News Summary
Lexington has been named the No. 10 best city to visit in the South for 2025 by Southern Living readers, rising from last year’s No. 11 ranking. This recognition, based on a survey of over 10,000 respondents, highlights the city’s appeal as a tourist destination. The ongoing celebration of Lexington’s 250th birthday and its rich equestrian culture, bourbon heritage, and diverse attractions play a crucial role in drawing visitors. The city stands proudly alongside other popular Southern cities, further establishing its presence in the tourism sector.
Lexington has been recognized as the No. 10 best city to visit in the South for 2025 by readers of Southern Living. This accolade, announced recently, positions Lexington among a competitive list of Southern cities, highlighting its growing appeal as a tourist destination. The ranking is based on a survey conducted from July to August 2024, with over 10,000 respondents participating.
This year’s recognition marks a notable achievement for Lexington, as it improves from last year’s No. 11 ranking in 2024. The city’s ongoing celebration of its 250th birthday is a key factor that has drawn attention from travelers. This centennial milestone not only enriches the city’s cultural heritage but also enhances its attractiveness to visitors.
Within this recognition, Southern Living writer Lisa Cericola emphasized Lexington’s historical significance as a prominent destination renowned for its horses and bourbon. While these elements remain a major draw, the city also offers a diverse array of attractions that appeal broadly to visitors. This includes its picturesque horse farms and a burgeoning bourbon distillery scene, alongside a wealth of local attractions often missed by first-time visitors.
In the ranking, Lexington stands just behind Atlanta. The 20 best cities to visit in the South for 2025, according to Southern Living, also includes cities like Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Asheville, N.C.; New Orleans, La.; and Nashville, Tenn.
The announcement of this accolade reflects Lexington’s increasing visibility on the national tourism stage. The city offers a vibrant mix of activities and attractions, which cater to a wide range of interests. Among the highlights are the popular horse races at Keeneland, the extensive Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and a lively downtown filled with shops and restaurants.
Alongside its famed equestrian culture and bourbon production, Lexington boasts a thriving arts scene and a variety of culinary offerings, drawing foodies and culture enthusiasts alike. The city’s unique blend of attractions creates a rich experience for visitors, showcasing its heritage and contemporary vitality.
Despite this prestigious recognition, the Herald-Leader sought to obtain a comment from Lexington’s mayor’s office regarding the accolade but did not receive a response. The city previously garnered praise from Southern Living editors in 2024 as one of their favorite places to visit, reinforcing its status as a top travel destination in the region.
As travelers consider their trip plans for 2025, Lexington’s picturesque landscapes and cultural richness stand out as a compelling choice in Southern tourism. With numerous hidden gems yet to be discovered, visitors are encouraged to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.
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Additional Resources
- Southern Living: Lexington – No. 10 Best City to Visit
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Visit Lex: Lexington Recognized in Southern Living
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: Lexington’s Recognition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
