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City in Kentucky, United States
Photo: Madgeek1450 at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Lexington is the second largest city in Kentucky, located in the Bluegrass Region. Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington has traditionally been dominated by the horse industry and is also heavily influenced by the University of Kentucky, the state's flagship university and the largest employer in the city. The horse industry has greatly influenced Lexington's culture and scenic beauty; the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University contribute to a college town atmosphere with a richer and more diverse culture than some might expect from its size and location. Lexington's compact central downtown district is surrounded by historic neighborhoods. Lexington is in the heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky and is still home to hundreds of horse farms.
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Henry Clay Estate
Home of the famous Kentucky Senator Henry Clay, set near downtown Lexington. Beautiful park surrounding the home accessible even if you do not wish to take a tour.
Boone Station State Historic Site is on 46 beautiful acres in Fayette County. Daniel Boone (1734-1820), known for his role in the exploring and settling of the Kentucky frontier, decided that the settlement of Boonesborough had become far too crowded. In December 1779, Boone and his family established Boone's Station. The park features a 1-mile trail and a grave site where several members of the Boone family are buried.
Built by the first millionaire west of the Alleghenies, John Hunt-Morgan, the house showcases early Kentucky furniture, 19th-century paintings, and antique porcelain. The Alexander T. Hunt museum featuring Civil War memorabilia is located on the second floor. The house was built in 1814 when Lexington was known as the "Athens of the West."
A historic two-screen cinema with restored architecture and beautiful interior murals located downtown on Main Street. Its schedule tends to emphasize foreign, independent, and art films, plus occasional concerts and panel discussions at the premiers of controversial films. During the Summer Classics Series every Wednesday night a classic film is shown. The theatre has an offbeat side as well, and raucous midnight showings of movies like The Rocky Horror Picture Show draw crowds of nearby university students, adults, and teens every weekend.
The Central Library is worth a quick look for its art installations. Rose-colored granite covers the facade, and the airy atrium houses a 5-story-tall Foucault pendulum, which tells time using the rotation of the Earth. In front, Phoenix Park offers some nice greenery and fountains, and a small statue of a Bedouin on a camel marks the "zero milestone", the point from which all distances to Lexington are measured. However, the view is hampered somewhat by a building across the street.
The two-story girlhood home of Abraham Lincoln's wife, and the nation's first shrine to a First Lady. The 14-room house contains period furniture, furnishings from the Todds and Lincolns, and family portraits.
especially at night
Enjoy slipping off your shoes or sandals in the summertime and wandering in the step-like fountains that ring the backbone of this park. Get plenty of pictures of the illuminated fountains against the Lexington Convention Center. Events throughout the year include summer movies on alternate Friday nights, a winter ice skating rink, and occasional concerts. Cross the street and talk to the concierge at the Hilton Hotel to book a horse-drawn carriage tour of downtown.
Built in 1848 by Joseph Bryan, a grand-nephew of Daniel Boone, the Greek revival home preserves 19th-century plantation life in Kentucky with acres of hemp and grain. The smokehouse, icehouse and slave quarters still stand as outbuildings.
Manufacturer of large industrial ceiling fans (up to 24 ft in diameter) and a range of residential fans and lighting products. Founded as HVLS Fan Co., many customers called asking for the company that makes "those big-ass fans". The owner decided to change the name to Big Ass Fans, which stirred up a bit of controversy when he painted the company's name along with a giant donkey's rear end (named "Fanny") on the side of the building. Local residents protested at first, and the airport refused to accept advertising from the company. But eventually people warmed to the new name, and the airport now has a Big Ass Fan installed near the security checkpoint. You can tour their headquarters, R&D facility, and production facility.
A micro distillery, part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. Their history ties back to the James E. Pepper Distillery, the former owner of their building 50 years prior. Current products include a vodka, moonshine, rum, and bourbons.
Alltech's Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company
Touring Town Branch, you'll get a double-header of beer and whiskey. From its roots as an agricultural company started by yeast expert Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech began brewing beer with the intention of making slightly more than its employees could drink. Ten years later, they now produce 5 beers and 3 spirits and are Kentucky's largest brewery, working 24 hours a day to keep up with demand, 80% of which is for their signature Bourbon Barrel Ale.
