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Post Updated: January 7, 2024
When most people think Lexington, Kentucky bourbon and horses are the first things that come to mind. For me, Lexington holds a special place in my heart because my niece has been living there for the last 4 years working on her degree at UK. With her being so close to graduating, I figured it was the perfect time to pay her a visit for a little girls’ weekend (plus Jacob)!!
In this post, you will find a complete insider’s guide of things to do in the city of bourbon and horses: Lexington, Kentucky — or ‘Lex’ as they like to call it here.
Things To Do in Lexington
There are so many things to do in Lexington you surely will not run out of options and there is something for everyone. I should note that the city is basically laid out in a circle, with UK close to the center of town. So you will need a car to get around. The suggestions in this post are not far from one another but with traffic expect it to take approximately 20 minutes to go 5 miles.
The Arboretum
The Arboretum is a great (free) option to check out on your trip to Lexington. It is a 100-acre botanical garden that is run by UK’s School of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
The spring flowers and trees were starting to bloom while we were there which made for a beautiful backdrop for some photos! The best part is it is always changing with the seasons so there is always something new to see.
Address: 500 Alumni Dr., Lexington, KY
Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park is a must on your list of things to do while you are in Lexington! Here you will learn about all things horses and horse racing! Take the little kids for a pony ride while the bigger kids, and the adults, go on a horseback trail ride.
They have a “Parade of Breeds” show where you can learn about different breeds of horses and meet some of them.
There is also a Hall of Champions where you can meet famous racehorses. We met Go For Gin and Funny Cide who were both past winners of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville! We even got to see the park’s newest addition, a 7-week-old baby Clydesdale.
In case you’ve worked up an appetite, they have a restaurant on site as well.
The park also has several museums which will teach you about the history and importance of the horse. This is a great choice if you are looking for something educational, as well as fun.
Address: 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY
Sun Valley Farms
If you feel up to taking a 30-minute road trip outside of Lexington, Sun Valley Farms in Versailles, KY is incredibly charming. Here they raise thoroughbreds and you can interact with the baby foals. Check their website for tour options!
Even if you don’t take a tour, just driving the grounds will allow you to experience that beautiful southern charm. You will most likely be able to catch a great photo opportunity with a horse hanging out by the fence!
Address: 556 New Cut Rd, Versailles, KY
Insider Tip* If you are taking part in the bourbon trail, Woodford Reserve Distillery is not far from Sun Valley Farm!
Keeneland
Keeneland is also another popular tourist destination for people visiting Lexington. Grab your fancy hat, get dressed to impress, and head over to watch the races!
The spring meets are in April and the fall meets are in October, so you can expect it to be crowded around these times.
Address: 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY
Old Kentucky Chocolates
A quick stop that you absolutely must make is at Old Kentucky Chocolates. Some of their specialties include bourbon-infused cherries, moonshine-infused cherries (which I tried and let me tell you, it took a few seconds but that moonshine taste sure did hit you!), and chocolate-covered grapes and strawberries.
I indulged and grabbed a box of bourbon cherries and an assorted box of truffles to take home …. Sadly, the box of truffles did not even have a chance to make it home; we girls polished them off over the weekend with ease! Haha!!
Address: 450 Southland Dr., Lexington, KY
Shop Local at Julietta Market Inside Greyline Station
One of the coolest insider spots in Lexington is Julietta Market inside Greyline Station. This marketplace for small businesses is a great way to shop for local Lexington items. They have food, art, custom clothing and accessories, a barber shop, and even a tattoo shop inside!
You can stop by North Lime Coffee and Donuts for a little snack before you begin shopping and finish off at Old North Bar with a glass of wine and a soft drink for the kids.
Address: 101 W Loudon Ave, Lexington, KY
Rupp Arena & Triangle Park
Check out a concert or a UK basketball game at Rupp Arena. While you’re waiting for your seats, head over to Triangle Park just down the street and see the beautiful cascading wall of water. Then, go grab a beer and a pizza at Pies & Pints across the street.
Address: 430 West Vine St, Lexington, KY
Malibu Jacks Indoor Theme Park
If you’re looking for fun things to do when it rains or things to do in Lexington at night, Malibu Jacks Indoor Theme Park is a must!
They have a roller coaster, laser tag, arcade games, bowling, go-karts, virtual reality and so much more – and it’s all indoors. There’s also a restaurant and bar inside as well.
I probably don’t need to tell you that this was Raelyn’s favorite part of our trip to Lex haha!
Address: 2520 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY
If you didn’t get enough video games and bumper cars, Gattitown is right next door, which is another great option for food, games, and fun.
Address: 2524 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY
Explore Lexington’s History
While visiting Lexington, you should take in some of its rich history.
Take the Traces of Slavery tour at Ashland (the Henry Clay Estate) and learn about those enslaved there.
Or visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House downtown which was the former first lady’s family home.
