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Nestled among world famous Thoroughbred horse farms, Lexington's Blue Grass Airport welcomes travelers with lush green vistas and provides the gateway to Kentucky's rich history and equine tradition. As one of the nation's fastest growing airports, Blue Grass Airport continuously updates amenities and facilities to provide passengers with the most modern and convenient services possible. |
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Commerce Lexington Inc. was formed in January 2004 with the merger of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Lexington United, and the Lexington Partnership for Workforce Development. Commerce Lexington Inc. seeks to promote economic development, job creation, and overall business growth in Lexington and its neighboring communities, while strengthening its existing businesses through the many programs and services that the organization offers. It was created to provide more continuity and enhanced focus in the areas of business, economic development, and workforce development.
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Live Thoroughbred racing takes place in April and October and live Thoroughbred auctions are held several times a year. |
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 Waveland was built in 1847 for Joseph Bryan, a great-nephew of Daniel Boone. With its Ionic columns and portico, frieze patterned after those on the Acropolis in Greece, 14-foot ceilings, and grand yet graceful demeanor, it is considered an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture in Kentucky. Its human story is that of life on a pre-Civil War hemp plantation. Along with the house itself, slave quarters have been restored.
Owned by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Waveland is a State Historic Site. There are flower and herb gardens as well as picnic tables and a playground. Tours are given year-round on the hour. Call ahead for hours of operation. The house is closed on Sundays and Mondays in January through March. Admission charged. (859) 272-3611
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 Mary Todd, who would become Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most controversial First Ladies, was born in Lexington in 1818. Her father, Robert Todd, was a successful businessman and Whig politician; her grandfather, Levi Todd, was one of Lexington’s founders. Her mother died when she was six. In 1832, her father and his new wife moved the family to this brick house on West Main Street. Mary lived here until she was 21, when she went to Springfield, Illinois to live with her sister.
She and Abraham Lincoln visited the house several times. Today, family pieces and period antiques as well as personal possessions of Mary Todd are on display. The late Georgian style brick house was built in 1803 to 1806, and includes a period herb and perennial garden in the back yard. Open for tours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed December through mid-March. Admission charged. (859) 233-9999
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 Henry Clay was an important statesman and famous orator in early 19th-century American politics, a U.S. Senator, Speaker of the House, Secretary of State and three time Presidential candidate. In his home city of Lexington, "Harry of the West" was a respected lawyer, revered and leading gentleman farmer. Although most of the 600 acres of his "beloved Ashland" are now a residential neighborhood, about 20 acres are preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate includes an Italianate-style house built for Henry’s son, James. (The house where Clay lived from 1809 until his death in 1852 was torn down in 1857; some of its materials were used in the new Ashland.) There’s a great deal of family memorabilia on display, much of it relating to the "Great Compromiser" himself.
Ashland is located at 120 Sycamore Road and offers tours on the hour, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. Closed January. Only open for groups in February, by appointment. Admission charged. There’s no charge to visit the formal English parterre-style garden, a favorite spot of local artists, or walk the lovely wooded grounds. The walled garden is locked at 5:00 p.m. but you can stroll the grounds at any time. (859) 266-8581
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