It’s not just local residents and institutions like Transylvania University celebrating Lexington on its 250th anniversary — out-of-towners have been showing their love as well, recently featuring the city on regional, national and global “best of” lists.
The honors include landing on:
- Bloomberg’s list of the top 25 destinations across the globe: “Where to go in 2025.”
- Southern Living’s The South’s Best Cities — No. 10.
- Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 5 Best Small Cities in the U.S. — No. 4.
- U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live in the U.S. — No. 15.
- Matador Network’s 25 Places to Go in 2025.
“Lexington’s 250th anniversary is shaping up to be truly extraordinary,” VisitLEX said in a rundown of some of the recent recognitions.
The articles accompanying the “best of” lists not only mention the usual horse farms and bourbon tours, but also the walkable downtown, schools, strong economy, new 22-mile biking and walking trail, restaurants and the arts scene.
The write-ups also noted the town’s yearlong celebration, specifically that June is “Come Home” month featuring a variety of events.
“Horse races, elaborate hats and bourbon trails: Tradition-filled Lexington will celebrate its 250th anniversary in June, offering a chance to see the Southern belle in rapid evolution,” according to Bloomberg.
Transylvania student Tucker Strode said he likes attending the school’s small campus while also living in a vibrant city like Lexington. “There’s tons of things to do.” Strode has his favorite spots like a deli where he’s been so much he doesn’t have to say what he wants anymore. And even though he’s a senior, he’s still discovering new restaurants and coffee shops. “This year, I started just walking around Lexington looking for different places.”
On March 28 and 29, Transylvania celebrates its close ties with the local community as part of the 250LEX College Town Showcase. Activities on tap include tours, sports events and cultural offerings like the Judy Gaines Young Book Award ceremony, Special Collections tours and a senior art exhibition.