Dicksie Mims Ward Serving Kentucky (859) 351-1265

Lexington Area Guide

Welcome to the beautiful city of Lexington, Kentucky! Lexington offers visitors and residents alike a peaceful atmosphere magnified by the scenic landscape as seen in flowing creeks, grassy pastureland, and gently rolling plateau. Lexington is the second-largest city in the state of Kentucky, home to more than 296,545 residents, and is best known as the “Thoroughbred City” or the “Horse Capital of the World”. Lexington gained these titles by being home to the headquarters of Lexmark International, the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland race course, Red Mile race course, as well as being host to the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. Being the “Horse Capital of the World” isn’t Lexington’s only claim to fame; Lexington is proud to rank seventh among the United States cities in college education rate, with over 45.9% of the population having at least a Bachelor’s Degree. Lexington is home to several top-notch colleges and universities, including Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky and Bluegrass Community & Technical College. To discover more about what awaits you in Lexington, please visit: http://www.visitlex.com/about/

History

Lexington’s rich history dates back to 1775, when the campsite that would later become the city of Lexington was named after the colonists’ victory in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Lexington was originally founded as what was then part of Virginia, but later became part of Kentucky when the state was founded in 1792. The site of Lexington did not become a permanent settlement until 1779, when Colonel Robert Patterson and 25 companions build a blockhouse. The blockhouse was shortly followed by cabins, a stockade, and a fort known as Bryan Station. Colonists defended Bryan Station against a British and American Indian attack in 1782, during the last part of the American Revolution.

On May 6, 1782, the town of Lexington was first established as an act of the Virginia General Assembly. In 1790 the First African Baptist Church was founded and it is the oldest black Baptist congregation in Kentucky and the third oldest in the United States. By 1820, Lexington had blossomed into the one of the largest and wealthiest towns in the west, earning the nickname “Athens of the West”. In 1833, disaster struck with the outbreak of a devastating cholera epidemic, killing 500 of the 7,000 residents in two months. Additional outbreaks occurred in 1848-49 and in the early 1850s.

During the 19th century, many prominent Americans spent time in the city of Lexington. This included United States President Abraham Lincoln, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Confederate general John Hunt Morgan, U.S. Senator and Vice President John C. Breckinridge, and Speaker of the House, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State Henry Clay. Lincoln's wife Mary Todd Lincoln was born and raised in Lexington.

In 1935 Lexington was home to one of the first drug rehabilitation clinics, known as the "Addiction Research Center". The first alcohol and drug rehabilitation hospital in the United States was also known as "Narco" of Lexington, as well as the "Addiction Research Center” and it was later converted into a federal prison.

Attractions & Activities

Lexington is home to a wide variety of attractions and activities for every interest. Lexington really does have it all with excellent museums http://www.asbmuseum.org/, fascinating historic sites, delicious breweries and distilling plants, shopping opportunities, theatres, http://www.kentuckytheater.com/, arts, http://www.lexarts.org/, and so much more! Spend a day with your family exploring one of the many exhibits offered at local museums or relaxing in one of Lexington’s many parks. Whatever your situation may be, Lexington is sure to have something to entertain you. Please click here to see Lexington’s official list of attractions and activities. http://www.visitlex.com/whattodo/attractions.php

The Thoroughbred Center
http://www.thethoroughbredcenter.com/

Welcome to Bluegrass Farmers' Market, the only farmers market in Lexington, Kentucky providing 100% locally grown products. http://www.bluegrassfarmersmarket.org/

Lexington Farmer's Market
The Lexington Farmers' Market, as we are known to our customers, has developed into a four day per week market during the season.  Our normal outdoor season is mid-April until late November, but we operate year-round from December to mid-April in Victorian Square Plaza. http://www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.com/

Kentucky Horse Park
http://www.kyhorsepark.com/

Talon Winery
Talon Winery at historic Fair View Farm is Lexington, Kentucky's winery. Stroll through our lush vineyard and uniquely inviting tasting room and gift shop located in the original 18th century farmhouse. http://www.talonwine.com/

Parks & Recreation

The City of Lexington is home to an excellent parks and recreation service that offers visitors and residents alike myriad opportunities to improve their quality of life. The City maintains Jacobnson Park, Woodland Park, Materson Station Park, Castlewood Park, as well as numerous others. Each of these parks has a unique list of amenities to suit you and your family’s needs. Disc golf is offered at three park locations, including River Hill Park, Shillito Park, and Veterans Park. Dog park areas are located at: Jacobson, Masterson Station, Wellington and Coldstream parks. To find out more about what the City of Lexington’s Parks and Recreation can offer you, please visit: http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=253.

Events Calendar

Throughout the year Lexington provides numerous events for everyone to enjoy. To find out about some of these exciting upcoming events, please visit Lexington’s official event website at: Lexington Calendar of Events