Things to See & Do
As the “Horse Capital of the World,” the Bluegrass Region has no shortage of horse-related activities – from horse farm tours to a day at the races to elegant equestrian events. One place you won’t want to miss is historic Keeneland Race Course, which offers world-class Thoroughbred racing April 4-26 and October 4-26, as well as horse sales throughout the year.
In northern Fayette County, you’ll find the Kentucky Horse Park, which is home to the International Museum of the Horse, American Saddlebred Museum, Hall of Champions and the Parade of Breeds, and annually hosts the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (April 25-28) and the National Horse Show (October 26-November 3). Closer to downtown Lexington is The Red Mile, which is the second-oldest harness track in the world, and features simulcasting, horse sales, and instant racing.
Even if you aren’t into horses, there are plenty of other things to do in and around the region that are fun and won’t break your budget – from visiting a winery to riding a zipline, or perhaps taking a tour of a historical site, local candy shop, or one of the area’s many historic homes.
If you’re into spectator sports, there are plenty of college and professional options in the area. The most popular outings include University of Kentucky basketball and football, the South Atlantic League champion Lexington Legends professional baseball, and hard-charging NASCAR racing at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta.
Although Kentucky’s Bourbon heritage dates back many years, recently it has seen quite the “revival” in terms of the economic impact on the state. Kentucky produces and ages about 95-percent of all the Bourbon in the world. Distilleries around the Commonwealth continue to welcome growing numbers of visitors, including Commerce Lexington members Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Beam Suntory in Clermont, Alltech’s Town Branch Distillery - the first to be opened in Lexington in more than 100 years, and the James E. Pepper Distilling Co., also in Lexington. To enjoy tours and tastings along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, contact a specific distillery or visit www.kybourbon.com.
Craft breweries have also become popular in the region, with fourteen now included on VisitLex’s Brewgrass Trail.
In northern Fayette County, you’ll find the Kentucky Horse Park, which is home to the International Museum of the Horse, American Saddlebred Museum, Hall of Champions and the Parade of Breeds, and annually hosts the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (April 25-28) and the National Horse Show (October 26-November 3). Closer to downtown Lexington is The Red Mile, which is the second-oldest harness track in the world, and features simulcasting, horse sales, and instant racing.
Even if you aren’t into horses, there are plenty of other things to do in and around the region that are fun and won’t break your budget – from visiting a winery to riding a zipline, or perhaps taking a tour of a historical site, local candy shop, or one of the area’s many historic homes.
If you’re into spectator sports, there are plenty of college and professional options in the area. The most popular outings include University of Kentucky basketball and football, the South Atlantic League champion Lexington Legends professional baseball, and hard-charging NASCAR racing at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta.
Although Kentucky’s Bourbon heritage dates back many years, recently it has seen quite the “revival” in terms of the economic impact on the state. Kentucky produces and ages about 95-percent of all the Bourbon in the world. Distilleries around the Commonwealth continue to welcome growing numbers of visitors, including Commerce Lexington members Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Beam Suntory in Clermont, Alltech’s Town Branch Distillery - the first to be opened in Lexington in more than 100 years, and the James E. Pepper Distilling Co., also in Lexington. To enjoy tours and tastings along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, contact a specific distillery or visit www.kybourbon.com.
Craft breweries have also become popular in the region, with fourteen now included on VisitLex’s Brewgrass Trail.
