Lexington Through a Local's Eye: Emily Donohue

With a background in digital media marketing with Cincinnati.com and over a decade as a professional photographer, Emily Donohue has brought her two passions together with the launch of LexingtonLivingMagazine.com.

As Editor-in-Chief, Emily is able to pair her experience with her love and passion for Lexington's unique culture.

Married for over a decade to a Lexington native, Emily and her husband Kevin are raising two children, Finn (10) and Caroline (6) in Chevy Chase.

Here are some of Emily’s favorite spots around town…

The Grove

The Grove has become my favorite place in Lexington for good reason. It's a micro-community that embodies the spirit of Kentucky, a place where small businesses thrive, and where each visit is an adventure in flavors and experiences. If you're looking for a rendezvous of flavors, warm ambiance, and a taste of true Kentucky hospitality, The Grove at Lexington is where you need to be. It's become a cherished part of our lives, and we can't imagine Lexington without it. Fable Charcuterie, located inside of The Grove. delivers an explosion of flavor and visual art vibrancy, making it the perfect choice for my on-the-go charcuterie board needs when attending gatherings. Their Traditional Small Board, priced at $45, conveniently caters to those last-minute plans, ensuring a delectable addition to your friend's house or a leisurely picnic in the countryside.

Worlds Apart

When in search of University of Kentucky-themed gifts, a cute outfit for going out, baby gifts, or presents for teachers and friends, my go-to destination is Worlds Apart in Lexington. This local gem has been proudly serving the community since the 1980s and is renowned for offering the best sweaters from Ecuador, which is what Worlds Apart became known for. Their diverse selection includes Dirty Santa and white elephant gifts, corporate presents, as well as a wide array of Kentucky clothing and paraphernalia. What sets Worlds Apart apart is not just their products, but also their exceptional customer service. Every visit feels like a fun day out, thanks to their warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Lexington Salt Cave and CenteRed

My favorite place for relaxation and self-care in Lexington, Kentucky: the Lexington Salt Cave & Centered. This unique haven is the only one of its kind in the city and offers an unparalleled opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate, and revitalize your mind, body, and soul. Here, you have a variety of options to choose from, including massages in the salt cave, yoga, and red light sauna therapy, all within the serene confines of the Lexington Salt Cave and Centered, which shares the same retail space. The incredible benefits of Halotherapy (dry salt therapy) are not to be underestimated. It is known to support respiratory and skin health while providing relief from a wide range of conditions, including asthma, allergies, sinusitis, COPD, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, as well as reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and improving sleep quality. Salt therapy is an all-natural and safe option for nearly everyone. Treat yourself to a Lexington Salt Cave experience and discover the remarkable benefits it can offer to your overall well-being.

Josie’s

Josies is my breakfast spot to perch up at a counter for coffee and friendly conversation with one of their many long-term servers. Perfectly tucked in a cozy corner of a Chevy Chase strip, Josie’s offers the comfortable ambiance you would expect at your grandma’s house, but with the culinary makings of The Pioneer Woman. My favorite is eggs Benedict Florentine; the smoked cheddar that is sprinkled over the creamy béarnaise sauce is the perfect flavor punch on this classic dish.