Lexington

Cities don't get more genteel than Lexington, home of million-dollar houses and multimillion-dollar horses. Once the wealthiest and most cultured city west of the Allegheny Mountains, it was called 'the Athens of the West.' It's home to the University of Kentucky and is the heart of the thoroughbred industry. Pretty Victorian neighborhoods, garden-clad historic properties and small distilleries speckle the compact downtown. Brewery buffs and horse racing fans will find plenty to keep them occupied.