Lexington KY is known as the Horse Capital of the World for its equestrian culture and thoroughbred horse racing. The city also boasts a vibrant craft beer scene that features a variety of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, and refreshing sours.

During the civil right movement, Lexingtonians protested segregation by staging sit-ins in local lunch counters. Some of these historic sites are still standing.

A Vibrant Culinary Scene

The world-famous Keeneland September Yearling Sale gets visitors in a Kentucky hunger, and the city offers plenty of foodie adventures to satisfy them.

Ramsey’s Diner in Lexington offers home cooking at its best. The diner specializes in local foods prepared simply, and nightly specials are a regular feature.

Dudley’s On Short is a great place to go for upscale dining. This old-school restaurant serves dinner every evening, lunch every Friday, and brunch on weekends.

Local chefs also bring new flavors to the City. Ouita Mich, who is a celebrated chef in the city and has created eight different restaurant concepts, is one of the most well-known. Her Holly Hill Inn is a premier destination for farm-to-table cuisine in a bucolic setting.

More recently, a handful of independent restaurants are making the most of Kentucky’s bounty. Coles 735 Main is one example. It was opened in 1938. This restaurant is a Lexington must-visit for its upscale, yet cozy atmosphere and chef-driven dishes.

Music and Performing Arts Scene Vibrant

Lexington’s music scene has experienced some setbacks. The Lexington music scene has seen its ups and downs.

Lexington is home to many performing arts venues where you can enjoy live music or other events. The Railbird Music Festival is held at Keeneland Racetrack, while the Manchester Music Hall was repurposed from a 200-year-old bourbon storage warehouse. Rupp Arena hosts concerts, motor sports events and UK men’s basketball games.

LexArts is a local nonprofit organization that supports community art experiences. ArtsPlace is a downtown arts center that has rehearsal and performance rooms, as well as studios for artists and galleries. Through its Fund for the Arts, it also funds many local arts groups. The Corridors Commission places landscaped artwork along city streets, including Man O’ War Pike and Newtown Pike and at the intersections of Oliver Lewis Way with Main Street.

A Family-Friendly City

Lexington KY offers plenty of opportunities for families to bond and create cherished memories. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, educational experience, or historical tour, there are plenty of ways to keep the whole family happy and engaged!

Enjoy the outdoors on the Legacy Trail, a paved path perfect for walking, biking, or jogging. You’ll see public art installations along the trail, as well as beautiful scenery that will help you reconnect with nature.

If you’re looking for a bit of history, take the Abraham Lincoln Tour and explore the Mary Todd Lincoln House. This walking tour will take you to the childhood places and secret destinations of President Lincoln and First Lady.

If you want to cool down, visit Malibu Jacks for a fun day of mini-golf and laser tag. The indoor go-kart tracks are a great way for kids to race their friends. Afterwards, they can refuel at Jack’s Sandbar and Grill. It’s a must-visit place for families in Lexington!

A Diverse Community

According to U.S. News’ analysis of 66 major cities, the Lexington community is becoming increasingly diverse. Over the last decade, Lexington has seen growth in every racial group except White.

The city’s Hispanic population also grew. There is now a 47.2 percent chance that two randomly chosen Lexington residents are of different races, the study found. This compares to 50.8% in Louisville and 49.8% nationally.

Desiree Jackson is an artist whose work hangs in the Diversity’s perspective art gallery at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center. She says that the Increase will be good for the local community. She wants Lexington to be a place where people of all backgrounds can come together.

CASA volunteers are a reflection of the community they serve, and that’s why it is important to include people from all backgrounds. Volunteers must commit at least five hours per month but can take on as many roles as they are able.