End of an Era as Parkette Closes in Lexington KY June 2022 - My Visit from 2021, Kim Soper Realtor

End of an Era as Parkette Drive In Closes in Lexington KY on June 28, 2022 after 70 amazing years in business right in Lexington, KY on East New Circle Rd, formally known as a Beltline prior to the construction of New Circle Rd . It has been a sad news day in Lexington as we learn our beloved Parkette closed what seems spur of the moment with no notice to anyone on it's last day in Lexington. I have been going since I was a child and have such fond memories with my family and my next door neighbor's family. Her parents loved strawberry pie so I think we were at Parkette every weekend growing up!

One of the coolest things about Parkette is the HUGE lighted neon vintage sign that was made by the locally owned Ruggles company. It was the very first sign they made. Over the years, more and more bulbs have faded on the sign and it would be very costly to get it up and running fully again. I didn't realize until today that this sign is grandfathered in the Lexington, Kentucky zoning regulations. If someone wanted to move this sign, it can not be placed somewhere else. So hopefully whatever happens to the land - the sign stays up. That would at least give us all something fondly to remember.

Here is a link to a blog post I wrote about the Parkette back in 2010 as they were about to be featured on Diners, Drive ins and Dives. Check out the lights at the time in 2010. As you can see in the videos I will post below, the progression of the bulbs burning out has been going on for years.

Click here to see the throwback picture of the sign and story from 2010 about Parkette!

Parkette, thank you so much for all the great food, the Poor Boys and the wonderful memories with family and friends and also being a place where I saw some of the coolest vintage cars around! You will forever be missed! Check out some of my last videos from 2021 below.

About the Author: Kim Soper is a lifelong Lexington KY resident and Co-Founder of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Cypress. She has over 18 years experience selling real estate all over Lexington KY and the Central KY areas.  Kim is the manager/Realtor of ExploreLexingtonKY.com - Home to Your Best Source for Lexington KY Real Estate!