midway
My job is pretty awesome. I get to spend a lot of time learning more about the people, places and history of my home state. Oftentimes, my explorations are of the cyber and phone variety. But when my job is at the apex of its coolness, I’m out and about discovering Kentucky in person.
Duty called and I recently had to [sarcastic sigh] spend some time in the oh-so-charming town of Midway preparing for a story on and photo shoot with one of the town’s residents, Crittenden Rawlings of Crittenden Fine Gentlemen’s Clothing. Several weeks after an initial meeting with Critt, which I followed with a bite to eat at The Grey Goose, I decided I needed to once again pay Midway a visit. Yes, it was on an unseasonably warm and impossibly sunny Friday afternoon, but I swear (especially to my boss who will, no doubt, read this) this played no part in my decision to make the trip. I spent about an hour strolling around the Midway Historic District, scouting locations for our upcoming photo shoot.
Fast forward a few weeks and I’m back in Midway, finishing up the photo shoot for our April issue. Our photographer Wales, art director Kelli and I had a really fun morning with Critt, Adrian Mansergh-Wallace from Ashford Stud (check back for more info on the time we got to spend there!), and Midway Mayor Tom Bozarth.
Mayor Bozarth even took the time to show us City Hall’s trophy case, which included the State Basketball Championship award bestowed on the Midway High School Blue Jays in 1937. The pride he exhibited about this win was as enthusiastic and personal as if he’d been present at the game, which, of course, he was not. That sense of community pride, which seems to be displayed by everyone I’ve ever come in contact with there, is one of the things that make Midway such a special place.
I discovered the quaint railroad town of Midway long before work forced [again, sarcastic sigh] me to spend time there again. I have fond memories of my first visit to the town. On a December afternoon five or six years ago, my sisters and I took my mom to the wonderful Holly Hill Inn for a birthday lunch and then went downtown to explore and shop. We didn’t realize when planning the trip the town’s Christmas celebration, complete with a Santa in a horse-drawn carriage, was also taking place that day. A great memory in the making was made even more magical as we strolled along Main Street and shared in the holiday celebrations. The cherry on the sundae of this lovely day was a wine tasting at nearby Equus Run Vineyards.
Another memorable Midway experience occurred this past fall. My best friend and I were on our way to Lexington and decided to stop in Midway for a quick cocktail at Tavern 815. I love this place! It’s located beneath 815 Prime restaurant and has gorgeous woodwork and stone walls, making it feel like you’re in a cozy cave. We were enjoying ourselves so much, we ditched our original plan of dining in Lexington, opting instead to keep our seats at the bar and eat dinner there. Not only did we have a great meal, we also met some lovely people. When we finally departed the tavern, we were surprised to see Main Street teeming with people and hear the sounds of a rock band in the air. (The Mayor told us they’ll be having bands playing outdoors again this summer.)
Midway is full of character and charm. Full of surprises. Full of wonderful memories in the making.
Do you have Midway experiences you’d like to share? Or recommendations for other places that are an ideal backdrop for memory making? We want to hear about it!
Kim, Executive Editor