If you’re thinking of moving to Lexington, KY, you’re definitely making a smart decision; U.S. News and World Report recently named it one of their Top 25 Places to Live. The mid-size city combines the best of bigger-city with a friendly small-town atmosphere.
Here are 20 things you need to know before you make the move to Lexington.
1. Welcome to the Horse Capital of the World.
Big Red #1: Man O’ War statue at the Kentucky Horse Park, July 2018. pic.twitter.com/9po3ImGnXf
— Teresa Rogers (@trogers_writer) July 11, 2018
Lexington proudly stands at the center of the horse industry. Picturesque horse farms surround the city, and a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park will teach you everything you need to know about the region’s equine history.
2. You can’t get lost in Lexington.
That might be a bit of an exaggeration but finding your way around Lexington becomes very easy once you make friends with New Circle Road. As the name implies, it circles the city, with the main roads in and out forming the spokes of a wheel. As long as you can find your way to New Circle Road, you can easily get to where you want to be.
3. Yes, there’s bourbon. But there’s also a lively beer and cider scene.
Cozy up with the spirits tonight, we mean the whiskey sort, of course. Happy #Halloween from Town Branch Distillery! pic.twitter.com/NauDONCzHU
— Town Branch (@TownBranch_KY) October 31, 2017
If you don’t know the difference between bourbon and whiskey before moving to Lexington, you will learn quickly. Town Branch Distillery is located in the heart of downtown and is open for tours. While you’re there, stop by the neighboring Kentucky Ale Brewery. The city is buzzing with craft breweries and a cidery.
4. Basketball is a religion.
The University of Kentucky Wildcats have been national champions eight times (and counting). During basketball season, there really is no way to avoid the frenzy that strikes Lexington so sit back and enjoy the games.
5. You’ll get top notch medical treatment.
Lexington is a regional medical hub, attracting patients from across the state and beyond. The University of Kentucky’s Albert B. Chandler Hospital is nationally ranked in four areas of specialty. It is also home to the Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute facility.
6. Soon to be a gigabit city.
Thanks to a mayoral initiative, Lexington will soon be the largest city in the nation with fiber-optic gigabit internet access available to all.
7. Be part of history at the Kentucky Theatre.
Movie fans and history buffs alike love a trip to the Kentucky Theatre, a Lexington landmark since the 1920s. Recently restored to its former glory, the theater has state of the art digital equipment and an original Wurlitzer organ.
8. Enjoy a day at the races.
Don't miss your chance to CHANGE!! Register today to get CEU's and enjoy live racing at the Red Mile! #BGHIMSS https://t.co/WvZzJdxa1J pic.twitter.com/RnxEWkQDv4
— HIMSS Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter (@Bluegrasshimss) September 26, 2017
Don’t trek all the way to Churchill Downs to enjoy a day at the races. Keeneland hosts meets in April and October, giving you a chance to spot that future Derby winner. And for something a little different, take in some harness racing at The Red Mile.
9. Beer cheese – it’s a thing!
Winchester, just a few miles down the road claims to be the birthplace of beer cheese, the tangy dip that has now inspired an annual festival. Even if you can’t make it to the event in June, you can find plenty of varieties in every grocery store.
10. A growing food scene.
Lexington’s food scene has grown in leaps and bounds over the past ten years or so and you can enjoy some truly wonderful dining. James Beard Award nominee Ouita Michel operates seven restaurants in the area, ranging from casual sandwich places to fine dining spots, all making use of local produce. Another Beard nominee, Jonathan Lundy, offers Latin-inspired cuisine at downtown’s Corto Lima.
11. The Transylvania University T-shirts.
What horror fan wouldn’t want a Transylvania University t-shirt? Despite the spooky name, Transy, as it is known locally, was the first university west of the Alleghenies and continues to be ranked among the state’s best.
12. There’s a large Japanese community thanks to Toyota.
https://twitter.com/AshlieD_Stevens/status/953425005714567168
Neighboring Georgetown is home to a huge Toyota manufacturing facility which brought a lot of related industries to the area. In addition to great employment opportunities, this also means lots of good Japanese restaurants.
13. Free entertainment.
Going out and having fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune thanks to an abundance of free events around the city, including Jazz in the Park, Thursday Night Live, and Free Friday Flicks.
14. Make the most of the weather at one of the parks.
Lexington has more than 100 parks dotted around the city, with walking and cycling trails, nature programs, cookout shelters, and more. So there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy some fresh air.
15. Get back to nature at Red River Gorge.
Frozen waterfalls yesterday, in Menifee County and the Red River Gorge. #kywx @Kentuckyweather @JimWKYT @ChrisJohnsonWX @AdamBurnistonWX @KentuckyTourism @KYforKY pic.twitter.com/5XLLOlzuHJ
— Frames On Main (@framesonmain) January 9, 2018
This beautiful scenic area is within an hour’s drive and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, and the state’s best pizza at Miguel’s.
16. The city is steeped in history.
Mary Todd Lincoln grew up in Lexington and statesman Henry Clay built his beloved Ashland Estate here. Visit their historic homes or one of the other magnificent period buildings in the city.
17. Yes, that is peanut butter you smell.
Everything smells like peanut butter!!! #jif #smuckers #lexington pic.twitter.com/FkjvkiKX8C
— Leslie Anne Brooks (@lesliea_graham) May 7, 2017
Not all the time! But when the weather conditions are right, a certain aroma wafts through the air from the Smuckers Jif Factory.
18. Something for every musical taste.
Rupp Arena attracts the big rock names but other options for music lovers include the Lexington Opera House, the Lexington Philharmonic, and a host of smaller venues.
19. Discover your inner writer.
The Carnegie Center is a nationally-recognized educational facility that celebrates Kentucky’s rich literary heritage and nurtures new talent.
20. Getting away (should you want to) is easy.
Lexington is located at the intersection of I-75 and I-64, making it a hub for traffic heading both north to south and east to west. Louisville, Cincinnati, and Knoxville are all within easy reach.
