Explore Lexington Bluegrass | SUMMER 2026

Summer 2026

The Visitor's Guide to The Bluegrass

BREYERFEST 2026 The Annual Event Celebrating The Horse

• Events • Attractions • Shopping • Dining • Relocation

Back To Where It All Began Distilling has returned to Bardstown. Discover the all-new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery and experience American Whiskey in the making. Tour our state-of-the-art facility, explore our traditions, and raise a glass where it all comes together.

All tours of the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery begin at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.

Advanced reservations required.

Plan Your Visit Today

1311 Gilkey Run Rd., Bardstown, KY www.heavenhilldistillery.com | @heavenhillbourbonexperience

Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KY

2026

Welcome to the

The Horse Capital Whether you are here for pleasure, business or relocating to our very special place we call home, Welcome! We help you uncover the very best of the Bluegrass as we have done for more than 22 years. In the following pages, you will find the very best in restaurants, events, attractions, shopping, and services that are enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

Dining options are abundant in the Bluegrass. You will be able to enjoy

INSIDE THIS On the Cover

Explore

Experience

11

6 Featuring BreyerFest 2026 Pages 9 and 20

4|SUMMER 2026

Experience the Best of Bluegrass Events

6-10

Explore the Best Attractions Special Public Art Feature

by Susan Black

11-23 16-17

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

Bluegrass!

of the World an extensive variety of cuisine catering to every palate.

The Arts in the Bluegrass are many. Make sure to visit The Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea for unique handmade gifts. For beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, visit Savané Silver in Downtown Lexington. Artist Rachel Savané uses Kentucky Agate and other gem stones to make extraordinary wearable works of art.

We’re glad to have you with us and hope you enjoy your stay. As the saying goes, “You’re a stranger only once.” This is your special place now too and we hope you come back often.

EDITION Shop

Eli & Paula Eli Mertens Paula Mertens Publishers

Dine

Relocate

28

33

Shop the Best of the Bluegrass 28-32

Dine the Best of the Bluegrass 33-41

Publisher Eli Mertens Editor Paula Mertens Photographer Susan Black Distribution Henri Mertens Distribution Matthew Mertens ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

42 Make the Bluegrass Home

42-48

(859) 351-6728 EliMertensTravel1@gmail.com SUMMER 2026|5

nights for the taping of this syndicated radio

e c n e i r e p x E

and public TV series. Tickets available at the door, reserve a seat at www.woodsongs. com. Scottish Rite Hall, 553 Rosemont Garden.

7/7 6PM BOOK BINGO Walk away a winner with prizes from both International Book Project and Wise Bird Cider at Book Bingo! Book sales begin at 6pm, Bingo kicks off at 7pm with rounds for adults and kids. Kids play free, adults pay-what-you-can.

Win some great reads, gift cards or swag from Wise Bird Cider. Wisebirdcider.com.

7/9-7/12 LES MISÉRABLES Get swept away in this gripping story of redemption, revolution, and love. The Lexing-

JULY

7/4-9/27 GROUP NATURE HIKE

ton Theatre Company combines Broadway

Experience the breathtaking views of hiking

veterans, rising stars, and local professionals

7/1 7PM BIG BAND AND JAZZ: PATRIOTIC

the Pinnacles. This Free group hikes every

that feels just like Broadway, crafted right

NIGHT

Saturday at 1pm year-round to learn more

here in Lexington. Lexington Opera House,

Lexington’s longest running and most beloved

about the local wildlife hosted by the Berea

centralbankcenter.com.

concert series features free live big band and

College Forestry Outreach Center. Dress for

7/10 6PM FESTIVAL ON FIFTH CONCERT SERIES

jazz music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for

the weather, open to all skill levels. Hike will

This family friendly concert series features great

seating, picnics are encouraged. Moon-

be cancelled in case of inclement weath-

music from Dead Air Dennis & Bryan Himes Ex-

dance Amphitheater, jazzfoundation.org.

er or high winds. https://forestryoutreach.

perience at 6PM and Retrograde at 8:30PM.

7/2-9/24 THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE

berea.edu/trails/the-pinnacles/.

