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Lexington, Kentucky famous for its horses, bluegrass and whisky. It was here that Bluegrass music was born. Lexington, the world capital of racehorse breeding and burley tobacco was named by patriotic hunters who camped here in 1775 shortly after hearing news of the first battle of Revolutionary War at Lexington, Massachusetts.
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Lexington, Kentucky famous for its horses, bluegrass and whisky. It was here that Bluegrass music was born. Lexington, the world capital of racehorse breeding and burley tobacco was named by patriotic hunters who camped here in 1775 shortly after hearing news of the first battle of Revolutionary War at Lexington, Massachusetts.
Huge caverns and Appalachian hikes attract adventurous tourists. History buffs can walk where Daniel Boone hunted and enjoy all the sites that he may have encountered. Visitors can also take a step back in time at the birthplace of one of our President's, Abraham Lincoln; Ashland, Henry Clay's estate; the Hunt-Morgan House, the Bodley-Bullock House and Waveland. For the Bourbon connoisseurs, Lexington has a fine variety of distilleries - offering samples to those who visit. If fast paced excitement, is more to your style then be sure to play the odds while enjoying a cup of burgoo at the Kentucky Derby.
Lexington is outlined by winding roads, miles of white-planked fences, rolling countryside and picturesque horse farms. Lexington does, however, offer numerous cultural activities including the Lexington Philharmonic, the newly-expanded Lexington Children's Theatre, the Lexington Children's Museum, Broadway Live, and the Ballet Theatre of Lexington.
For the sports enthusiasts, Lexington provides entertainment by keeping fans cheering in the stands for The American Hockey League's Kentucky Thorough blades and the University of Kentucky men's basketball team. In the stadium, football enthusiasts can enjoy Southeastern Conference football at the newly expanded Commonwealth Stadium on UK's campus.
Lexington's charms its visitors both by the close proximity of the area's rural surroundings and by the metropolitan conveniences of a dynamic city.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
120 Sycamore Road
Lexington, KY 40502
859-266-8581
Ashland is the 20-acre wooded estate of Henry Clay, a 19th century statesman. Tours are available of the lush estate.
The Arboretum
500 Alumni Drive
Lexington, KY 40503
859-257-6955
Botanical garden showcasing a wide variety of plants, trees, walking and jogging paths, and more.
The Hunt-Morgan House
201 North Mill Street
Lexington, KY 40508
859-253-0362 or 859-233-3290
The Hunt-Morgan House was built in 1814 by John Wesley Hunt, one of Lexington 's most prominent citizens of the early 19th century. The Federal-style house is now a living museum, where visitors can learn about the highly cultured lifestyle of early 19th century Lexington.
Keeneland Race Course
4201 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40510
800-456-3412 or 859-254-3412
The Keeneland Race Course is a National Historic Landmark featuring stone fences and buildings and a peaceful setting. Live Thoroughbred racing takes place at Keeneland in April and October.
Lexington Cemetery
833 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
859-255-5522
The Lexington Cemetery is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for landscape design. It is also nationally recognized as one of America 's most beautiful arboretums.
Lexington Brewing Company
401 Cross Street
Lexington, KY 40508
859-887-5180
The Lexington Brewing Company was established in 1794, and the production of Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale continues today. Visitors are welcome to tour the brew hall viewing area and bottling area. Stop by the gift shop and Irish pub before you leave.
Talon Winery & Vineyards
7086 Tates Creek Road
Lexington, KY 40515
859-971-3214
The Talon Winery and Vineyards sits on 300 acres of rolling Bluegrass farmland. Winery tours feature an inside view of the processing area, the tanks, Kentucky oak-barrels and a state-of-the-art bottling system. The tasting room and gift shop are located in an original 18th century farmhouse.
Churchill Weavers
100 Churchill Drive
Berea, KY 40403
765-442-4700
Churchill Weavers is located about 40 minutes from Lexington and is one of the country's foremost hand weaving studios. Its history dates back to 1922, when it was Berea’s first non-college industry. The loom house tour takes a look at each operation from warping and weaving to the finishing of ladies' accessories, throws and baby blankets.
Equus Run Vineyards & Winery
1280 Moores Mill Road
Midway, KY 40347
859-846-9463
The Equus Run Vineyards is located about 15 minutes from Lexington and features acres of grapevines. The area offers areas for fishing and picnicking, a wine tasting room, a gift shop and more.
Floral Clock
State Capitol Grounds
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-3449
The Floral Clock is made up of 10,000 plants and is located on the grounds of the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, about 27 miles west of Lexington.
