Lexington, is the second largest city in Kentucky, USA. Known as the Horse Capital of the World is in the heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Lexington is dominated by horse industry and is home to hundreds of horse farms. It is home to two universities, University of Kentucky and Transylvania University, natural sanctuary, Keeneland, Kentucky wildcats, Arboretum, distilleries, Mary Todd Lincoln house, Parks, etc. It is one of the “untapped destination” from the land of America by the tourists.
I am writing about my days in Lexington –The horse capital of the world. The life in Lexington is calm and away from the crowd.
How to reach Lexington?
Blue Grass Airport: Lexington have medium ranged regional airport which is connected to 13 major cities of USA. Adjacent to Keeneland and few miles from Downtown, Lexington.
Bus: You can reach Lexington by bus. Greyhound bus service is available from major cities. Greyhound station is just ten minutes from Downtown.
Where to Stay?
There are good hotels near Downtown, Lexington. You can book with Booking.com
Places to Visit
Keeneland Race Track
Keeneland is an internationally renowned race course and consist of Thoroughbred leading auction house. Keeneland race course conducts live race meets in two seasons: a spring meet in April and a fall meet October. It’s world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, conducting three sales annually. No one can escape from the beauty of the Keeneland. Keeneland is a National Historic Landmark and is open to visitor’s year round. To experience best of Keeneland took a guided walking tour. Guided tour takes us through Keeneland grandstand, grounds, paddock, sales pavilion. It costs around $ 11/person. If you are visiting Keeneland, have a traditional southern Kentucky breakfast at the canteen (Cost: $6).
Raven Run Natural Sanctuary
It’s very unique natural sanctuary dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and early history of Kentucky. It is one of the city public park and the entry is free. It is best for hiking and trail provide access to beautiful streams, urban forest and meadows. More often you can find deer and turkey. To preserve the flora and fauna visitors are asked to hike only on marked trails. You will definitely love this hike.
Prohibited activities in Sanctuary
• Camping
• Picnicking other than the designated trails
• Destruction of and flora and fauna in the sanctuary
• Biking
• Bringing Alcohols
• Using Drones
Downtown Lexington
Downtown Lexington is a blend of big city amenities and small town friendliness. It has many attractions and skylines. Downtown hosts many events and festivals. The most important were independence day, Irish festival, Cracker show, Halloween and Christmas market. Festive season you can enjoy the live music concerts, street food and drinks.
Marry Todd Lincoln House
It was girlhood home of Marry Todd Lincoln, the first lady and wife of the 16th president of United States, Abraham Lincoln. Today the house is a museum containing portraits, furniture and artifacts from the Todd and Lincoln families. Hour long guided tour introduces the house and Todd life history. The property is open to public as historic house museum and ticket cost is around $15/adult.
Triangle Park
Triangle park in downtown, Lexington, is public park filled with blooming flowers, soft water fountains and green grass covered by tables and chairs. During winter the trees shed their leaves and the park converted to ice skating rink, which keeps the part vibrant and alive. No doubt Triangle park forms the perfect winter wonderland of Lexington.
Kentucky Theater
The Kentucky theater is a historic cinema house in downtown, Lexington. The theaters show emphasizes, art films, classic films and live shows. The theater has two screens and the walls of the theater were richly ornamented. The theater also has art exhibition lobby.
Buffalo Distillery
The world’s most award winning distillery is just 40 minutes away from horse capital Lexington. It is the manufacturer of one of the world’s finest bourbon whiskey. This property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as National Historic Landmark.
University of Kentucky Art Museum
University of Kentucky art museum is an art museum in Lexington, Kentucky. The collection includes European and American art works. The art museum is located on the University of Kentucky campus.
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky is a public university in Lexington, Kentucky. University is second largest university in the state and highest ranked university in the state. It has the largest library named William T Young Library. It has Kentucky Wildcat men’s basketball team is an American college basketball team that represents the University of Kentucky.
Get around
Bus service is available from the downtown transit center to many part of the town and the airport. The last bus service is at 11pm. Fare is $1 for one way. If you are a University of Kentucky employee or student, you can avail free bus ride (Just show the ID card). Ubar and Lyft services are also available and it is convenient.
Where to Eat?
There are lot of restaurants near downtown. You can eat Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, American, Korean and Indian foods.
Mumbai Masala -Downtown, Lexington
The Local Taco-Downtown, Lexington
Han Woo Ri- Downtown, Lexington
Ginger Wasabi Sushi+Grill-Downtown, Lexington
Tandoor-Mapple, Lexington
Where to Shop?
Fayette Mall- It’s one of the best, newly emerged shopping mall in Lexington. It has favorite stores like H&M, Dillard's, Macy's, JC Penny.
Walmart-Groceries, electronic, furniture’s, cloths, stationaries, and health care
Kroger-Groceries
Most Attractive Seasons in Lexington
Winter in Lexington
The first snow fall of winter for Lexington arrives usually in December. The snow season ends by March. It is the best season to visit Lexington as you can experience the nature at its best.
Spring in Lexington
During spring Lexington blooms with colorful trees and liveliness. Spring is perfect for enjoying Lexington’s outdoor attractions.
This city has given lot to me. Hope you guys enjoyed touring the untapped"GEM" of America.