Enjoy good food, good friends, and good

Central Bank Thursday Night Live features free

7/5-9/27 6PM SUNDAY NIGHT TRIVIA

times! Food trucks and family-friendly fun. Fifth

live music, food and beverage vendors, every

Think you know it all? Prove it every week at

Street, Downtown Paris, pariskytourism.com.

Thursday from 5-8pm through October. Tandy

Sunday Night Trivia! Bring your team, and get

7/10-7/12 BREYERFEST

Park, Downtown Lexington, downtownlex.com.

ready for a night of laughs and great drinks.

Cheers to 75 Years! This annual celebration

7/2-9/24 JAMMIN’ ON THE PORCH

Wise Bird Cider Co. wisebirdcider.com.

features Breyer models and the real horses

Bring your instrument and join the jam ses-

7/6-9/28 WOODSONGS OLD TIME RADIO HOUR

that inspired them! Fans from across the world

sion, or feel free to just sit and tap your toes.

WoodSongs is an ALL VOLUNTEER live au-

experience the excitement of equine enter-

Father and daughter duo, Lewis and Donna

dience celebration of Grassroots mu-

tainment, live horse demonstrations, meet

Lamb host this Free event every Thursday,

sic and the artists who make it. Join

and greets with horses and their owners,

7pm-9pm. Russel Acton Folk Center, Berea,

singer-songwriter

workshops, seminars, contests, model horse

visitberea.com.

Michael Jona-

shows, exclusive models, the Celebrations

7/3-9/25 9PM COWBOY CAM’S KARAOKE

thon Monday

of Horses Show, and shopping galore! Ken-

Get ready for a night of music, laughs, and

tucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy,

unforgettable performances. This Free event

kyhorsepark.com.

happens every Friday night. Enjoy great

7/10-7/12 BEREA CRAFT FESTIVAL

vibes, drinks and nonstop entertainment.

The Berea Craft Festival welcomes

Wise Bird Cider Co. wisebirdcider.com.

over 100 artists and craftsmen along

7/4 GEORGETOWN 4TH OF JULY PARADE

with great local food and a remark-

Join in the family fun at the George-

able lineup of entertainers. Adults $6;

town 4th of July celebration featuring a

Senior Citizens $5; Children Under 12

parade at 11am and fireworks at dusk.

Free; Free Parking. Friendly dogs on a

Georgetownky.com.

leash are welcome! Indian Fort Theater,

7/4 FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL & MARKET

2047 Big Hill Rd. Berea, visitberea.com/

Enjoy live music and children’s activi-

Berea-craft-festival/.

ties, shop for arts and crafts, enjoy food

7/10-9/18 7PM SUMMER NIGHTS IN SUBUR-

and beverage vendors. Parade starts

BIA

at noon, fireworks start at 10pm, Down-

Summer Nights in Suburbia offers free live

town Lexington. lexingtonky.gov.

music featuring jazz, bluegrass, indie rock,

7/4-9/27 BEREA FARMERS MARKET

blues and folk. Food trucks and vendors

This year-round market offers fresh

are on site. Bring a lawn chair or blanket

and local fruits, vegetables, plants,

for seating. Moondance Amphitheater,

eggs, meats and more from 10am-

lexarts.org.

1pm every Saturday. Chestnut Street Pavilion, 635 Chestnut St., Berea, bereafarmersmarket.org.

6|SUMMER 2026

BreyerFest July 10-12 Kentucky Horse Park

7/10-7/19 BEREA LEARNSHOPS Learn a new skill with hands-on instruction from expert artist instructors. From Broom

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

making to Bead Weaving, there are dozens

night of country music with Ashley Cook,

of workshops to choose from. Visitberea.com/

one of country’s fastest rising stars. Highway

learnshops/.

Home, a regional favorite, opens the eve-

7/11 11AM PILATES ON THE PATIO WITH FO-

ning. Bring a chair/blanket for this Free night

RUM YOGA

of entertainment. Food/beverage vendors

This accessible Mat Pilates class is designed

available. Town Center Park, Main Street, Lon-

to get you into your body, followed by time

don. Visitlondonky.com.

to stay, connect, and enjoy good conversa-

7/18 KEENELAND CONCOURS d’ ELEGANCE

tion and cider. Open to all levels, focusing

Showcasing the finest collector vehicles in

on building strength, awareness, and control

the country from antiques to future classics.

through intentional movement. Pre-registra-

Automobiles and other unique types of vehi-

tion of $5 to reserve your spot. Wise Bird Ci-

cles will be judged for their historical accura-

der, wisebirdcider.com.

cy, presentation, and cleanliness.

