Lexington Local History

The Bluegrass Region was being used as a hunting ground for the numerous Native American Tribes when the European settlers arrived. Daniel Boone, first to explore the area, helped establish the first forts in the Harrodsburg and Boones borough.

Lexington was founded in 1775, and was the largest and wealthiest town west of the Allegheny Mountains by 1820.

Lexington gained the nickname 'Athens of the West' because of its cultured lifestyle.

Lexington Attractions

Lexington Shopping

The shopping scene in Lexington you can purchase anything from hand-painted dolls from Russia, pottery made from local clay, to a 19th century armoire. The possibilities are endless with most of the surrounding area a shopper's paradise.

Bybee Pottery This is the oldest continuously working pottery west of the Alleghenies. There are some exquisite pieces for sale here.

Berea This is about 40 miles south of Lexington and there are dozens of antiques stores and working arts and crafts studios.

Lexington Activities

Lexington children's Museum Located at Victorian Square. At the Lexington Children's Museum there are seven galleries and nearly 100 visual and hands on exhibits for children to explore. There are exhibits about nature, world geography and culture, archaeology and the history of Lexington.

Lexington Parks & Gardens

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary This is 350 acres of preserved land, which protects hundreds of animals and plant life. There is approximately seven miles of hiking trails, which wind through forests, creeks and meadow ecosystems and past historic and geological landmarks along the Kentucky River Palisades.

Kentucky Horse Park At the Kentucky Horse Park you will be able to go horseback riding, an experience to be savoured. The Park is beautifully situated between trees, and is such a peaceful experience.

Jacobson Park - Masterson Station Park, Shilliti Park and Woodland Park are the four largest parks in the more than 3 000 acres in the Fayette County, which are designated as park facilities.

Lexington Restaurants and Bars

Lexington Restaurants

Billy's Bar-B-Q Located at 101 Cochran Road. At Billy's the atmosphere is cool and the food is great. They specialize in the Bar-B-Q Kentucky-style. You must try their 'dillickles' - breaded fried pickle slices, simply out of this world.

Damon's 1920 Pleasant Ridge Drive. Damon's is renowned for its ribs. This restaurant is great for sports fans. There are four large screen TV's and an indoor golf simulator.

The Atomic Cafe 265 North Limestone. This Cafe offers Caribbean-inspired entrees and reggae music in the background making this a different dining experience. The murals on the walls fascinate young and old alike.

Lygnah's Irish Pub 384 Woodland Avenue. This Irish Pub pays tribute to Lexington's Celtic heritage. Lygnah's Irish Pub has been featured in Southern Living for having the best hamburgers in the Bluegrass, which is no easy feat.

Lexington Bars & Clubs

Blue Moon Saloon Located at 815 E. Euclid Avenue. The Blue Moon Saloon has the best dance music from the 60's, 70's and 80's. The Saloon is open from Thursday to Sunday.

Austin City Saloon Located at 2350 Wood Hill Drive. Austin City Saloon is something for all country music enthusiasts. Don't forget to wear your cowboy boots, and join in the two-step dancing. There is also karaoke for those who love to sing along and a mechanical bull.

Cheapside Bar & Grill This bar is for all who love rhythm and blues. There is a great atmosphere, good music and excellent food.

Coach House For the best jazz in town, a great place to relax and enjoy the music with many fine guest performers. On Friday and Saturday nights, Coach House has a three-piece band that performs some really fantastic jazz.