Five Lexington, KY Area Things to Take In

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg

Just south of Lexington, Shaker Village is one of those places just about anyone and any age can enjoy.  You can eat local fare in the Trustee’s Dining Room, spend the night in a period themed room in one of the restored Shaker buildings or take a tour of the grounds and learn from presenters in Shaker attire how life was back in the day.

Woodford Reserve Distillery, 7855 McCracken Pike, Lexington

Go a few miles west of Lexington through some beautiful Kentucky horse farm country to Woodford Reserve nestled in a quiet stream fed hollow.  The tall copper pot stills and handsome stone aging warehouses make this one of the most picturesque distilleries in the world.  You can take a tour and grab a bite to eat from their award winning kitchen.

The Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington

If you have even a passing interest in any type of horse you should take some time to explore the Kentucky Horse Park grounds and the Museum of the Horse.  You can learn about the history of the horse, visit some retired thoroughbred racing champions and have a close up look at breeds from around the world.

Keeneland, 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington

They only have live horse racing in April and October but, they’re open year round for simulcast racing and you can have breakfast at the no frills Track Kitchen where you can sample cafeteria style southern fare and rub shoulders with the horsey set and maybe catch some early morning thoroughbred workouts on the track.  The beautiful grounds are open to the public and provide a great place for a human workout too.

Joseph Beth Books, 161 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington

If you like books and independent book stores, you’ll enjoy a visit to Joseph Beth Books, one of the region’s largest and most popular.  They also have Bronte’s Bistro, an onsite café where you can get a bite to eat or enjoy a book with a coffee, wine or bourbon.

Back Roads and Byways

The horse farms and natural scenery that surrounds Lexington make for some memorable drives.  Take Old Frankfort Pike west and stop at Wallace Station, a small restaurant with a country store atmosphere and great sandwiches made with homemade breads.  Or, you can drive on to tiny Midway and check out the many shops and restaurants there.

On your way back to town, take Old Frankfort Pike east then turn right on Pisgah Pike, left onto Paynes Mill Road then left on Redd Road that loops back to Old Frankfort Pike.