From enjoying a race day at Keeneland and touring horse farms, to exploring the many fine distilleries of Bourbon Country, some of Lexington’s best activities involve horses or bourbon. However, when it comes to things to do here, that’s just scratching the surface. Lexington has become a regional hub known for its cuisine, shopping, and nightlife. Below are 13 things to do to make the most of your time in Lexington:
Drinks
Back to Top of ListFrom enjoying a race day at Keeneland and touring horse farms, to exploring the many fine distilleries of Bourbon Country, some of Lexington’s best activities involve horses or bourbon. However, when it comes to things to do here, that’s just scratching the surface. Lexington has become a regional hub known for its cuisine, shopping, and nightlife. Below are 13 things to do to make the most of your time in Lexington:
Where To Get A Drink
1. Soak Up the Boozy History of the Distillery District
Once abandoned, this revitalized historic area is brimming with new businesses and entertainment. From the historic James E. Pepper Distillery, to the deliciously inventive and occasionally boozy Crank and Boom, there’s plenty of fun to partake in.
Brevede Coffee
- 1170 Manchester Street
Located in the original James E Pepper rick house, Brevede Coffee' motto is to Passionately Create with their craft and be Intentionally Driven within their actions…
The Burl
- 375 Thompson Road
Hosting local and national talent of all genres, The Burl is Lexington’s newest entertainment destination, located right across Manchester Street from the Distillery…
Crank and Boom Craft Ice Cream - Manchester Location
- 1210 Manchester Street
Named Small Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce, this craft ice cream parlor is known for their delicious flavors and unwavering dedication to the community.
Desperados Cantina
- 1224 Manchester Street
Desperados Cantina is a high-energy restaurant and bar located in Lexington's Distillery District that specializes in scratch-made tacos and high-end tequila and mezcal…
District 7 Social Hall
- 1170 Manchester St
This restaurant-bar-game room is an all-in-one experience for your next night out. With food they describe as German-isch paired with American fan favorites, there is…
The Elkhorn Tavern
- 1200 Manchester Street
This lounge is one of the coziest spots in Lexington to relax. Connected to Barrel House Distilling Co., it showcases inventive cocktails and light regional fare.
Ethereal Brewing
- 1224 Manchester Street
Craft Brewery, Ethereal Brewing, is located in the Distillery District on the historic James E. Pepper property along with distilleries, a cidery and restaurants.
Goodfellas Pizzeria
- 1228 Manchester Street
Size definitely matters at this beloved pizza joint, which serves pizza slices bigger than your face. Their Distillery District location has a full bar as well as indoor…
James E. Pepper Distillery
- 1228 Manchester Street
This historic distillery reopened in 2017 after sitting vacant for 50 years. Located in the exciting Distillery District, you can take a tour of the historic distillery…
The Manchester Hotel
- 941 Manchester Street
Downtown-adjacent near UK, Keeneland and Bluegrass Airport, The Manchester features soulful interiors rooted in Lexington's historic rickhouses and rich, earthy tones of…
Manchester Music Hall
- 899 Manchester Street
A historic event venue with a modern edge for music lovers in Lexington’s Distillery District, Manchester Music Hall offers a one-of-a-kind setting with exposed brick and…
RD1 Spirits
- 113 Turner Commons Way
Telling the story of Lexington's history of bourbon, RD1 has brought back Kentucky's first registered distillery. RD1 is a local bourbon brand with a tasting room, event…
RELIC Lexington
- 1170 Manchester Street
RELIC is a public warehouse of vintage, rustic, reclaimed “stuff.” They find things they think are awesome and then share them with you hoping you will think they’re…
Wise Bird Cider Co.
- 1170 Manchester Street
Wise Bird Cider is a family-run business committed to crafting small-batch heritage ciders that nod to family tradition. Wise Bird stresses the importance of high quality…
Barrel House Distilling Co.
- 1200 Manchester Street
Located in the old barreling house of the old Pepper Distillery in Lexington's historic Distillery District. Barrel House Distillery is proud to distill award winning…
The Break Room
- 1178 Manchester Street
Laid-back bar on the edge of Town Branch in the Lexington Distillery District. Chill out, or warm up, at the fire pit and enjoy a cold beer. Live music on weekends.
2. Follow Your Tastebuds to Bourbon Country
Lexington is home to and near America’s top bourbon distilleries, including favorites like Woodford Reserve and Four Roses, and other newer, small distilleries in beautiful historic settings. They may all serve bourbon, but each has its own unique flavor and experience worth checking out for yourself.
