Lexington, KY - Horse Capital of the World

Born in the Bluegrass more than 200 years ago, Bourbon is synonymous with Kentucky. In the state that produces nearly one hundred percent of the world's supply of the amber elixir, it is possible to visit distilleries, gain some in-depth knowledge about the industry, learn a little chemistry, and rub elbows with some of the legendary names of the industry.

For any true bourbon connoisseur it is well know that bourbon has subtle nuances, setting one apart from another. This is also true for each distillery.Although the process is much the same from distillery to distillery, each operates in slightly different ways and each maintains a distinct architectural look.

Setting out from Lexington, it is very easy to visit four distilleries in a day or two. I recommend two so you can really enjoy your time at each. Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey are each less than 25 miles from downtown Lexington.

Like bourbon, it is incredibly difficult for me to choose a favorite distillery, as there are things about each that are dear to my heart. For instance, on any given day you may be lucky enough to find yourself on tour with Master Distiller Jimmy Russell at Wild Turkey.If this happens, count your lucky stars and enjoy your time with this legend of the industry.I'm convinced he is absolutely one of a kind and simply one of the nicest men out there and….he happens to make some fantastic bourbon as well!

I never tire of discussing bourbon...stay tuned for more. If you're so inclined, post a comment and give me your thoughts!

So, you've heard us talking quite a bit about the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. With only 36 days left to go, the countdown is definitely on! And there are literally hundreds of reasons why you don't want to miss the Games, but one in particular--especially for this foodie--is the Cookin' in the Bluegrass Dinner Series!

From September 25-October 10, nationally and internationally recognized chefs will be paired with Kentucky's finest culinary talent for 16 wonderful evenings of food, hospitality and celebration.

From local farms, brewers, distillers, growers and cheese-makers to name a few, Kentucky’s culinary delights will be presented in one-of-a-kind ways when these acclaimed chefs meet in the kitchen. Each night will be different, creative and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And the backdrop for these magical evenings will be the rolling hills and white fences of the Kentucky Horse Park. 

WOW! My stomach is saying YES, please! Tickets are on sale at www.alltechfeigames.com, as well as through Ticketmaster. For a complete list of chefs, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

Today marks 50 days before the opening of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games! Remember Christmas when Granny and Papaw were coming and everybody was in a scramble to clean house?  That’s Lexington right now!  I must say, we are cleaning up well.  Limestone in particular looks ten times better than it did and Vine and Main Streets are well on their way. 

So much is going on that it’s hard to keep up with it all.  This week, the new general aviation runway opened at Blue Grass Airport, our solar house (which will be our visitor center during the Games) made it to the Kentucky Horse Park, media tents are going up, and AT&T announced they will provide wireless service and GPS tracking during the endurance competition.  That’s all I can think of for now!

Wait…I almost forgot about Ellen!  Ellen DeGeneres’s goal for 2010 is world domination.  She has invited her facebook fans to download a picture of her and take a photo with it--wherever you may be.  Big Lex added photos of Ellen at WEG on facebook: http://bit.ly/bMlAED. I think coming to the Games is a MUST to reach her goal, don’t you???  Be sure to comment on the photos and urge Ellen to come!

Get your tickets and grab your accommodations while they are still available!!!  Don’t be misled--Lexington has rooms available, but you only have 50 days!!!  If you need any help, our visitor information staff will be more than happy to assist you by calling (800) 845-3959.  Enjoy this photo of the media center going up! 

I think she’s on to something. On August 7, Laura Mize will launch Bleu Plate Tours, offering culinary walking tours of downtown Lexington.  Yes, just in time for the World Equestrian Games. But this is not just another “WEGortunity”. Here at the Bureau, we entertain a steady stream of entrepreneurs, or entrepreneur wannabees, who have developed a product or service, or want us to develop a product or service, in time to take advantage of the 6 million visitors that will be in Lexington for the Games. So many, that we frequently ask each other passing in the halls of the Convention and Visitors Bureau offices, “Have you had your WEGortunity of the day yet?”

But Laura’s concept has staying power. She created it out of passion and personal experience, and the timing of its launch, though perhaps fortuitous, does not rely on attracting any of the 7 million people who will be here for the Games.

Four of us from the Convention and Visitors Bureau agreed to give up a Saturday morning and act as guinea pigs on a “test tour”.  Three hours later, we are fat and happy. We visited seven legendary Lexington establishments and tasted at least one of their signature dishes at each place. We got a little exercise between restaurants, heard a lot of Lexington history, wandered through Gratz Park and the busy Saturday Lexington’s Farmer’s Market. What a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning. What a delightful way to experience downtown Lexington! It happened to be a heat index of 95 (and this time I am not exaggerating) but the pace was just right. Just about the time you were ready to take a break and cool off, there we were at our next stop.

Since all four of us make our living providing visitor information and marketing Lexington, you might imagine that we are know-it-alls.  You’d be right.  And we are not shy. So it took some courage for Laura to use us as test subjects on a trial food walking tour. But she really didn’t need our input. She’s done her research and taken these tours in other cities, and come up with a great activity that will be appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

The walking tours will be offered every Saturday through October, rain or shine. They start at 10 a.m. and last about three hours. (Helpful hint: don’t eat breakfast.)  Tours are by advance reservation only. I’d plan ahead if you want to do it one Saturday this fall; you know we are expecting 8 million visitors.

For more information, see www.bleuplatetours.com