For more information on the subjects listed below, just click on the title of each paragraph. To see our Visitor Planning Guide, click here.

Antiquing the Bluegrass
Search for treasures from the past, including "local" finds such as antique quilts, cherry corner cabinets and Shaker baskets, in over 200 area antique shops-- we'll guide you to the best bets.

Bed & Breakfasts
Whether located in quaint downtown historic neighborhoods or in the heart of horse country, Bluegrass bed & breakfasts are a combination of charming tradition, historic atmosphere and modern conveniences.

Bluegrass Region
Visit the Kentucky state capital, tour the nation's largest restored Shaker community, see pioneer cabins, visit the "birthplace of bourbon," and tour an Appalachian museum, all within 45 miles of Lexington.

Bourbon Distilleries
Explore the spirited Kentucky tradition of bourbon-making by touring The Woodford Reserve Distillery, the only distillery using the original Scottish "pot still" method; Buffalo Trace, maker of Ancient Age; Boulevard Distillers, maker of Wild Turkey; and others.

Civil War Sites
Mount your own Civil War campaign to explore a state whose citizens supported both sides. Discover battle sites, homes of abolitionists and historic slave quarters. Visit the homes of Kentucky's first millionaire, one of America's most famous statesmen, a Civil War general, and a controversial First Lady. full article view short video clip

Covered Bridges
Although there are none to be found in "Madison County", Kentucky, the state boasts 13 remaining "timbered tunnels." Nestled along backroads like hidden jewels, they are the perfect excuse for a leisurely drive in the country.

Cycling Through the Centuries: A Bicycle Tour of Historic Lexington
Lexington's long, colorful and well-documented history can be explored by bicycle on this 11 mile long route through historic neighborhoods. Produced by the Blue Grass Trust.

Downtown Lexington
Downtown Lexington has a lot to offer; sightseeing, dining, shopping and entertainment in "the city in the park." In the heart of the beautiful Bluegrass region lies a very cosmopolitan yet casual city.
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Don't miss Dreamer, set in Lexington, Kentucky.
Dreamworks' movie starring Kurt Russell and Dakota Fanning is set in Lexington and the incredible Bluegrass Region. See the movie, then plan your getaway to the Horse Capital of the World, where the horse reigns supreme!
For a "Dreamer" Driving Tour, click here.

Fall Foliage
From paddlewheel rides along the Kentucky River to horseback riding through deciduous forests, there are a number of ways to enjoy Kentucky's fall foliage in October and early November.

Family Fun
Find interactive fun at the Explorium, sample the sweets and see how candy is made at Old Kentucky Chocolates, and experience horses "hands-on" at the Kentucky Horse Park.
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Folk Arts and Crafts
Shop for Appalachian crafts in Berea, "The Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky"; tour a variety of artist's stuiod and visit the kiln works at Bybee Pottery, the oldest pottery company west of the Alleghenies.

Fine Art in the Bluegrass
There may be a mistaken impression about what kinds of art are prevalent in the Bluegrass. Here are Lexington art critic David Minton's suggestions for finding fine art in and around Lexington.

Free Things To Do
Go behind the scenes to watch race horses go through "early morning workouts"; relax in the reading room of the nation's #1 bookseller; learn about another kind of Kentucky horsepower at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Plant; or discover one of 70 other fabulous freebies.
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Garden Tours
Enjoy Lexington's "growing" attractions: take a memorable stroll through Lexington Cemetery, nationally recognized for its arboretum and gardens, or take a "plant walk across Kentucky" at the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Arboretum. full article view short video clip

Golf
Enjoy championship-caliber courses (some designed by the sport's top course architects) along with scenic horse farm settings and affordable greens fees.

The Great Outdoors
Hike and bird-watch at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary or the Daniel Boone National Forest, saddle up and hit the trail, cast your line in at bass-filled fishing lakes, and canoe or boat in the state with more navigable waterways than any other besides Alaska.
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A Heritage of Worship
Religion has played a cherished and important role in Bluegrass life from the arrival of the first settlers in the late 1700's. Historic sites, diversity of denominations and special events reflect the importance of religion in the Bluegrass.

Historical African American Churches of Lexington
Churches are more than buildings.  They are monuments to religious freedom and monuments to expressions of worship. Lexington is home to some of the oldest African American congregations in the United States.

