Lexington: Kentucky’s Crown Jewel

September 2, 2015

I’ll Take Mine Neat

If you love bourbon or even if you don’t drink, you’ll find the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tours of real production facilities both historic and fascinating. Nine distilleries make up the tour. In and around Lexington, you’ll find Town Branch, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Wild Turkey and Barrel House Distilling all ready to show you how America’s only native spirit is made, aged, bottled and enjoyed.

All the distilleries offer bourbon tastings at the ends of their tours, where visitors learn the nuances of the aroma, color and flavor of bourbon.

Don’t forget the craft beer craze. Lexington offers the Brewgrass Trail of six local breweries to help you whet your whistle and enjoy some local suds.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

There are more than 400 horse farms in central Kentucky, 150 of them in Lexington alone. Joining a guided group tour of a farm is a great way to meet Derby-winning thoroughbreds or up-and-coming contenders. You’ll also see fabulous barns, fenced pastures and mansions on the properties.

The Kentucky Horse Park, just north of Lexington, is a state park dedicated to the horse. Visitors can participate in myriad activities that take place on the grounds or visit farm exhibits, galleries, museums and theaters.

Lexington has several downtown history tours as well as museums and estates to enjoy. They include the home of Mary Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln’s first lady, and Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, the property where the famous Kentucky U.S. senator, statesman and presidential candidate lived.

The Lexington Dinner Train, which departs from a station behind Rupp Arena, is a great way to enjoy the picturesque Bluegrass landscape and sample seasonal lunch or dinner favorites.