A- Overview:
Lexington, Kentucky is best known for its horses and bluegrass. It was here that Bluegrass music was born. Lexington, the world capital of racehorse breeding and burley tobacco was named by patriotic hunters who camped here in 1775 shortly after hearing news of the first battle of Revolutionary War at Lexington, Massachusetts.
Huge caverns and Appalachian hikes attract adventurous tourists. History buffs can walk where Daniel Boone hunted and enjoy all the sites that he may have encountered. Visitors can also take a step back in time at the birthplace of one of our President’s, Abraham Lincoln; Ashland, Henry Clay’s estate; the Hunt-Morgan House, the Bodley-Bullock House and Waveland. For the Bourbon connoisseurs, Lexington has a fine variety of distilleries – offering samples to those who visit. If fast paced excitement, is more to your style then be sure to play the odds while enjoying a cup of burgoo at the Kentucky Derby.
Lexington is outlined by winding roads, miles of white-planked fences, rolling countryside and picturesque horse farms. Lexington does, however, offer numerous cultural activities including the Lexington Philharmonic, the newly-expanded Lexington Children’s Theatre, the Lexington Children’s Museum, Broadway Live, and the Ballet Theatre of Lexington.
For the sports enthusiasts, Lexington provides entertainment by keeping fans cheering in the stands for The American Hockey League’s Kentucky Thorough blades and the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team. In the stadium, football enthusiasts can enjoy Southeastern Conference football at the newly expanded Commonwealth Stadium on UK’s campus.
Lexington’s charms its visitors both by the close proximity of the area’s rural surroundings and by the metropolitan conveniences of a dynamic city.
B- City Information:
Population: 260,512
Elevation: 978 feet above sea level
Land Area: 284.6 square miles
Location: Centrally located in Kentucky, 80 miles east of Louisville and 90 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Lexington, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Lexington observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
32.1
36.5
45.6
54.7
63.9
72.3
76.2
74.8
68.1
56.7
46.0
36.5
High temperature (°F)
40.2
45.5
55.6
65.4
74.3
82.5
86.1
84.9
78.4
67.3
54.9
44.6
Low temperature (°F)
24.1
27.5
35.7
43.9
53.4
62.1
66.3
64.7
57.7
46.2
37.2
28.4
Precipitation (in)
3.4
3.3
4.4
3.7
4.8
4.4
4.7
3.6
3.2
2.8
3.5
4.1
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
12
11
13
12
12
11
11
9
8
8
11
12
Wind speed (mph)
10.5
10.5
10.8
10.4
8.6
7.9
7.2
6.8
7.6
8.1
9.8
10.2
Morning humidity (%)
81
79
77
76
81
84
86
88
88
85
81
81
Afternoon humidity (%)
69
64
58
55
58
58
59
59
58
57
63
68
Sunshine (%)
39
46
50
56
59
65
65
65
63
59
43
38
Days clear of clouds
6
6
6
6
7
7
8
9
10
12
7
6
Partly cloudy days
6
6
7
9
10
12
12
12
8
7
7
6
Cloudy days
20
17
18
15
14
11
11
10
11
12
17
19
Snowfall (in)
5.8
4.7
2.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.6
1.9
Local Seasons:
With the exception of winter, there is really no slow season in this beautiful city. Spring tends to be busy as a result of the Kentucky Derby, held annually in nearly Louisville. In addition, with the spring temperatures rising 10 degrees each month from March until summer, the area comes alive with the beauty of spring blossoms. The fall is quite lovely as the temperatures begin to drop, along with a multitude of falling leaves and colors too many to list. Summer is perfect for any of the numerous outdoor activities with daytime temperatures in the low 80’s F and nights cooling off to the comfortable mid 60’s F. Visitors can expect some snow during the winter. This city offers four distinct seasons that include cool plateau breezes, moderate nights in the summer, and no prolonged periods of heat, cold, rain, wind, or snow, making any time of year ideal for a visit.
How to get there:
By Air
Lexington Airport
4000 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40510
606-254-9336
Located six miles west of the city, the airport is served by many of the nationally known carriers as well as certain local and regional airlines.
By Car
Within a day’s drive of 75% of the population of the United States, Lexington is strategically located at the intersection of Interstates 64 and 75.
By Bus
Greyhound
477 W New Circle Road NW
Lexington, KY 40511
859-299-0428
Ground Transportation:
Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi and limousine service is available at the airport.
