Known around the globe for our rolling bluegrass hills and top-notch bourbon, Lexington is the pride of Kentucky. But that's just the beginning. Lexington is a historic city brimming with youthful energy, the perfect combination of big-city excitement and small-town charm. Here you’ll find a thriving creative culture, farm-to-table culinary experiences, and a bustling nightlife heavy on hospitality. Stay awhile and explore it all at your own pace. There really is something for everyone in Lexington, Kentucky—the Horse Capital of the World.
A Room for Everyone
Pictured: The Manchester Hotel
When it comes to hotels, everyone looks for something a little different. Thankfully, there's plenty to choose from here in Lexington. From chic and boutique to cozy and convenient, we've got a room for you.
The Manchester Hotel is an homage to Lexington's first bourbon distillery; this 125-room hotel features arched interiors, the acclaimed Granddam restaurant, and a chic rooftop bar with panoramic views.
Located in Fritz Farm, a walkable shopping and dining destination, the Origin Hotel Lexington blends contemporary design with a warm Kentucky sensibility.
Stay in the heart of downtown and enjoy a sleek, contemporary experience with easy access to dining and entertainment, complemented by upscale amenities when you stay at the Marriott City Center.
Horse Capital of the World
Pictured: Keeneland
As the Horse Capital of the World, there's no shortage of unique equine experiences in Lexington. Visitors can get up close and personal with horses, enjoying exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks into this incredible industry. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Lexington is surrounded by over 450 horse farms, nurseries, and clinics—many of which are available for tours via Visit Horse Country. They are a great resource for travelers interested in getting an up-close look at these beautiful creatures in their awe-inspiring habitat.
Keeneland is a National Historic Landmark featuring masterfully landscaped grounds that are open to the public year-round. Fans and horsemen alike are welcome to enjoy spectacular racing at their April and October race meets, attend one of their thrilling global horse sales—which happen throughout the year—or simply enjoy the grounds’ picturesque beauty. The newly renovated Paddock Building offers a heightened guest experience and unmatched hospitality. Keeneland will also be hosting the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships in October.
The Kentucky Horse Park is a 1,200-acre facility that is a must-see for horse lovers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in horseback riding, equine museums, exhibitions, carriage rides, events, and more. They also host international equestrian competitions, so be sure to stop by if one is being held while you’re in town. If you’re in town during the last week of April, you’ll have an exciting opportunity to attend the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. This 5* equestrian competition is the ultimate test for both horse and rider, with events like Dressage, Cross-country, and Show Jumping. The Kentucky Horse Park Campground offers 260+ spacious campground accommodations and family-friendly amenities that make staying near the park a delight.
Pictured: Kentucky Horse Park
Travel Made Easy
Pictured: Travel Map
Getting to Lexington and the Bluegrass is easier than you think. Whether you’re flying or driving, Lexington offers a convenient getaway to a truly distinctive American destination—recently named one of the "Best Small Cities in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler for the second year in a row.
Lexington is within a day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population, making it an ideal stop for fly-drive itineraries and road trips alike. Major getaway cities, including Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Chicago, provide easy air access from across the globe.
Once you arrive, getting around is simple. Blue Grass Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown Lexington and offers nonstop service to 19 major U.S. cities. Additional international connections are within easy reach, with both Louisville and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airports located just an hour away.
Direct flight destinations include:
- Atlanta, GA (ATL)
- Charlotte, NC (CLT)
- Chicago, IL (ORD)
- Dallas, TX (DFW)
- Denver, CO (DEN)
- Destin, FL (VPS)
- Detroit, MI (DTW)
- Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
- Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
- Miami, FL (MIA)
- Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
- Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR)
- New York, NY (LGA)
- Orlando, FL (SFB)
- Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
- Punta Gorda, FL (PGD)
- Sarasota/Bradenton, FL (SRQ)
- St. Pete/Clearwater, FL (PIE)
- Washington, D.C. (DCA)
A Natural Beauty
Pictured: Red River Gorge
From picturesque scenery to lush foliage, there’s a lot to appreciate about Lexington’s natural beauty. There’s no place on Earth quite like the rolling bluegrass hills that surround the area—it’s something you just have to see for yourself.
