Lottie Davies

Lexington

Cities don't get more genteel than Lexington, home of million-dollar houses and multimillion-dollar horses. Once the wealthiest and most cultured city west of the Allegheny Mountains, it was called 'the Athens of the West.' It's home to the University of Kentucky and is the heart of the thoroughbred industry. Pretty Victorian neighborhoods, garden-clad historic properties and small distilleries speckle the compact downtown. Brewery buffs and horse racing fans will find plenty to keep them occupied.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Thoroughbred Center
Lexington
The company that owns the famed Keeneland track also owns this farm where you can see working racehorses up close during 90-minute tours of the stables,…
Lexington Art League at Loudoun House
Lexington
Art and architecture buffs won't want to miss this edgy, contemporary visual arts gallery housed in a freestanding American Gothic Revival mansion in the…
Kentucky Horse Park
Lexington
This educational theme park and equestrian sports center sits on 1200 acres just north of Lexington. Horses representing 50 different breeds live in the…
Bluegrass Distillers
Lexington
Arguably the best of Lexington’s micro-distillers, it uses blue corn instead of standard corn to make its bourbon, which you’ll learn about from the super…
Ashland
Lexington
Part historic home and part public park with storybook gardens, Ashland was the Italianate estate of famed statesman and great compromiser Henry Clay …
Barrel House Distilling Co
Lexington
A micro-distiller set in the barrel house of the now-defunct Pepper Distillery. It bottles bourbon, two moonshines (one aged in bourbon barrels), vodka…
Headley-Whitney Museum
Lexington
The museum houses a 1940s Hollywood jewelry designer's remarkable collection of stones, trinkets and dollhouses. Don't miss the Shell Grotto, an old…
Mary Todd-Lincoln House
Lexington
This modest 1806 house has articles from the first lady's childhood and her years as Abe's wife, including original White House pieces. Tours are held…