Lexington, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Lexington has been named one of the best small cities in the U.S. for the second consecutive year, ranking No. 8 in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler. With over 757,000 votes, the city’s appeal as a travel destination is bolstered by its location on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and dynamic culinary scene. Notable dining spots include Doodles for breakfast, Bourbon on Rye for burgers, and Crank & Boom for ice cream. This recognition coincides with Lexington’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Lexington has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best small cities in the U.S. for the second consecutive year. In the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, Lexington received the No. 8 spot among the top 10 small cities. Over 757,000 votes from readers were accumulated in a survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler, covering various travel experiences, including cities.
This recognition affirms Lexington’s unique offerings as a travel destination, according to the president of VisitLEX. The magazine highlighted Lexington’s appeal beyond its reputation as “The Horse Capital of the World,” putting a spotlight on its location on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and vibrant culinary scene.
Recommended dining spots in Lexington include Doodles for breakfast, Bourbon on Rye for burgers, and Crank & Boom for ice cream. Last year, Lexington received similar recognition from the magazine but ranked higher at the No. 6 position. The 2025 list featured other notable cities such as Charleston, S.C. (No. 1) and Santa Fe, N.M. (No. 2).
In addition to this recent honor, earlier this year, two Lexington-area restaurants were recognized by Wine Spectator in its 2025 Restaurant Awards. 2025 also marks a significant milestone for Lexington, as it celebrates its 250th anniversary. The city has previously gained accolades, including recognition from Bloomberg as a top travel destination.
Overview of Lexington’s Recent Recognition
- Award: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler
- Rank: No. 8 among top 10 small cities
- Total Votes: Over 757,000 votes collected
- Location Highlights: Kentucky Bourbon Trail, culinary scene
- Recommended Restaurants:
- Doodles for breakfast
- Bourbon on Rye for burgers
- Crank & Boom for ice cream
- 2024 Rank: No. 6
Background Context
Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards are based on reader surveys, making them a reliable source of information regarding travel preferences and experiences. The list’s top cities often reflect favorable factors such as local attractions, culture, and dining, which help travelers decide on their next destination.
With its rich history and thriving culture, Lexington is increasingly being recognized as a premier travel destination not only for its equestrian connections but also for its engaging culinary experiences and historical significance.
FAQ Section
What rank did Lexington receive in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards?
How many votes were accumulated for the survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler?
What restaurants are recommended in Lexington?
What is a notable event happening in Lexington in 2025?
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Award | 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler |
| Rank | No. 8 among top 10 small cities |
| Total Votes | Over 757,000 votes |
| Highlights | Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Culinary Scene |
| Recommended Restaurants | Doodles, Bourbon on Rye, Crank & Boom |
| Previous Rank | No. 6 in 2024 |
| Anniversary | 250th Anniversary in 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com
- Wikipedia: Kentucky
- CNN
- Google Search: Kentucky flooding
- WLKY
- Google Scholar: Kentucky infrastructure
- WHAS11
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky floods
- CBS News
- Google News: Kentucky Roblox lawsuit
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The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren 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 the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
