Daniel Boone was one of the first Anglo-Saxons to explore the Bluegrass area. Kentucky's first forts were established in Harrodsburg and Boonesborough. Lexington was founded in 1775, 17 years before Kentucky became a state. By 1820, it was one of the largest and wealthiest towns west of the Allegheny Mountains. So cultured was its lifestyle, Lexington gained the nickname "Athens of the West." 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.

Lexington is accessible by air with approximately 100 direct and nonstop flights. Fayette County consists of 283 square miles of gently rolling plateau in the center of the inner Bluegrass Region. The area is noted for its colorful Lexington hotels, restaurants, beauty, fertile soil, excellent pastureland and horse and stock farms. Numerous small creeks rise and flow into the Kentucky River. The estimated 1993 population of Lexington-Fayette County was 260,512. The estimated population of the metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which is comprised of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford counties, is approximately 425,000.

When you are in Lexington, be sure to stop by and see us at our downtown Visitor Center, 301 East Vine Street. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5, and Saturdays from 10 to 5. 

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. Lexington is accessible by air with approximately 100 direct and nonstop flights.

For a map of the central downtown district in PDF format, click here.
 
More than 3,000 acres in Fayette County are designated as park facilities. The four largest are Jacobson Park, Masterson Station Park, Shillito Park and Woodland Park. The area also offers 15 public and semi-private golf courses, including the Pete Dye designed, championship-caliber Kearney Hill Links. (See also Golf in the Bluegrass.) Horseback riding is available at the Kentucky Horse Park and a number of area stables. (See The Great Outdoors.)

Check out Lexington Area Interests