Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky

What could be better than Lexington? It's not only the Horse Capital of the World, but it's the site of the largest peanut butter producing facility in the world!

The city, which was founded in 1775, is set on a rolling plateau in the central Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. The Bluegrass Region is a multi-county region in central Kentucky, and the name bluegrass comes from the local grass of the poa family, particularly poa pratensis, or Kentucky bluegrass.

Lexington is the second largest city in Kentucky (after Louisville), and the name Lexington-Fayette results from the city's merger with Fayette County to form a consolidated city-county government.

But back to the Horse Capital of the World: There is a wide range of places where you can indulge in equine entertainment. For example, there's The Red Mile Harness Track, the city's oldest existing racetrack, dating to 1875. Or there's the Kentucky Horse Park, an equine themed park and competition facility set on more than 1,200 acres (486 hectares) of land. Or you can check out the Keeneland race course and the The Thoroughbred Center, a training facility open to the public. But even if you are allergic to horses, you can enjoy them in an artistic sense at the American Saddlebred Museum.

If you're interested in area history, there is plenty to see. Wander through the Gratz Park Historic District in downtown Lexington, which includes a park and several large homes. Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House, or for something more upscale, the Henry Clay Estate, a 20-acre (eight-hectare) wooded estate.

When you want some greenery (or blue-greenery), enjoy Fayette County's more than 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of parks, or the University of Kentucky/Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Arboretum, which has 100 acres (40 hectares) of green space in the heart of Lexington. An easy drive south is Fort Boonesborough State Park – learn about history and enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. And a short drive west is Taylorsville Lake State Park, great for horseback riding, camping, hiking, and fishing. To the north, you'll find Kincaid Lake State Park, where you can swim, fish, camp, hike, play golf or mini-golf. For more area parks, check out the Kentucky State Parks website.

If you enjoy the arts, you can visit the Headley-Whitney Museum of decorative art, or take in performances of groups such as the Lexington Philharmonic, Lexington Ballet, and Kentucky Ballet Theatre.

Another great thing about Lexington is its weather. July/August average highs of 85-86F (29-30C) and January average lows of 24F (-4C). This is of course perfect for heading out to festivals or events like the Festival of the Bluegrass in June, the Keeneland Arts Fair in November, the Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade (the largest in Kentucky), or the Lexington Farmers' Market which runs April to December.

See our 29 Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky