the<\/em> place for horse enthusiasts. It\u2019s home to the Smithsonian International Museum of the Horse, which takes guests on a journey through horse rearing in society and how the animals have coexisted with humans since the beginning of history.<\/p>\nBeyond the museum, the Kentucky Horse Park is a fully operational horse farm that exists to educate visitors and locals alike about the rich horse-related history of Kentucky and beyond.<\/p>\n
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary<\/h3>\n With over 10 miles of hiking trails across 734 acres of pristinely preserved land, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is the perfect place to spend a sunny day. You\u2019ll find quiet woods, trickling streams, and soft meadows, all bustling with local wildlife. There are over 600 species of plants and 200 species of birds throughout the year, a stunning display of Kentucky\u2019s biodiversity.<\/p>\n
Start your visit by signing in at the Raven Run Nature Center and embark on your hike, following one of the park\u2019s trails.<\/p>\n
Jacobson Park<\/h3>\n Located in east Lexington, Jacobson Park is more than a typical city park: it spans 216 acres along a reservoir, which you can explore via paddle boat or kayak. You\u2019ll find rolling green hills, trails, volleyball courts, a disc golf course, and more.<\/p>\n
This is a great place to hang out during the day. Bring a picnic, your favorite sports equipment, or even your furry friend for a sweet day at the park.<\/p>\n
Headley-Whitney Museum<\/h3>\n This museum is truly the pinnacle of the Lexington art scene and a must-see for creative minds. Lexington locals Barbara Whitney and George Headley created it in 1968 to showcase their crafts: Barbara was a crafter who specialized dollhouses, bibelots, and miniatures, and George was a jewelry designer.<\/p>\n
Nowadays, the museum features work from not only this artistic power couple but also other designers, artists, and craftspeople. It\u2019s truly one of a kind and worth a visit while you\u2019re in Lexington.<\/p>\n
The world\u2019s largest ceiling clock<\/h3>\n Have you ever wondered where the world\u2019s largest ceiling clock is? Well, I hadn\u2019t either until now. Apparently it\u2019s at the Lexington\u2019s Central Library! The clock was the brainchild of Lucille Caudill Little, a Lexington philanthropist. She dreamt of the massive clock, and local artist Adalin Wichman designed it. <\/p>\n
It is truly a work of art. In true Lexington fashion, the clock features a series of 60 horses, which light up in succession to give the illusion of movement. Pretty neat! <\/p>\n
Institute 193<\/h3>\n This place will make you question everything you thought you knew about the South. Institute 193 is a contemporary art gallery that showcases the work of modern artists, writers, and musicians. As a relatively new establishment that opened in 2009, it serves as Lexington\u2019s only contemporary art space and dedicates itself to supporting local artists.<\/p>\n
Visit Institute 193 and immerse yourself in the unique perspective of artists whose work will surely give you a fresh look at culture and artistry in the South.<\/p>\n
Restaurants & More in Lexington<\/h2>\nCounty Club<\/h3>\n Being a vegetarian is a pretty foreign concept for meat-loving Lexington locals, who are accustomed to the world-class BBQ of their hometown. If you\u2019re all about the barbecue life, County Club is the place to go. This beloved smokehouse is one of the best place to get it and uses only responsibly raised \u201cKentucky cows, hogs, sheep, goats, and chickens.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not only do customers flock there for the meat selection, but the sides are also bursting with flavor and tradition. You won\u2019t want to miss a meal at County Club while visiting Lexington.<\/p>\n
Blue Door Smokehouse<\/h3>\n That\u2019s right, there are not one but two<\/em> barbecue joints on the list. Why? Well, I couldn\u2019t choose only one \u2014 and Lexington locals also have a hard time doing so. Eating at Blue Door Smokehouse is a rite of passage when visiting the city. This uber-popular smokehouse is only open four hours a day (and closed on Sundays), sometimes less because they often sell out completely.<\/p>\nBecause of its popularity, plan ahead, and try to get there right when it opens at 11am if you can!<\/p>\n
James E. Pepper Distilling Co.<\/h3>\n If you want to get a taste of bourbon from a brand that started producing liquor during the American Revolution, James E. Pepper Distilling Co. is the place to do so. This distillery is full of history and definitely worth taking a look around even if you don\u2019t drink. James E. Pepper even has a \u201cHenry Clay\u201d whiskey\u2026 remember that guy?! Everything eventually comes around full circle. <\/p>\n
Third Street Stuff & Coffee<\/h3>\n This wacky coffee shop is proof that Lexington is more than just bourbon, bluegrass, and horses. Overflowing with hippie and psychedelic art on nearly every inch of the walls, Third Street Stuff & Coffee captures the essence of an era that visitors will be delighted to step into for a moment.<\/p>\n
The coffee shop prides itself for its commitment to serving locally roasted fair-trade certified-organic coffee along with locally baked goods. That\u2019s a purchase you can feel good about, for sure!<\/p>\n
Best Places to Stay in & around Lexington<\/h2>\nParis Livery Historic Home & Tour<\/h3>\n Housed inside a circa 1863 brick building that has been fully renovated, the Paris Livery Home is one of the most unique lodgings that you\u2019ll find in all of Lexington. Not only will you be able to stay in the historic building, but the Airbnb offers a three-day tour of the state\u2019s last 12 remaining covered bridges.<\/p>\n
This one-bedroom place starts at $195 per night, with a two-night minimum.<\/p>\n
Game of Thrones<\/em> House<\/h3>\n\n
Ready to take your GoT fandom to the next level? This Airbnb describes itself as a \u201cpalatial chamber\u201d and is completely decked out with Game of Thrones<\/em> decor, complete with dungeon trappings and an iron throne. Oh yes, it\u2019s the real deal, folks. <\/p>\nA night at this medieval kingdom costs around $206. The place comes with two complimentary bikes and is located right in the heart of downtown Lexington.<\/p>\n
Cabin with a private waterfall<\/h3>\n\n
Come again? Was that \u201ca private waterfall\u201d you read? Yes, sis! This beautifully remodeled cabin in the Kentucky wilderness sits on two acres of forest with a private waterfall. It\u2019s about an hour from Lexington, but the distance is totally worth it to stay in this quiet escape. <\/p>\n
There are three bedrooms in this remote paradise, making it an awesome place to share with friends. There\u2019s a hot tub, too! A night here is about $450; there\u2019s a two-night minimum.<\/p>\n
The Pete Treehouse<\/h3>\n\n
If you\u2019ve been dying to stay in a treehouse after watching Kristin\u2019s treehouse adventure, this will get you even more excited. This treehouse is completely off the grid and was part of Animal Planet\u2019s Treehouse Masters<\/em>. The mastermind behind this incredible place is treehouse master Pete Nelson.<\/p>\nThe house is surrounded by nature and features a fire pit and balcony perfect for watching the sunset. It\u2019s full of thoughtful touches and has an overall homey feel. It\u2019s about a 1.5-hour drive from Lexington but definitely worth the drive for the peace and quiet.<\/p>\n
Pin me for later:<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a Kentucky native or Lexington first-timer, I hope this list provides you with plenty of inspiration to get you well on your way to planning your trip. <\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget to check out our Louisville guide if you\u2019re planning on stopping there as well!<\/p>\n
Get every new post delivered via email (3x posts per week, no spam, ever. Read our privacy policy here.)<\/label><\/p>\n
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