Local Information

Lexington lies in the heart of Kentucky's bluegrass region, an area rich in culture and local traditions.  While being best known for beautiful horses and world-class bourbon, the Lexington area offers something for everyone. For those interested in the arts, Lexington offers numerous events, supported by both the city and the university.  (Ace Magazine is a great resource for such activities.) For example, on the fourth Friday of every month, the Lexington Arts and Culture Council supports a "gallery hop," where numerous downtown galleries open their doors and serve food and drink as patrons casually wonder from exhibit to exhibit.  For those interested in the performing arts, the Lexington Opera House and the University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts offer a wide variety of performances.  Traditional music can be heard during the Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour at the historic Kentucky Theatre (which also shows independent and small production films), and during the summer, patrons gather at UK's Arboretum for the Lexington Shakespeare Festival. 

For those interested in athletics, the University of Kentucky offers numerous collegiate events, most notably the seven-time men's basketball champions as well as the twelve-time national cheerleading champions.  Lexington as a city offers many events as well, such as the Lexington Legends minor league baseball team and the spring and autumn horse races at Keeneland.  Of course, one cannot forget "the most exciting three minutes in sports" on the first Saturday in May, the legendary Kentucky Derby in Louisville. 

For the outdoor enthusiast, the surrounding areas of Lexington are beautiful in the spring and summer and suitable for camping, fishing, and boating at one of Kentucky's many State Parks. More challenging activities, such as rock climbing at Red River Gorge, are also offered at various locations.  For the indoor types, Lexington is home to numerous great restaurants, offering both national chains and independent, locally operated restaurants, a number of which specialize in using local produce.  Lexington is also home to several types of bars and nightclubs, which also provide venues for musical acts.  Shopping in Lexington can be accomplished at one of two malls in town or at any of the numerous boutiques.  Lexington is family friendly with good schools and concerned citizens and offers a wide variety of religious institutions for people of faith.  These attributes, combined with Lexington's location and low cost of living, make it one of the best small cities in the US.