Cover Story

Sit a Spell with the Incomparable Isabel Yates

by Fran Elsen | main photo by Mike Cyrus clothing and accessories by Bella Rose | flowers by Alexandra Pallos | location and food styling by Carson's Food & Drink additional photos courtesy Isabel Yates

When TOPS attended the Women Leading Kentucky Leadership Awards back in November, we were delighted to catch up with the incomparable Isabel Yates. When it came time to choose a cover girl for our "Southern Comforts" issue, the choice was unanimous. Isabel Yates embodies Southern grace and charm, from her impeccable sense of style to her service to the Lexington community. I sat down recently with Lexington treasure Isabel Yates and was immediately captivated by her still-sparkling dark blue eyes while we chatted about what inspires her to this day. At 97-years-old, Isabel is the epitome of southern charm, with a drawl that will leave you longing for more conversation about her extended list of accomplishments over her 58-plus years as a Lexington resident. Isabel hails from the small town of Winnsboro, South Carolina, and was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. Mother to four children, she's also grandmother to a slew of grandchildren scattered about the country – all while she calls Kentucky home. Isabel is known throughout Lexington for her many years of service in numerous community and civic organizations. She was active in the political world for many years, first as an elected official on the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council, then as Vice Mayor from 1999-2002. She is known for the preservation of historic McConnell Springs and promoting of the original Horse Mania, as well as other public arts projects in downtown Lexington. A true ambassador for the Bluegrass, she's received many honors and awards over the years, the most recent being the Community Leadership Award from Women Leading Kentucky. Her passion for projects near and dear to her heart resonates as she speaks of the historical and educational significance of the many initiatives she's been involved with.

She loves working with people for the good of Lexington and was instrumental in the recent renovation of the Kentucky Theatre, raising nearly $1 million along with fellow board members. "The Kentucky Theatre project was one of the most satisfying things I've ever done. I've always enjoyed the theater, and I'm very passionate about keeping it alive," she shared in her charming Carolina accent.

When she drives in downtown Lexington (yes, she still drives her light blue Lexus!), she's proud to see the only monument dedicated to women, the 20-foot tall suffragists statue placed at the corner of Mill and Vine streets. Isabel served on the Breaking the Bronze Ceiling committee, which was responsible for raising money to erect the statue as a reminder to citizens of the crucial contributions women have made to the community. Among her many other interests and accomplishments are serving as Chair of the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Foundation, President of the Philharmonic Guild Chair Emeritus, and member of the Public Policy Committee for the Kentucky Alzheimer's Association. Isabel has served on many boards, including LexArts, Downtown Lexington Corporation, UK Art Museum, Lexington Opera Society, and the YMCA of Central Kentucky. Many people don't know that Isabel once owned a women's clothing boutique in downtown Midway called Track Two – so named because it was on the other side of the railroad tracks – and says this was when her love for high-end fashion began. She also ran her own tour company at one point to showcase the beauty of the Bluegrass through area horse farms. An avid bridge player, Isabel enjoys this pastime twice weekly with her friend group. In fact, she started playing online also during the pandemic with players as far away as Florida and Argentina. Let's continue to praise this Lexington treasure, one of our community's strongest advocates who does it all with a touch of southern hospitality – and unrivaled style.

Isabel's Southern Favorites

Sweet Tea or Unsweetened Tea?

Sweet Tea

Pearls or Diamonds?

Diamonds

Pie or Cake?

Pie (although 7-layer caramel cake from Caroline's Cakes in Spartanburg, SC is a favorite of hers!)

Hydrangeas or Peonies?

Hydrangeas

Silk or Cashmere?

Silk

Favorite Kentucky snack?

Country ham and biscuits

Favorite local gift?

Bourbon balls (she makes it a point to gift her friends and relatives with these treats during the holidays for a "taste of Kentucky.")