See 200 juried artists offering every type of folk art and craft you can think of, including painting, woodworking, and stuffed animals. Enjoy live music and entertainment. Your children can work on their own crafts in the Kid Zone.
Outdoor music festival held every year at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park. Great live music from bluegrass legends to newgrass pickers, fun shopping, and great activities highlight this family friendly event.
The Park is basically a tourist-oriented horse farm and offers a museum, nice walks, views of famous racehorses, and lots of bluegrass (the plant, not the music). There are various horse shows throughout the day, as well as extra activities including horseback and pony rides. The Park is also the host of some very large horse events. Probably the most high profile annual event is the Rolex Kentucky Three Day, a major eventing competition which takes place every April. The park also hosts the National Horse Show in October/November, and hosted the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, the first time they were held outside of Europe. These horse trials are also used as Olympic selection trials so you can expect to see some world class horses and riders.
Enjoy horse racing in a "days-gone-by" setting. The movies Seabiscuit (2003), Dreamer (2005) and Secretariat (2010) have been filmed at Keeneland, which prides itself on maintaining racing traditions in a facility that has changed little over the decades: for example, it didn't install public address speakers until 1997. Keeneland hosts live thoroughbred races only two months a year, with the Spring meet in April and Fall meet in October, but they welcome visitors year round (you can use online or print maps to explore the grounds for free, or book a tour). During races you can choose your level of comfort near the track (general admission, grandstands, or nicer indoor rooms), or tailgate in the free parking lot while watching races on a jumbo TV and wagering. The feature race of the Spring meet is the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, a prep race for the Kentucky Derby. When its live races are not in session, entry is free; you can explore the stadium and walk right up to the race track, watch other races broadcast from around the world, or attend events like the yearling horse sales, where many young stallions command price tags in the millions. Buyers include local horse farms and bidders from Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai.
A reference library full of books, photo negatives, and newspaper articles about the Thoroughbred horse and horse racing. There's a small museum area at the front as well as various art inside the library.
The Red Mile hosts harness racing, where horses pull a two-wheeled cart. The one-mile track is made of red clay, whence the name.
When ultimately completed, this walking and biking trail will extend 12 miles from the east end of downtown to the Kentucky Horse Park. The majority of the trail is complete and begins at the North Lexington YMCA (381 West Loudon Ave). Other trail heads are located at Coldstream Park off of McGrathiana Ave, and the North trail head on Old Ironworks Pike across from the campground at the Kentucky Horse Park.
A 734-acre park along the Kentucky River Palisades in Fayette County. Great wildflower viewing in the spring.
A 100-acre botanical garden located next to the University of Kentucky. This park is jointly owned by the city and university. Two miles of walking paths meander through representations of different areas of the state.
The Kentucky men's basketball team, one of the most storied programs in all of college sports, boasts eight NCAA championships (including in 2012), an undefeated regular season in 2014-15, and leads the NCAA with more than 2,000 all time wins. The team coach (John Calipari since 2009) inevitably enjoys celebrity status around town.
The football program has enjoyed something of a renaissance, although it continues to struggle to establish itself in one of the country's most competitive football conference. Nonetheless, the team frequently sells out the on-campus Kroger Field (formerly Commonwealth Stadium), at least for SEC home games and the major rivalry game with University of Louisville (hosted by UK in odd-numbered years).
This coffee shop also serves up unique sandwiches. It's a hip cool hang out with an artistic vibe and store inside.
This popular eatery brings a bit of New Orleans to the Bluegrass. The way Bn'T works is quick and painless: pick what you want from the day's selections listed on the chalkboard menu, then order and pay at the register. Not sure what you want? Just ask them for some samples. Standards include Cajun and Creole classics like étouffée, gumbo, and jambalaya, as well as barbecue sandwiches and a few unique creations. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Hip sandwich restaurant where patrons lounge in sofas and armchairs while chatting in the permanently low lighting. Bookshelves line all four walls and are crammed with old hardbacks; patrons may take any book they please as long as they replace it with another.
A typical college town "greasy spoon" restaurant, "The Ho," as it is called by students, serves classic items like hamburgers (from smallest to largest, the Tolly-Ho, Super Ho, and Mega Ho); shakes; Epic Fries with chili, bacon, jalapeños, and cheese; and the ever-popular cheddar tots. It gets extremely crowded when the bars close around 2:30AM and the line stretches out into the front parking lot.
