Lexington is more than horses and bourbon, although it has plenty of both. Check out our ultimate guide to 2 days in Lexington.
I dreamed about visiting Kentucky horse country since I was a teen. So, when my husband, Jerry, and I decided to spend a week on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, I suggested we include a stay in Lexington. The bluegrass-covered hills surrounding the city are home to some of horseracing’s greats, including recent Kentucky Derby winners. During our stay, though, I learned there’s more to Lexington than thoroughbreds and bourbon, enough that I’m already planning a trip back. Want to make the most of your visit? Here’s our ultimate guide to two days in Lexington.
Must-See Sights in Lexington
Horseracing is a big deal in Lexington, so many attractions and activities center around the sport. Don’t automatically dismiss them if you’re not a fan. Jerry nearly backed out of touring Godolphin at Jonabell Farms, but he says it was one of his favorite activities on our entire trip.
Foals at Jonabell Farm in Lexington. Photo by Teresa Bitler
If you’re not into horses, Lexington has other options. You can sample bourbon on a distillery tour, have an outdoor adventure, or explore local history. These are our top picks for two days in Lexington.
Keeneland
Honestly, when I heard about touring Keeneland, I wasn’t too excited because I planned to visit Churchill Downs in Louisville later in the week. Then, I saw you could visit for morning workouts on a tour. I love photography, so I immediately changed my mind.
Morning workouts at Keeneland. Photo by Teresa Bitler
I’m glad I did. A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland is surrounded by pastures, and its tour takes you to more than just the paddock and track, unlike Churchill Downs’ basic offering. The tour I took began in the paddock, continued trackside, and included a visit to the locker room, where we met one of the track’s top jockeys. We also toured the famous Sales Pavilion.
Jockey silks at Keeneland. Photo by Teresa Bitler
Keeneland hosts events and family-friendly activities throughout the year. If you get the chance, plan a visit during spring racing season in April or fall racing season in October. Or, come in January to see the Yearly Sale of possible future Derby winners.
Godolphin at Jonabell Farm
Minutes from the city, this legendary breeding and racing operation is home to Kentucky Derby winners Nyquist and Street Sense. We saw both on our tour of Sheikh Mohammed’s stallion complex before boarding an open-air shuttle to see the foals. Along the way, we passed the gravesite of 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed, and when we got to the foals’ paddock, we spent time posing with and petting these future racehorses.
Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense at Jonabell Farm. Photo by Teresa Bitler
The tour at Jonabell Farm is offered through Visit Horse Country, an organization of farms and equine attractions dedicated to promoting the sport. Through them, you can also book a tour of Claiborne Farm (home of Secretariat), Mill Ridge Farm’s nursery, and other area farms.
Lexington Distillery District
Jerry insisted on visiting at least one bourbon distillery in Lexington, and he chose James E. Pepper Distilling Co. I’m glad he did. Not only was this one of our favorite distillery tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but it’s also located in the Lexington Distillery District, one of the coolest areas in Lexington.
James E. Pepper Distilling Co. Photo by Teresa Bitler
The district has several restaurants, an ice cream shop, a brewery, and another distillery, Barrel House Distillery. Across Manchester Street, The Burl attracts local and national acts, and The Burl Arcade features all your favorite 1980s arcade games. Come early in the evening to be sure you can find parking.
Historic Sights in Lexington
Lexington has several historic sights beyond the landmark racetrack and long-standing bourbon distilleries. If you love history, incorporate these historic stops into your visit.
Mary Todd Lincoln House
The childhood home of Mary Todd, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln, this Georgian-style brick house in downtown Lexington is one of the oldest in the city. Book a tour online before you go for a self-guided tour of the 14-room house, furnished with antiques, and the gardens outside.
Inside the Mary Todd Lincoln House. Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
Ashland: The Henry Clay Estates
While I didn’t get a chance to visit the estate of the senator who helped maintain the peace between the North and South leading up to the Civil War, it’s high on my list when I return. You can take a free, self-guided tour of the formal garden and outbuildings or a guided mansion tour. Ashland also has a tour that explores what life was like for those enslaved at the estate.
Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, in Lexington. Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
Outdoor Activities in Lexington
I didn’t schedule any outdoor activities during my visit this time because the forecast included rain. However, Lexington provides ample opportunity to explore the outdoors on sunny days. Here’s where to go to get outside when you want to spend the ultimate two days in Lexington.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Located on the outskirts of Lexington, this 734-acre nature sanctuary has more than 10 miles of hiking trails ranging from the paved, barrier-free Freedom Trail to several moderate options. River Run Nature Sanctuary also features a nature center and the Joe Pulliam Memorial Pollinator Garden.
Hiking in Raven Run Nature Center. Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
Recognized as the state’s official botanical garden, this 100-acre public garden tops my list of places to visit when I return. It features a visitor center, woods, and the Walk Across Kentucky, a paved, 2-mile walk that winds through 65 acres representing the state’s seven physiographic regions.
