Spring in Lexington is a sight to behold. Excitement fills the air as the Bluegrass stirs to life and the sun shines brightly on our old Kentucky home, bringing fresh flavors and balmy weather perfect for outdoor adventure. Here’s a few of our favorite ways to soak up the season.
1. Explore the Bluegrass In Bloom
Pictured here: Boone Creek Outdoors
Shake off the wintertime blues in the Bluegrass. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a 734-acre preserve along the Kentucky River just minutes from downtown Lexington. Home to gentle streams, beautiful meadows, and stunning wildlife, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a hike and reconnect with nature.
The Arboretum, the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is another great spot to see the Bluegrass blossom. Plants and trees from Kentucky’s seven distinct regions can be seen on 100 acres crisscrossed with walking paths.
One of Lexington's top outdoor attractions, Boone Creek Outdoors features six zip lines, three sky bridges, a rappel, a spiral, and a floating staircase—all suspended from the magnificent hardwood trees of Boone Creek Gorge. It’s guaranteed fun for the whole family in the unique Kentucky River Palisades ecosystem.
2. Witness Horse Country at Its Finest
Pictured here: Keeneland
Thoroughbred racing thunders back to Keeneland in the spring. Every April and October, this historic Lexington icon hosts the highly anticipated Spring and Fall Meets, three weeks of world-class racing in the sport’s most breathtaking venue. Join thousands of fans as they don their finest raceday fashions for hours of fantastic food, drinks, and wagering in an atmosphere that’s equal parts regal and electric. Or simply take a guided tour to appreciate the picturesque beauty of the manicured grounds at their springtime best.
Outside of racing, visitors can enjoy early morning workouts—where they can watch horses train against a stunning sunrise backdrop, stroll the beautiful grounds year-round, and grab a bite at the Track Kitchen alongside horsemen and jockeys.
At the Kentucky Horse Park, nearly 50 breeds of horses graze on 1,200 acres of lush bluegrass pastures. Meet them, interact with them, and even take some of them for a ride through the rolling hills of this wonderland for horse lovers. Learn more about these fascinating animals at renowned museums. Admire equine art in their expansive galleries. You can even camp there.
Want a more curated experience? Visit Horse Country can take you behind the scenes at many of the region’s most revered horse farms to see firsthand why Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World.
3. Indulge In the Season’s Freshest Flavors
Pictured here: Boonedogs
Spring means even more fresh local ingredients than usual on menus at Lexington’s eclectic array of restaurants, cafés, and breweries. Granddam, the in-house restaurant of The Manchester Hotel, is certainly a reservation you won’t regret. Elevated Appalachian cooking from Executive Chef and Top Chef contestant Paula Endara includes locally foraged mushrooms and seasonal produce from throughout the region.
Spring also marks the return of patio season and outdoor dining. Take a little drive to Boonedogs for lunch with a distinctly Bluegrass view. This family-friendly spot located amongst rolling hills and picket fences is known for dressed-up hot dogs. And Burl Brew in the Distillery District pours housemade beers best enjoyed in outdoor seating areas right next door to their live music venue.
If you want to try a little of everything with a side of local history, Bites of the Bluegrass can take you on a foodie tour of some of the city’s best eateries.
4. Experience the Rebirth of Bourbon Distilling
Pictured here: Bespoken Spirits
Beneath Lexington’s rolling bluegrass hills, a rare limestone formation filters natural spring water for the world’s finest bourbon, fueling a magical culture of creativity and innovation that we call Bourbonland.
This spring, immerse yourself in that culture at 18 nearby bourbon distilleries, including cutting-edge newcomers like Bespoken Spirits, Garrard County Distilling Co., and RD1 Spirits that are pushing the boundaries of bourbon with new techniques.
Sample rare bottles and inventive cocktails at world-class bourbon bars, and let the Kentucky Bourbon Trail guide you deep into the countryside for a look at the history and craft of America’s native spirit that can’t be found anywhere else.
5. Let Serendipity Work Its Magic
Pictured here: Kentucky Native Cafe
Lastly, don’t rush your way out of what could have been your favorite Lexington experience. Visitors are always telling us that they wish they had planned to stay another day just to explore more of the city at their own pace. Take your sweet time and save some room for the chance happenings that so often lead to travel magic.
Take a detour through the bustling Lexington Farmers Market one morning after breakfast. Stroll through the greenhouses at Michler’s Florist. Sip some wine under the stars in the enchanting Kentucky Native Cafe. Spend a day at the ballpark and cheer on the Lexington Legends. Or check out the area’s first professional soccer teams at a Lexington Sporting Club match.
Wherever the wind blows you, you’re sure to end up somewhere special when you visit Lexington in the spring.
