Over the course of my six or so years in the Lexington Kentucky area, I have come to a conclusion about this particular city: it is one of the geekiest I have ever had the pleasure of living in. Anything from the ever-growing Lexington Comic and Toy Convention, the Kentoyko Anime Convention, or the Harry Potter alliance Lexpecto Patronum, Lexington possesses many local businesses that cater to the interests and hobbies of their student or long term residents. If you are new to the area, or just haven’t explored the reasons why Lexington is one of the geekiest small cities, or want to know a little bit about what you could get yourself into, allow me to shed some light on seven different places where you can better engage the geek community.
1. Rusty Scabbard
This large hobby game store is located off Harrodsburg/Broadway just inside New Circle Road. If you are in need of classic board games, indie games, Warhammer paints, miniatures, gaming dice, or are looking for a place to roll up some RPGs, Rusty Scabbard is equipped to suit your needs with long tables for campaigns, strategic battles, or a “quick” game of Battlestar Galactica. Stop by for a good time with your fellow campaigners or be surprised to meet new friends who share your enthusiasm.
2. and 3. D20 Hobbies and A-Plus Comics
Located on Southland Drive, this store gained a lot of business when a fellow independent game store disappeared from Tiverton Way (RIP Amazing Wonders 2012). A large majority of customers are players of Magic the Gathering, so come for good laughs, insanely built decks, and other fun events such as Super Smash Brothers Tournaments and D&D Adventurers’ League. Located near D20 is one of the best rated comic bookstores in the Lexington area known as A-Plus comics. Since Collectibles Etc. moved to Richmond, this store is now what I would consider a second stop after playing a few games at the hobby store. Find anything in the comic book store from the latest graphic novels to replicas from your favorite show or movie you geek about most.
4. Games Workshop
While we were still dating, my husband and I had friends who lived just off Richmond Road on N. Locust Hill. It was here we discovered Lexington’s only Games Workshop with the latest Warhammer 40K miniatures, paints and space where friends can come to play or learn how from the store manager. With friendly service and dedicated costumers, this Games Workshop is here to suit your needs!
5. Trivia Nights at The Pub in Lexington
It is no secret that this city has a collection of locally owned pubs or bars that cater to their customers. One restaurant, the British themed Pub located in Fayette Plaza on the corner of Mall Road and Rojay Drive is not only delicious but also has many geek-themed trivia nights ranging from the Walking Dead, Harry Potter, or Disney movies. Grab table early or call ahead to reserve a seat because the restaurant will caterer to their themes from specialty drinks and food or best-dressed teams for the occasion!
6. Arcadium
A unique bar located on North Lime Street downtown, not to mention one of the top 55 places to get bourbon in America, with a fun twist: old-school arcade games available for play. Come for good drinks, or take a crack at beating the high score in Galaga. Either way, you meet locals who share your interests, whether it be the classic blast from the past or the drinks you have.
7. Geeks Who Drink
Geeks Who Drink is a trivia tradition modeled after those in the UK. These groups are located in various states across the U.S. The Lexington location meets at Hop Cat downtown on Wednesdays. Come in teams of up to six and participate in rounds of audio and film clips to test your cinophile and geek knowledge. While there, try a few of their drinks (since they have over a hundred on tap!) and enjoy a basket (or two) of their award winning “crack fries,” which live up to their name in a delicious way. What is good about this event is you can go by yourself and most likely be teamed with other players who are their to mingle and test their skills as well. Visit their site at geekswhodrink.com for information about their history and other events to come in the future!
There are plenty of other stores and events that I haven’t touched on because I still have exploring to do in Lexington. There are also many places that should be on the list, but are sadly no longer in business (Game On Frozen Yogurt and Amazing Wonders Hobby and Gaming). Regardless of losing places due to location or funding, these local businesses are here to geek out with us whatever our interests are. I believe in the power of community here in Lexington, and believe that we geeks have the power to make what we hold dear stand up to the ever-changing world around us. Luckily, we will not change. There will forever be geeks here in Lexington if I can help it!.