How to get around:
A car is a must as a means of getting around, either a personal car or a rental car is advisable. Also available is local transportation:
Lex-Trans
606-233-7299
Offers transportation to the University as well as the suburbs.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day- Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day- 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day- 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day- last Mon. in May
Independence Day- July 4
Labor Day- 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day- 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day- Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve- Dec. 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Gratz House
231 N. Mill St
606-233-3290
This lavish, privately owned house was built by a rich hemp manufacturer. Visitors will enjoy the architecture and furnishings of this southern masterpiece.
Mary Todd Lincoln House
578 W. Main St
606-233-9999
Built in 1832, this house belonged to the parents of Abraham Lincoln’s wife. It is full of period furnishings and displays Lincoln and Todd family memorabilia.
University of Kentucky Anthropology Museum
201 Lafferty Hall
606-257-7112
This museum has exhibits on evolution and Kentucky culture that are fun for the whole family. The museum is one of the finest of its kind in the region.
University of Kentucky Art Museum
121 Singletary Center for the Arts
606-257-5716
This museum features a wonderful permanent collection of regional and national art. It is also a frequent host for traveling exhibitions.
Lexington Children’s Museum
401 W. Main St
606-258-3256
Kids love the interactive exhibits they find at this museum dedicated to educating children. One of the favorite exhibits is the archaeology dig.
American Saddle Horse Museum
4093 Iron Works Pike
606-259-2746
This privately owned museum located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park is a colorful and contemporary showcase of the American Saddle bred, Kentucky’s native breed of horse.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
120 Sycamore Road
606-266-8581
Ashland, the home of famous 19th-century statesman Henry Clay, is located a short distance from downtown Lexington on a beautiful 20-acre wooded estate.
Aviation Museum of Kentucky
Hangar Drive
Lexington, KY
(606) 231-1219
This museum features restored historic aircraft, aviation artifacts and equipment, interactive displays and a gift shop. Kid and adults love the feeling of adventure inspired by this wonderful collection.
McConnell Springs
Quarry Drive
606-288-2900
Originally a campsite for the first settlers in the Bluegrass, this 23-acre park features an array of historical and environmental features. Trails through the park take visitors past natural springs and the remains of an historic gristmill and farm.
University of Kentucky Basketball Museum
P.O. Box 89
800-269-1953
The University of Kentucky Basketball Museum salutes the 96-year history of the country’s most successful men’s collegiate basketball team through interactive, high-tech exhibits, historical timelines, and artifact displays. The museum is located in the Civic Center, adjacent to the “Cats” home court, Rupp Arena.
Lexington Livery Co.
606-259-0000
Take a tour in a horse-drawn carriage.
John Hunt Morgan House
201 North Mill Street
606-253-0362
The former home of John Hunt, a Confederate General and his great-grandson, Thomas Hunt Morgan, who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1933 for providing the existence of the gene.
The Castle
Just west of the city on Versailles Road
A Lexington curiosity is the huge castle with eight turrets and 70-foot-tall corner towers. It was started by a Fayette County developer in 1969 as his private residence, but it was never finished.
The Headley-Whitney Museum
Old Frankfurt Pike
505-255-6653
This museum houses an eclectic, personal, three-building collection of Asian porcelains, masks, paintings, shells, and jeweled bibelots.
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Pike
606-233-4303
Kentucky Horse Park is a Thoroughbred showcase location. It offers films, a breeds shoe, farm tours, a museum, and art gallery and campgrounds.
Lexington Children’s Theater
606-254-4546
Lexington Children’s Theatre offers performances for young audiences.
Victorian Square
401 North Main Street
An entire downtown block of Victorian buildings that contains retail and dining establishments.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Mary Todd Lincoln House
578 W. Main St
606-233-9999
Built in 1832, this house belonged to the parents of Abraham Lincoln’s wife. It is full of period furnishings and displays Lincoln and Todd family memorabilia.
University of Kentucky Anthropology Museum
201 Lafferty Hall
606-257-7112
This museum has exhibits on evolution and Kentucky culture that are fun for the whole family. The museum is one of the finest of its kind in the region.
Lexington Children’s Museum
401 W. Main St
606-258-3256
Kids love the interactive exhibits they find at this museum dedicated to educating children. One of the favorite exhibits is the archaeology dig.
American Saddle Horse Museum
4093 Iron Works Pike
606-259-2746
This privately owned museum located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park is a colorful and contemporary showcase of the American Saddle bred, Kentucky’s native breed of horse.
Aviation Museum of Kentucky
Hangar Drive
Lexington, KY
(606) 231-1219
This museum features restored historic aircraft, aviation artifacts and equipment, interactive displays and a gift shop. Kid and adults love the feeling of adventure inspired by this wonderful collection.