Kentucky has seven physiographic regions, such as this on the Kentucky River. Photo by Teresa Bitler
Other Places to Check Out in Lexington
There’s more to Lexington than horses, of course, but since it’s such a big part of the culture here, you may want to check out these three attractions.
Kentucky Horse Park
This state-owned park celebrates the horse with live shows, stall-side chats, museums, and horseback riding. Don’t miss the Hall of Champions where you’ll have the opportunity to meet 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide. A memorial walk pays tribute to even more champions, and a 260-space campground gives you all the time you need to enjoy the park.
The Parade of the Breeds, a live show at the Kentucky Horse Park. Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
International Museum of the Horse
Located at the Kentucky Horse Park, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum showcases the role horses have played throughout history, from ancient times to today’s popular sporting events. Exhibits cover a variety of subjects such as buffalo soldiers, Arabian horses, and Calumet Farm—the home of Secretariat.
Kids exploring the International Museum of the Horse. Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
American Saddlebred Museum
Also part of the Kentucky Horse Park, the American Saddlebred Museum tells the story of this exceptional breed and details the role it has played in our nation’s history. You’ll see the largest collection of Saddlebred artifacts in the world on display, and if you’re interested in research on the breed, the museum houses a 2,400-volume library.
Horseback riding at the Kentucky Horse Park. Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
Where to Eat in Lexington
Lexington isn’t a foodie destination, not like San Francisco or New Orleans, but it does have some really great restaurants. Here are a few options to consider when planning two days in Lexington.
Keeneland Track Kitchen
Open to the public, the Keeneland Track Kitchen is the racetrack’s cafeteria. While the food is good, eating breakfast here is more about the experience than the actual meal. On any given morning, you might be sitting next to a renowned jockey, trainer, or even a sultan.
You never know who might be at the Keeneland Track Kitchen. Photo by Teresa Bitler
Blue Door Smoke House
Jerry loves barbecue, so we asked around for recommendations and kept hearing about Blue Door Smoke House. Although it was only open for take-out when we went, we happily ate our barbecue sandwiches in our car. Jerry declared the brisket some of the best he’d had in a long time.
The brisket plate at Blue Door Smoke House. Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
Distilled
Of all the restaurants we visited on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Distilled one was my favorite. In fact, I would go back to Lexington just for the Spicy Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich I had here. It is open for lunch and dinner when it serves steak, seafood, and pasta. But it’s worth dropping by just for one of their bourbon cocktails.
Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar
This new restaurant located inside the Elwood Hotel & Suites serves traditional American and Southern comfort food. Unfortunately, I only had the opportunity to glimpse a few plates as I passed through the lobby, where Fiddletree is located. However, it ranks high on OpenTable, and friends tell me the food and live music are both great.
Fiddletree at the Elwood Hotel & Suites. Photo by Alyssa Rosenheck
Where to Stay in Lexington
I stayed at the Elwood Hotel & Suites. Located next door to Curio Collection’s The Campbell House Lexington, this boutique hotel was named for the 1904 Kentucky Derby winner—Elwood—the first Derby winner to be bred and owned by a woman.
When I stayed in mid-October 2021, the hotel had only been open a few weeks. I loved the bold floral design on the hotel’s white-washed brick exterior, the firepits near the entrance, and the exceptionally friendly staff. Each of the rooms is slightly different, but I appreciated that we had a small, retro-looking refrigerator and a table that could double as a place to eat a takeout meal or as a workstation.
Elwood Hotel & Suites in Lexington. Photo by Alyssa Rosenheck
Elwood may not appeal to everyone, though. You check in using a kiosk, and the rooms feature furnishings with clean, simple lines. As someone in her early 50s, I had no problem with either. Staff was right there to greet me when I arrived and help with the check-in if I needed it, and I felt the room had more personality than some of the luxury properties I’ve stayed at recently. I’d stay again and recommend it to friends.
A room at Elwood Hotel & Suites. Photo by Alyssa Rosenheck
If You Go to Lexington
Lexington is approximately 80 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio, and 80 miles east of Louisville, Kentucky. As a result, in addition to Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport, you have the option of flying into Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport or Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. This maximizes your options for flights, especially if you intend to visit Lexington on a road trip or while exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
James E. Pepper Distilling Co. Photo by Teresa Bitler
While anytime is a good time to visit Lexington, the city averages 10 inches of snow annually and reports freezing temperatures at night from November through February. June through August, the highs range from the low to mid-80s.
Based solely on weather, October and April are ideal times to visit. However, people travel to Lexington during those months to watch the horses race at Keeneland, and it may be busier than usual. January’s renowned yearling sale at Keeneland similarly attracts visitors from around the world.
Listen to live music at The Burl. Photo by Teresa Bitler
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When You Go to Lexington, KY
Whether you’re visiting during the racing season or not, this ultimate guide to two days in Lexington will introduce you to the best the city has to offer. For more ideas of what to do when visiting Kentucky, be sure to check out my guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We also have more great Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in destinations across the USA.
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