Café at Joseph-Beth
This café is an excellent spot for breakfast or lunch, with a monthly menu of salads, sandwiches, and other entrées inspired by novels or cookbooks available in the bookstore.
Cajun like no other. Menu changes every week, but standards like White Chile, Gumbo, Jambalaya are usually on, as well as a couple of their good vegetarian or vegan options. If you are lucky, you can end up there on a day they are dishing up Pazole Stew or Jambalaya Ya Ya. And their famous Yatwich is something to surprise you: sort of a turkey-based sloppy joe with a lemony kick.
Serves up sandwiches, soups, and other delectable items available behind a huge glass display case. Always made right in front of you. When you're finished dining you can revel in the shopping part of the store that includes cookware, chocolates, homemade bread, and more.
A long time favorite in Lexington. With several locations, the original one downtown is the place to be. Back in the restaurant's heyday, professionals and students would line the block waiting for a table. Columbia's is famous for their "Nighthawk" special, which includes an 8-ounce tenderloin smothered in garlic butter, generous baked potato, a Diego salad, and homemade rolls with honey butter.
A moderately-priced Italian located inside an old building that has been home to a church and a synagogue, complete with stained-glass windows and raised pulpit (now a small bar). The square pizza at Joe B's is a tradition. Also, the bread stick is awesome—basically an over-sized breadstick accompanied by melted garlic butter.
One of the best Middle Eastern places in town! Their Chicken Shwarma is served in a generous portion (that is great for leftovers) that is accompanied by your choice of salad. The hummus and pita is excellent as well. The lunch buffet is expansive with many dishes to choose from sure to satisfy anyone. Worth the trip!
This local Italian restaurant is inspired by trattoria, gathering places for family and friends. The dimly-lit interior features stone floors and greenery throughout the rooms.
A classic Mexicana restaurant with all your favorite dishes that serves up delicious food in which seems like mere minutes after you order. A friendly staff and quick service make this an enjoyable trip.
This "meat and three" is a favorite for Southern cuisine, and is frequently filled to capacity. All ingredients are obtained from local farmers. Breakfast is available all day every day.
Combination restaurant and sports bar. Arguably the best place in Lexington to get a hot brown.
An old mansion that has been converted into a posh commercial complex. Dudley's occupies several rooms and serves American fare.
Lexington's downtown French bistro is a convivial place, given to conversation and good food. It shares a name with the city's stylish sister town in Normandy, and it's become quite a culinary destination for folks in the area.
Chefs entertain at this sizable, modern Japanese steakhouse featuring hibachi fare & sushi rolls.
This classic southern seafood restaurant may be a bit far from town, but the scenic drive down KY-418 and location on the Kentucky River make it worthwhile. Try their famous beer cheese for an appetizer, and enjoy their excellent seafood selection, or play it safe with the very large "Kentucke River" Hot Brown.
Everyone in Lexington knows about the extravagant (and most would say, eccentric) castle on Versailles Rd. Built by a newlywed couple in 1969, they soon divorced and the castle sat empty and unsold for decades. Finally, new owners and zoning changes allowed the castle to open in 2008 as an upscale bed-and-breakfast, and now as a farm-to-table restaurant, allowing the public their first real chance to see inside the castle walls. They also offer a guided tour of the ornately-decorated first floor and the grounds inside the castle wall, followed by a buffet.
A local steakhouse chain that "imports" its USDA Prime Beef straight from Chicago. One of the most favored restaurants by Lexingtonians, and now planning to open a Louisville location in 2020. All locations also have a sports bar and sushi restaurant.
Boasts a classy restaurant nestled within the ritzy gated community "Merrick Place".
Excellent selection of whole-bean coffee and loose-leaf tea for sale or drinking on site.
Specialty coffee shop and roastery with locations in the Distillery District and East End.
Tasting room for one of Lexington's up and coming breweries. Their "Shotgun Wedding" brown ale is their most popular brew, but they always keep it interesting with other options.
Located in the newly revitalized Jefferson St. corridor, this bar occupies on old gas station. In the warm months the large bay doors can be opened creating a unique indoor/outdoor space. A large selection of premium beers can be found on tap.
