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—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.
The Doubletree Suites by Hilton is located just outside of downtown and balances its French Quarter influence with Kentucky charm, all while providing the amenities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
When you stay at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, you can enjoy premier resort amenities like its full-service spa, 18-hole championship golf course, and new bourbon & wine tasting loft.
Stay in the heart of Horse Country at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground, where spacious sites, modern comforts, and starlit skies create an easygoing stay at one of Kentucky's most iconic state parks.
Horse Capital of the World
Pictured: Keeneland
As the Horse Capital of the World, there's no shortage of unique equine experiences in Lexington. Lexington is surrounded by over 450 horse farms, nurseries, and clinics—many of which are available for tours via 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. For example, their stud farm tours give you a unique opportunity to meet Triple Crown winners.
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, or simply enjoy the grounds’ picturesque beauty. Thrilling global horse sales are open to the public every January, April, September, October, and November.
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.
Pictured: Kentucky Horse Park
Travel Made Easy
Pictured: Travel Map
Getting to and from the Bluegrass is easier than you think. Whether you’re flying or driving, a visit to Lexington is a convenient way to experience a unique American destination that Condé Nast Traveler named one of the “Top 5 Best Small Cities in the U.S.” Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport is located just 10 minutes from downtown, and it has direct flights in and out of 18 major U.S. cities.
Non-stop national and international flights are made easily accessible with both the Louisville International Airport and the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati International Airport located only an hour’s drive from Lexington. Lexington is conveniently located within driving distance of major cities with gateway airports like Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Chicago—perfect for fly-drive itineraries.
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)
- 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 Lexington—it’s something you just have to see for yourself.
Explore 100 acres of gorgeous plants and trees native to Kentucky at The Arboretum, Kentucky's state botanical garden.
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.
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: Woodford Reserve
Bourbon is a time-honored tradition here in Kentucky—it’s ingrained in our culture. There’s no better place to experience it than Lexington.
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 a short drive from Lexington, Woodford Reserve Distillery is the only facility in the state that still makes bourbon using the original Scottish “pot still” method. Explore the history and heritage of bourbon with tours and tastings, all while taking in the scenic beauty of the grounds. Be sure to stop by their gift shop that features bourbon, Kentucky crafts, and other premium gifts.
Shop 'Til You Drop
Pictured: RELIC
Lexington is full of independent retailers catering to every budget and style. 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.
The Summit at Fritz Farm is Lexington’s premier outdoor shopping destination, home to popular brands like Apple and Anthropologie, as well as restaurants and bars. Stay at the stylish Origin Hotel to fully immerse yourself in The Summit experience.
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.
Dudley's on Short is the perfect downtown spot for a night of upscale elegance, impeccable service, and inventive menu selections.
Honeywood, located at The Summit, is Chef Ouita Michel’s largest restaurant and uses locally sourced ingredients for Southern-inspired dishes and handcrafted cocktails.
Mileta is a contemporary, Italian-inspired restaurant where worldly influences shine throughout the menu. Chef Alex Green highlights soulful, seasonal fare alongside innovative cocktails and an extensive collection of Kentucky bourbon.
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 the Thursday Night Live Block Party.
