lexington visitors guide

Welcome!

Whether you plan on visiting for a short time or staying for years, Central Kentucky has plenty of entertainment and enjoyment for anyone. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World", Lexington offers numerous equestrian events and educational opportunities. However, Lexington is certainly more than horses - there are countless ways to enjoy the best the Bluegrass has to offer!

About Lexington

The second-largest city in the state of Kentucky, Lexington manages to retain the charm of a smaller town while providing cutting-edge services and truly modern entertainment. The Lexington-area metropolitan population is over 450,000 and ranks 10th among US cities in college education rate.

Lexington was founded in 1775, 17 years before Kentucky became a state. Frontiersman William McConnell set up camp in what is now called McConnell Springs. Upon hearing of the colonial victory in the Battles of Lexington and Concord, McConnell dubbed the campsite Lexington. As time progressed, Lexington became one of the wealthiest and most affluent towns west of the Alleghenies, earning it the nickname the "Athens of the West."

Today, Lexington boasts one of the nation's most stable economies, with three Fortune 500 companies located within the city. A number of parks, historic structures, libraries, museum and natural areas allow visitors to enjoy a variety of educational opportunities. The University of Kentucky is located within the city of Lexington.

Equestrian Interests

Lexington is home to two major horse racing tracks, Keeneland and The Red Mile. Picturesque horse farms lie in and around Lexington with beautiful thoroughbreds and show horses dotting the sprawling green landscape. For guests interested in learning more about Lexington's most famous residents, the Kentucky Horse Park offers a museum that educates visitors on the history of the horse then provides an up-close meeting with their trained horses.

In 2010, Lexington has the distinct privilege of hosting the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The prestigious event features the world's best equine athletes in dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para-dressage, reining and vaulting. The event will be held at The Kentucky Horse Park from September 25, 2010 to October 10, 2010.

Sporting Events

There's no doubt about it - Lexington bleeds blue! The men's UK Wildcats basketball, known as the first NCAA Division I team to earn over 2000 wins, has seven Division I Basketball Championship titles under its belt. Their games are held at Rupp Arena. The football team, which plays at Commonwealth Stadium, has won numerous bowl games. Following the Cats is virtually a culture in Lexington. Tailgating is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon leading up to a game!

Additionally, Lexington is the home of the Lexington Legends, a professional baseball team that plays at Applebee's Park, and the Bluegrass Stallions, a professional basketball team.

Dining

From down-home Southern comfort cooking to upscale dining Downtown, you can find world-class restaurants in the heart of Central Kentucky. Whether you have the appetite for elegant dining or some of Kentucky's famous BBQ, Lexington has a lot of wonderful eateries that offer unique tastes of the Bluegrass region.

The Hot Brown is local fare that must not be missed - Kentucky's famous dish is world-renown. Ale-8-One is a local favorite that is produced in Winchester, Kentucky.

Shopping

Lexington's small-town charm is due in large part to the countless locally-owned shops and stores that line its streets. From high-fashion boutiques to cozy little sweet shops, Central Kentucky has plenty of treasures that are ready to be discovered! Many of these stores offer goods that can be found nowhere else in the world, including various artisan goods.

Of course, Lexington also boasts a large number of retail locations for major brands and chains. Hamburg Pavilion and the Fayette Mall are Lexington's largest retail areas.

Entertainment

From film to opera, Lexington offers a wide array of entertainment options for virtually any taste. Concerts and conventions are a frequent attraction at the Lexington Center, which boasts spacious convention spaces and a mall area for shopping. The Lexington Opera House offers a Broadway Live season of theatre and musicals. Comedy, local live music and countless non-profit events, galas and benefits are continually going on in Lexington. You can find them all on the TOPS Community Calendar.

Sunday, February 5th
Taffetas: A Musical Journey Through the 1950's
Almost, Maine
Bluegrass Invitational Wheelchair Tournament (BGIT)