Lexington, Kentucky named one of the Top 5 Small Cities in America

We’re fans of the city of Lexington around here, but we’re admittedly biased. It turns out a lot of other people are too. Lexington was named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 10 Best Small Cities in the United States. It’s No. 4 on the list, which is based on the results of the magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Condé Nast Traveler defines small cities as those with populations of fewer than 350,000 people. Readers put Kentucky in the top five because of its spot on the Bourbon Trail and burgeoning culinary scene, with Doodles, Bourbon on Rye, and Crank & Boom all getting shoutouts. (The next time the editors are in town, we’re definitely inviting them to KSBar on a Wingsday.)

“Despite its Horse Capital of the World moniker, equines are only a small part of Lexington’s appeal. (Though the Kentucky Horse Park and the Keeneland Race Course are both worth a spot on your itinerary.) Thanks to its location on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the city is a treasure trove of distilleries, ranging from the biggies (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark) to local darlings like Fresh Bourbon Distillery and Bluegrass Distillers. Lexington’s spirits scene is matched only by its culinary scene: Be sure to stop by Doodles for loaded breakfast sandwiches, Bourbon on Rye for burgers topped with beer cheese, and Crank & Boom for an ice cream flight to write home about.”

Condé Nast Traveler

Lexington is in good company. Charleston tops the list for the second year in a row and the 12th time in the last 13 years. Santa Fe, New Mexico is No. 2, followed by Alexandria, Virginia.

1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
3. Alexandria, Virginia
4. Lexington, Kentucky
5. Greenville, South Carolina
6. Savannah, Georgia
7. Pensacola, Florida
8. Healdsburg, California
9. Key West, Florida
10. Chattanooga, Tennessee

With fall weather moving in, Keeneland’s Fall Meet starting on Friday, Kentucky Football in full swing, and Kentucky Basketball starting up, Lexington is really going to shine in the coming weeks. Get out and enjoy it.