Lexington, Kentucky

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.