Sqecial Media

All the esoterica and "magic" paraphernalia is a little weird, but in terms of books they probably have the best literary fiction selection in Lexington. I'm not sure who curates it, but they really know their stuff. They have lots of translated and small-press literature that you won't find anywhere else, plus pretty much any American classic you'd want, including some obscure stuff. Not to mention all the other book sections like art and film, which are also very nice. They do charge cover price like B&N or Joseph-Beth, which is the only drawback, but they also have a couple shelves of clearance books. If they were able to cut off 20-25% from the cover price, I'd come here much more often; in this economy, even with an intent to help a small business, it's hard to pay so much for books when they're much cheaper elsewhere. Like I said, though, their selection is unbeatable.

Sqecial Media is a popular store located right off U.K. campus. They have so many cool things: books, jewelry, incense, coffee mugs, cards, tapestries, candles, etc. Due to COVID, they have extensive guidelines. First, you must call to set up an appointment to shop. The store is small so they only allow a certain amount of people inside. They have different hours as well. Upon entering, they require a face mask and hand sanitizer before browsing the store. The location is literally right off campus. Parking can be annoying in this area. There is street parking in front or a small parking lot behind the store. Keep this in mind when visiting. There are a couple of other businesses located in the same building: a Korean restaurant (delicious) and a music store downstairs. If you're looking for a fun and unique store, definitely visit!

Haven't been there in quite a while but love going and checking out the jewelry and a very interesting selection of books. It smells amazing and there are some wonderful candles as well as incense to choose from. I don't get to Lexington as often as I'd like but since my daughters both live there now, I'm sure I'll be returning soon.

One of those 'cool little spots' on the campus. Reminds me of my college days when i wanted to discover all the weird places around me. I was travelling on vacation and found this place an di got a bunch of stuff. i really wish i had more time to look around. the Online store does them no justice. When i come back to Lexington, I'll make it a pint to drop by

Interesting, quirky store that sells books and a million other little trinkets. I ended up picking out some cool glassware made by hand, and there were definitely some coffee mugs and books that tempted me. A very cool selection of merchandise. Unfortunately, Sqecial Media committed a huge store faux pas for me - burning incense. The smell of incense in a store is definitely guaranteed to get me in and out more quickly! But I did find some cool glasses in my quick 10-minute in and out experience.

One of the coolest book stores I have ever been to! The selection was incredible. I also enjoyed browsing the new age gifts, decor items, and other novelties.

A bartender told me that they have the best selection of American Spirit cigarettes anywhere, and she was right. They had colors I hadn't ever seen before!Apart from that, this place sells a ton of stuff and is deceptively big. A lot of new-agey stuff, but also a big selection of books (lot of cookbooks), some clothing, toys, and other random trinkets and desk toys.I had time to kill so decided to walk here from downtown, but I wouldn't go out of the way to come here unless you were already near UK campus.

The jewel on alternative Lexington's crown.I've basically grown up with sQecial. This is the type of establishment that brings pride to the Lexingtonian. The shop itself is a work of art. A masterfully curated collection of baubles and oddities. One of the first places I always bring guests from out of town. Great smells. Cozy corners and knacks. Very friendly staff and service.You can find books here that are very difficult to find outside of online ordering (especially in the back rooms). There is a very pleasant "energy" that radiates throughout the whole place. Wonderful tarot card selection. Oddball jewelry. A supermarket of a hedge/metaphysical shop not outdone by even those in the lands of Asheville. I hope this place stays here as long as Lexington does.

Sqecial doesn't provide food or shelter, but the things it sells do provide for another basic human need: it sells things that nourish the soul.A long-time Lexington staple, Sqecial occupies the top floor of a building just off campus. For many UK students that were just a little different than everyone else, discovering Sqecial Media was a right of passage. It probably still is.As you walk up the stairs, you'll smell the pleasantly mingled scents of a hundred different types of incense. At the top of the stairs, you'll always find some type of art installation. These are carefully curated by Sqecial stalwart Ed, and his crew. (As a bonus, if you become friends with Ed, he gives the best hugs in town!)Inside, you can easily wander the worn wooden floors for an hour, checking out all the things Sqecial has to offer. They sell: any type of tarot deck you could imagine, jewelry, books (from classic literature and art critiques to a whole range on spiritual subjects), incense, candles, soaps, quirky greeting cards, novelties of all sorts, carved wooden icons, batik tapestries, and a small selection of glass items to smoke things out of.When I was in college, Sqecial was the way to decorate a first apartment in the hippie style, buy hard to find magazines and books, and find gifts for all occasions. These days, I'm more likely to seek out a greeting card that's far from Hallmark's style, or pick up some incense to make my house smell a little nicer.I can't imagine that Sqecial will ever not be there, sitting right next to campus and supplying a new generation of college students with their spiritual needs. And that's a good thing. If you've never been, go check it out. (There's parking out back--don't park at the McDonald's unless you want to be instantly towed!) If it's been a few years since you smelled the Sqecial smell, then climb the stairs once again. And tell Ed I said hi.

I love crystals and stones and they have an amazing selection for cheap quality stuff there prices range from $1-$2 for tumbled stones and crystals and they have carvings and specimens for around $5-$25 they have bigger more expensive stuff as well.