We’re pleased to feature this guest blog from VisitLEX, spotlighting a city that plays a central role in Kentucky’s Bourbon heritage.
Stay Awhile In Lexington, KY
Lexington is known around the world for rolling bluegrass hills, fast horses, and the finest Bourbon. But that’s not all it has to offer. Lexington is a historic city brimming with youthful energy and the perfect combination of big city excitement and small town charm. A convenient Central Kentucky location, thriving creative culture, farm-to-table culinary experiences, and a bustling nightlife heavy on hospitality make it worth far more than a quick stop. This must-visit Kentucky Bourbon Trail® destination was named one of the “Top 5 Best Small Cities in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler.”
Bourbonland
Beneath Lexington’s rolling hills, a rare limestone formation filters natural spring water for the world’s finest Bourbon, fueling a magical culture of creativity and innovation known as Bourbonland.
Immerse yourself in Bourbon culture and get to know Lexington’s distilling scene at Barrel House Distilling Co, Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co, and Fresh Bourbon Distillery, then dive into bourbon history at the iconic James E. Pepper Distillery. But the list doesn’t stop there—you’ll also find Bespoken Spirits, Wilderness Trail Distillery, Hartfield & Co. Distillery, and RD1 Distillery all offer their own unique tasting experiences. If you wish to explore more nearby, newcomers like Castle & Key and distillery giants like Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve are all quickly and easily accessible from Lexington.
Experience the passion for the craft and explore the historic warehouses where row upon row of charred oak barrels nurture America’s original spirit to maturity. Just outside downtown, the revitalized Distillery District offers a modern twist on our spirited heritage with Bourbon tastings, craft breweries, live music, art galleries, dining, and more.
At night, head downtown to sample Bourbon flights from an expansive, expertly curated whiskey collection of over 1,000 unique bottles at Bluegrass Tavern and taste what a skilled mixologist can do with the finished product at one of Lexington’s many world-class Bourbon bars.
Horse Capital of the World
The same limestone-filtered spring water that fuels Lexington’s Bourbon culture also fuels our world-renowned Thoroughbreds and the genteel equine culture that adds to the city’s charm.
Lexington is home to more than 450 horse farms, the Kentucky Horse Park, historic Keeneland Race Course, Red Mile, the International Museum of the Horse, and more equine attractions that can’t be found anywhere else.
You may know the Kentucky Derby—but in Lexington, you’ll see and feel the passion for horse culture that runs through our region directly. Witness horse country’s beauty and rolling landscapes, and go behind the scenes for an up-close and personal meeting with Lexington’s four-legged superstars in their awe-inspiring habitat with the help of Horse Country Tours.
Explore Our Great Outdoors
In Lexington, our connection to the land runs just as deep as our love for Bourbon and horses. Surrounded by Bluegrass hills, horse farms, and winding backroads, it’s easy to understand why Daniel Boone once famously remarked, “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place.”
Spend a day at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, a 734-acre preserve just outside the city dedicated to protecting the wild beauty of the Kentucky River Palisades. Over 10 miles of trails wind through meadows, streams, and hardwood forests, leading to one of the most striking river overlooks in the region.
At the Arboretum, the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, you can explore 100 acres of curated gardens, rose beds, native woodlands, and the “Walk Across Kentucky”—a living display of plants from all seven of the state’s physiographic regions. Conveniently located right on the University of Kentucky’s campus, this is a favorite spot for a calming walk or picnic.
For something a little more adventurous, head to Boone Creek Outdoors. Zipline up to 200 feet above the forest floor and traverse bridges through the Boone Creek Gorge with local expert guides. Prefer to stick closer to town? McConnell Springs offers a quiet retreat just minutes from the Distillery District. And for cyclists, the Legacy Trail offers 12 miles of greenway connecting downtown to the Kentucky Horse Park. You’ll probably want to make a few stops along the way to snap photos of the beautiful countryside and legendary horse farms, so plan accordingly!
Whether you’re seeking some solitude in the woods or pedaling your way around the city’s iconic horse farms, in Lexington, natural beauty and outdoor adventure are never far from the action.
Experience the Flavors of the Bluegrass
Farm-to-table before it was cool, the relationship between Lexington’s long agricultural history and current culinary scene is strong. Local farms have been supplying the city’s eclectic independent restaurants with the finest ingredients for ages, making Lexington a true foodie’s paradise.
New cafés, bakeries, bistros, food trucks, and immigrant-owned establishments are popping up every day. Seasonal and year-round farmers markets pepper the city with the freshest produce. Naturally, Lexington chefs are experts at incorporating Bourbon into cuisine, too.
No matter what you’re craving—from international cuisine to comforting Southern classics—Lexington delivers with world-class restaurants offering bold flavors and expansive Bourbon lists. Pull up a chair and fill your plate (and glass) at standout spots like Carson’s, Elkhorn Tavern, Epping’s on Eastside, Dudley’s on Short, Rackhouse Tavern, and OBC Kitchen. Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth at Crank & Boom, where you can try Bourbon ball ice cream made with Kentucky Bourbon.
Here’s a full list of local Lexington restaurants to help you plan. Can’t decide where to eat? Take a guided walking tour of local eateries with Bites of the Bluegrass and sample dishes from some of Lexington’s award-winning chefs.
A Living, Breathing Work of Art
At the turn of the 19th century, Lexington earned a reputation as the “Athens of the West,” a hub for intellectuals, progressive thinkers, and lawmakers.
Today, that legacy lives on in the form of several universities, eclectic galleries, dozens of murals, festivals, live music, theaters, and a whole lot of creative souls pouring their hearts into making the city a masterpiece.
Tap into that vitality by exploring Lexington’s incredible murals, browsing the work of contemporary artists at 21c Museum Hotel or the UK Art Museum, catching some live music at The Burl, Tee Dee’s Lounge, or Manchester Music Hall, or taking in a theatrical performance at the Lexington Opera House.
Time your visit right and you can experience the best of grassroots and Americana music at the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour on Monday nights, or join a crowd of locals and visitors at Thursday Night Live (TNL), a free weekly concert series downtown.
Find more upcoming cultural happenings in Lexington on this calendar of events.
Right In the Middle of the Action
Lexington’s convenient location in Central Kentucky means you’ll be perfectly positioned for the best Bourbon experience, and getting to and from the city couldn’t be easier. Once you’re here, you’re never far from what makes Kentucky so special, with scenic horse farms, iconic distilleries, must-visit historic landmarks, and outdoor adventure all within easy reach.
Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport is located just 10 minutes from downtown and has direct flights in and out of 18 major U.S. cities. Non-stop national flights (and two international flights) are made easily accessible with both the Louisville International Airport and the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati International Airport located only an hour’s drive from Lexington. Lexington is also conveniently located within driving distance of major cities with gateway airports like Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Chicago—perfect for fly-drive itineraries.