Seems to be the default bar for a wide range of people. Sprawled across three storefronts, it has a back patio, no cover charge, and a charismatic old doorman named Miami Steve who usually sports interesting headwear.
An original Irish bar in downtown Lexington. Owned by some Irish people and the staff there are Irish too. The drink prices are good and the crowd is fun. They have a nice old patio outback and sidewalk tables too.
For beer hobbyists/enthusiasts. Offer hundreds of different beers from different microbreweries. The people who run it also give tasting classes there during some days of the week to teach about different kinds of beer (What's the difference between an IPA and an APA, for example? What does it mean if an IPA says "90-minutes" on it?). You won't find Budweiser here.
A cross between a restaurant and bar with an emphasis on live music. Markets itself on a laid back atmosphere.
Quintessential college bar, located straight across the street from UK's north campus and packed with fraternity/sorority students during the school year. The drink selection is limited, but the atmosphere is pleasant. Popular on "Thirsty Thursdays," when the $10 cover gets you all you can drink.
With 30 beers on draught and hundreds more in bottles, this is a place to go for beer lovers. If beer is not your thing, they have an equally-hearty selection of hard liquor, including a dozen bourbons you probably haven't heard of.
Pool tables.
The Bar is Lexington's largest and oldest gay club. Their dance floor and show room have an ongoing schedule of DJs and drag shows.
Music and events weekly. The drive is scenic, through Kentucky's farmland.
Offers spacious sites with 50/30/20 amp electric and water. All sites are 55' paved back-ins with fire rings and picnic tables. Has many extras including a grocery, gift shop and two bathhouses with modern conveniences. Take advantage of our planned recreational activities or catch a game of tennis or basketball on lighted courts, cool off in the junior olympic–size swimming pool, try your hand at pitching horse shoes, croquet, or maybe square dancing in the recreation pavilion. Also has electric primitive and primitive available for those wishing for a more rustic stay. Planned activities are available on most weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Camp has wireless Internet available; first 15 minutes free, various paid time blocks availalble with 24/7 support.
This hotel has a huge atrium with indoor pool and arcade. A restaurant and sports bar are attached. The hotel features a Hertz rental kiosk.
Located just 2 miles from the center of Downtown and 2 miles from Bluegrass Airport, this hotel built in June 2008 is perfect for both business and leisure travelers.
Integrated into the Convention Center and Rupp Arena.
The supermarket-sized stores of this local chain make it a good stop for travellers, with gourmet bakery, cheese, and deli items, and a large case of Kentucky Proud foods. Of course, the many aisles of liquor, wine, and beer are also great if you want to take home a special bottle of bourbon or some hard-to-find beers.
The largest mall in the state, anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Dillard's, H&M, and Dick's Sporting Goods.
An independent bookstore with an impressive selection of books in their cavernous, sunlit interior. Authors on book-signing tours are practically guaranteed to stop at Jo-Beth, and they often have extra copies of recently signed books available.
Hamburg is a "power center", an open-air, auto-oriented shopping district with several "big box" anchor stores and many smaller shops like Victoria's Secret and the Black Market. An accompanying residential area sprang up with the shopping complex just at the turn of the millennium. The area continues growing daily; expect plenty of traffic.
formerly Victorian Square
A block of renovated Victorian buildings that was re-purposed as an entertainment area. Located in the heart of downtown, it is connected to the adjacent hotels and business complexes by raised pedways. Containing primarily upscale clothing, jewelry, and art boutiques, it is worth a visit as much for the interior design as the shopping opportunities. It also houses the Lexington Visitors Center.
By train
The nearest passenger train service is Amtrak's Cardinal, with stations in Maysville, and in Cincinnati, Ohio (both are about 1½ hours drive); however, there is only service every other day and both…
By car
Travellers usually access Lexington via one of the two major interstates that arc around the northern and eastern borders of the city.
By bus
By bus
Bus service is provided by Lextran, which provides service from the downtown Transit Center to many parts of town and the airport.
Downtown
Downtown Lexington is compact and easily navigated by foot or bicycle, but the most typical way to get around is by car. Cars can be rented at the airport or at several locations in the city.
By car
Lexington's roads form a wheel-and-spokes pattern. Arterial roads radiate from downtown, and New Circle Road (KY-4, sometimes called "Circle 4") forms a circle around the inner city.
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Lexington · Regional · LEX
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