7/15 4PM NERD’S NIGHT OUT

Keeneland Race

Nerd’s Night Out brings the heart and soul of

keenelandconcours.com

Course Lexington, KY

AUGUST 8/4 6PM BOOK BINGO Walk away a winner with prizes from both International Book Project and Wise Bird Cider at Book Bingo! Book sales begin at 6pm, Bingo kicks off at 7pm with rounds for adults and kids. Kids play free, adults pay-what-you-can.

Win some great reads, gift cards or swag from Wise Bird Cider. Wisebirdcider.com.

8/4 7PM BARRY MANILOW Barry Manilow has become one of the most celebrated entertainers in history with 51 Top 40 singles, sold more than 85 million albums, and earned a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy award. Rupp Arena, cen-

what the Living Arts & Sci-

tralbankcenter.com.

ences Center offers into

8/6-9/27 THURSDAY NIGHT

more adult spaces, so that

LIVE

grown-ups who work hard

Central

can play harder! The eve-

live

hibits, science exploration, art-making,

and

learning joyful, accessible, and relevant- no matter

food

and

vendors,

ev-

through October. Tandy Park, Downtown Lexington, downtownlex.com.

8/7 7PM SUMMER CONCERT SERIES; GRAND

7/16 7:30PM GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL

7/18 ROSÉ GARDEN PARTY

This touching and hilarious “tell-it-like-it-is”

All day long is Rosé Garden Party! Enjoy Rosé

musical takes audiences on a journey into

cider specials, a Rosé cocktail flight, ven-

the lives of a group of female friends. Lexing-

dors, and more. It’s a celebration of one of

ton Opera House, centralbankcenter.com.

Wild Bird Cider’s most popular flagship ciders,

7/17 7PM VICKI LAWRENCE & MAMA

Rosé! 1170 Manchester St. wildbirdcider.com.

Emmy Award winning comedian Vicki Law-

7/18 7PM PARTY AT THE PAVILION

rence is one of the most beloved television

Get out your dancing shoes and shop, dine,

personalities of her generation and part

and play at the Scott County Farmers Market

of the legendary cast of the Carol Burnett

Pavilion featuring Zack Attack, The Greatest

Show. Lexington Opera House, central-

throwback Party Band Ever! Enjoy food from

bankcenter.com.

Downtown eateries or fill up at one of the

7/17 5-8PM LEXARTS HOP

awesome food and beer vendors. George-

Dozens of galleries, museums, artists’ studios,

town, georgetownky.com.

and creative spaces, conventional-and-un,

7/30-8/2 MATILDA THE MUSICAL

collectively throw open their doors. Browse

Matilda Wormword, an exceptional young

these unique venues for affordable works in

girl in a peculiar family, faces her first year of

a dizzying spectrum of media. Official Hop

school at Crunchem Hall with terrifying Miss

guides at LexArts, 161 N Mill St., lexarts.org.

Trunchbull. A story about resilience, finding

7/17 7PM ASHLEY COOK

family, and knowing the right time to stand

forgettable

Thursday

ery Thursday from 5-8pm

Berea Craft Festival July 10-12 Indian Fort Theater

your age. Lasclex.org.

Don’t miss an un-

music,

beverage

social

connection. LASC makes

Bank

Night Live features free

ning blends interactive ex-

Opera

Pistol Whip will kick off an electrifying night of classic rock as rock and roll legends Grand Funk Railroad takes the stage. Bring a chair/ blanket for this Free night of entertainment.

Food/beverage vendors available. Town Center Park, Main Street, London. Visitlondonky.com.

8/7 6:30PM DOWNTOWN SUMMER CONCERT This Downtown Frankfort Friday Night Summer Concert features live music from Magnolia Boulevard, food, shopping, and fun for the entire family. Visitfrankfort.com.

8/7 6PM FESTIVAL ON FIFTH CONCERT SERIES

up for what you believe in. Lexington

FUNK RAILROAD

House,

centralbankcenter.com.

This family friendly concert series features great music from Always in Treble at 6PM and Taste of Bourbon Band at 8:30PM. Enjoy good food, good friends, and good times!

