Ten Essential Things to Do in Lexington

Lexington, Ky. is the “Horse Capital of the World” and you would be missing out if you don’t do something equine-related when visiting, because of that there are a few spots on this list devoted to those activities. However, there is so much more to experience! Read on for some suggestions to help plan your visit and to make it fulfilling.
1) Keeneland - With “only” two months of racing each year, it would be easy to move this destination down the list but it is essential for more reasons than the huge party that accompanies the spring and fall meets (April and October). Horse sales in fall and winter command worldwide attention and after doing an amazing job hosting the Breeders’ Cup in 2015, this race track is garnering even more attention. Certainly, the highlights of visiting are when races or auctions are underway but you can tour the grounds and visit their huge library as well.
2) Kentucky Horse Park - This is not only a working horse farm with different breeds of horses but is also the home of the International Museum of the Horse and the American Saddlebred Museum. The kids will love the variety of horses and might just learn something too. Draft horses pull a trolley for a tour that is included with admission and you can even ride horses for an additional charge. They will discourage you from riding the horses like you’re on the homestretch but you can let your imagination run wild.
3) Bourbon Trail - After horses, bourbon is Kentucky’s most famous export. Or maybe it’s the other way around, depending on your audience. Either way, you should visit a distillery or three. If you’re a bourbon novice and want to start slowly, begin in Lexington proper at Town Branch. It will count on your passport for the trail and get you closer to a T-shirt you can only earn. If you’re an expert, try the lesser known trail, the Craft Tour. These are smaller producers with even more diversity of style. Be sure to check for hours of operation and tour times so you don’t make a trip in vain. Combine the two tours and don’t forget there are others out there not on either list. You can also join tours or create your own. Remember to have someone else do the driving.
WOODFORD RESERVE IS ONE DISTILLERY THAT OFFERS TOURS

4) Go see a game - Lexington is the home of University of Kentucky and while they are best known for their men’s basketball program, they also have, among others, soccer (men’s and women’s) and SEC football. In addition to the college sports, the Lexington Legends play in Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Minor league baseball (the Legends are single A) makes a terrific, affordable family outing.
5) Eat - Of course you will, but where? Consider signing up with Bleu Plate Tours and learning about local spots while also getting some snacks along the way. If that’s too structured, look for food trucks, Lexington has a lot of them. You can find a list online or download an app (Follow the Food Truck) to make things easier. If you want still more options, go to Jefferson St. off of W. Main St. and wander. There are so many restaurants in this small area that the road should be paved with plates. You will find be able to find a menu you like, plus you can check out the ambiance and available tables.
6) Get outside - With moderate temperatures most of the year, Lexington offers a great excuse to get outside and go to some parks. For a sense of history, McConnell Springs is the place where the first settlers in the area camped. For space and a view, Raven Run has over 700 acres and you can see the Kentucky River Palisades. For sheer beauty, try the University of Kentucky Arboretum or add some contemplation, perhaps, and visit the arboretum and the rest of the grounds at Lexington Cemetery. If you want a good workout, try the 12 mile long Legacy Trail which runs from the north of town (nearly adjacent to the Cemetery) to the Horse Park (No. 2 above). Biking would be encouraged for the full distance but you can run it, walk it or use any other non-motorized method to enjoy the trip.
7) Take a drive - Maybe exercise isn’t your thing. Maybe you got plenty earlier and want to see more of the area than you possibly can on foot. Explore rolling hills and enjoy gorgeous, classic country vistas, complete with horses, by going out for a drive. Try U.S. 68 to Harrodsburg, chosen by National Geographic for it’s scenic beauty, or go to Visit Lex and request a map.
8) More horses - While you’re driving around it’s nearly a guarantee that you will want to get more horse activities into your time in Lexington. You can do this a number of ways. Tour horse farms through www.visithorsecountry.com. These are working farms that breed and raise young Thoroughbreds for sale. There are more options than could possibly be listed but here’s a good summary. The Thoroughbred Center gets horses ready for racing and might just be the thing for those interested in the behind the scenes of the sport of kings. Or see retired horses and support the efforts of those who care for them after the bright lights of competition fade by visiting Our Mims and/or Old Friends.
9) Visit breweries/wineries - While bourbon steals the spotlight, Lexington’s breweries are worth a look. Take the trail and keep a passport for a T-shirt or just keep your eyes peeled for tap handles at restaurants. There are some excellent beers and a visit to a brewery can be fun, try Blue Stallion. Wine receives even less attention but there is a trail and some places worth visiting. Many bring fruit from California and/or make fruit wines but some are growing their own grapes. The last ones are of most interest to me. Consider Equus Run, Grimes and First Vineyard (the site of the first commercial vineyard in the United States). There are more ideas and information about tours here.
STATUES AT EQUUS RUN

10) Explore a museum - Lexington boasts a vibrant art scene, as one might expect in a University city, and two museums worth an investment of your time are the Headley-Whitney and University of Kentucky’s Art Museum. Be sure to look ahead and see what will be featured during your time in Lexington but also consider just wandering in the door and taking a look. You might be pleasantly surprised. If nothing else, you’ll at least feel well-rounded for the day.
Lexington’s tourism website is impressive, to dig deeper and learn more about events happening during your trip, go to VisitLex.com. You can also follow @BigLexKY on Twitter. Enjoy!