Lexington Earned Top Spot in National Travel Rankings

The city secured sixth place in the 39th annual Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Equestrian

Lexington Earned Top Spot in National Travel Rankings

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Lexington has been recognized as the sixth-best small city in the United States by readers of Condé Nast Traveler. The city was selected following a competition that saw voters cast nearly 800,000 ballots.

Why it matters

The ranking highlights how Lexington's unique blend of equestrian history, culinary offerings, and bourbon production has solidified its status as a premier destination for domestic travelers.

Lexington claimed sixth place out of all small U.S. cities featured in the 39th annual awards. Voters contributed to a total pool of 798,867 ballots cast throughout the selection period.

The players

Kentucky Horse Park

This facility is a premier equine center owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Keeneland

This historic venue is a major site for horse racing and sales located in Lexington.

Condé Nast Traveler

This publication hosts the annual Readers' Choice Awards to highlight top travel destinations.

The details

Local tourism is driven by attractions such as the Kentucky Horse Park, which has been open since 1972, and the Keeneland racecourse. Visitors are also drawn to the city's robust bourbon culture, which includes six distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a selection of over 150 options at Bourbon on Rye.

The Kentucky Horse Park first opened to the public in 1972.
Doodles restaurant began operations in Lexington in 2008.
The Keeneland 2026 Fall meet is scheduled to conclude on October 24, 2026.
The main season at the Kentucky Horse Park will end on November 8, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This award recognition underscores the growing influence of equestrian-focused tourism on the regional hospitality economy. The ranking validates the city's position as a major draw for visitors who participate in the seasonal events held at Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park.

The designation may lead to increased visitor volume during the remaining 2026 racing and event seasons. Travelers planning trips should note that the Keeneland Fall meet concludes October 24 and the Kentucky Horse Park season ends November 8.

The takeaway

Lexington continues to leverage its deep-rooted equestrian and bourbon heritage to attract a national tourism audience. Visitors can explore these historic sites by planning trips around the specific seasonal schedules for local parks and racing venues.