Lexington is the perfect place to get out and have some fun. With our wide-open spaces, outdoor activities and patio-dining there are plenty of ways for you and your friends to get a true Lexington experience.
Here are a few of the highlights. If you have questions, or need a little more guidance, the Lexington Visitor Center, located downtown in the historic courthouse, is here to help. Stop by and grab some of our materials and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Get Outside
Climbing and Hiking at Red River Gorge
Few places are as beautiful as Central Kentucky. In fact, one of the best ways to experience all that beauty is to just get in the car and drive in any direction. But if you’re looking to get out and explore, a hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a great place to start. For a more relaxed walk in the park, check out the Arboretum State Botanical Garden, near Kroger Field. But let’s say you want to kick it up a notch. The world-famous Red River Gorge and its endless hiking trails, breathtaking vistas and legendary climbing routes are less than an hour away.
Maybe you’re more of a water enthusiast. If so, check out Canoe Kentucky. They’ll hook you up with a kayak or a canoe and send you floating down the Elkhorn River. And for the adrenaline seekers, there’s always the world-class ziplining canopy tour at Boone Creek Outdoors, just a stone’s throw away from campus.
Eat Up
Patio Seating at Wallace Station
UK has some of the best campus dining options anywhere. But when you’re craving something a little different, or just want to explore some of the good eats Lexington has to offer, here are a few of our favorite places with patio seating or curbside pickup.
Let’s start with breakfast or brunch. You can’t go wrong with Doodles on North Limestone (try the biscuits and gravy) or DV8 Kitchen for fresh baked goods with all-natural ingredients. For a casual dinner, mix it up with a little Latin-inspired cuisine from Corto Lima on W. Short Street or enjoy a pizza from Pearl's with unique and delicious toppings. If you want to get away from downtown, you can take a nice drive out to Wallace Station for some home cooked, picnic-table goodness.
If you feel like getting fancy, Lockbox at 21c is a great spot for some finer dining that won’t break the bank—it also has a free contemporary art museum for you to explore! You can also try Epping’s on Eastside, an inventive, scratch-kitchen restaurant in Lexington’s Warehouse Block.
Don't mind walking? Check out restaurants like Bourbon n' Toulouse, Papi's, Charlie Brown's, Athenian Grill, Cinco De Mayo, and KY Native Cafe—all within walking distance of campus.
Crank & Boom Handcrafted Ice Cream
Room for dessert? Order from Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream for some of the best craft ice cream you’ve ever had.
Have Some Fun
Grab some friends and let loose. If you’ve never visited a horse farm, there’s no time like the present. Horse Country Tours will help you plan an equine outing you won’t soon forget. Meet a Kentucky Derby winner, feed carrots to foals, and see the iconic bluegrass pastureland that makes Lexington the Horse Capital of the World.
The Lexington Mural Challenge
If exploring the city is more your speed, Lexington’s Mural Challenge might just be right up your alley. Fun fact: Lexington is home to more than 50 original murals. They can be found sprinkled all over the city. Go hunt them down and snap some pics…your Instagram followers will love it.
Once the sun starts to set, check out some live music at The Burl, located in the historic Distillery District. They’ve gone above and beyond to keep this town groovin’ with an outdoor stage and plenty of tabletop seating.
Do a Little Shopping
Shopping in Chevy Chase
Lexington is home to dozens of boutiques, like the ones found in the Chevy Chase and Woodland Avenue neighborhoods. Add a few pieces to your wardrobe from shops like Calypso, Black Market, and James C Boutique. For gift shop items, check out Peggy’s or LexTeeTon. Find some original art for your dorm room or apartment from High on Art and Coffee. Stop by Street Scene or Vintage Therapy for your next favorite vintage find. Or bring home something green and potted from Wilson's Nursery.
For bigger brands, however, a trip to The Summit at Fritz Farm is all you need. Shop retailers like Warby Parker, Anthropologie, Free People, Pottery Barn and plenty more. It’s also a great place to grab a bite on a patio at Honeywood, get your tech fix at Apple or pick up a few groceries from Whole Foods.
The Best for Last: Coffee
Latte at Manchester Coffee Co.
From flavorful lattes and specialty blends to organic teas, here you'll find some of the best coffee shops to caffeinate and chill. Check out our Local Coffee Shops in Lex guide to find your new favorite study spot.
