Richmond

Richmond is a city in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, about 30 miles south of Lexington. The county seat of Madison County, Richmond is best known as the home of Eastern Kentucky University. The city sits along I-75, making it easily accessible from Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati. Richmond's historic downtown features over 70 historical buildings, homes, and churches, and the surrounding area offers outdoor recreation, wineries, and horse farms.

Richmond enjoys a moderate Bluegrass Region climate with warm summers and mild winters. The city serves as a gateway to the Daniel Boone National Forest to the south and is within easy driving distance of many of Kentucky's premier attractions. Its small-town charm combined with the energy of a university town makes it an appealing stop on a Kentucky itinerary.

By Plane

Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington, about 30 miles north, is the nearest commercial airport. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) are both about 1.5 hours away.

By Car / Road

Richmond is located directly on I-75, with easy access from Lexington (30 min north), Louisville (1.5 hrs northwest), and Knoxville (2 hrs south). US 25 and US 421 also serve the city. Colonel's Cabs (☎+1 859-624-8294) provides taxi service.

Richmond is a small city easily explored by car. Enterprise, Kwik Kars, and Hertz Rent-a-car offer vehicle rentals. Colonel's Cabs provides taxi service. The downtown area is walkable.

• Battle of Richmond Visitors Center and Battlefield Park — 101 Battlefield Memorial Hwy, ☎+1 859-624-0013. The site of the first major battle of the 1862 Kentucky Campaign, which resulted in the capture of Lexington and Frankfort.

• Fort Boonesborough — 4375 Boonesboro Rd, ☎+1 859-527-3131. A replica of Daniel Boone's 1775 settlement where the Wilderness Road met the Kentucky River. Living history museum, campground, pool, and hiking trails. $8.

• White Hall — 500 White Hall Shrine Rd, ☎+1 859-623-9178. April-October, M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM. A 44-room Italianate/Georgian mansion owned by emancipationist Cassius Clay. Guided tours: Adults $12, Seniors/Military $10, Children 6-12 $5.

• Chenault Vineyards — 2284 Barnes Mill Rd, ☎+1 859-328-7773. Tours, wagon rides, and an on-site restaurant.

• Deer Run Stable — 2001 River Circle Dr, ☎+1 615-268-9960. Horse riding lessons, trail rides, and boarding.

• Downtown Walking Tour of Homes — Brochure available at the Richmond Visitor Center (345 Lancaster Ave, ☎+1 859-626-8474). Self-guided tour of over 70 historical buildings, homes, and churches.

• Gibson Bay Golf Course — 2000 Gibson Bay Dr, ☎+1 859-623-0225. An 18-hole public golf course.

• Parks — Million Park, Irvine McDoud Park, and The Ravine offer green spaces and recreation.

• Babylon Cafe — 213 West Main St, ☎+1 859-625-1212. Gyros and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Casa Cafe — 433 Professional Dr, ☎+1 859-626-3666. Mexican cuisine.
• Casa Fiesta — 240 Eastern Bypass, ☎+1 859-623-8582. Mexican cuisine.
• Madison Garden Bar and Grill — 152 North Madison Ave, ☎+1 859-623-9720.

Most of the city of Richmond is wet, with package sales and bars available. Purdy's Coffee Company — 212 W Main St, ☎+1 859-624-9920 — serves coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods downtown. The Paddy Wagon — 150 E. Main St, ☎+1 859-625-1054 — a local bar.

Richmond Centre (2139 Lantern Ridge Dr) is a mall with cinema and food court, open M-Sa 9:30AM-9:30PM, Su 10AM-8PM. The Peddler's Mall (449 Eastern Bypass) is a flea market open daily 10AM-6PM. Currier's Music (292 S 2nd St) sells musical instruments.

• Lexington (30 min north) — Horse Capital of the World with Keeneland Race Course.
• Berea (15 min south) — Arts and crafts community with Berea College.
• Fort Boonesborough State Park (10 min east) — Daniel Boone replica fort and Kentucky River views.
• Daniel Boone National Forest (1 hr south) — Hiking, climbing, and outdoor adventure.