McConnell Springs
Quarry Drive
606-288-2900
Originally a campsite for the first settlers in the Bluegrass, this 23-acre park features an array of historical and environmental features. Trails through the park take visitors past natural springs and the remains of an historic gristmill and farm.
University of Kentucky Basketball Museum
P.O. Box 89
800-269-1953
The University of Kentucky Basketball Museum salutes the 96-year history of the country’s most successful men’s collegiate basketball team through interactive, high-tech exhibits, historical timelines, and artifact displays. The museum is located in the Civic Center, adjacent to the “Cats” home court, Rupp Arena.
The Castle
Just west of the city on Versailles Road
A Lexington curiosity is the huge castle with eight turrets and 70-foot-tall corner towers. It was started by a Fayette County developer in 1969 as his private residence, but it was never finished.
The Headley-Whitney Museum
Old Frankfurt Pike
505-255-0653
This museum houses an eclectic, personal, three-building collection of Asian porcelains, masks, paintings, shells, and jeweled bibelots.
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Pike
606-233-4303
Kentucky Horse Park is a Thoroughbred showcase location. It offers films, a breeds shoe, farm tours, a museum, and art gallery and campgrounds.
Lexington Children’s Theater
606-254-4546
Lexington Children’s Theatre offers performances for young audiences.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events & Entertainment
January
Keeneland Horse Sales
Held in mid January
Location: Keeneland Race Course
800-456-3412
Horses of all ages are available for purchase.
February
Kentucky Sport, Boat and Recreation Show
Held in early February
Location: Rupp Arena
859-233-4567
A complete selection for the enthusiast.
March
Danville Heritage Festival
Held in early March
Location: Danville High School
800-755-0076
An event that celebrates the heritages of the many ethnic groups in the Boyle County area; among them Japanese, Native American, and African American, as well as European. Enjoy ethnic food, plays, music and creative dance, children’s arts and crafts.
Lexington Antiques & Garden Show
Held in mid March
Location: Keene Barn @ Keeneland
859-253-0362
The Blue Grass for Historic Preservation sponsors this show featuring over 40 distinguished antique dealers and garden specialists.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Held in mid March
Location: Downtown Lexington
859-278-7349
Leprechauns and shamrocks can be spotted on Lexington’s Main Street during this parade through downtown.
Bluegrass State Winter Games
Held in mid March
Location: Varies throughout the county
859-255-0336
Flag football, indoor soccer and volleyball are played at various Lexington locations.
Central Kentucky Home & Garden Show
Held in late March
Location: Lexington Center
859-233-4567
Everything for the home as well as the garden.
April
International Kite and Cultural Festival
Held in mid April
Location: Georgetown
502-863-1575
Kite competitions, classes and nonstop cultural entertainment.
Keeneland Two – Year Olds in Training Sale
Held in mid April
859-254-3412
The April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale was inaugurated in 1993 to meet the growing demand of owners wishing to purchase racehorses already in training.
Rolex Kentucky Three – Day Event
Held in late April
Location: Kentucky Horse Park
Featuring the only Four Star Three-Day Event in the Americas. The weekend additionally offers an international trade fair, various demonstrations and exhibitions.
May
Kentucky Derby Simulcast
Held in early May
Location: Keeneland Race Course
800-456-3412
Festivities include live music, pony rides, free popcorn, and much more.
Mayfest Art Fair
Held in mid May
Location: Gratz Park/Transylvania University
859-231-7335
Celebration performing, visual and literary arts.
Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen Spring Fair
Held in mid May
Location: Memorial Park/Berea
859-986-3192
Exquisite works by over 100 regional artists and craftsmen, live music, dance and demonstrations. Memorial Park is located at the corner of Jefferson and South Broadway, Berea.
High Hope Steeplechase
Held in mid May
Location: Kentucky Horse Park
859-255-5727
Sanctioned races over brush and timber.
Kentucky High School Invitational Rodeo
Held in late May
Location: Kentucky Horse Park
859-484-2214
Some of the best athletes in America compete over three days.
June
Highway 68-80 Sale
Held in early June
Location: Paducah to Maysville
800-755-0076
400 miles (across Kentucky’s historic 68/80) of antiques, collectibles & stuff.
Annual Egyptian Event
Held in early June
Location: Kentucky Horse Park
859-231-0771
Featuring Egyptian Arabians in performance, halter, dressage and native costume competitions.
Festival of the Bluegrass
Held in early – mid June
Location: Kentucky Horse Park Campground
859-846-4995
Annual jamboree featuring some of the best Bluegrass music in Kentucky and top national performers.
