After a busy day at school, sometimes the best place to go is Lexington’s town center. Only a short walk from school, the town center offers endless study spots, eateries, and places to hang out. Here’s your guide to effectively navigating the center with helpful tips on when to go, where to study, food to buy, and more.
Study-Friendly Spots:
As LHS students, finding a study spot that works well for you is key, so this guide wouldn’t be complete without one.
Cary Memorial Library is the most obvious choice. With free Wi-Fi, multiple quiet spaces, and an upstairs level designated for silent studying, it’s perfect for the days when you need to ‘lock in.’ But beware: with the lower level under construction, there are fewer places to chat with friends, and food is only allowed around a small corner on the main floor of the library.
An alternative to finding focus is Inspire Bowl and Tea, an underrated spot that offers smoothie bowls and drinks with plenty of open space to sit. Tatte Bakery & Café is another option if you want to eat and work, but keep in mind that it’s often noisy and crowded, so headphones are a must.
Quiet Snacks & Drinks:
If studying’s not on the agenda (and we don’t blame you!) and instead you need a quick snack or drink, the center has you covered. CVS is convenient for cheap candy and snacks, but not as a hangout spot with your friends.
For café lovers, Revival and Peet’s Coffee are there for you! Revival has more unique seasonal drinks, baked goods (such as Red Crema and Babyccino), and a creative feel, while Peet’s sticks to the classic drinks your parents probably prefer. Overall, both are reliable if you need a caffeine boost.
CoCo is definitely the go-to location for bubble tea in the center. However, you should be prepared for the crowded store and long wait times! Either head straight there after the bell rings, or wait a half-hour until the line dies down.
Sweet Treats:
For desserts, Cake Niche is an amazing choice; their cupcakes and pastries are delicious without being too sweet, though seating is limited. Nouvé, with its Japanese-French fusion pastries that are Instagram-worthy and delicious, is more of a weekend destination. Speaking from personal experience, the bakery is often already sold out by the time school ends.
Lastly, there’s Rancatore’s, the ice cream shop that has long been a Lexington classic. With over 20 rotating flavors, it’s the perfect place to hang out with friends.
Meals (for when you’re incredibly hungry):
If you’re hungry enough for a full meal, Upper Crust is a great choice for pizza or fries, though the wait can be long on half-days. Avenue Deli is an alternative with fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads, perfect for filling food. When the weather’s nice, these meals can be enjoyed on the benches scattered around the center or in the plastic domes outside Lexington’s Visitors Center.
Overall, the town center is a second campus for LHS students. Whether you’re studying, grabbing snacks, or just needing to get out of the house, it has something for everyone!
