Unique things in the City of Lexington
Come to Lexington in Kentucky for things to do, a city where Southern charm blends with world-class equestrian heritage. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington charms its guests with a perfect blend of historic traditions and ultra-modern attractions.
You will find unique things to do in Lexington Kentucky all over the place – full of thoroughbred farms dotting the rolling bluegrass hills, while historic downtown streets buzz with local energy. Rich tapestries of bourbon distilleries, historic landmarks, and innovative culinary explorations that piece this city together.
Your tour to Lexington can include:
- Experiencing the Thrill of Live Racing at Keeneland Race Course
- Walking through time, so marvelously preserved with much of its historic districts.
- Connecting with majestic horses at world-renowned thoroughbred farms
- Visiting local art galleries, boutique shopping districts
- Immersion in real Kentucky bourbon culture.
From morning workouts by champion horses to evening strolls in the Distillery District, Lexington is filled with one-of-a-kind experiences to be had nowhere else in the world. Let’s meander through some of its least-known spots and must-see places that make this Kentucky city so unique.
1. Discovering Keenland
Keeneland represents so much of the equine racing history of Lexington and was recognized, while maintaining excellence through the years in the sport, as a National Historic Landmark. This ultra-famous venue opened in 1936, changing 147 acres of beautiful Kentucky bluegrass into a famous racing destination.
Racing Seasons at Keeneland
Keeneland appeals to horse racing lovers in two seasons of every year:
- Spring Meet (April)-Home of the Blue Grass Stakes
- Fall Meet (October)- Hosts the Spinster Stakes
The Elegant Atmosphere of Keeneland
Keeneland furthers that class in the form of dress code. You can well expect to see men in sport coats and ladies in fashionably smart dresses with fascinators, creating just the right atmosphere of Southern charm and sporting euphoria.
Behind-the-Scenes Access at Keeneland
The behind-the-scenes tours are options available to visitors by Keeneland to see the inner sanctum of horse racing.
- Track Tours
- Paddock demonstrations
- Racing operation insights
- Historic grounds exploration
Exploring the Keenland Library
The Keeneland Library maintains a repository of information of the equine realm on:
- 30,000+ Books
- Rare racing journals
- Historical racing memorabilia
These materials are accessible by appointment by researchers and racing enthusiasts who wish to explore the history of the thoroughbred and Kentucky’s racing history. The rare volumes date as far back as the 1800s, carrying valid information on how the sport was developed.
Unveiling the Grounds at Keeneland
There is always perfectly manicured ground at Keeneland, where one can take in everything from historic stone buildings and scenic gardens to iconic paddock areas that have showcased many a champion over the years.
2. What to do When Adventuring Outside
Of course, other Unique things to do in Lexington Kentucky is the natural beauty. You’ll find a world of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences that reveal the region’s charm.
Horse Farm Tours
- Visit Three Chimneys Farm to meet the Kentucky Derby winners
- Take a private tour of Claiborne Farm and see champion thoroughbreds
- Enjoy the foaling season at Taylor Made Farm from January – May
- Watch horses train in state-of-the-art facilities at WinStar Farm
Parks and Nature Trails
- The nature preserve includes 10 miles of walking trails.
- Limestone springs and some historical buildings characterize McConnell Springs.
- The Legacy Trail is a 12-mile route appropriate for biking and walking.
- There is a biking trail and fishing sites at Veterans Park.
Cultural Events and Festivals in Lexington
The Keeneland Yearling Sale week brings the rare essence of downtown Lexington with a street festival of local restaurants, bourbon distilleries, and live music on Jefferson Street during the Soirée. You will find food trucks with Kentucky specialty foods, craft cocktail stations, and pop-up art installations.
Year-round Cultural Events
- Mayfest Arts Fair features regional artisans and craftspeople.
- Festival of the Bluegrass honors legacy of Ky. music
- Concerts every Thursday night through the summer at the Cheapside Park
- Woodland Art Fair shows works from 200+ artists
- Lexington Burger Week satisfies local culinary creativity
- The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky hosts seasonal plant sales and education classes.
