Top 10 Things to Do in Lexington KY
Hi, my name is Emily Johnson and I’m excited to share with you my personal experiences and top picks for things to do in Lexington KY. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Curiosities and Interesting Information
- Lexington is known as the Horse Capital of the World and is home to the Kentucky Horse Park.
- The city is also famous for bourbon and has many distilleries open for tours and tastings.
- Lexington was once home to Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln.
- The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, is the largest college in the state.
1. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park
As mentioned before, Lexington is known for its horses and the Kentucky Horse Park is the perfect place to experience them. I visited the park last summer and it was amazing to see the different breeds of horses and learn about their history. You can also watch horse shows and demonstrations, take a carriage ride, and even meet some retired racehorses.
2. Explore the Bourbon Trail
Lexington is located in the heart of bourbon country and there are many distilleries to visit. I did the Bourbon Trail last fall and it was a great way to learn about the history and process of making bourbon. Some of my favorite distilleries were Woodford Reserve and Wild Turkey.
3. Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House
If you’re a history buff like me, you’ll enjoy visiting the Mary Todd Lincoln House. The house is where Mary Todd lived before she married Abraham Lincoln and is filled with original furniture and artifacts. It was fascinating to learn about her life and see where she lived before becoming the First Lady.
4. Take a Stroll Through the Lexington Arboretum
The Lexington Arboretum is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature. I love taking walks through the different gardens and seeing the variety of plants and flowers. There’s even a children’s garden with interactive exhibits and activities.
5. Catch a Game at Rupp Arena
As a sports fan, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see a game at Rupp Arena. The arena is home to the University of Kentucky basketball team and has a great atmosphere. Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s worth seeing a game just for the experience.
6. Shop and Dine in Downtown Lexington
Downtown Lexington has a variety of shops and restaurants to explore. I love walking along Main Street and checking out the local boutiques and art galleries. There are also many great restaurants with delicious food, such as Tony’s of Lexington and Dudley’s on Short.
7. Visit the Lexington Farmers Market
The Lexington Farmers Market is a great way to support local farmers and artisans. I love going on Saturday mornings and browsing the different vendors. You can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
8. Take a Hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful place to take a hike and enjoy the scenery. There are over 10 miles of hiking trails and you can see a variety of wildlife, such as deer and wild turkey. I recommend bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying it at one of the scenic overlooks.
9. Tour Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, is a National Historic Landmark and was home to Henry Clay, a prominent politician in the 19th century. I took a tour of the house and learned about Clay’s life and legacy. The gardens are also beautiful and worth exploring.
10. See a Show at the Lexington Opera House
The Lexington Opera House is a beautiful venue and hosts a variety of shows and performances. I saw a musical there last year and was impressed with the quality of the production. It’s a great place to see a show in an intimate setting.
FAQs
What is Lexington KY known for?
Lexington is known for its horses, bourbon, and history. It is also home to the University of Kentucky.
What are the best things to do in Lexington KY?
The top 10 things to do in Lexington KY are:
- Visit the Kentucky Horse Park
- Explore the Bourbon Trail
- Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House
- Take a Stroll Through the Lexington Arboretum
- Catch a Game at Rupp Arena
- Shop and Dine in Downtown Lexington
- Visit the Lexington Farmers Market
- Take a Hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
- Tour Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
- See a Show at the Lexington Opera House
What is the best time of year to visit Lexington KY?
The best time to visit Lexington KY is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful. However, there are events and activities year-round, so there’s never a bad time to visit.
Is Lexington KY a good place to live?
Yes, Lexington KY is a great place to live. It has a low cost of living, a strong economy, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities.