Lexington, Kentucky is well-known for two things: bourbon and horses. But beyond being the horse capital of the world, the area is rich in other worthy experiences, from top-notch dining and eclectic shopping to river adventures and dynamic historic sites. Get to know the other side of Lexington, Kentucky.
From down-home Southern cooking to elevated fare for a special night out, Lexington restaurants run the gamut and satisfy any taste. Opt for a smoked brisket or chopped pork sandwich at County Club, or indulge at Dudley’s on Short, where Chef Stephen Emory serves up specialties like Tournedos Maxwell—petite filets served with lump crab, a potato purée and béarnaise sauce—plus roasted chicken, salmon and scallops entrées. For brunch, bacon beignets are a go-to and you won’t want to miss the Bloody Mary bar.
Local chef and James Beard Award nominee Ouita Michel’s popular restaurants blend the familiar with her take on the classics. Order a “Hot Brown,” Kentucky’s signature turkey melt, at Wallace Station in nearby Versailles.
Book your stay at GLō Best Western Lexington.
The Summit at Fritz Farm is a public park and outdoor mall packed with large national chains from Madewell to Anthropologie and smaller shops, like Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James, plus places to grab a bite or pick up gifts for your friends back home.
Located in a one-time bus depot, Greyline Station is a market filled with eclectic boutiques like Poppy & Pomelo, vintage shops and tons of places to eat and relax with a cup of coffee or unwind with a cocktail. Every first Friday evening, the market hosts a block party.
Renowned garden designer and Kentucky native Jon Carloftis crafted an architecture and garden tour that takes you through many of the historically preserved sites in downtown Lexington, from the Gratz Park District to stops at northside homes. For another worthy garden experience, check out the University of Kentucky’s Arboretum, home to over 1,000 trees and shrubs plus herb, rose and butterfly gardens.
Home to historic buildings and farmlands, The Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill is a must for visitors who want to step back in time to the pastoral way of life of Kentucky’s historic Shaker community. The dynamic site pays homage to the community’s skilled craftsmanship, distinct architecture and spirituality.
Inside The Historic Centre, learn about the life and times of the Shaker community, and then head over to The Farm and say hello to horses, steer, chickens and more. The village offers experiences that every member of the family will enjoy, from farm tours and nature walks to canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding. May through October, hop on a horse-drawn wagon for a ride around the grounds. In the fall, go for an evening hayride.
For a bite to eat, stop by The Trustees’ Table, a farm-to-table concept serving simple, fresh fare for breakfast and lunch. Dinner kicks it up a notch, with heartier options like blackened salmon, Shaker-style fried chicken and shrimp-and-grits served with homemade chorizo and wilted greens.
Also, for the history buff, Lexington is the childhood home of former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln, the Mary Todd Lincoln house is a Georgian-style brick house that’s one of the oldest structures in town.
Kentucky claims an all-star list of country and bluegrass musicians. In Lexington, fiddler festivals pop up throughout the year. The ongoing Southland Jamboree series is known for its outdoor shows at the Moondance Amphitheater in summer months. Play an instrument? Join in on the fun during the post-concert jam session. The Railbird Festival in June at The Infield at Red Mile Gaming & Racing blends top Appalachia musicians with bourbon and racing.