A trip to Lexington can’t be without horses, bourbon and beer. During the drive in, you are bound to spot a picturesque horse farm with white fences, green grass, and ancient oak trees. However, that’s not all Lexington has in store for you. Art, food and music also make this quaint-yet-hip Kentucky jewel shine. While you hit the town throughout your stay, make sure to check out the PRHBTN murals scattered across the city.
Day 1:
Make your way to 21c, in the midst of downtown. After checking in, grab a drink from Lockbox. Kentucky is a relaxed sort of place, so take a minute to stroll through the nation’s first contemporary art museum dedicated to the art of the 21st century. It’s on the first and second floor at 21c and it’s free. You’ll be happy to wind down from all the traveling.
When you’re good and relaxed, either stay in and enjoy dinner at Lockbox or head over to Table Three Ten for a delicious french inspired meal. It’s a four block walk and well worth it. After indulging in a european style evening, head over to any of the local breweries for a taste of what that limestone water does to a well-made beer. Mirror Twin, Country Boy, Blue Stallion, Ethereal, and West Sixth are all close. Try all or just a couple. They will still be there the next day, if you don’t make it to all five. As you turn in back at 21c, don’t forget to fill out the breakfast room service card for Lockbox. You’ll be glad you did in the morning, as breakfast arrives right when you need it.
Day 2:
The next day, as you wake up to a southern-inspired breakfast of champions from Lockbox, browse the art channel in your room. It’s a specially curated channel for the 21c art museum. Who knew?
Do you choose bourbon for your second day or horses? Let’s go with bourbon. Why not? Head over to Woodford Reserve for a distillery tour and dare yourself to have some of that liquid gold before noon. Wallace Station is an absolute must for lunch and then go back for a little more at Buffalo Trace. When you’ve had your fill, you’ll be feeling a little loose. Hopefully you’ve scheduled your trip around a Thursday, because Thursday Night Live at 5/3 Pavillion right next to 21c is a must for summer-time outdoor music. Grab a bite at Dudley’s or County Club depending on how you’re feeling. Old-school-southern-upscale or hipster-blow-your-mind? Your choice!
Day 3:
The third day must begin with either a donut from North Lime Donuts or a pastry from Sunrise Bakery. It’s vacation. Let yourself go! Since you did bourbon the day before, horses are at the top of the list for the third day. Get yourself over to the Kentucky Horse Park to see the gracious beauties up close and then check out the International Museum of the Horse. This submersion in equestrian culture should end at Keeneland. Even if the ponies aren’t running, they’ll be working out and it’s a thing to marvel in. The end of your day would be well spent catching a flick at the historic Kentucky Theater or a show at the Lexington Opera House. Sit back, relax and rest your bones for a bit!
Are you done yet? Lexington has so much more to see but vacations wouldn’t be vacations if they went on forever. You’ll just have to come back for seconds. In the meantime, you’ve got a good head start on a great trip. What are you waiting for? Happiness is in your future!
