Lexington is known as the Horse Capital of the World and the Basketball Capital of the Universe (or so we like to think). But this city is about way more than thoroughbreds and Cats. Lexington is home to a vibrant underground music scene, featuring everything from punk to hip hop and, of course, bluegrass. In fact, the overall arts scene is thriving and producing attention-grabbing coolness such as the giant technicolor Abe Lincoln mural and The Love Letter to the World Tattoo Project.

Enjoying downtown attractions is even more fun thanks to a recent explosion in food trucks and craft breweries. In addition to producing top-notch beer, these breweries are major boosters of local nonprofits, allowing Lexingtonians to kick back with a brew while enthusiastically supporting great causes. Lexington is pretty easy on the eyes too thanks to its beautiful horse farms. Groups such as the Town Branch Commons Corridor Project are working to make the city even more beautiful, walkable, and sustainable with their plans to construct a paved pathway connecting downtown’s many parks.

Lexington offers big city fun and innovation with the added bonus of being in the heart of easygoing horse and bourbon country. Within this perfect mix, a ton of good is happening.

City Ambassador

Matt Reno

Matt, a former New England classic rock DJ, now lives in Lexington where he earned a Masters in Communication at the University of Kentucky. He works in nonprofit marketing and operates a freelance logo design service. A self-taught graphic designer, Matt strives to help small businesses and nonprofits get noticed with solid visual branding.

Passionate about health and fitness, Matt serves as club president of Bluegrass Runners, which supports multiple Lexington charities mainly through its Thoroughbred Classic 5K. He’s completed two marathons – much to his knees’ chagrin – but prefers the half marathon distance. As part of his training, Matt has fundraised for organizations such as the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.   

Website | Twitter | Instagram

Good is:
making the world – or some small piece of it – better than you found it. Good is not the absence of evil. It’s an active, sometimes long and difficult but ultimately rewarding process. Whether that’s helping reduce others’ suffering or working to make your community more beautiful, fun, connected, or just plain cool, we’re all capable of good.

Header image: Shauna Doty

© HWGI? 2017 | Created and designed by Marc O’Brien.