3. Stir Things Up With Lexington’s Best Cocktails
Lexington’s thriving and diverse cocktail scene is only continuing to grow, with craft mixologists jumping at the chance to experiment with locally-made spirits. Modern cocktail bars like Ona, whose efforts have earned them national recognition, have ambitions that extend far beyond bourbon.
Barrel House Distilling Co.
- 1200 Manchester Street
Located in the old barreling house of the old Pepper Distillery in Lexington's historic Distillery District. Barrel House Distillery is proud to distill award winning…
Fresh Bourbon Distillery
- 377 E Main Street
Recognized as the first African American-owned and produced bourbon since slavery, Fresh Bourbon offers an experience you won't forget. Fresh Bourbon is sweet and…
James E. Pepper Distillery
- 1228 Manchester Street
This historic distillery reopened in 2017 after sitting vacant for 50 years. Located in the exciting Distillery District, you can take a tour of the historic distillery…
Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co.
- 401 Cross Street
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is the producer of award-winning beer and spirits and one of the few joint brewing and distilling operations in the world. Since its…
RD1 Spirits
- 113 Turner Commons Way
Telling the story of Lexington's history of bourbon, RD1 has brought back Kentucky's first registered distillery. RD1 is a local bourbon brand with a tasting room, event…
Food
Back to Top of ListWhere To Grab A Bite
4. Southern Favorites
Locals flock to spots like Ramsey’s for its hearty Southern fare and welcoming atmosphere. Windy Corner charms diners with its quaint countryside setting and delicious Southern comfort food, while MiMi's Southern Style Cooking is renowned for its authentic flavors and generous portions, making it a must-visit spot for anyone craving traditional Southern cuisine in the area.
5. International Cuisine
Bourbon N’ Toulouse tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant Cajun and Creole flavors, transporting diners to the heart of New Orleans with each bite. Omakase offers an exquisite Japanese dining experience, where patrons can savor expertly crafted sushi and other traditional dishes in an intimate setting, while Corto Lima delights with its eclectic Latin-inspired dishes in a cozy space, creating a culinary journey that showcases the rich diversity of flavors from across the globe.
6. Enjoy Fresh, Farm-to-Table Dining
Lexington has something for everyone’s tastes, from down right delicious Southern fare to the freshest haute cuisine. Some local favorites include barbecue from County Club, and the indulgent flavors of Dudley’s on Short. Check out a full list of the best local Lexington restaurants here.
Horses
Back to Top of ListExplore Horse Country
7. Place Your Bets at Keeneland Race Course
Keeneland Race Course is Lexington’s premier horse race course. Between the race day attire, Keeneland Breezes, and potential to win big, the memories you’ll make at Keeneland are ones you won’t soon forget.
8. Trot on Over to the Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park is the perfect place for the whole family to learn about horses and this region’s rich equine history. This fun, all-inclusive destination includes guided horse and pony rides, museums, galleries, barn tours, and memorials to former champions.
9. Get Up Close and Personal at a Horse Farm
Few things in life are as special as the bond between people and animals. When you visit one of Kentucky’s many horse farms, such as Mill Ridge Farm, you have the opportunity to get a firsthand look at the beautiful creatures which this city has become famous for. Check out Horse Country to make planning your horse farm visit easy.
Activities
Back to Top of ListUnique Activities
10. Step Back in Time at Shaker Village
You’ll be hard pressed to find somewhere as scenic as The Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill. This unique destination preserves the unique, pastoral way of life of Kentucky’s bygone Shaker community, and is home to beautiful historic buildings and active farmland.
11. Listen to Live Music
The Burl, is home to tasty drinks, a retro arcade, and some of Lexington’s best live music. Lexington even has its very own live music festival, Railbird Festival, which celebrates some of the best songwriters, crooners, and musicians in Appalachia. With nearly 400 public events each year, the Singletary Center focuses on orchestra, band, choral, and jazz music but also presents dance, comedy, opera, and theatre performances, many of which are free.
12. Tour Lexington’s Historic Houses and Neighborhoods
Lexington is a city with a long and rich history, and it’s easy to learn all about it with our historical houses such as the childhood home of esteemed former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Other notable historical houses in the neighborhood include the Ashland Estate, which belonged to Henry Clay. You can also explore The African American Heritage Trail, a self-guided walking tour that highlights the rich history of African Americans in Lexington and their contributions to the city.
13. Explore Downtown Lexington
Downtown Lexington is the perfect mix of new and old, simultaneously having a small town feel and big city vibes. During the day there’s a plethora of shops, street art, restaurants, food tours, and sights to see, all within an easy-to-walk distance. And if nightlife is more your speed, there’s bars, clubs, and plenty of spots that’d make the perfect date night.
Check out this guide from our friends over at Trip Savvy for additional ideas.
