Lexington – Gateway Itinerary

KBT Distilleries |

KBTCT Distilleries |

Stay |

Horses |

Eat |

Bourbon |

Surrounded by a sublime bluegrass landscape unlike any in the world, Lexington is a vibrant, progressive destination that’s equal parts big city excitement and small town charm.

With an expansive culinary scene brimming with innovative bars and restaurants, hotels for every style and budget, eclectic shopping, plus a bustling creative culture that affords ample opportunities for entertainment, the Horse Capital of the World is the ideal spot to launch your Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure.

Want to leave the driving and planning to someone else? Book your tours and transportation in advance with Pegasus Distillery Experiences, Mint Julep Experiences , or Kentucky Bourbon Boys and all you have to do is enjoy your time the bluegrass!

Explore all that Lexington has to offer at VisitLEX.com.

KBT Distilleries

There’s so many Bourbon experiences to explore here in Kentucky that it can be hard to know where to start—and there’s no better place to start than here in the Bluegrass region. In nearby Versailles, KY, you’ll find Woodford Reserve Distillery, one of the few distilleries in the state that still makes Bourbon using the original Scottish ‘pot still’ method. Lexington’s Town Branch Brewing & Distilling Co. was the first micro-distillery to open in Lexington paving the way for the now burgeoning craft distilling scene, and is unique in that it’s the only stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that is both a distillery and brewery. Wild Turkey Distillery, in Lawrenceburg, KY, a short 40-minute drive from Lexington, has gained a loyal fanbase by making the same 101 proof Bourbon that they’ve been making since 1893. Also in Lawrenceburg, KY is Four Roses Distillery, renowned for their award-winning Bourbon and unique, Spanish-style building. Just an hour away in Danville, KY is Wilderness Trail Distillery, the 14th largest distillery in the entire country.

Learn even more about all Lexington distilleries here.

KBCT Distilleries

The craft distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are another great way to enjoy unique Bourbon experiences. True to its name, Lexington’s Distillery District is home to a number of craft distilleries such as RD1 Spirits—which revitalized Kentucky’s very first registered distillery, and is now home to a charming tasting room and event space. There, you’ll also find Barrel House Distilling Co., where they make everything from Bourbon to vodka to rum, and even moonshine! One of the Distillery District’s most notable attractions is the James E. Pepper Distillery, which reopened in 2017 after sitting vacant for over 50 years. Also in Lexington is Fresh Bourbon Distillery, which is recognized as the first African American-owned and produced Bourbon brand following the end of slavery. Bluegrass Distillers uses only organic and locally sourced grains, which makes all the difference in this unique Bourbon. Hartfield & Co., in nearby Paris, KY, makes small batch Bourbon using locally-sourced ingredients and gives you the opportunity to join the distilling team for a day. Also close to Lexington is Frankfort’s Castle & Key Distillery, which has much more than Bourbon to offer. They also have a limestone castle, sunken gardens, elaborate gazebos, and even a nature trail on the grounds. Frankfort, is also home to Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., which makes Bourbon, gin, and moonshine, and on (most) weekends they have live music and food trucks.

Stay

In Lexington, you can stay in unmatched style. Located in a renovated bank, downtown’s 21c Museum Hotel houses a free contemporary art gallery featuring a rotating selection of thought-provoking pieces from international artists. Even the guest rooms are filled with unique art. Lockbox, the lobby restaurant, serves innovative farm-to-table cuisine and stellar cocktails. Make reservations at a historic Lexington icon, the The Campbell House – a horse farm turned award-winning hotel. Visit their newly built Rackhouse Tavern and choose from over 300 Bourbons and whiskeys. In the nearby Distillery District, The Manchester Hotel provides stunning accommodations, Lost Palm – a tropical rooftop bar, bespoke bottle shop, and Granddam, a posh restaurant that’s quickly becoming a local favorite.

Check out this list of hotels in Lexington to find the right one for you.

Horses

Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World for a reason. Just a short drive from the vibrant city center, over 450 picturesque horse farms provide an idyllic bluegrass backdrop to any visit. Many of those farms can be explored with the help of Horse Country, an organization that arranges intimate tours of Lexington’s iconic Thoroughbred facilities. Experience the thrill of world-class racing and auctions at legendary Keeneland Racecourse. Then make your way to the Kentucky Horse Park for shows, competitions, horseback riding, and history lessons courtesy of their three museums.

Check out this full list of equine experiences in Lexington.

Eat

Nothing pairs better with Bourbon than a good meal, and Lexington’s culinary scene delivers that at every corner with fresh ingredients, inventive dishes, and global cuisine. With everything from cafes, to fast-casual dining options, to fine dining, Lexington has something no matter what mood you’re in. At Carson’s, you can enjoy generous portions and Prohibition-style cocktails. While Zim’s Cafe, found next door to the Lexington Visitors Center in the city’s renovated courthouse, has become popular for its delicious, casual American fare. Cole’s 735 Main uses locally sourced ingredients to put a global spin on Southern classics. OBC Kitchen has become legendary for its delicious southern fare, extensive Bourbon collection, and eclectic beer selection.

New restaurants are popping up all the time and are worth checking out! You can check out a full list of other notable restaurants here.

Bourbon

Lexington’s history is intertwined with that of Bourbon, and like Bourbon itself, the distilleries here have only gotten better with time. All throughout the city you can find distilleries to tour and taste at, distilleries like RD1 Spirits or the historic James E. Pepper Distillery. Lexington’s bars are another great, and more laidback, way to enjoy a world-class Bourbon experience. Bluegrass Tavern, for instance, has Kentucky’s largest selection in the state with over 800 Bourbons to choose from! Bourbon On Rye is a downtown staple with pub grub, and an extensive cocktail list—including tons of Bourbon options. For a cozier feel, there’s the Elkhorn Tavern also in the Distillery District, which has outdoor seating available.

Explore here for an in-depth look at Lexington’s best Bourbon bars.

Enjoy some branch with your Bourbon? Old Limestone Mixing Water is bottled at the source 130 ft below ground in Central Kentucky. This unique limestone aquifer produces a rich, velvety smooth water with hints of calcium and magnesium (which amplify flavors) yet with no iron at all (which would turn a Bourbon mash black). You can get your own Old Limestone Mixing Water delivered to your door directly from the source–because your Bourbon deserves the absolute best. Add Old Limestone to your home bar today (available for purchase on Amazon).

Distilled Living is Kentucky’s original independent professional Bourbon education, experiences, and events company. Elevate your trip with VIP and unique behind-the-scenes access to the distinctive places, people, and products that define the Kentucky Bourbon industry, and enhance any gathering with their premium Bourbon tastings and mixology classes.

You can’t leave Kentucky without popping the top off of an Ale-8-One, Kentucky’s oldest surviving soft drink with a kick of spicy ginger. Kentuckians love to drink it straight or mix it up in a cocktail. What do you get the Bourbon lover (or yourself!) who has everything? The Barrel Market in the Summit at Fritz Farm is a must-stop for gift ideas, unique furniture, hard to find bottles, and Bourbon tastings. Owner and Executive Bourbon Steward Brian Dickens works directly with local artisans and Amish furniture makers to craft some of the most unique, custom pieces out of barrel wood that you’ve got to see to believe.

You’re Done!

Now that you’ve tackled Bardstown, explore Kentucky’s other communities as outlined in our full Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Trip Planner, and keep workin’ on that passport. Click here for more info on the Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide.

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