The New Elwood Hotel + Fiddletree Kitchen: “A Tribute To A Contemporary Southern Lifestyle”
Just about everyone in Lexington noticed when the new building with the colorful mural went up on South Broadway. Despite being open since Labor Day though, many people still don’t know what it is. This contemporary building right in the heart of Lexington houses the new Boutique Hotel: The Elwood, as well as it’s dining concept: The Fiddletree Kitchen.
This new hotel aims to feel like a second home for those visiting Lexington (and even those already living here). The entire space is very bright and open, accented with fun colors and touches of contemporary southern style. The soon-to-be-Lexington-staple mural outside by artist Alixandra Jade is continued throughout the hotel atrium and hallways. Each room itself is novel, with none being quite like any other. Furthering the home away from home feel, The Elwood offers rooms for both short and extended stays, as well as allowing up to 2 pets to join in on any stay. They have available food and water bowls, pet beds, and even treats for your furry friends. To stay inclusive, the hotel is ADA accessible as well as offering several specifically ADA accessible rooms. They also have available equipment for the deaf and hard of hearing, roll in ADA showers, and communication kits with TTY machines, strobe lights, and visual door knockers.
The Elwood cares just as much about its community as it does its guests. The construction and design process was done almost entirely with local businesses. They often host local music in their common areas, and have lists of local businesses to visit when staying in Lexington on their site. The Elwood also champions what they call the ‘Elwood Social Club’, a ‘giveback program’ that supports various local non-profits around town. On the last Saturday of every month they host their ‘Saturday Soiree’ where both The Elwood and Fiddletree donate 10% of all of their proceeds to the month’s chosen charity. This last month, their charity of choice was the Lexington Humane Society. In addition to their donations, they even hosted an adoption event with volunteers bringing eligible animals to meet in the lobby.
My favorite fun fact about the hotel has to be its name: The Elwood. This name comes from the first woman-owned horse to win the Kentucky Derby in 1904. This hotel truly champions innovation, charity, and community in everything it does.
But wait, there’s more! Don’t think I forgot to tell you about The Fiddletree Kitchen:
Of course the star of the show in this foodie’s mind is the restaurant. I just discovered this place a week ago and have already been twice! I honestly cannot resist the modern-eccentric design and the light-but-indulgent food. And there’s more fun in this name: Did you know that the Fiddletree is actually another name for Kentucky’s state flower?
The Fiddletree is open every morning for breakfast or brunch (depending on weekday or weekend), closes for the afternoon, then opens back up to serve dinner. Their menu is full of their simple takes on classics, and has enough options to allow anyone to find something while staying small enough to be easy and not overwhelming. The gorgeous plating and wonderful tastes of everything makes it feel like you’re in an upscale breakfast spot in the center of a big city, without having to leave Lexington or shell out the big $$. They’ve also got a stocked bar with lots of great cocktails on the menu, and mimosas + bloody marys for brunch.
The staff is some of the most attentive people I’ve ever met, and just as kind. When there was confusion with our order, one of the kitchen staff herself came out to make sure our order was just right, and returned later to make sure everything came out well.
While I have yet to go for dinner, the breakfast and brunch already have me hooked! This is my new go-to breakfast recommendation, and I’ve even squeezed it in pre-work one morning because I wanted to introduce it to some coworkers so badly. Every visit I’ve have has been a superb one, and I can’t wait to go back!