Food trucks and family-friendly fun. Fifth Street Downtown Paris, pariskytourism.com.

8/8 5PM JAMMIN’ AT JEPTHA! The Jammin’ At Jeptha concert featuring Colt Ford, will be an evening of great live music, food trucks, games, and craft cocktails at the bar! Doors open at 4:30pm, with Colt Ford taking the stage shortly after. Chairs and blankets recommended for lawn seating. Patio furniture is first come first serve. Shelbyville, jepthacreed.com.

8/8-8/9 BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

Keeneland Concours d’ Elegance July 18 Keeneland Race Course 8|SUMMER 2026

Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

More than a festival.

It’s a horse lover’s dream.

Join us July 10-12 for BreyerFest 2026 Midsummer Fair.

Kentucky Horse Park & online at BreyerHorses.com

Celebrate the real horses that inspire Breyer’s models!

Follow Us:

www.BreyerHorses.com

Tickets & More Info:

seen it before, brought to real life. Lexington

9/4-9/6 LEXINGTON COMIC & TOY CONVEN-

tainment, hot air balloon, car show, 5K Run,

Opera House, centralbankcenter.com.

TION

carnival rides, and more! Bereakychamber.

8/14-8/16 BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL

Lexington’s largest gathering of all things

org/.

Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film,

geeky! Featuring celebrity guests, artists, and

9/19 PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

this hilarious musical tells the story of Lyd-

vendors. Central Bank Center, centralbank-

Bring the entire family and enjoy a fun-filled

ia Deetz, an unusual teenager whose life

center.com.

day at the Annual Paris-Bourbon County

changes when she meets a recently de-

9/5 2PM-7PM HARVEST MOON JUBILEE

Pumpkin Festival. Paris, pariskytourism.com.

ceased couple and a demon with a thing

This fall event was created to be a place

9/20 7:30PM BODEANS

for stripes. Lexington Opera House, central-

where people can come out, enjoy good

American rock band BoDeans, known for

bankcenter.com.

food, shop a variety of vendors, and spend

their song Closer to Free, theme song for the

8/20 8PM THREE DOG NIGHT

time with family in a laid-back outdoor set-

smash-hit television series, Party of Five, marks

Three Dog Night hits weave through the fab-

ting. Enjoy a mix of vendors, food trucks, kids

their 40th anniversary in 2026. The Grand The-

ric of pop culture even today. The legendary

activities, and a community plant swap. 170

atre, Frankfort, thegrandky.com.

band is now in its 6th decade. Lexington Op-

Southgate Dr., Georgetown, georgetownky.

9/25-9/27 BOURBON COUNTRY BURN

era House, centralbankcenter.com.

com.

The Burn is a three-day, fully-supported bi-

8/22 PARTY ON THE SQUARE

9/11 8PM LESLIE JONES: I’M HOT TOUR

cycle tour of bourbon distilleries and Thor-

Get out your dancing shoes and shop, dine

Leslie Jones is a three-time Primetime Emmy

oughbred horse farms. Explore quiet coun-

and play in Historic Downtown Georgetown

Award nominee as well as a Writer’s Guild

try roads and quaint communities en route

as Honeychild takes the stage to start the

Award and NAACP Award nominee for her

to world-famous bourbon distilleries nestled

party! Enjoy food from Downtown eateries or

work on Saturday Night Live. Lexington Op-

amongst the rolling bluegrass hills. Kentucky

fill up at one of the awesome food and beer

era House, centralbankcenter.com.

Horse Park, bourboncountryburn.com.

vendors. Activities for all ages. Georgetown,

9/11-9/13 BEST OF THE BLUEGRASS – FESTIVAL

9/25- 9/28 WORLD CHICKEN FESTIVAL

georgetownky.com.

OF THE HORSE

Celebrate chicken heritage and legacy

8/25 8PM THE WOOD BROTHERS

Celebrate the very best of Bluegrass culture

at one of Kentucky’s largest festivals and

The Wood Brothers bring their “soulful folk”

in the heart of horse country featuring live

home of the World’s Largest Stainless Steel

music to Lexington with special guest Ric

music, craft vendors, beer, food, and cel-

Skillet. This family fun event features crazy

Robertson. Lexington Opera House, central-

ebration of Bluegrass Heritage. Downtown

contests, free music entertainment, ven-

bankcenter.com.

