Most people recognize Lexington for its strong affinity for horses and bourbon, but what else is there about this city that is so charming and hospitable? The so-called “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington also boasts a booming art scene, fantastic eateries, and loads of southern charm.
HISTORY
If you like to visit historical sites of new cities, you’ll definitely want to buy a $25 ticket that allows you four tours: Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate, the Hunt-Morgan House, Waveland State Historic Site, and — as a tie to Reset’s Illinois beginnings — the Mary Todd Lincoln House. What a deal!
SCENERY
Rent a bike or hike from the YMCA Northside or the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and cycle or walk along the 12-mile trail that leads from Kentucky Horse Park to Isaac Murphy Memorial Garden. The trail winds through Lexington, and about 2/3 of the route is off-street.
FOOD
Lexington is home to a handful of farmer’s markets, and the city has a rich farm-to-table history that is carried on by today’s chefs. It also boasts Kentucky’s first food hall, a couple of locally made soda varieties. A few eating establishments you may want to check out are Bella Notte, Dudley’s on Short, Blue Door Smokehouse, Ramsey’s Diner, and Doodle’s, among many, many others that sound amazingly delectable and also affordable.
Watch for a whole post dedicated to Lexington’s food scene coming soon!
DRINK
Prohibition tried to put a halt to Lexington’s distilleries, but not for long! Some of the country’s most well-known bourbon brands are distilled in or near Lexington – Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses & Wild Turkey. Tour a favorite and watch the craftsmen at work. There are even a few distilleries within the city limits in the buzzing distillery district.
CULTURE
Horse museums abound in Lexington, but you will also want to visit the Art Museum at the University of Kentucky, the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, the Explorium of Lexington (children’s museum), the Headley-Whitney Museum of Art, the Lexington Opera House, and the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. If the horse education is more your style, you also have several options: the American Saddlebred Museum, Horse Farm Tours, and Keeneland Race Course, among others.
EDUCATION
Lexington is home to Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky, one of NCAA basketball’s ultimate powerhouses. With Reset being in late March, March Madness should be in full swing with a lot of hype throughout the city!
SPORTS
Aside from the huge following of the UK Men’s basketball team, the Lexington Legends minor league baseball team is a great way to take in one of America’s favorite pastimes.
In our coming posts about Lexington, we’ll delve into some of these categories a bit deeper — especially food, travel, drink, and sightseeing opportunities!! Stay tuned!!
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