Fort Boonesborough State Park
4375 Boonesborough Road
Richmond, KY 40475
859-527-3131
The Fort Boonesborough State Park features a reconstruction of the fort built in 1775 by Daniel Boone. Visitors can gain an understanding of early pioneer life through the fort and the park's museum, which tells the story of Daniel Boone and the settlement of the area.
Kentucky Military History Museum
125 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40602
502-564-3265
The Kentucky Military History Museum features a collection of weapons, uniforms, flags and photographs dating back to the Civil War. The museum is located 30 minutes from Lexington and features modern day artifacts such as SCUD missile pieces from the Persian Gulf War.
Kentucky State Capitol
700 Capitol Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-3449
The Kentucky State Capitol Building was started in 1905 and completed in 1910. Tours are available of the massive building, located in Frankfort, 27 miles west of Lexington.
Nannine Clay Wallis Arboretum
616 Pleasant Street
Paris, KY 40361
859-987-6158
The Nannine Clay Wallis Arboretum is a seven-acre site that features one hundred varieties of trees, two fish pools, a rose garden and numerous flowering plants. The arboretum is located 18 miles north of Lexington.
Wild Turkey Distillery
1525 Tyrone Road
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
502-839-4544
In 1893, whiskey from the Wild Turkey Distillery was selected from more than 400 whiskeys to represent Kentucky at the World's Fair. That same 101-proof Wild Turkey bourbon is still made here today. Tours are available of the fermentation and bottling areas and timbered warehouses.
Lexington Livery Carriage Company
171 Saunier Avenue
Lexington, KY 40507
859-259-0000
Take a tour in a horse-drawn carriage in the evening – weather permitting. Call for times and pricing.
The Lexington Opera House
401 West Short Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-233-4567
This is the home stage for “Broadway Live” and many other local artists. Call for schedule.
The Red Mile Harness Track
1200 Red Mile Road
Lexington, KY 40504
859-255-0752
This is the oldest racetrack in Lexington. It dates back to 1875. The largest outdoor Saddlebred horse show in the nation is held here each Summer. Tour takes approximately 2 hours.
University of Kentucky Art Museum
Singletary Center for the Arts
Corner of Rose Street & Euclid Avenue
Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-5716
The Singletary Center for the Arts houses this unique arts museum. They have a permanent collection and special traveling exhibits.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
1001 Wilkinson Boulevard
Frankfort, KY 40601
800-654-8471 or 502-696-5926
This is one of America’s oldest operating distilleries. Named Distillery of the Year in 2005 by Whiskey Magazine. Be sure to try Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey!
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
3501 Lexington Road
Harrodsburg, KY 40330
800-734-5611 or 859-734-5411
This is the largest restored Shaker community. It is comprised of 2,900 acres of farmland and more than 30 restored 19th century buildings. You can tour the community and see artifacts, learn how crafts were made, and more. There also offer an array of special music and dance performances.
Old Kentucky Chocolates
450 Southland Drive
Lexington, KY 40503
859-278-4444 or 800-786-0579
Candy has been made here for more than 35 years. They are best known for their Bourbon Chocolates and Bourbon Cherries – both made with 100-proof Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon.
Farmers’ Markets
859-608-2655 or 859-328-2401
Held at different locations, they offer fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, jams, jellies, honey, and other Kentucky specialties. Call for exact locations.
Jean Farris Winery
6825 Old Richmond Road
Lexington, KY 40515
859-263-9463
Tour the establishment, taste test the wine, and even buy your favorite to go with your dinner! They offer The Bistro for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and brunch and dinner on Saturday.
Waveland State Historic Site
225 Waveland Museum Road
Lexington, KY 40514
859-272-3611
1847 Greek Revival house that offers tours that focus on Joseph Bryan and grand-nephew Daniel Boone and their families and lives on a 19th century Kentucky plantation.
American Saddlebred Museum
4093 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
859-259-2746
The American Saddlebred Museum is located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park. The museum showcases the American Saddlebred, which is Kentucky's native breed of horse.
Aviation Museum of Kentucky
4316 Hangar Drive
Lexington, KY 40510
859-231-1219
The Aviation Museum of Kentucky features restored historic aircraft, aviation artifacts and equipment, interactive displays and more.
Explorium of Lexington (Children's Museum)
440 West Short Street
Victorian Square
Lexington, KY 40507
859-258-3256
Features seven galleries of hands-on exhibits that teach visitors about nature, the human heart, world geography and culture, archeology, Lexington history and more.
