Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington is home to Transylvania University[?] and the University of Kentucky[?]. UK's basketball program is immensely popular in the city; for example, the area code (859) spells out UKY.

Lexington was founded in 1775, 17 years before Kentucky became a state. By 1820, it was one of the largest and wealthiest towns west of the Allegheny Mountains. So cultured was its lifestyle, Lexington gained the nickname "Athens of the West."

Within a day's drive of 75% of the population of the United States, Lexington is strategically located at the intersection of interstates 64 and 75. Lexington is accessible by air with approximately 100 direct and nonstop flights.

Fayette County[?] consists of 283 square miles of gently rolling plateau in the center of the inner Bluegrass Region. The area is noted for its beauty, fertile soil, excellent pastureland and horse and stock farms. Poa Pratensis (bluegrass) thrives on the limestone beneath the soil's surface, playing a major role in the area's scenic beauty and in the development of champion horses. Numerous small creeks rise and flow into the Kentucky River[?].

The estimated 2000 population of Lexington-Fayette County was 260,512. The estimated population of the metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which is comprised of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford counties, is 424,778.

There are over 230 churches and synagogues in Lexington, representing 38 denominations.

Daily morning newspaper: Lexington Herald-Leader[?]

Minimum drinking age is 21. According to local ordinances, alcoholic beverages may be sold in licensed bars and restaurants from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. Package stores may open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Package stores are closed Sunday.

Climate

The mean average temperature in Lexington is 54.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual precipitation is 45.68 inches. Lexington and the Bluegrass have four distinct seasons that include cool plateau breezes, moderate nights in the summer, and no prolonged periods of heat, cold, rain, wind, or snow.

Corporations/Industry in the Lexington area

Traditional products of the area include horses, tobacco and handcrafts, but an increasing diversity of products and services contributes to a healthy economy. Major employers in the Lexington area include:

• Ashland Inc.
• Clark Material Handling Company
• General Electric Company
• GTE Products Corporation
• Johnson Controls
• Lexmark International
• Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company
• Long John Silver's
• Square D Company
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc.
• The Trane Company
• The Valvoline Company
• United Parcel Service
• University of Kentucky

Universities/Colleges in the Lexington area

• Asbury College
• Asbury Theological Seminary
• Berea College
• Centre College
• Eastern Kentucky University
• Georgetown College
• Kentucky State University
• Lexington Community College
• Lexington Theological Seminary
• National College of Business and Technology
• Midway College
• Sullivan College
• Transylvania University
• University of Kentucky

Kentucky state sales tax is 6 percent. Groceries are exempt. Hotel tax is 6 percent.