you will find For Friends. Again a gift shop.
If you have a car I would recommend going to Joseph Beth Booksellers. It's a great place to spend a few hours. It consistently rates in the top book stores in the nation.

[bluegrassgirl]

Agree downtown is perfectly safe on an afternoon. Lots of shopping between Lex Center, Festival Market, and Victorian Square. Some unique shopping, but also pricey. Dining has been mentioned, but I'll add the restaurant at the Radison - can't remember the name but it's opposite corner from Lex Center and is very good.

[Avengerfire]

Bigg Blue Martini?

[bluegrassgirl]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Bigg Blue Martini?

Well I think you're right? Or is that just the club portion and the restaurant goes by another name? I'm not sure - it's on the first floor of the Radison though - can't miss it. They have a good pasta bar on Thursdays! (use to work across the street)

[ttyl1979]

I will agree with everyone else that the area is safe. There is not much left in Victorian Square as far as shopping, you will find a couple of gift stores. In the Lexington Center the Rupp Arena side, There is a shop that sells prints like UK stuff, Artique has unique gifts and blown glass, and you will find several womens shops like little boutique type stores and a candy shop. Not much really, but something to do none the less. If you can manage I would try to make it to Clay Avenue, Peggy's is the best!

For food, I like Desha's and its right across the street in Victorian Square. I would stay away from Mia's (obviously just my opinion). Belleni's is nice (small), Atomic Cafe would be a nice place to go if you wante to sit on a patio (cajun type food), La Deville (french cousine).

If you can make it out of downtown there are a ton of great places to eat! I would try Malone's like the previous post stated. It's local great food! and they have a patio if the weather is nice.

Have fun while you are here

[teebird1012]

That's about it for downtown really. One restaurant I will add that serves lunch is Bourbon and Toulouse located by the Starbucks on the corner of Main and Broadway. It's great Louisiana cooking! Portofino's is a great Italian restaurant down on Main Street by Esplanade Street. If you can make it out downtown, there are tons of options for great dining. This is one thing I love about Lexington; we have so many independently owned restaurants, not just chains.

[dbph]

Def check out Portofino for lunch. Great wine list and nice lunch choices.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by bluegrassgirl

Well I think you're right? Or is that just the club portion and the restaurant goes by another name? I'm not sure - it's on the first floor of the Radison though - can't miss it. They have a good pasta bar on Thursdays! (use to work across the street)

According to the website it is called Cafe on the Park



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