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Bluegrass & Bourbon: 15 Must-Do Experiences in Lexington, KY 🐎🥃
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items From thoroughbred tracks and bourbon barrels to hidden murals and witchy coffee shops, Lexington is more than just horse country — it’s a city with soul. This guide pulls together the very best things to do in Lexington, KY, blending iconic Bluegrass...
Sections
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Horses & Bourbon 🥃🏇
Food and Drink 🥩🍸
Arts & Witchy Vibes 🎨✨
Bluegrass State Bonus Highlights 🔵🏀
Where to Stay 🛎️
Horses & Bourbon 🥃🏇
Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World, and no trip here is complete without experiencing its racing culture and bourbon heritage. From historic tracks to iconic distilleries, this section covers the must-do experiences that define Bluegrass cou...
A 1,200-acre working horse farm and theme park celebrating the horse through museums, shows, and riding experiences.
Kentucky Horse Park
One of Kentucky’s most famous bourbon distilleries, offering beautiful grounds, guided tours, and tastings in nearby Versailles.
Woodford Reserve
The first bourbon distillery in Lexington in over a century, with tours that include both bourbon and beer.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
Experience world-class thoroughbred racing (spring and fall meets), iconic tailgating, and behind-the-scenes tours at this historic track.
Keeneland Association Inc
Food and Drink 🥩🍸
This city has a way of pairing Southern comfort with modern flair. Whether you’re craving upscale dining, craft ice cream, or a bourbon cocktail in a converted warehouse, Lexington’s food and drink scene is as rich as its history.
A revitalized historic area filled with restaurants, breweries, art spaces, and live music. Perfect for a night out with friends!
Lexington Distillery District
Upscale Southern dining in a stylish downtown setting, featuring rooftop seating and a refined Kentucky menu.
Dudley's - Home
Handcrafted, small-batch ice cream made with Kentucky ingredients; bourbon honey and blueberry lime cheesecake are fan favorites.
Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream
A Lexington favorite blending upscale steakhouse vibes with Southern comfort. Think bourbon-glazed pork chops, loaded burgers, and a lively bar scene with one of the city’s best bourbon lists.
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main
Arts & Witchy Vibes 🎨✨
Beyond horses and bourbon, Lexington has a vibrant creative pulse. Murals, indie bookstores, and nature sanctuaries give the city an artsy, mystical side that makes it easy to slow down and reconnect.
Dozens of colorful murals across downtown, highlighting Lexington’s creative spirit and offering Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Mural Challenge - Lexington
A 734-acre preserve with hiking trails, wildflowers, and breathtaking overlooks of the Kentucky River. Ideal for sunrise or sunset walks.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
A Black-owned, community-rooted bookstore and café known for its cozy atmosphere, activist roots, and witchy-friendly energy.
Wild Fig Books and Coffee | Lexington KY
Bluegrass State Bonus Highlights 🔵🏀
These hidden gems take you off the beaten path. From speakeasies and dive bars to local roasters and small-batch distillers, these spots bring Lexington’s playful, eclectic spirit to life.
A craft bourbon distillery in the heart of Lexington offering small-batch tours, tastings, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels more intimate than the big-name distilleries.
Bluegrass Distillers - Award Winning Bourbon & Tours
An eclectic, colorful café beloved by locals for its funky murals, cozy vibe, and creative drinks. It’s an artsy little recharge stop between mural-hopping or distillery tours.
Third Street Stuff
A legendary Lexington dive bar with cheap drinks, a jukebox, and a rowdy late-night crowd. It’s unapologetically gritty, and sometimes you just need to relive the college bar crawl days.
Stagger Inn
Where to Stay 🛎️
Lexington’s downtown hotels put you right in the middle of the action — close to Rupp Arena, the Distillery District, and all the city’s best dining and nightlife. Whether you want modern convenience with a pool or a rooftop bar with skyline views, t...
Connected to Rupp Arena and steps from downtown dining, this modern hotel has spacious rooms, a pool, and one of the best locations for exploring the city on foot. Ideal for concerts, games, or a Bluegrass weekend getaway.
Hotel Near Rupp Arena | Hyatt Regency Lexington
Sleek, stylish, and centrally located, this Marriott offers rooftop dining at Infinity: A Skybar & Café with sweeping views of downtown. Great for couples or anyone wanting a more elevated stay.
Lexington, KY Hotel | Lexington Marriott City Center