Location: Lexington
Top Things to do in Lexington
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Lexington That You Shouldn't Miss
Welcome to Bluegrass Country, the "Horse Capital of the World." But you don't have to be an avid racehorse fan to enjoy the natural beauty, culture and history that this exciting city has to offer. At the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, for example, hiking trails wend their way through forests, meadows and gentle creeks, taking you past historic landmarks; there's even a nighttime guided walk for stargazing. The best place in the world for raising thoroughbred horses, Lexington has over 500 horse farms. The Kentucky Horse Park features films, horse shows and exhibits. Be sure to tour the American Saddle Horse Museum, dedicated to the native Kentucky breed, and watch races at the lovely Keeneland Race Course in season. Historic sites are plentiful here, including the Waveland State Historic Site, the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and the Ashland estate of famed Kentucky statesman Henry Clay.
Restaurants in Lexington
1. Blue Grass Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 265 reviews
Blue Grass tours, Lexington's oldest tour company, provides full travel and touring services. Join us for a Private Tour. Our friendly, knowledgeable Tour Coordinators can create custom itineraries for your group or convention with tours, meals, and entertainment. Our engaging Guides will give you or your group a wonderful experience in the Bluegrass and beyond!
2. Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Farm Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 712 reviews
Horse Farm Tours,Lexington KY. Experience why Kentucky is world famous! Our fun and informative horse farm tours (approximately 3 hours in length) take you through the heart and soul of Kentucky's beautiful blue grass horse country. Drive by, see and hear the history of Calumet horse farm, home of a breeding and racing dynasty that dominated the sport of kings during the 1940s, 1950s and beyond. Step out and enjoy a walking tour of the ivy-covered grounds of historic Keeneland Race Course, home to the planet's most expensive horse auctions. Take a peek at the thoroughbred horse lifestyle as we take you behind the scenes to explore thoroughbred horse farms and visit up close and personal with their thoroughbred horses (including mares and foals). We'll even see where scenes from the major motion pictures Secretariat, Seabiscuit and Dreamer were filmed.
3. Unique Horse Farm Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 536 reviews
Behind-the-scenes tour of world-renowned Bluegrass horse farms and see some of the world's most famous Thoroughbred farms and equine -related facilities.
4. Distilled Experiences
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 106 reviews
Our world in Kentucky is unique and authentic. Experience Southern Hospitality at its finest, as you explore the Bluegrass like a local. Discover your next great adventure, with us!
5. West Sixth Brewing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 272 reviews
Located north of Main Street at the end of the popular Jefferson on West Sixth Street. Fresh, local beer made on site and served in a spacious taproom, beer garden, and patio.A great place to kick back, drink some great beer, meet with friends, watch the game, or just hang out.
Reviewed By cobi714 - Independence, United States
This is our stop on our way back north from Red River Gorge. Everytime. Great beer, dog friendly, games for the kids, etc. Love everything about stopping here. Get a burger next door at Smithtown while you are at it.
6. Central Kentucky Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 283 reviews
Central Kentucky Tours, An Official Sponsor Of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail - Exploring the heart of the Bluegrass! We are a private tour company that offers bourbon tours, horse farm tours and other custom tours to showcase the best of Central Kentucky. We are located in Mercer County, Kentucky and often partner with local hotels in Lexington and Central Kentucky to offer tours to their guests. We offer pick locations in Lexington Ky and Harrodsburg as well as custom tour pick up locations.
7. Bluegrass Distillers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Bluegrass Distillers is a craft bourbon distillery Lexington, Kentucky. This beautiful and special place in the heart of the Kentucky bluegrass region is both the horse racing capital of the world as well as where the finest bourbon whiskey in the world is made and aged. Our recipes are formulated in house and each batch hand crafted with local and locally sourced Kentucky Proud ingredients.
Reviewed By elmcfrog85
Small but very neat Distillery in Lexington. Great tour guide. Their single barrel and cinnamon whiskey were tasty! We bought the single barrel and were able to fill our own bottle straight from the barrel, which is something you don’t get on tours at other distilleries, so that was very cool and made this unique! Would recommend!
8. Lexington Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 339 reviews
Established in 1824, this is considered one of America's most beautifully landscaped cemeteries.
Reviewed By TombRaider55 - Atlanta, United States
If I had this to do over again, I would have planned the visit a little better. This is a very, very popular free attraction. There are many historical figures interred at this old cemetery. While it is very large and so the crowds aren't bothersome, it discouraged me from doing some exploration.
9. Headley-Whitney Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
The Headley-Whitney Museum is a decorative arts museum in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. Founded by George Headley, a noted jewelry designer from the twentieth century, the Museum houses pieces from Headley's impressive collection of jewelry and bibelots (small, decorative objects of beauty) in addition to an array of rotating exhibits and workshops. The property is also used for special events with many acres of unique and beautiful grounds to enjoy. Visit the Headley-Whitney Museum on your next trip to Kentucky and see why were are truly the Gem of the Bluegrass!
10. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Don your walking or hiking shoes and follow the trails through this 350-acre tract of land complete with forests, creeks, meadows, wildflowers and historic and geological landmarks.
Reviewed By melissaaQ7050VS
This was our favorite part of our KY visit. We hit it on the way out of town and were so pleasantly surprised. The hike is not for the faint of heart - Im not a hiker but I would consider their main trail Moderate. There is a map that includes each of the color trails' descriptions. We took the main loop (i think its red) and then a few of the white (sight seeing spot) off shoots from the main 4 mile hike. The views and the scenery were so varied that we were entertained the entire trip. There is a view of the Kentucky river as well as two or three points where you can see small creeks. The greenery was mostly gone during our November visit but there was still so much to see as far as mushrooms, fungus, color leaves and some remaining greenery. We even saw some turkey! Highly recommend. But it is a hike so be sure to check in at the main center (they have a sign in/out sheet) and take some water. I think it took us about 3 hours and we were meandering and taking photos. It was also a little wet from rain so we were in no rush.
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