Visitor Industry
Lexington, Kentucky is at the heart of the horse industry, the start of the Bourbon Trail, and the home of the University of Kentucky. Visitors are drawn to Lexington for events and conferences organzied by the Convention and Visitors Bureau at the Lexington Convention Center, which contains Rupp Arena and the Lexington Opera House. In addition Lexington has attracted visitors through both national and international events such as the Creative Cities Summit and the Alltech World Equestrian Games.
Bourbon Trail
One of the biggest tourist attractions in the Bluegrass Region is the Bourbon Trail. The legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail criss-crosses through the heart of bourbon country and stop in on six of the state’s distilleries including Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam and Woodford Reserve. The trail tours bourbon country and allows visitors to experience the bourbon making process, view the facilities and amazingly beautiful surrounding landscapes, and stick around for an after-tour bourbon tasting.
Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park
Established in the 1930’s Keeneland hosts one of the premier horse auctions in the world, in addition to being a destination racetrack. Each April and October, Thoroughbred racing continues to be showcased at the highest level, drawing the world’s best horses and horsemen. Another major attraction is the Kentucky Horse Park. In 2010, the Kentucky Horse Park was proud to host the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, an international event that until last year had never been held outside of Europe. The games were a huge success boasting an had an economic impact of $201.5 million, according to a financial study commissioned by the state, and bringing in 419,000 visitors in addition the millions of worldwide television viewers. The Kentucky Horse Park also hosts the Alltech National Horse Show each year at the Alltech Arena.
Rupp Arena
UK Basketball is a way of life in Kentucky, and during basketball season the area around Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington will be packed with students, alumni, and a host of other UK basketball fans. The fact that the UK Men’s basketball team won the 2012 NCAA Tournament (making that the program's eighth national championship title) has only fueled the fan base in and around Lexington.
Lexington Opera House and Lexington Museums
Lexington has a host of diverse cultural attractions and events that attract visitors to the region. At the center of the cultural attractions stands the Lexington Opera House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lexington Opera House is known as one of the premiere performing arts centers in the region. In addition the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra as well as several museums including the American Saddlebred Museum, Lexington History Museum, The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, the Explorium, and many others offer unique cultural experiences that attract visitors from around the region.
Lexington’s Convention Industry
In addition to local attractions, Lexington has a growing convention industry anchored by a freshly renovated convention center. Convention attendees can enjoy the results of the complete renovation of all meeting rooms and exhibit halls, construction of a beautiful 17,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, and the addition of a conference center on the upper level and renovation of the famous 24,000 seat Rupp Arena. The Lexington Convention Center connects to Rupp Arena, the Lexington Opera House, The Shops at Lexington Center, and Triangle Park. The Center is in the heart of Lexington’s historic downtown. Nearby are retail boutiques, wonderful restaurants and many entertainment opportunities all within easy walking distance in a city famous for its scenic beauty, small-town charm and hospitality.
Read Commerce Lexington's Visitor Industries white paper here.
