Lexington, Kentucky, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Lexington, Kentucky, has once again earned recognition from Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best small cities in the U.S., securing the 8th position in the latest Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the second consecutive year of acclaim for the city, highlighting its diverse attractions and culinary experiences that extend beyond its renowned equestrian culture. With over 757,000 survey responses contributing to the awards, Lexington’s appeal continues to flourish as it prepares for its 250th anniversary.
Lexington, Kentucky has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best small cities in the U.S. for the second consecutive year. This announcement was made on October 7 by VisitLEX, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, highlighting Lexington’s status as a premier travel destination.
In the 38th edition of the Readers’ Choice Awards, Lexington secured the 8th position among the top 10 small cities in the United States. This year’s awards resulted from an extensive survey that gathered over 757,000 responses from readers evaluating their travel experiences. According to VisitLEX, the recognition serves as a testament to the unforgettable experiences that Lexington offers visitors.
Although Lexington is famously known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” the magazine’s commentary emphasized that the city’s appeal stretches far beyond equestrianism. Lexington is strategically located along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, renowned for its rich array of distilleries. In addition to its beverage culture, the city boasts notable culinary highlights such as Doodles for breakfast sandwiches, Bourbon on Rye for beer cheese burgers, and Crank & Boom for ice cream flights.
While last year, Lexington earned similar accolades, it ranked higher in the previous year’s survey. Despite the dip in ranking, officials highlight the sustained excellence in the local hospitality sector and the diverse array of attractions that continue to draw tourists. Earlier this year, two Lexington-area restaurants were honored by Wine Spectator in its 2025 Restaurant Awards, further enhancing the city’s profile as a culinary destination.
In addition to Condé Nast Traveler’s recognition, Bloomberg recommended Lexington as a top travel destination in 2025, coinciding with the city’s planning events for its 250th anniversary. This cumulative recognition reiterates that Lexington has made significant strides in bolstering its tourism appeal through various attractions beyond its famous horses and bourbon.
The complete list of the top small cities as named by Condé Nast Traveler is as follows:
- 1. Charleston, S.C.
- 2. Santa Fe, N.M.
- 3. Alexandria, Va.
- 4. St. Augustine, Fla.
- 5. San Juan, P.R.
- 6. Savannah, Ga.
- 7. Oakland, Calif.
- 8. Lexington
- 9. Honolulu, Hawaii
- 10. Pensacola, Fla.
The full list of winners from the Readers’ Choice Awards will be published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website and celebrated in the upcoming November issue of the magazine. Additionally, visitors interested in exploring Lexington can request a printed Visitor Guide and learn more about the city’s diverse attractions.
FAQ Section
What recognition has Lexington, KY recently received?
Lexington has been recognized as one of the best small cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler for the second consecutive year.
What ranking did Lexington achieve in 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards?
Lexington was ranked No. 8 among the top 10 small cities in the United States.
How many responses were collected for the survey?
The survey garnered over 757,000 responses from readers who rated their travel experiences.
What culinary experiences can visitors enjoy in Lexington?
Visitors can experience Doodles for breakfast sandwiches, Bourbon on Rye for beer cheese burgers, and Crank & Boom for ice cream flights.
Chart: Key Features of Lexington’s Recognition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ranking in Readers’ Choice Awards | No. 8 among small U.S. cities |
| Survey Responses | Over 757,000 |
| Culinary Highlights | Doodles, Bourbon on Rye, Crank & Boom |
| Other Recognitions | Honored by Wine Spectator, Recommended by Bloomberg |
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Additional Resources
- VisitLEX: Lexington Earns Spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Small Cities in the US
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Ranks in Best Small Cities
- Smiley Pete: Lexington Named Among Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Small Cities
- Condé Nast Traveler: The Perfect Lexington, KY Itinerary
- Southern Living: Exploring Lexington, KY
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Lexington Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington
- Google News: Lexington Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