Ashland: 120 Sycamore Rd, Lexington, KY
Mary Todd Lincoln House: 578 West Main St Lexington KY
Bourton Trail and/or Distillery Tour
If you happen to be in Lexington without the kids, a distillery tour or The Bourbon Trail would be fun options!
If bourbon isn’t your thing, there are also a bunch of breweries around town as well.
Red River Gorge
So, when you’re ready to go work off all that bourbon and chocolate, take a day trip from Lexington and head over to Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park. You can even make it an overnight trip and glamp out in one of their gorgeous tree houses, cabins, or the stunning Cliffview Resort.
You will find beautiful hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and scenic overlooks that will make your jaws drop. Then after a day of hiking, reward yourself with a slice of pizza from Miguel’s! My niece LOVES Red River Gorge!
Another Related Post: Things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park – An Ultimate Travel Guide
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
For a little less strenuous of a hike, but still just as beautiful, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary would be a great place to take the kids.
Here you have access to over 10 miles of trails, meadows, and streams to take in all the beauty that Kentucky has to offer. The best part, it’s all free!
Address: 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington, KY
Crave
If you happen to be in Lex in August, you must check out Crave: an epic festival with live music, tons of food vendors, and a car show located at Masterson Station Park.
Kids under 10 get in free, parking is free and adult admission is only $8. You will want to purchase your tickets in advance. The dates for 2021 are August 14 & 15.
Places To Eat in Lexington
Drake’s
A great place to start your trip to Lex after you’ve had a long day in the car or a long flight is Drake’s. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a co*cktail or a craft beer and watch the game.
They have a really relaxed vibe which is synonymous with the rest of the city. Make sure you try the beer cheese!! We had it with soft pretzels and I had it on my burger too – it’s that good!
They are open late too so if you’re craving a midnight snack this is your spot.
North Lime Coffee and Donuts
On your next morning, before you begin your adventure, grab a coffee and a donut at North Lime Coffee and Donuts. There are several locations across the city but we tried the one inside Julietta Market.
Their donut menu is always changing and they have vegan options as well. I loved the funnel cake donut but they also had a funkfetti donut made with cold brew icing, perfect to go with your morning coffee.
Mellow Mushroom
If you are in the mood for pizza, which I always am, Mellow Mushroom Pizza is a MUST. They have a great laid-back, hippie vibe and the staff is so nice.
All of their pizzas are stone-fired which is one of my favorite ways to have pizza. We started with the cheese bread as an appetizer and had the Great White pizza.
What I loved about this pizza, compared to others that I have had, is they didn’t forget about the crust! It was brushed with oil and garlic which gave it an incredible flavor. Paired with the pineapple cider this pizza was to die for!
Saul Good
There are a lot of places in Lexington to get that southern cooking fix. Saul Good did not disappoint with their chicken and waffles! Make sure you save room for the white chocolate cheesecake, YUM!!
Sedona Taphouse
Before you head out of town, stop by Sedona Tap House for brunch. The crab eggs benedict was delicious!
Crank & Boom Ice Cream
Of course, any trip of mine would not be complete without finding a delicious ice cream joint – and in Lexington that is hands-down Crank & Boom Ice Cream.
With a few different locations across the city, you are sure to find one that is close to you on your visit to Lexington. They also have some boozy ice cream sundaes for the adults!
There was no way that we could decide on only one flavor so Beth and I shared the sampler flight. Here you get to try 4 generous scoops of whatever 4 flavors you choose. We had the PB Fluff and Stuff, Banana Chocolate, Blueberry Lime Cheesecake, and Butter Gooey Cake. They were all so delicious it was hard to pick a favorite, but if you twisted my arm I would have to say it was the blueberry lime cheesecake!! YUM!
Insider’s Tip* The Clays Mill location has North Lime Coffee and Donuts right next door, so if you want to indulge in ice cream AND donuts (and I totally say you should) this is a good spot to do so!
Other Dining Options in Lexington
- Palmer’s
- Spalding’s Bakery
- OBC Kitchen – a higher-end option with an extensive bourbon list
- Carson’s
- Josie’s – a great option for breakfast/brunch (dinner is only served at the Lexington location)
- West Main Crafting – they have a small menu but great craft co*cktails
- Gus’s Fried Chicken – because you are in the South, after all!
Insider Spot* – Every Thursday night from June to October check out Thursday Night Live for live music, food and drinks from local Lexington vendors from 5-8pm
Located at Fifth Third Bank Pavilion in Downtown
Where To Stay in Lexington
There are a ton of different hotel options in Lexington for every budget. Here are two of my favorites!
- Hyatt Regency Lexington – super close to the Rupp Arena
- 21C Museum Hotel Lexington – a beautiful luxury, boutique hotel located downtown
I hope you enjoyed this insider guide of things to do in Lexington KY. Let me know in the comments if you have visited Lexington and what your favorite spots were!
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