Two Kentucky Cities Rank Among Best in the South

Lexington and Louisville make Southern Living's 2026 list of top Southern cities

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:50am

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According to a recent Southern Living publication, the Kentucky cities of Lexington and Louisville have been ranked among the best cities in the South for 2026. Lexington was ranked 6th, praised for its bourbon, horses, and downtown murals, while Louisville came in at 15th, recognized for its bourbon trail, restaurants, and Churchill Downs.

Why it matters

The rankings from a respected publication like Southern Living can boost tourism and economic development for the highlighted cities, as travelers seek out the unique experiences and attractions that earned them a spot on the list. This recognition also speaks to the growing reputation of Kentucky as a destination for food, drink, and cultural experiences.

The details

According to the Southern Living article, Lexington is known for more than just bourbon and horses, with visitors encouraged to tour distilleries, see the colorful downtown murals, and visit nearby Shaker Village. Louisville's bourbon trail, breweries, restaurants, and art spaces were cited as draws for tourists, in addition to the iconic Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby.

  • The Southern Living rankings were published on March 12, 2026.

The players

Southern Living

A popular lifestyle magazine that covers travel, food, home, and culture across the American South.

Lexington, Kentucky

The second-largest city in Kentucky, known for its bourbon, horse racing, and vibrant downtown.

Louisville, Kentucky

The largest city in Kentucky, famous for the Kentucky Derby, bourbon distilleries, and a thriving food and arts scene.

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The takeaway

The inclusion of Lexington and Louisville on Southern Living's list of the best cities in the South underscores Kentucky's growing reputation as a premier travel destination, offering visitors a unique blend of Southern hospitality, rich cultural experiences, and world-class food and drink.