8 things that make lexington, lexington

When people think of Lexington, they usually think of horses, bourbon, and basketball. And sure... those are part of it. But if you've lived here for a while, you know Lexington has its own collection of wonderfully random little quirks that somehow make perfect sense once you call this city home. Some of these are local legends. Some are things you don't notice until someone points them out. Here are eight of my favorite Lexington quirks...

1. darleigh the mini horse

Yes, a miniature horse lives right on Central Avenue.

Darleigh has become something of a Lexington celebrity over the years. She loves peppermint treats, has her own fan club of neighborhood walkers, and always seems to brighten people's day. If you've ever spotted people randomly gathered on the sidewalk on Central, chances are they're saying hello to Darleigh.

2. cocaine bear lives here

Believe it or not, the real Cocaine Bear calls Lexington home.

The famous black bear that inspired the movie is on display at Kentucky for Kentucky. Cocaine Bear and I actually go way back—we spent years working side by side while I was the Marketing Director at Kentucky for Kentucky. It's one of those attractions that's equal parts bizarre and uniquely Kentucky, which honestly makes it worth seeing.

3. check the books at charlie brown's

Here's one of my favorite Lexington traditions.

For years, people have tucked cash inside the books lining the walls at Charlie Brown's Restaurant. No one seems to know exactly how it started, but every now and then someone flips through a book and finds a surprise waiting inside. Next time you're there, it might be worth checking a few pages.

4. catalpa in the fall

Every autumn, Catalpa Road transforms into one of the prettiest streets in the city.

For just a few days each year, the massive ginkgo trees turn bright gold almost overnight, creating a tunnel of yellow leaves that feels straight out of a movie. Lexington has plenty of beautiful fall color, but this little stretch has become something of a local pilgrimage.

5. the castle isn't actually historic

I grew up hearing all kinds of stories about The Kentucky Castle.

People said it had been shipped over from Europe brick by brick. Others claimed it was hundreds of years old. Turns out... none of that is true. The castle was actually built in 1969. It's still a beautiful and iconic Lexington landmark—it just has a much more modern origin story than most of us were told.

6. why the east side smells like peanut butter

If you've ever driven down Winchester Road and suddenly thought someone opened a giant jar of peanut butter... You're not imagining it. That unmistakable smell comes from the Jif factory, and locals have been using it as an unofficial landmark for decades.

7. those afternoon rumbles on the west side

If you live on the west side of town, you've probably heard the occasional mysterious boom or rumble.

No, it's not thunder. It's the rock quarry off Manchester Street. Once you know what it is, you'll never wonder about those afternoon shakes again.

8. yes, there's a ferry

One of my favorite "Wait... what?" Lexington facts.

Just outside town on Tates Creek Road, there's a free ferry that carries vehicles across the Kentucky River. Somehow, a surprising number of lifelong Lexington residents have never ridden it.

One important thing to know: it only takes passengers who are inside a vehicle—you can't walk or bike onto it. If you've never taken the ferry before, I'd definitely add it to your local bucket list. I love this kind of stuff because it's the little details that make a place feel like home. They're the stories you only pick up after living here for a while—and they're often the things visitors remember most.

Now I want to know...

What's your favorite Lexington quirk?

The weirder, the better. I have a feeling this list is only scratching the surface.