Kentucky Horse Park’s Southern Lights brighten the winter evenings with a holiday-themed light display.
These outdoor activities and cultural events provide unparalleled opportunities throughout the year to enjoy the splendor of nature and the community spirit that is Lexington.
3. Other Unique things to do in Lexington Kentucky than Horse Racing
The equine influence is by no means the total of the cultural scenes of Lexington. The Mary Todd Lincoln House is America’s first historic site restored to honor a First Lady. You’ll step into the 1830s as you explore the preserved rooms and period furnishings where Abraham Lincoln’s wife spent her formative years.
The Headley-Whitney Museum is a fabulously eclectic assembly of decorative arts, with bibelots of jewels and sculptures of shells. Meanwhile, art lovers will find works of the modern genre at the UK Art Museum, where exhibits change seasonally, from both regional and national artists.
Popular Shopping Districts in Lexington
- The Summit at Fritz Farm is an open-air lifestyle center where local boutiques complement upscale retailers.
- Unusual stores and galleries are contained in Victorian Square historic buildings.
- Chevy Chase houses various boutiques and antique shops.
For Unique things to do in Lexington Kentucky check out local boutiques:
- Bourbon Barrel Handcrafted Furniture
- Kentucky ceramics and pottery
- Handcrafted local jewelry with an equestrian theme.
- Small-batch bourbon chocolates
- Handicraft textiles by local artisans
Come alive at the Lexington History Museum, featuring some of the city’s coolest, most interactive exhibits, very rare artifacts telling stories of the regional indigenous peoples, early settlers, and the building of the bourbon empire in Kentucky.
The Aviation Museum of Kentucky has a fine assemblage of restored vintage aircraft and flight simulators showcasing the richly varied aerospace heritage of the state. Changing exhibits explore Kentucky’s role in aviation history, from facilities that trained fliers during World War II to modern aerospace manufacturing.
Galleries such as Institute 193 and New Editions Gallery showcase emerging artists in Kentucky and a search for space with local creative genius. With regular artist talks and opening receptions, there are plenty of opportunities for one-on-one engagement with the active art community.
Conclusion of Unique things to do in Lexington Kentucky
Your trip to Lexington will indeed be one of Southern hospitality with an impeccable sense of some of the most desirable traditions Kentucky has to offer. Keeneland stands as a testament to the city’s equestrian way of life and provides first-hand exposure to Thoroughbred racing and its culture.
Lexington is great, but it’s more than the history of racing; it’s a city with art galleries, historical buildings, and shops that give one the true taste of Kentucky. Each day-from those morning breezes as one approaches the incredible early morning works at Keeneland to the evening strolls in the Distillery District-is incredible.
Be sure to frame your itinerary to get in all the famous and some of the lesser-known treasures of the town. Be it the thunder of horses down the track at Keeneland or bourbon tasting at a local distillery, the experience greets you with the warmth and genuineness that truly make Lexington special.
Will you get your unforgettable Kentucky story ready? Come to Lexington, where tradition and modern charm melt and are waiting to be discovered.
FAQs (About Things to Do & How to Plan)
- What makes Lexington, Kentucky different from other travel destinations?
- Lexington offers a rich mix of culture and history with Keeneland horse farms, among other key cultural attractions. It offers that sense of horse culture that really few other cities are offering or even can offer, while still allowing Southern hospitality to show its charm.
- What is Keeneland, and what’s so special about it?
- Keeneland is a National Historic Landmark steeped in history with the equestrian culture, featuring live horse racing and periodic events. It means a lot, especially for those who love racing and generally everything that has to do with the Thoroughbred industry.
- Notable events and activities: Anything happening at Keeneland?
- Keeneland offers the visitor the live horse racing, horses working in the morning, behind-the-scenes tours, and the dressing up for race day, which only enhances the experience so well.
- How do I plan my visit so that I may make the most of my time in Lexington?
- To make the most of your visit to Lexington, you can create an itinerary that includes Keeneland and other cultural offerings. Take part in outdoor activities, visit historic attractions, and enjoy the festivals to fully experience the Southern vibe in this lively city.
- How do I plan my wedding in Lexington Kentucky?
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