Rich in history, progressive in thought, and renowned for bourbon and thoroughbreds, Lexington is inextricably connected to its roots — quite literally, in fact. Built on a limestone foundation, the central Kentucky town owes much to its setting. The lush expanses of bluegrass that help foster the horse industry thrive on limestone, whose mineral presence in local springs and streams also contributes to both the smoothness of locally made liquor and the strength of equine bones.
The city itself, like its highly touted trademarks, exhibits both refinement and fortitude. Founded in 1775 at McConnell Springs, Lexington takes its name from the Massachusetts town that stood up against British forces early in the American Revolution. Although troubled relations with Native Americans caused initial settlement to lag, once people came to the area, Lexington grew quickly. Its fertile soil and pristine pastureland helped wealth flow quickly into the frontier community, and residents developed a strong affinity for the finer things in life, from tobacco to the equestrian arts. By 1797, Lexington had its first organized jockey club, a bustling fine arts scene, and a reputation as the "Athens of the West." Fittingly enough, culture, higher learning, and creature comforts rendered the town a model of Midwestern civility.
Today's Lexington is no less fascinating — or celebrated. Among its attractions are legendary monuments to horseracing like Keeneland Racecourse and Kentucky Horse Park. The University of Kentucky and its beloved Wildcats (whose basketball prowess makes Rupp Arena one of the nation's most feared sports venues) provoke fierce loyalty in local hearts while imparting to Lexington an infectious, open-minded spirit. The town also boasts a massive downtown reclamation project with scores of specialty shops and restaurants. In addition, its historic homes — like Mary Todd Lincoln House and Ashland, the former residence of 19th-century statesman Henry Clay — recall a gracious past and hint at Lexington's architectural distinction.
Courtesy of its university community and educated populace, Lexington exhibits cosmopolitan flair. Its dining scene relies heavily on regional American fare, but the presence of the UK and of companies like Toyota also ensures that international options are well-represented. Nightlife possibilities are almost necessarily youth-oriented, and the large college contingent means that lots of pubs and bars cater to beer-drinking undergrads. Even so, restaurant lounges take care of upscale professionals, making dinner-and-drinks a reliable game plan for both romantic outings and business functions.
Year-round, Lexington is a destination that's tailor-made for fun. Historic sites, pastoral scenery, and lively events draw folks in every season, promising camaraderie and entertainment galore. To join in the biggest party, plan your travels during April and October, when tradition joins hands with commerce, and equestrian competitions swell the city with aficionados and exuberant visitors. As if on a pilgrimage, fans flock to town for sport, speed, and spectacle, showcasing Kentucky's signature mix of Southern gentility and Midwestern guilelessness.
This practiced dance of sociability and homecoming is a highlight of Lexington's annual calendar. It also abundantly underscores the grand appeal of a city whose character is as revered as bourbon, whose passion is as strong as any Man o' War, and whose heritage stands as solid as limestone beneath the bluegrass.