Heritage Tours
Follow in the footsteps of Abe Lincoln and Daniel Boone, discover African-American achievements, search for ghostly spirits, or trace your family's Bluegrass roots.

Historic Homes of Lexington
Visit the homes of Kentucky's first millionaire, one of America's most famous statesmen, a Civil War general, and a controversial First Lady.
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Holiday Delights
Reunite with family and friends for Southern Lights, the state's largest holiday light show. Tour historic homes decked out for the season.  Celebrate by attending seasonal performances of  theatre, music and dance. Join in the fun of numerous holiday special events.

Horse Attractions
Explore the city known as "the horse capital of the world". Visit the only park in the world dedicated to horses, the Kentucky Horse Park; experience racing as it was meant to be at Keeneland Race Course and the Red Mile Harness Track; and get a behind-the-scenes look at Thoroughbreds in training at the Thoroughbred Center. Go riding at one of our regional stables or get a glimpse of racing greats at one of our private horse farms. Lexington will host the 2010 FEI Games. For complete information on the World Equestrian Championships see www.feigames2010.org.

Horse Farm Tours
Meet past and future Kentucky Derby winners and get a behind-the-scenes look at the multi-billion dollar Thoroughbred industry on personalized horse farm tours.

Kentucky Derby Traditions
The race is held in Louisville, but Lexington is where Thoroughbreds are bred, foaled, trained, bought, sold, raced and retired; where the Derby Eve parties are held; and where the mint julep was perfected.

Kentucky Horse Park
This 1,200-acre farm complex includes a museum with films and interactive exhibits, a working farm tour and a daily parade of breeds. You can also take a horse drawn carriage tour-- or saddle up yourself.

The Lexington Walk and Bluegrass Country Drive
The perfect detour to your vacation drive on I-75 or I-64: explore historic downtown and Lexington's scenic byways at your own pace. Call and we'll put your copy of this popular map in the mail: 800-845-3959.

LexWalk Audio Tour
You don't have to wait till you get here to experience historic downtown Lexington! Download and print the map in the comfort of your own home, theb hit play, and listen as you explore 19 points of interest.

Museums
Take time to learn about equines at the International Museum of the Horse, jewels at the Headley-Whitney Museum, basketball at the new UK Basketball Museum, or planes at the Aviation Museum.
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Natural Wonders
Agritourism is an up-and-coming industry in the Bluegrass. There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy nature's bounty in and around Lexington and discover our agricultural heritage along the way.

Restaurants
Sample Bluegrass fare, including hot browns, country ham, beer cheese, corn pudding, and Derby Pie®.

The Right Stuff
From brand names to bargain buys, great shopping abounds in Lexington. From charming boutiques to mega centers, you can find your favorite national retailers and, without looking too hard, are sure to discover locally owned shops that are pure Kentucky along the way.
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Seabiscuit: Hollywood Comes to the Bluegrass
Here’s a guide to the locations where the Kentucky footage was shot, and some must-sees for fans of the 2003 movie Seabiscuit. The film crew spent about a month filming in Lexington and Paris. Spend a few days among the rolling hills of Central Kentucky and you’ll see why Hollywood fell in love with us.

Sports
Cheer on the Lexington Legends, Lexington's brand new professional baseball team; play one of Lexington's tournament caliber golf courses; attend live Thoroughbred or Standardbred racing; and view the history that has made basketball such a vital part of Lexington's culture at the University of Kentucky Basketball Museum. The Lexington Area Sports Authority website is also a great resource for sports enthusiasts.
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Top Ten List
From visiting a Bourbon distillery to wandering Lexington's historic restaurant district -- there's so much to do in the Bluegrass! Make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun. Here are ten activities you'll want to include in your Bluegrass itinerary.

Vacation Packages
Lexington's affordable hotels and bed & breakfasts offer vacation packages -- many inclusive of dining, shopping, golfing and touring options -- for effortless planning.

Visitor Planning Guide
Our comprehensive Visitor Planning Guide is printed once each year.  This colorful magazine has suggestions for dining and shopping, sample itineraries, information on attractions in the region, a complete list of accommodations, and more!  You can register to receive a Visitor Planning Guide by mail. If you wish, the entire Guide is available in PDF format.   

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