Famed for being the ‘Horse Capital of the World’, Lexington fuses the cultural clout of a big city with the friendliness of a small Southern town. Nestled in Kentucky’s picturesque Bluegrass region, Lexington is also known as the ‘city in the park’, given the dozens of world-class horse farms which surround it. It’s not just horse-mad visitors who’ll love this city — anyone with a taste for bourbon, bluegrass music and laid-back southern style will find Lexington fascinating. Accommodation options, too, vary greatly, with everything from charming B&Bs in tranquil Versailles to swish city hotels in downtown Lexington fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, as a family or with friends, the best places to stay in Lexington and the surrounding landscape promise a characterful base from which to embark upon your adventures.
The region’s biggest annual attraction is the Kentucky Derby, taking place in nearby Louisville each May. The race is accompanied by a fabulous festival, too, and this is when you’ll see the Bluegrass region at its busiest. Come throughout the year to tour impressive horse farms, to discover the International Museum of the Horse, or to enjoy riding lessons and guided hacks through the bucolic countryside — a sure-fit hit with the kids. If riding’s not your thing, there are also myriad hiking trails and bicycle routes for outdoorsy types. The limestone cliffs of the Kentucky River Palisades are a particular highlight for walking.
Museum-goers, on the other hand, can tour the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, the Children’s Explorium or the Mary Todd Lincoln House — the childhood home of President Abraham Lincoln’s wife — amongst others. The seven-acre Lexington County Museum, with its 36 heritage buildings charting the area’s history, is a real favourite.
Finally, you’ll find distillery tours aplenty for whiskey lovers, as well as a plethora of bars and music venues where you can sip a glass of bourbon whilst listening to toe-tapping bluegrass tunes. And there’s excellent Southern fare, too! This is a deservedly popular destination — book your trip well in advance to guarantee a room at one of the best places to stay in Lexington.
