It may seem like 2023 has just begun, but believe it or not, we’ve already made it through January!
Well, almost. Regardless, that means Valentine’s Day isn’t too far off– and whether you’re planning something for your significant other, your friends and family, or to treat yourself, here are a few top-notch date spots around Lexington.
The Distillery District
If you or your date are a big fan of bourbon (or tasty food, for that matter) then taking a trip over to Manchester Street is the perfect way to spend a Valentine’s Day evening. As the name would suggest, the area is home to multiple great breweries and distilleries, as well as local music venues and art exhibits. And while pizza and ice cream may not be the stereotypical Valentine’s date night dinner, Goodfella’s Pizzeria and Crank & Boom ice cream both make a compelling case for doing things a little differently, especially if you’ve never visited the District before or are just looking for some great local food in a laid-back atmosphere.
The University of Kentucky Arboretum
A trip through the Arboretum is more of a daytime trek since the grounds close at dark. But if you have the time this Valentine’s Day to stop by in the morning or afternoon, taking a leisurely walk around the spacious garden areas with plenty of paved pathways is a great way to spend time. Although the spring and summer are when the Arboretum really shines, getting outside during the winter months is something we can all agree is sorely needed. Kentucky weather can be finicky, but if temperatures permit (or you’re willing to bundle up) it’s more than worth it.
ItalX
This relatively new Lexington spot describes itself as an “avant-garde Italian restaurant”, and if local opinion is any indication, people are loving it. This is definitely one place you’ll want to make reservations for in advance, but if their extensive menu of Italian-inspired pastas, breads, and other dishes sounds tasty, scheduling online ahead of time is a small price to pay. There are even gluten-free and vegetarian options available, so ItalX can accommodate a range of tastes and dietary requirements.
Dudley’s On Short
Located on West Short Street (shocker!) Dudley’s On Short combines 19th-century architecture with contemporary dishes– and has been serving up fine dining to the Lexington area for more than four decades. They have their very own Valentine’s Day menu, in fact, where you can pay a flat price for a two-person, three-course dinner. Dudley’s is a restaurant that’s perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, to begin with, of course, providing visitors with an elegant, unique experience.
21c Museum Hotel
Whether you’re staying a night in the hotel, having a holiday dinner at the Lockbox, visiting to take a look at the multiple floors of gorgeous art exhibits, or all three, 21c has you covered; including vegetarian visitors, breakfast lovers, and those with a sweet tooth. There’s brunch, too, if you’re planning your Valentine’s activities for the weekend before or after the holiday itself. No matter what you do, it’s hard to go wrong here.