Brent Owen

1 month ago | smileypete.com | Brent Owen |Saraya Brewer

Lexington is brimming with unique new spots to eat, drink and be merry, and in looking at a few of our favorites we noticed a common thread: all are owned by incredible Lexington women! With Mother’s Day around the corner, we thought it would be a great opportunity to highlight a handful of cool new female-owned businesses, each unique in their own way.

Nov 1, 2024 | smileypete.com | Brent Owen |Saraya Brewer

There’s a new gallery in town, though its namesake is familiar to many in the local art world. Respected gallerist John Hockensmith opened the first Lexington location of Hockensmith Fine Art Editions in March at the Jefferson Street space most recently occupied by Wills Gallery. In many ways, the gallery is a culmination of Hockensmith’s career history, which includes decades as an archivist, book publisher, gallery owner, photojournalist and fine arts photographer.

Jun 28, 2024 | smileypete.com | Brent Owen |Saraya Brewer

Who’s in the mood to take a beautiful Kentucky drive and try a new place to eat? From casual lunch cafés to upscale farm-to-table eateries, we’ve curated a list of great restaurants within an hour or so drive from Lexington to check out this summer. The Bluebird Café 202 W. Main St., Stanford, KY • Serving breakfast and lunch, Mon.-Sat.

Jun 2, 2024 | smileypete.com | Brent Owen

A look at Lexington’s evolving relationship with stand-up comedy Stand-up comedy is having a moment. These days, it seems comedians are everywhere in our collective sightline, whether it is 60-second clips of crowd work on TikTok, an endless deluge of specials from new and established comics on Netflix and other streaming services, or an onslaught of podcasts hosted by comedians.

Feb 29, 2024 | smileypete.com | Brent Owen

Along a popular downtown thoroughfare, at the corner of Felix and Short Streets, a second story window sports a decal that is both obvious and inconspicuous. It simply reads, “2nd Story.”  Through the door and up the stairs of the building numbered 522 W. Short Street is one of Lexington’s newest gallery spaces. Gallery founder and director Leah Kolb opened 2nd Story in September.