Richmond Area Information

Whether you prefer the relative peace and quiet of a small town or all the buzz of a large city, living in Richmond while you attend Eastern Kentucky University offers the best of both worlds. Richmond is a fast-growing but still quiet community of about 35,000 where the Bluegrass region and all its scenic horse farms meet the foothills of the rugged Appalachian mountains. Just 25 miles north, an easy drive on I-75, is Kentucky’s second-largest city, Lexington, population 322,000. Other large cities within an easy two-hour, all-interstate drive are Louisville, Ky., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Knoxville, Tenn.

Shopping

Richmond Centre offers a great selection of stores in a beautifully landscaped open-air environment located on exit 87 from I-75 — just one mile from campus. Stores include Belk, JC Penney, Michael’s, Home Goods and T. J. Maxx, to name just a few, along with a variety of restaurants. Richmond Centre also houses Cinemark Theatre featuring 12 screens playing the newest releases. A variety of other shopping venues can be found in downtown and throughout the city.

Entertainment, Parks and Recreation

EKU Center for the Arts is Central Kentucky’s premier live entertainment and arts destination.
Galaxy Bowling and Entertainment Center offers special rates for college night.
Lake Reba Recreational Complex has something for everyone featuring nature trails, batting cages, putt-putt golf, horseshoes, boating, fishing, a playground, Gibson Bay Golf Course and Paradise Cove Water Park.
E.C. Million Memorial Park is perfect for a leisurely day out with walking trails, picnic tables and shelters.
E.C. Million Park offers options for the active lifestyle or for relaxing with two playgrounds, tennis courts, soccer fields, a walking trail, picnic tables and shelters.

Local Attractions

Battle of Richmond Visitors Center and Driving Tour
Fort Boonesborough State Park
Hummel Planetarium and Space Theater (on EKU’s Campus!)

Lexington Area Attractions

Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Aviation Museum of Kentucky
Jean Farris Winery and Bistro
Keeneland Race Course
Kentucky Horse Park – Home of the ROLEX Three-Day Event
Talon Winery and Vineyards
The Arboretum Nature Preserve
Whitaker Bank Ballpark – Home of the Lexington Legends
Rupp Arena – Concerts and more

Dining Out

Quick and Easy: Popular fast-food restaurants are plentiful in Richmond. Many are located close to exits 87 and 90 just off I-75.

Leisurely Meals: Well-known restaurants in Richmond include Olive Garden, Logan’s Roadhouse, Golden Corral, O’Charley’s, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel and Red Lobster. Most are conveniently located on exits 87 and 90.

Local Flavor: For a variety of food with local flair, Richmond is home to:

Madison Garden: wide array of food in a fun environment
The Paddy Wagon Irish Pub: great food and live music
Babylon Café: traditional Greek and Mediterranean food
Purdy’s Coffee Co.: soups, sandwiches, salads, coffee and baked treats
Thai Smile: Thai food for every pallet from mild to mega-hot
Casa Fiesta and Casa Café: for EKU Colonels with a taste for Mexican food

Spending the Night

Exit 87:

Best Western Holiday Plaza 859-623-9220
TownePlace Suites by Marriott 859-353-4860
Comfort Suites 859-624-0770
Hampton Inn 859-626-1002
Holiday Inn Express 859-624-4055
Tru By Hilton 859-544-6312

Exit 90:

Days Inn 859-624-5769
LaQuinta Inn 859-623-9121
Red Roof Inn 859-625-0084

Richmond Tourism

Visit Lexington, Horse Capital of the World