With spring weather in full swing and summer adventures on the horizon, we’re daydreaming of future getaways. One Southern destination on our radar is Lexington, KY. Home to world-renowned Thoroughbred horse farms and some of the finest bourbon you’ll ever sip, here are some of the best things to do in Lexington!
HORSES + LANDSCAPE
No trip to Lexington is complete without getting up close with world-renowned horses. Here are a few standout options to visit during your next trip!
Kentucky Horse Park
Situated on 1,200 acres of picture-perfect farmland, Kentucky Horse Park has been a Lexington staple since 1978. Welcoming over one million visitors every year, the park showcases over 40 breeds of horses through daily presentations, three museums, an art gallery, and more.
Kentucky Horse Park also offers multiple opportunities to get up close and personal with horses. We recommend strolling through the Hall of Champions barn to meet retired racing legends like Roy H, Won The West, and Mr. Muscleman.
If it’s your first time visiting the park, consider taking a 35-minute guided horseback ride around the area. Tickets are $30 and available on a first-come, first-served basis. During your ride, keep your eyes peeled for various equine-themed statues and memorials peppered throughout the park.
The Memorial Walk of Champions is another popular Kentucky Horse Park attraction, serving as the final resting place for some of the most iconic racehorses. All horses are former members of the park’s Hall of Champions, including renowned horses Cam Fella, Da Hoss, and John Henry.
Before leaving, be sure to also pay a visit to the park’s on-site museum, which is the world’s largest and most comprehensive museum dedicated to exploring the history of horses and their impact on human civilization. A standout exhibit includes Black Horsemen of the Kentucky Turf, which highlights the often overlooked contributions of African Americans in the horse industry.
Keeneland
A national historic landmark, Keeneland is perhaps one of Lexington’s most popular and well-known attractions. Offering live Thoroughbred races in April and October, this is one of the best ways to see why Lexington has earned the accolade “Horse Capital of the World.”
Book a guided tour for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the racing world. During your tour, enjoy trackside views of horses as they train, as well as access to the Jockeys’ Quarters.
You can also opt for a self-guided tour, which explores areas like Keeneland’s original clubhouse, stables, training track, saddling paddock, and walking ring, as well as the racing office and sales pavilion. To see the entire self-guided tour map, click HERE.
SB Tip: If you can’t make it to Keeneland in April, stop by one of the sales in September or October to see why this is the world’s leading Thoroughbred auction house!
Horse Farms
With hundreds of horse farms throughout Lexington, there are multiple ways to explore them — whether you wish to use a tour guide, book a self-guided tour at a local farm, or schedule a tour directly with Visit Horse Country.
If you want to leave the legwork to the experts, you can schedule a guided or private van tour with providers like Central Kentucky Tours, Lexington In Touch, Stone Fences Tours, Thoroughbred Heritage Farm Tours, or Unique Horse Farm Tours.
If you’d prefer to peruse the farms at your own pace, a few offer daily and self-guided tours. Claiborne Farm, Megson Farms, Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm, and Our Mims Retirement Haven are all places you can visit without an official tour company. (SB Tip: These are private working farms, so be sure to book your visit in advance.)
Visit Horse Country is another popular option for horse farm tours. A booking outlet for many local farms and medical equine clinics, the experts here can help you plan public, private, and group tours at one of their 20+ locations throughout Horse Country.
WHERE TO DRINK BOURBON
Lexington is an Official Kentucky Bourbon Trail Gateway City — but have you ever wondered WHY it’s so well-known for its bourbon? There is actually a rare limestone formation that sits beneath the hills of Lexington, which filters the natural spring water used to make local bourbon. To see (and taste!) the bourbon yourself, visit any of these local distilleries, tasting rooms, or bars.
The Distillery District
Sitting just outside Downtown Lexington, the Distillery District is a 25-acre property that’s home to restaurants, breweries, shopping, art galleries, and, of course, distilleries.
One of the most popular stops for locals and tourists alike is the historic James E. Pepper Distillery. After sitting abandoned for nearly 50 years, the distillery finally reopened its doors to the public in 2017. Today, the famous landmark offers tours, tastings, cocktails, and a gift shop. While visiting, we recommend tasting raw distillate off the still — known as “White Dog.”
Another popular stop in the Distillery District, RD1 Spirits revitalized Kentucky’s first-ever registered distillery. The tasting room and gift shop offer a selection of small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon and a variety of tour options.
Also of note, Barrel House Distillery is nestled in the Distillery District’s barreling house, as the name suggests. Offering both tours and tastings, visitors can learn about Lexington’s rich history and distilling processes, and sample some of Barrel House’s products. Standout sips include RockCastle Bourbon, Barrel House Select, and Devil John Dark ‘Shine.
Fresh Bourbon Distillery
You also can’t go wrong paying a visit to Fresh Bourbon Distillery. Recognized as the first African-American-owned bourbon distillery since the abolition of slavery, the distillery tastings that explore your senses. You can also enjoy a variety of cocktails or make your own during one of their mixology classes.
WHERE TO STAY & EAT
With so much to do and see throughout Lexington, you’ll likely need more than a day to explore it all. Here are two boutique hotel options as well as a few must-try local restaurants!
The Manchester
Conveniently located in the Distillery District, The Manchester is a boutique hotel boasting 125 rooms, a bottle shop, a rooftop, and more. Plus, the on-site restaurant, Granddam, is a spacious Appalachian dining hall offering delicious brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail menus.
21c Museum Hotel
Another popular place to stay, 21c Museum Hotel pays homage to the local art scene, offering 7,000 square feet of exhibitions that are free and open to the public. While some exhibits rotate frequently, long-standing favorites include Totally in Love and Spectralline. The hotel is also home to Lockbox, a delicious restaurant with Executive Chef Stephen Holden at the helm.
Carson’s Food & Drink
Carson’s Food & Drink is a popular eatery known for offering Prohibition-style cocktails in a rustic yet elegant setting. Many of its menu items incorporate Kentucky Proud products, ensuring a variety of upscale and delicious entrées. Standout items include the Carson’s Pastrami Sandwich, Carson’s Fried Chicken, and Creole Shrimp and Grits.
Cole’s 735 Main
With Lexington native and Executive Chef Cole Arimes at the helm, Cole’s 735 Main is another popular eatery. Putting an eclectic Southern twist on classic staples, you can expect everything from duck confit to French dip and pasta primavera.
OBC Kitchen
For an upscale meal accompanied by equally delicious cocktails, visit OBC Kitchen, which stands for Old Bourbon Country Kitchen. Offering over 300 rare and domestic bourbons, an extensive wine list, and a chef-driven menu, you will surely find something to satisfy your cravings. As you enjoy your meal, be sure to take note of the centuries-old barn wood that adorns the restaurant walls.
Whether it’s your first time in Lexington or your 50th, you’re sure to learn and see something new with every visit. To find out more and book your adventure, click HERE.
This article is sponsored by VisitLEX.
