5 Reasons to Visit Lexington

We all know Lexington as the ‘Horse Capital of the World,’ but Lexington wears stars in the list of must-visit places in Florida for many reasons. This place is a treat for everybody: an executive junkie, a casual day-tripper, or even a foodie who wants to have the best food in Mississippi.

The list of reasons to visit Lexington would most likely fill a book, but in this blog post, we will give you the top 5 reasons that will make you want to pack your bags and visit Lexington right now.

Small Towns and Southern Hospitality

Lexington’s true beauty lies in its small towns, which blossom with the essence of the American South. Exploring these towns (which is one of the most fun things to do in Lexington, KY) allows you to witness how the city halls are a living testament to their history. Your exploration will get even better if you try servings of locally owned restaurants, where every bite is flavorful and wholesome.

You’ll also encounter old barns fading with time and friendly locals who love to offer a glass of sweet tea. Towns like Rabbit Hash in Northern Kentucky or Augusta, known for its beautiful Victorian homes, will give you a glimpse of true beauty.

Bardstown was recently named ‘the most beautiful small town in America’ for its grand historic homes and haunted tavern. It was here in 1852 that Stephen Foster found inspiration to write the iconic Kentucky state anthem.

Lexington was once called the ‘Athens of the West’ for its culture, and in recent times, it has been known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World.’ However, it keeps both titles close to its heart and offers a mix of cultural attractions and horse-related fun activities in Lexington, KY.

The Great Outdoors

Cumberland Falls is a must-see 65-foot-high waterfall at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. This fall is just one of two places where you can see the “moonbow,” an infrequent occurrence that can be seen on clear nights with the right amount of moonlight. The area also provides camping, hiking, and water sports, giving you added reasons to come to Lexington.

You would be amazed to know that Kentucky is home to the longest-known cave system in the world, the Mammoth Cave, which includes over 400 miles of caves mapped on five levels. The room above covers 52,800 acres of park with two rivers open for many fun activities in Lexington, KY.

Nearby is the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, the Civil War Battle, the Cumberland Gap, and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

Did you know that Red River Gorge is known for its excellent climbing routes? The Red River Gorge offers over 1,500 sports routes and trad climbing areas. The location is also great for paddling and other exciting things to do in Lexington, with some of the best whitewater in the Southeast.

Kentucky has more miles of navigable water than any other state in the contiguous U.S. Enjoy sailing or stand-up paddleboarding at the Land Between the Lakes on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. You can also rent a houseboat on Lake Cumberland. For swimming, visit Ratliff Hole and Pool Point at Breaks Interstate Park, which also offers excellent paddling and fishing spots.

The Restaurants and Bars

If one thing is certain about a visit to Lexington, you’ll love the Lexington ky food and drinks there. Many options exist, from farm-to-table restaurants to rough-around-the-edges burger joints to fine-dining options and dive bars.

One of our recommendations is Epping’s on Eastside. The menu features delicious dishes like pan-fried fish marsala and lamb shank birria, paired with various wines and bourbons.

While exploring, you should also visit the infamous Tolly-Ho and discover what it is famous for. This all-hours burger and breakfast diner is known for its cheap beer, cold milkshakes, and a 50-year history of serving local students and late-night wanderers. Tolly-Ho has been delivering the best in Lexington, no matter how questionable the decision to go there might be.

You’ll find the best meal of the trip just outside Lexington, in the small downtown of Midway. Heirloom, a cozy restaurant there, combines traditional Lexington ky food with French inspiration. The menu includes sublime buttermilk-brined fried chicken, a pork chop, and a duck breast with potato gnocchi.

No visit to Lexington is complete without stopping by the Chevy Chase Inn. This perfectly rumpled little dive bar has served beer and Bourbon for over 80 years. Expect cheap drinks, live music (a guitarist played country originals and classic covers on a recent Friday night), and two great old pinball machines in various states of disrepair. The Chevy Chase Inn offers the comforting embrace of a bar that you will want to write your own blog about.

The Bourbon

Kentucky is the birthplace of Bourbon, so of course, it’s where all things Bourbon belong. At Woodford Reserve Distillery, you’ll learn the chemistry and the sensory side of this world-famous spirit, and experts say it is one of the must-try fun things to do in Lexington for Bourbon lovers.

Bardstown, known as the ‘Bourbon Capital of the World,’ is located under an hour from Lexington and 45 minutes from Louisville. That’s the beginning of your adventure along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

This trail, a curated tour of the best distilleries the state offers, will give you an up-close look at the art and science of Bourbon making in practice, which is one of the most fun activities in Lexington, KY, you could do.

Visit the Four Roses distillery to enjoy the beautiful grounds and the scent of real roses. At Woodford Reserve, you can explore the detailed process of crafting their Distiller’s Select. At Maker’s Mark, you can dip your bottle in their iconic red wax, which could be a unique experience.

And, of course, CookinGenie…

We saved the best of Lexington for last. One of the most appealing reasons to visit Lexington is the dining experience you can have with a personal chef.

You can hire a private chef in Lexington, KY, through CookinGenie to savor freshly prepared meals cooked with local ingredients and expert skills. With over 40 chefs available, you can pick the one that best suits your needs. These chefs master cooking cuisines such as American, Caribbean, Mexican, Latin, and many more.

Explore the chefs and their menus on CookinGenie’s app or website. The chefs also have special packages that you can select for special occasions, such as date nights, game day packages, and more.

The chefs can customize these packages and the classic menus according to your preferences and dietary restrictions to make your meal yours.

Conclusion

There’s much more to do in Lexington than you would ever expect. With every visit, you’ll make a new discovery. Lexington’s appeal is in its ability to offer something for everyone, ensuring that every traveler leaves with memories to cherish and a longing to return.

So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Lexington should be at the top of your list.