Suburban Woman’s Club Horse Farm Tours
Held in mid June
Location: Keeneland Sales Pavilion
859-243-0338
Four-hour bus tour takes in a number of well known thoroughbred horse farms.
Great American Brass and Festival
Held in mid June
Location: Centre College/Danville
800-755-0076
July
Lexington Shakespeare Festival
Held in early – mid July
Location: U.K. Arboretum
859-257-4829
Berea Craft Festival
Held in early July
Location: Indian Ft. Theater
800-598-5263
A national showcase in celebration of handcrafted heritage.
Woodland Jubilee
Held in early July
Location: Woodland Park
859-288-2925
Known as one of the region’s great music festivals.
Lexington Junior League Horse Show
Held in mid July
Location: Red Mile Harness Track
859-252-1893
One of the nation’s largest outdoor Saddle bred horse shows.
Lexington Lions’ Club Bluegrass Fair
Held in mid – late July
Location: Masterson Station Park
859-233-1465
Grandstand shows include demolition derbies, motocross races, petting farm, truck and tractor pulls and more. Over 50 carnival rides, games and shows.
Keeneland July Selected Yearling Sales
Held in mid July
Location: Keeneland Sales Pavilion
800-456-3412
The annual event attracts buyers from all over the world and spectators are welcome.
Bluegrass State Summer Games
Held in late July
Location: Various locations throughout the city
859-255-0336
From water sports to bowling, chess to gymnastics. This is one of Kentucky’s largest amateur sports events.
BreyerFest
Held in late July
Location: Kentucky Horse Park
973-633-5090
Discover the world of Breyer model horses including competitions, clinics and a trade fair.
August
Ballet Under the Stars
Held in early August
Location: Woodland Park
859-288-2925
Stretch out under the stars for an evening of dance presented by professional quality dancers.
Highway 127 Corridor Sale
Held in early August
Location: Covington, Kentucky to Gadsden, Alabama
931-879-9948
Enjoy a 450-mile adventure. Covington, KY is the starting point…and the roadside bargains extend south to Alabama.
Woodland Arts Fair
Held in mid August
Location: Woodland Park
859-254-7024
More than 150 artists and crafts people participate in this fresh air art fair.
September
Keeneland September Yearling Sale
Held in mid – late September
Location: Keeneland Race Course
859-254-3412
This sale attracts buyers from all over the world. Spectators welcome.
Historic Constitution Square Festival
Held in mid September
Location: Constitution Square/Danville
800-755-0076
Admission Free
Kentucky’s historic past, circa 1780-1820, can be seen at this quality arts and craft festival which features 75 exhibitors showcasing the best of local and Kentucky culture with living history encampments and regional entertainers.
Museum Go-Round
Held in late September
Location: Short Street, downtown Lexington
859-258-3256
Art festival for and by young people.
October
Forkland Heritage Festival
Held in early October
Location: Gravel Switch, Kentucky
859-332-7839
Termed “the only true folk festival in Kentucky”, this is an opportunity to experience the folksy atmosphere of the “Fork” and its people.
Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen Fall Fair
Held in early October
Location: Indian Ft. Theater, Berea
859-986-2540
Regional artists display their works and wares at this outdoor festival.
Perryville Battlefield Re-enactment and Commemoration
Held in early October
Location: Perryville Battlefield
800-755-0076
The re-enactment events are held on 600 acres of pristine Battlefield site, as well as in the historic town of Perryville, where Merchants Row stands much as it did in 1862 when the Confederate and Union armies clashed on October 8, 1862.
November
Farmers’ Market
Held in early November
Location: West Vine Street
859-548-3516
Fruits and vegetables, herbs, flowers, jams and jellies, honey, Kentucky specialties and more.
Annual Pouring for the Pantry Open House
Held in early November
Location: Equus Run Vineyards
859-846-9463
Bring two or more nonperishable food items to be donated to God’s Pantry Food Bank and receive a complimentary wine tasting. Taste the newest wine releases, sample scrumptious nibbles and enjoy live music.
Snowbird Dressage
Held in early November
Location: Kentucky Horse Park
850-846-4889
Winter series of indoor dressage competition.
Southern Lights Stroll/5K Run
Held in mid November
Location: Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4219
Walk, run or stroll through 3.1 miles the dazzling Southern Lights display.
Candlelight Tour
Held in mid November
Location: Kentucky History Center
859-564-1792
The Kentucky History Center comes alive with seasonal sights and sounds for this annual event.
