Itching to get out of town, Louisvillians? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to Lexington instead.
From the historical tours at Bites of the Bluegrass to the hoecakes at Zim’s Cafe — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the Horse Capital of the World — despite all the blue you’ll see around town.
Bonus: You know what they say, “When in Rome...” Subscribe to our friends at LEXtoday and experience Lexington the way locals do.
📍 Essential info
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Year city was established: 1782
Est. population: ~320,000
🎟️ Experience
With over 200 years under its belt, Lexington has a lot of history — and you’d be hard pressed to find someone as knowledgeable about the “Athens of the West” as Erin with Bites of the Bluegrass. With six tours on offer — all with tasty stops along the way — be sure to bring an open ear, and an empty stomach.
Would a trip to the Horse Capital of the World be complete without seeing — well — horses? While we’re partial to Churchill Downs, there is a certain charm about Keeneland, including the iconic ivy-covered walls and the tailgating scene outside. While you’re there, get a bowl of burgoo and thank us later.
Lexington is the birthplace of the 16th First Lady of the United States, Mary Todd Lincoln. This house on West Main Street served as the Todd family home from 1832 to 1849 including during the time when Mary Todd met Abraham Lincoln. It opened to the public in 1977, when it became the first house museum in the US dedicated to a first lady.
International Museum of the Horse
Part of the Kentucky Horse Park, this museum offers 64,000 sqft — that’s ~21,333 hands — of exhibits dedicated to the relationship between horses and humans, including a space highlighting Lexington’s legendary Calumet Farm + “Uma no Kokoro, Heart of the Horse,” which examines horses in Japan.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this theater traces its history back over 200 years — Lexington had theatrical performances before cities like Chicago — and currently hosts concerts, Broadway plays, and comedians.
This shop is home to shirts, trinkets, and knick-knacks that say, “I’m Kentucky Proud” in the best way possible. Plus, it’s home to Cocaine Bear — need we say more?
🍔 Eat
Located inside the Old Fayette County Courthouse building, this cafe serves a true taste of Kentucky with bites like a pulled pork plate with hoecakes + soup beans, buttermilk chicken tenders, and burgers with beef from Stone Cross Farm. Don’t forget to stop next door at the Thirsty Fox for a cocktail and pick up some baked goods for your kitchen counter from the Midway Bakery, all located inside the old courthouse.
The restaurant inside Lexington’s 21c Museum and Hotel is located in a former bank lobby — you can even get a table inside the vault. The menu features chicken schnitzel for lunch and a grilled hog chop for dinner, but be sure to look up while you’re chowing down to see the portraits of famous Kentuckians which decorate the walls — including a few Louisvillians.
Start your day — or end it — at this neighborhood coffee shop + wine bar located just off of Richmond Road. If you’re a little homesick, the brews they serve are made with beans from Louisville roaster Sunergos.
While Kentucky is known for its bourbon, Lexington — like Louisville — has a strong local beer scene too. Ethereal is located in the Distillery District, in a building that house the James E. Pepper Distillery in the 19th + early 20th centuries. Nowadays, you can stop in for the gamut of craft beers, ciders, seltzers and cocktails.
🏨 Stay
Located just west of downtown in the Speigle Heights neighborhood, this boutique hotel was recently featured in TIME Magazine’s list of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2024" — and it is a sight to behold. The “Rickhouse Revival” exterior gives way to an art deco interior, featuring local furnishings + custom pieces from Morocco.
While LOU is home to the first 21c Museum and Hotel, Lexington’s is worth the 90-mile trip. Located in the heart of downtown, the art inside this 88-room boutique hotel is as thought provoking as it is visually interesting. Oh, and the penguins at the LEX location are blue — weird, we know.
Let’s face it, a Louisvillian going to Lexington — and putting that rivalry aside — qualifies as turning over a new leaf. As the world’s first plant-friendly hotel, this hotel fits that friendly spirit. Plus, if you’re tired of seeing blue everywhere, this spot is so colorful you’ll forget about the rivalry altogether.
It wouldn’t be Kentucky if it didn’t have that Southern hospitality. This B+B is within walking distance of LEX’s downtown attractions, and its seven bedrooms exude Bluegrass style.
🚗 Cruise
No matter where the highway takes you, our road trip must-haves will ease your journey as you make your way to your destination.
- With more than 23,000 location-based audio stories, Autio’s Unlimited Plan: Lifetime Subscription is your perfect companion offering mini podcasts about the history, culture, and geology of areas you drive through.
- You’ll stay fully charged up and connected with this 4-in-1 retractable car charger that has iPhone compatibility and secure plug-in capability.
- Rock a comfortable sweatshirt and pants set for the road featuring a cozy elastic waistband and side-seamed pockets to store your valuables.
- Keep your tailbone supported during lengthy drives with a thick memory foam cushion that is machine washable and gives complete postural support.
- Avoid getting stranded with a dead battery by packing this portable car jump starter that gives up to 50 jumps in a single charge — no flagging down a stranger needed.
- Easy to clean and leak-proof, this collapsible car trash can gives you 2 gallons of storage capacity to keep your vehicle free from clutter.
