Lexington
Located in the center of the Kentucky Bluegrass region, Lexington-Fayette County has been ranked as one of the nation's "brainiest" and safest cities. In fact, Lexington's national rankings reflect the many diverse eductional, cultural and commercial opportunities that await you. With a population of more than 250,000 people, Lexington supports cultural attractions such as an opera, a ballet, and a philharmonic orchestra. Surrounded by rolling hills and horse farms, Lexington and the surrounding central Kentucky region is known for its natural beauty.
In addition to its position as the world center for the thoroughbred industry, central Kentucky is home to major industries such as Toyota USA and Lexmark International. This combination of clean industries, scenic horse farms and the ambience of a University town is unique to Lexington.
There are a number of public golf courses in Lexington, and the Kentucky State Park System provides a variety of locales for hiking, camping, boating and mountain biking. Where overall health and wellness opportunities are concerned, UK employees may take part in basketball, weightlifting, swimming, racquetball, or tennis, as well as state-of-the-art fitness facilities available across our campus.
Cincinnati and Louisville are both within a two-hour drive and, with Lexington, the three cities form a triangle. Also nearby is the college community of Berea, Kentucky, one of the nation's best-known arts and crafts centers. On any given weekend, you could be found hiking among natural stone bridges and canyons in the Red River Gorge, exploring Mammoth Cave National Park, or boating on one of the many lakes in this area. Closer to home, you could choose to attend thoroughbred racing at Keeneland Race Course or harness racing at the Red Mile, visit the Kentucky Horse Park which will host the 2010 World Equestrian Games, or shop in a restored downtown area or any of several malls.
The arts abound in Lexington. Support of the arts is seen in the pride the city takes in its philharmonic orchestra, ballet company, chamber music society, and ongoing programs of Broadway theater productions. UK and Transylvania University offer art exhibits, plays, and concerts, including the UK Artist Series, where world-renowned classical musicians perform at the Fine Arts Center, and a nationally recognized "Spotlight Jazz Series" sponsored by the UK Student Board. Lexington's Civic Center, in downtown Lexington, regularly hosts a variety of nationally known entertainers and special events. The city is alive with talented bluegrass, blues, jazz and rock musicians.