Downtown Holiday Magic
Held in mid November
Location: Georgetown, Kentucky
502-863-5424
Kick off the holiday season in the heart of Georgetown with open houses, in-store specials, caroling, and lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Photos and visits with Santa, book signing, storytelling, and children’s activities.
Southern Lights
Held mid – late November
Location: Kentucky Horse Park
859-255-5727
A Southeast Tourism Top 20 Events Winner. Animated light displays are arranged along a drive-at-your-own pace 4-mile route through the Park.
Lexington Christmas Tree Lighting
Held in late November
Location: Triangle Park
859-258-3123
Annual tree lighting with activities beginning at 5:45 p.m. After the event, downtown hosts live music, ice sculptures, carriage rides, holiday and storybook characters and more.
Jewelry, Christmas decorations, clothing, crafts, pottery, Santa and much more.
Kenny Woods Gun and Knife Show
Held in late November
Location: Lexington Convention Center
859-233-4567
Winter Trade Days at the Fort
Held in late November
Location: Fort Boonesborough
859-527-3131
Eighteenth century merchants and traders again “set up shops” in the cabins and blockhouses of the Fort. A perfect opportunity for 18th Century Christmas shopping while learning about the material culture of the Kentucky Frontier.
Keeneland Arts Fair
Held in late November
Location: Keene Barn @ Keeneland
859-288-2925
This juried arts fair will feature 90 of the area’s finest artists and craftsmen. Shoppers can expect to see the highest quality, handcrafted items consisting of pottery, painting, metal works, glass works, fiber, weaving, photography and much more.
December
Amerson Farm Christmas Tree Festival
Held most of December
Location: Amerson Farm, Georgetown, Kentucky
502-863-3799
Wreath making demonstrations, photo opportunities, gift baskets, drawing for free wreath and Christmas tree.
Southern Lights
Held all of December
Location: Kentucky Horse Park
859-255-5727
A Southeast Tourism Top 20 Events Winner. Animated light displays are arranged along a drive-at-your-own pace 4-mile route through the Park.
Lexington Christmas Parade
Held in early December
Location: Downtown Lexington
850-231-7335
One of the largest Christmas parades in the Commonwealth.
Holiday Express
Held in early December
Location: Woodford County Park
859-873-2476
Climb aboard the Bluegrass Scenic Railway for a scenic holiday train excursion past holiday scenes, elves and Bluegrass countryside. The 45-minute excursions leave from Woodford County Park at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Candlelight Tour of Ashland and Ashland Park Neighborhood Homes
Held in mid December
Location: Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
859-266-8581
The mansion is beautifully backlit with candles and lanterns. Five beautiful homes all within walking distance of Ashland, in the surrounding historic Ashland Park Neighborhood, will be open for touring as well. Hot cider and sweets are served in the charming circa 1846 Grounds Keeper’s Cottage on the grounds of the estate.
Entertainment
The Lexington Ballet
161 North Mill Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
859-233-3925
The Lexington Ballet is a not-for-profit organization celebrating the highest quality ballet performances in the region and operating Central Kentucky’s only pre-professional ballet school.
Lexington Opera House
430 West Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-233-4567
Enjoy Broadway and more at this historic theater. Originally built in 1886 and renovated in 1976, The Lexington Opera House is naturally an ideal setting for all kinds of performing arts events with complete technical services available. The theater house seats approximately 1,000 (depending on technical needs) with orchestra level (main floor) and two balconies.
Lexington Opera Company
1010 McClain Dr
Lexington, KY 40505
859-231-6994
Experience opera at its best.
Lexington Philharmonic
161 North Mill Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
859-233-4226
Experience all that classical music represents. The term “classical music” can represent anything from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony to a Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto. Hear wonderful music played by a symphonic ensemble comprised of strings (violins, violas, cellos and basses), woodwinds (clarinets, oboes, flutes and bassoons), brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas) and percussion (drums, xylophones and bells).
The Kentucky Theatre
214 East Main St.
Lexington, KY 40507
859-231-6997
The Kentucky Theater, constructed in 1921-22, was designed and constructed prior to the influences of the “exotic” styles popularized by prestigious theater architects George and C.W. Rapp, John Eberson and Thomas Lamb for their movie palaces and houses constructed after 1925. Though never a movie palace by national standards, the Kentucky Theater remains as Lexington’s largest and only surviving grand movie theater from the Golden Age.
Sports
University of Kentucky
740 S Limestone
Lexington, KY 40536
859-323-5694
Virtually every major sport is played at the University. Call for complete schedule.