Why a top travel magazine calls Lexington one of the best small US cities this year
For the second year in a row, Lexington has been recognized by a national travel magazine as one of the best small cities in the U.S.
VisitLEX, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, announced in a news release Oct. 7 that Lexington has once again been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler.
“To be named one of the top small cities in the U.S. two years running is a tremendous affirmation of what we already know — Lexington offers an unforgettable experience,” Mary Quinn Ramer, president of VisitLEX, said in the release.
For its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, Condé Nast Traveler surveyed its readers, who cast more than 757,000 votes for their favorite hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines, cities, countries and more. It’s the 38th edition of the awards.
For the best small cities category, Lexington snagged the No. 8 spot among the magazine’s top 10 destinations.
“Despite its Horse Capital of the World moniker, equines are only a small part of Lexington’s appeal,” the magazine’s editors said, in part. “Thanks to its location on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the city is a treasure trove of distilleries ... Lexington’s spirits scene is matched only by its culinary scene: Be sure to stop by Doodles for loaded breakfast sandwiches, Bourbon on Rye for burgers topped with beer cheese, and Crank & Boom for an ice cream flight to write home about.”
Last year, Lexington received similar recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, though it ranked higher among the magazine’s top 10 small cities in the U.S.
“This repeated honor highlights the sustained excellence in our hospitality sector and the magnetic appeal of our unique local attractions. We are incredibly proud and look forward to welcoming even more travelers to explore the Horse Capital of the World,” Ramer said.
Lexington regularly earns national nods as a popular destination for tourists, and not just for bourbon and horses. Earlier this year, as part of its 2025 Restaurant Awards, Wine Spectator honored two Lexington-area restaurants.
Late last year, as the city was preparing a year’s worth of events to celebrate its 250th birthday, Bloomberg recommended it as a top travel destination in 2025.
Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘The Best Cities in the United States: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards’
This year’s list of the top 10 best small cities in the U.S. includes the following:
10. Pensacola, Fla.
9. Honolulu, Hawaii
8. Lexington
7. Oakland, Calif.
6. Savannah, Ga.
5. San Juan, P.R.
4. St. Augustine, Fla.
3. Alexandria, Va.
2. Santa Fe, N.M.
1. Charleston, S.C.
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