LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
Lexington, KY, the Horse Capital of the World, was founded in 1775. By 1820 it was one of the largest and wealthiest towns west of the Allegheny Mountains. Located at the crossroads of interstates 64 and 75 in central Kentucky, Lexington is within one day’s drive of 75% of the population of the United States. The Bluegrass Regional Airport is a continuously growing facility offering many non-stop and transfer flights on 13 airlines. The population of Lexington and Fayette County in 2000 was over 260,000. When including the surrounding counties that make up the metropolitan Lexington area that number increases to over 420,000. There are over 230 churches and synagogues, representing 38 denominations. Crime in Lexington is consistently below the national average.
There are 4 distinct seasons. Prolonged periods of heat, cold, rain, wind or snow are rare. Average low and high temperatures in winter range from 23 to 54 degrees and in summer range from 61 to 86 degrees. Annual rainfall is about 45 inches.
Lexington offers a rich variety of performing arts facilities. The Opera House hosts Broadway productions. Actors’ Guild presents classic and innovative plays. The Lexington Philharmonic, The University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts and the Lexington Ballet offer many entertainment opportunities. There are many art galleries in the region including the University of Kentucky Art Museum, Artist’s Attic, Cerlan Gallery, ArtsPlace and Cross Gate Gallery. Comedy Off Broadway brings both national headliners and talented newcomers to the stand-up stage. In warmer months, many festivals and fairs are scattered throughout the Bluegrass region. The Explorium and the Living Arts and Science Center offer kid centered family fun. The Farmer’s Market held every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday from mid-April to December features local area growers selling fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, honey and more.
Outdoor activities abound in the area. There are over 3000 acres of park facilities in Fayette County and 15 public and semi-private golf courses with other courses available in surrounding counties. The Kentucky Horse Park is a showcase of galleries, museums and exhibits dedicated to man’s relationship with horses. It also serves as a major facility for show horses, stadium jumping and other horse related events. Keeneland Race Course is the local thoroughbred racing facility that offers nearly year-round entertainment and Lexington has been selected to host the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Within a few hours’ drive are Natural Bridge State Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, and historic areas such as Fort Harrod and Shakertown. Many local waterways offer high quality fishing and boating experiences. In addition to the high caliber of college athletics, the Lexington Legends (baseball) and Lexington Horsemen (arena football) are local professional minor league sports teams. Louisville and Cincinnati are both located within 100 miles of Lexington. For more information on the Lexington area, check-out www.visitlex.com.
|