Lexington History Museum
215 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-254-0530
The Lexington History Museum is housed in the old Fayette County Courthouse, built circa 1900. Exhibits include a timeline of the area's history, a photographic study of Lexington's African-American community, a display of IBM's Selectric Typewriter (once produced locally) and more.
Mary Todd Lincoln House
578 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-233-9999
The Mary Todd Lincoln House is a late-Georgian-style brick that has been restored to reflect the Todd family's residency.
McConnell Springs
416 Rebmann Lane
Lexington, KY 40504
859-225-4073
McConnell Springs is a 26-acre nature sanctuary that features hiking trails, natural springs, limestone fences originally constructed in the early 1800s, the remains of a historic gristmill and farm, a Visitors Center and more.
University of Kentucky Basketball Museum
U.K. Basketball Museum, Inc.
410 West Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40501
800-269-1953 or 859-225-5670
The University of Kentucky Basketball Museum showcases the 96-year history of the men's collegiate basketball team. Interactive, high-tech exhibits are featured, as well as historical timelines, artifact displays and more.
Bluegrass Railroad Museum
175 Beasley Drive
Versailles, KY 40383
859-873-2476
The Bluegrass Railroad Museum is located about 20 minutes from Lexington and features vintage railroad equipment and memorabilia. Train rides are available through 11 miles of Bluegrass horse and tobacco farms, with a stop at a scenic overlook on the Kentucky River.
Nostalgia Station Toy & Train Museum
279 Depot Street
Versailles, KY 40383
859-873-2497
The Nostalgia Station Toy and Train Museum is located in a former 1911 L&N Railroad station and features antique model trains, antique toys and railroad memorabilia. The museum is located 10 miles west of Lexington.
Hummel Planetarium & Space Theatre
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY 40475
859-622-1547
The Hummel Planetarium and Space Theater is one of the largest and most sophisticated planetariums in the United States. Located 10 minutes south of Lexington, the center utilizes a state-of-the-art sound system and special effects to provide educational and entertaining programs about space.
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
859-233-4303 or 800-678-8813
The Kentucky Horse Park features museums, galleries, theaters, working farm exhibits and more, all dedicated to horses and their relationship with man. The park’s lush pastures are home to more than 45 breeds of horses.
The Thoroughbred Center
3380 Paris Pike
Lexington, KY 40511
859-293-1853
The Thoroughbred Center is a working Thoroughbred training facility. Visitors can tour the facility and learn how Thoroughbreds are trained and cared for.
Cincinnati Bengals Summer Training Camp
100 Stadium Drive
Georgetown College Campus
Georgetown, KY 40324
502-868-6300
Just 15 short minutes away from Lexington is the Athletic Complex, which is home to the Cincinnati Bengals training camp in the Summer from mid-July to mid-August. They also have FanFest during the training camp. Call for schedule and times.
Evans Orchard and Cider Mill
180 Stone Road
Georgetown, KY 40324
502-863-2255
Visit this orchard, cider mill, and u-pick operation along with farm market that offers special events and festivals throughout the year. Lunch is served seasonally. Call for schedule.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
3501 Lexington Road
Harrodsburg, KY 40330
800-734-5611 or 859-734-5411
This is the largest restored Shaker community. It is comprised of 2,900 acres of farmland and more than 30 restored 19th century buildings. You can tour the community and see artifacts, learn how crafts were made, and more. There also offer an array of special music and dance performances.
Thoroughbred Park
Corner of Main and Midland Streets
Lexington, KY 40507
Open all year – 24 hours a day. This park is comprised of 2.5 acres and is home to seven life-size and lifelike bronze race horses heading for the finish line. Admission is free! Great backdrop for pictures!
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
5888 Jacks Creek Pike
Lexington, KY 40515
859-272-6105
Have fun touring this 700+ acre nature sanctuary right on the Kentucky River that is dedicated to protecting animals.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, USA
1001 Cherry Blossom Way
Georgetown, KY 40324
502-868-3027 or 800-866-4485
Take a tram tour through the largest Toyota production plant in North America where you can go through the Stamping area, Body Weld and Assembly sections of the plant. There are several interactive exhibits for you to enjoy too!
January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
859-257-4130
This is a community wide celebration and includes a march and a program following. Free and open to everyone.
African American Ball
859-255-2653
Celebrate the excellence in African American art, culture, music, fashion and more. Live music, food, drink, and fun!
February
A Jazzy Valentine
859-257-4900
This annual Valentine’s jazz concert is put on by the UK Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band. Free and open to the public.
Mardi Gras Parade & After Party
859-254-9790
Party in the streets and celebrate the uniqueness of Mardi Gras in the style of a New Orleans parade. Live music, dancers, drummers, prizes, food, and more.
