Lexington, KY - Horse Capital of the World

Authentic Bluegrass: Three Days/Two Nights

If you and your girlfriends want to get a taste of local culture, here’s an itinerary that will introduce you to some regional treasures.

Day 1
While you are in the Horse Capital of the World, be sure to reserve an afternoon tour to see some of the area’s legendary horse farms. Arrive in time to have lunch before your tour, because at least one person in your party must try a Hot Brown while in town. The Julep Cup, DeSha’s, Ramsey’s, Sutton's, Dudley’s or Jonathan’s all offer their own versions at lunch. If your group would enjoy a drive down to the Kentucky River, Hall’s on the River serves a great hot brown, and other local specialties like fried banana peppers and beer cheese. (859) 527-6620.

Day 2
The locals flock to Magee’s Bakery. (859) 255-9481. You might want to pick up doughnuts there before you head to Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill for a tour. Lunch on site at Trustee’s Office is a must. (800) 734-5611. Get back to town in time for a little shopping at Victorian Square, a beautifully restored block of Victorian buildings that have been converted into a mall. Howard & Miller, Sincerely Yours, Only in Kentucky, Tanya's Engraving, Miss Priss and Good Scents Home and Body Shop are all Lexington originals. (859) 252-7575. Have dinner at nearby Sawyer’s Bar and Grill. (859) 281-6022. If you are lucky enough to be here on a Monday night, get tickets for WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour, a live radio show that is taped and broadcast all over the world. (859) 255-5700. Have a nightcap—and make it bourbon. After all, you are in the region where it was born. Bluegrass Tavern boasts more than 178 Kentucky Bourbons. (859) 389-6664.

Day 3
Honor a Lexington tradition by getting up early to watch the morning workouts at Keeneland Race Course and have an inexpensive but hearty southern breakfast at the Track Kitchen. The Keeneland Gift Shop is a great place to pick up a memento of your Kentucky trip. (859) 254-3412. Stop at McConnell Springs for an easy, short hike to the place early 18th century explorers camped and decided on the name “ Lexington”. (859) 225-4073. Plan your getaway on the right weekend for two huge antique shows: Athens Schoolhouse Antique Show, (859) 255-7309, or The Antique Affaire, (859) 296-2429. They are usually both held the second weekend of every month and offer acres and acres of browsing.