VisitLEX: The Harmon Room

Lexington, Ky is known around the world for the sport of kings, horse racing. It is, after all, the Horse Capital of the World. But thanks to a 1983 novel by local author Walter Tevis and an assist from a hit Netflix series - it’s also gaining notoriety for the sport of queens...and knights...and pawns. Anyone who’s watched 'The Queen’s Gambit' (all 62 million households and counting) knows that it largely takes place in Lexington. And while it may not have been filmed there, there’s plenty of real places featured. In an effort to capitalise on Lexington’s starring role in Netflix's most watched scripted limited series ever, local tourism boosters VisitLEX and creative agency CORNETT have partnered up with 21c Museum Hotel, interior designer Isabel Ladd, and preservationist Lucy Jones to bring to life a meticulously designed boutique hotel room inspired by the show: The Harmon Room at 21c. Named in honour of Beth Harmon, the troubled chess prodigy heroine of 'The Queen’s Gambit', The Harmon Room is a time capsule of American mid-century modern design replete with vintage accessories, nods to the show’s most memorable moments and characters, and period furniture from private collectors and local antique shop Scout. Custom wallpaper in a pattern dubbed 'The Knight’s Gambit' was designed for the project by Alex K Mason of Ferrick Mason Inc. And guests are treated to complimentary items like reproductions of the 'Lex Liquors' tote bags seen on the show. There’s even copies of Chess Review magazine and rare chess books on loan from local retailer Black Swan Books placed around the room as if Beth Harmon herself were staying for the night. Of course, no room inspired by 'The Queen’s Gambit' would be complete without an actual chess set for its occupants to hone their skills. Available for purchase at the Lexington Visitors Centre while supplies last, Lexington nonprofit Iron Bridge Woodshop produced a limited run of handmade walnut-and-maple chess boards for guests of The Harmon Room to enjoy during their stay.