Lexington, KY
A unique mix of big-city amenities and small-town southern charm
Top Ten List
As you might expect in the Horse Capital of the World, we have horses! But in Lexington's Bluegrass Region, there are hundreds of exciting things to do, see and experience. Lexington is Kentucky's centerpiece, offering all the best Kentucky has to offer. Need a little guidance?
Top Ten ListLocal Restaurants to Visit
Lexington has an amazing array of non-chain, independent restaurants. From time-honored recipes to the latest culinary trends, our restaurant scene is sure to impress. Southern staples? Of course..but so much more! Here's the inside scoop on more than 100 locally owned restaurants. It's a good idea to call ahead and confirm days and hours of operation.
Local RestaurantsDowntown Lexington
Lexington has been called "the city in the park" because of its location at the center of hundreds of beautiful, park-like horse farms. But the nickname also seems an apt description of the cosmopolitan yet casual atmosphere of the downtown area.
Downtown LexingtonTour a Distillery
Lexington takes pride in time-honored traditions, and Bourbon is one hand-crafted Kentucky product that is revered around the world. Lexington's proximity to the world's finest Bourbon distilleries makes it the perfect base for exploring the rich heritage of America's native spirit. The mystique of the region's historic distilleries, with tantalizing smells, secret recipes and legendary characters, is attracting visitors in record numbers.
Tour a DistilleryHorse Farm Tours
Beautiful horse farms have been part of the Bluegrass since the region was first settled, and so have horse farm visitors. There are about 450 horse farms in the region (about 150 in Lexington/Fayette County alone). They're all working farms- which means you should never just "drop by" -but more than a few allow visitors by appointment or through arrangements with professional tour companies.
Horse Farm ToursTravel Back in Time
In Lexington and the Bluegrass region, there's a lot of history to be re-lived. This was the first part of Kentucky to be settled, and the beginning of the American West. The Civil War deeply divided the state but, fortunately, left most antebellum houses and buildings intact. Many national leaders and other prominent individuals of 18th and 19th-century America had a connection to Lexington.
Historic Homes and Places