March
Lexington Antiques & Garden Show
859-253-0362
More than 40 antique dealers and garden specialists are featured at this show.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
859-278-7349
Join in on the fun with leprechauns and shamrocks!
April
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event
859-254-8123
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is an equestrian competition that also includes an international trade fair, demonstrations and exhibitions, food, and more.
May
Mayfest Art Fair
859-2590
The Mayfest Art Fair features performing, visual and literary arts.
Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen Spring Fair
859-986-2540
The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen Spring Fair features works by more than 100 regional artists and craftsmen, as well as live music, dancing and demonstrations.
June
Annual Egyptian Event
859-231-0771
Come view the Egyptian Arabian horses in a show consisting of competitions in performance, halter, dressage, native costume, and more!
Festival of the Bluegrass
859-846-4995
Festival of the Bluegrass is an annual jamboree event that features performances by top local and national artists.
Swingin’ on Main – Annual Street Dance
859-323-3633
Jump, jive, and wail to the live music, enjoy dance lessons, dance contests, prizes, and more!
July
Fourth of July Festival
859-258-3123
The Fourth of July Festival features arts and crafts, food vendors, children’s activities, live music, and more.
BreyerFest
973-633-5090
This annual gathering will be a fun-fill weekend of model horses, real horses, shopping, demonstrations, and more.
August
Birdhouse Display
859-257-6955
Stroll through the beautiful garden while they are in full bloom and make a bid on your favorite birdhouse. Free admission.
September
Spoonbread Festival
859-986-9760
Family fun including exhibits, carnival, balloon glow, concerts, dog show, balloon rides, and more!
Roots and Heritage Festival
859-299-9687
Art exhibits, literary readings, basketball at midnight, golf tournament, films, children’s activities, comedy, parade, and more.
October
Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen Fall Fair
859-986-2540
This outdoors Fall Fair features the works and wares of regional artists.
November/December
Southern Lights
859-255-5727
Southern Lights features animated light displays along a four-mile route through Kentucky Horse Park. Indoor exhibits, entertainment, food and drink are also featured.
December
Lexington Christmas Parade
859-231-7335
Come see the largest Christmas parade in Kentucky!
Population:
270,000+ (Lexington-Fayette County)
Time Zone:
Eastern
Climate:
Summer highs top out in the upper 80s, with evening lows in the mid 60s. Spring and fall highs are in the 60s, with lows in the 40s. Winter highs are in the 30s and 40s, with lows in the 20s, and a few inches of snowfall is likely between December and March.
Airport:
Blue Grass Airport (LEX)
4000 Terminal Drive
Lexington, KY 40510
859-425-3114
Bus:
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Getting Around Lexington:
LexTran
City Bus
859-253-4636
Taxis:
United Transportation
859-231-8294
American Taxi
859-381-1010
Limousines:
Personal Touch
859-227-5095
Triple Crown Limousines
859-252-6764
Visitor Information:
Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
301 East Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507
800-845-3959 or 859-233-7299
Dining:
Ramsey’s Diner
496 East High Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-259-2708
Homegrown veggies, May Day Pie, and other down home favorites! Family friendly – they even have a toy box for the youngsters!
Metropol
307 West Short Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-381-9493
Intimate establishment offering upscale cuisine. Their location is in a white brick building dating back to 1825.
Jalapeno’s Mexican Restaurant
1030 South Broadway
Lexington, KY 40504
859-281-5171
Inexpensive Mexican food with a friendly atmosphere!
Joe Bologna’s
120 West Maxwell Street
Lexington, KY 40508
859-252-4933
Visit the historic Jewish Temple where this delicious restaurant is located. The interior is truly unique and so are the breadsticks!
Nightlife:
Comedy Off Broadway
161 Lexington Green Circle #C4
Lexington, KY 40503
859-271-5653
Award winning comedy club offering well known comedians and local talent. Call for show times and tickets.
Cadillac Ranch
2320 Palumbo Drive
Lexington, KY 40509
859-335-8800
You’ll find good drink specials, line dancing, two-stepping, and mechanical bull riding along with pool tables at this country favorite!
Club Avio
367 East Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-231-7263
Large “adult” complex featuring karaoke, live music, sports on TV, dancing, drinking, and more. Several buildings are combined in this large complex so you just pick what you want to do and go!
Bigg Blue Martini
369 West Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-231-9000
Upscale bar with fantastic views of Triangle Park boasting comfortable leather chairs and the perfect place to wind down and have a cigar. Live music on weekends.