Enjoy a bird's eye view of Kentucky's native hardwood canopy as you soar on zip lines as high as 200 feet at Boone Creek Outdoors. It's the perfect place for groups and families, with lots of kid-friendly activities.
Gatton Park on the Town Branch offers a dynamic green space in the heart of downtown, with enjoyment for all ages. Play, walk, eat, and learn in this stunning, modern park built alongside the reclaimed historic Town Branch. Check their calendar for live music and other programming.
Nestled among the limestone cliffs of the Kentucky River Palisades, Kelley's Landing is a launch site that offers public access to the Kentucky River.
Discover more than 700 acres of protected woodland, meadows, and streams at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, where scenic trails, native wildlife, and breathtaking Kentucky River Palisades overlooks invite you to explore.
Red River Gorge offers a uniquely scenic area in the Daniel Boone National Forest known for its abundant natural stone arches, unusual rock formations, and spectacular sandstone cliffs.
Lexington is Bourbonland
Pictured: Castle & Key Distillery
Bourbon is a time-honored tradition here in Kentucky. Lexington is home to craft distillers who honor this history while offering innovative new takes. Enjoy the 18 distilleries nearby, or take a short drive through some of Kentucky's most stunning landscapes to see more.
Fresh Bourbon is a Lexington-based distillery offering a sleek downtown tasting experience with guided bourbon flights. The distillery is recognized by the state of Kentucky as the first African American company to make Kentucky bourbon since the end of slavery.
Located in Lexington's Distillery District, historic James E. Pepper Distillery offers a more boutique experience that features an informative tour, a bourbon tasting, and a gift shop with locally-made products.
Just outside of nearby Frankfort, Kentucky, Castle & Key Distillery blends bourbon history with modern hospitality in a beautifully restored setting unlike any other. Visitors can explore the stunning grounds, tour the distillery, and more.
Shop 'Til You Drop
Pictured: RELIC
Lexington is full of independent retailers catering to every budget and style. Find something special at these local shopping experiences
You'll find some of the most unique shops in Lexington near downtown in places like Clay Avenue, Chevy Chase, and the Warehouse Block. Upscale clothing, home goods, gifts—it's all on the shelves at independent retailers in the city's vibrant center.
The Limestone Street Corridor is a walkable two-mile stretch that links the University of Kentucky to downtown and the Northside District. Record stores, vintage clothing shops, restaurants, and cafés lead the way to Greyline Station, a former bus depot filled with more local merchants.
Fritz Farm is Lexington’s premier outdoor shopping destination, home to popular brands like Pottery Barn, Lululemon, and Anthropologie, as well as restaurants and bars.
A Taste of Lexington
Pictured: Honeywood
One of the best ways to experience a destination is through its cuisine, and Lexington is no exception. Lexington’s vibrant culinary scene includes Southern comfort food classics made with farm-fresh ingredients, as well as dishes and flavors from around the world. Don't just take it from us: Lexington was named the #6 Best Food City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler.
A Lexington tradition, Dudley's on Short is the perfect downtown spot for a night of upscale elegance, impeccable service, and inventive menu selections.
Enjoy elevated takes on Appalachian cuisine in an upscale setting within the Distillery District at Granddam, located inside The Manchester, a MICHELIN one-key hotel.
Mileta is a modern scratch kitchen serving an inspired menu featuring house-made pasta, which you can watch being made from the Pasta Room. The elegant Rose Room offers a prix fixe menu for an intimate dining experience.
A Night to Remember
Pictured: The Burl
The fun doesn’t end when the sun sets in Lexington. With charming bars, local breweries, and friendly locals, there’s no shortage of entertaining ways to spend an evening here.
The Distillery District has quickly become one of Lexington’s most exciting hotspots with bourbon distilleries, bars, restaurants, shops, and The Burl—a live music venue that also houses a vintage arcade.
Whether you’re looking for a chill night out or to dance the night away, you’ll find it downtown at bars like Bourbon on Rye, The Grove, and The Bar Complex. During the fall months, we’d recommend enjoying drinks and live music at Thursday Night Live.
Each June, the Railbird music festival rides into town for two days of world-class artists. Located on the infield of the Red Mile racetrack.
