Lexington Ranks Sixth Among Best U.S. Small Cities

Condé Nast Traveler readers placed the Kentucky city in their top ten list for the 39th annual awards.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Europe

Lexington Ranks Sixth Among Best U.S. Small Cities

Live Poll

Do national travel rankings influence your decision to visit a specific city?

Lexington earned the sixth spot on the latest Condé Nast Traveler list of the best small cities in the U.S. Nearly 800,000 readers cast votes for the 39th Readers' Choice Awards to determine the winners.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the city's appeal as a travel destination, citing landmarks like the Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland alongside its thriving bourbon culture. The award validates the region's efforts to grow its tourism presence.

Lexington earned the No. 6 spot in the survey of nearly 800,000 voters. The area currently features six stops on the Bourbon Trail, while local venue Bourbon on Rye maintains an inventory of more than 150 different bourbons.

The players

Condé Nast Traveler

This publication provides travel news and lifestyle recommendations while hosting the annual Readers' Choice Awards.

Kentucky Horse Park

This facility is a well-known equine-themed destination that hosts various events and seasonal exhibitions.

Keeneland

This historic thoroughbred race track and auction house serves as a major landmark for the city.

The details

The ranking draws attention to the city's unique mix of culinary and cultural sites, including long-standing businesses like Doodles, which has operated since 2008. Other regional highlights mentioned include Crank & Boom, which recently advanced to the Round of 16 in a national ice cream tournament.

Doodles has served locally sourced breakfast and lunch since 2008.
Keeneland's 2026 Fall meet closes on October 24, 2026.
Kentucky Horse Park main season ends on November 8, 2026.

Travel Outlook

This accolade aligns with the broader push to highlight regional U.S. travel hubs outside of major metropolitan centers. It follows the pattern set by the 39th Readers' Choice Awards in validating the growing appeal of mid-sized cities for leisure tourism.

Travelers planning a visit to these award-winning sites should note that Keeneland closes its fall meet on October 24, 2026. Visitors seeking to experience the local horse culture should prioritize their schedules before the Kentucky Horse Park season ends on November 8, 2026.

The takeaway

Travelers looking to maximize their experience should plan to visit local bourbon landmarks and seasonal attractions before mid-November. The city's high ranking underscores the value of exploring local dining and cultural staples that define its small-city character.