Georgetown, georgetownky.com.

dors from across the country, carnival rides,

8/29 1-5PM BIG BLUE SWAP & SHOP MARKET

9/12 7:30PM THE FAB FOUR

and delicious food. London, chickenfesti-

This first ever Big Blue Swap & Shop Market

The Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles: The Fab

val.com.

features vintage vendors with UK goodies

Four features the music of the Beatles’ film

for purchase and tons of space for you to

Help! And much, much more. Lexington Op-

bring your own University of Kentucky mer-

era House, centralbankcenter.com.

ch, memorabilia, accessories, and more to

9/13 4PM BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: DEF

SWAP with others. No need for fast fashion—

LEPPARD’S HYSTERIA

be green so you can support Big Blue! Wise

This live concert experience recreates Def

Bird Cider, wisebirdcider.com.

Leppard’s iconic album Hysteria in its en-

SEPTEMBER 9/1 6PM BOOK BINGO Walk away a winner with prizes from both International Book Project and Wise Bird Cider at Book Bingo! Book sales begin at 6pm, Bingo kicks off at 7pm with rounds for adults and kids. Kids play free, adults pay-whatyou-can. Win some great reads, gift cards or swag from Wise Bird Cider. Wisebirdcider. com.

9/3- 10/8 THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE Central Bank Thursday Night Live features free live music, food and beverage vendors, every Thursday from 5-8pm through October.

Tandy Park, Downtown Lexington, downtownlex.com.

9/4 7:30PM PATTON OSWALT LIVE! Patton Oswalt continues to leave his distinctive imprint across all areas of entertainment, from his award-winning comedy specials to his many guest roles on television. Lexington Opera House, centralbankcenter.com

10|SUMMER 2026

tirety- note for note, sound for sound-plus a full set of Def Leppard’s greatest hits. Lexington Opera House, centralbankcenter. com.

9/17 7:30PM ALWAYS LORETTA Always Loretta is a show dedicated to honoring the timeless music and legacy of country music legend Loretta Lynn featuring her original band The Coalminers.

Lexington Opera House, centralbankcenter. com.

9/18 5-8PM LEXARTS HOP Dozens of galleries, museums, artists’ studios, and creative spaces, conventional-and-un, collectively throw open their doors. Browse these unique venues for affordable works in a dizzying spectrum of media. Official Hop guides at LexArts, 161 N Mill St., lexarts.org.

9/18-9/20 SPOONBREAD FESTIVAL The 30th annual Spoonbread Festival is a beloved tradition in Berea! This three-day event features craft and food vendors, live enter-

World Chicken Festival Sept 25-28 London, KY ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

e r o l p x E

ASHLAND, ASHLAND, THE THE HENRY HENRY CLAY CLAY ESTATE ESTATE

“Experience “Experience history history in in a a beautiful beautiful setting” setting” Ashland, Ashland, the the home home of of famous famous 19th-century 19th-century statesman statesman Henry Henry Clay, Clay, isis located located a a short short disdistance tance from from downtown downtown Lexington, Lexington, on on a a beaubeautiful tiful 17-acre 17-acre wooded wooded estate. estate. ItIt isis designated designated as as a a National National Historic Historic Landmark Landmark and and has has been been open open to to the the public public for for over over 50 50 years. years. Visit Visit their their gift gift shop shop and and enjoy enjoy lunch lunch at at the the Gingko Gingko Tree Tree Cafe.You Cafe.You may may stroll stroll the the surrounding surrounding grounds grounds at at any any time. time.

BEREA, -- ARTISAN VILLAGE HEAVEN HILL BOURBON EXPERIENCE BEREA, KY KY ARTISAN VILLAGE

“The Crafts Capital of “Experience history and tradition” “The Arts Arts and andthe Crafts Capital of Kentucky” Kentucky” This to shops Nestled in of theBerea heartisis home of Historic Bardstown, This district district of Berea home to various various shops and where will at in there’s something foryou every Bourbon at the and galleries galleries where you will find find artists artistsfan at work work in their a pizza Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.

You’re skating invited their studios, studios, a bakery, bakery, pizza restaurant, restaurant, skating rink, the Welcome Center Free rink, the Berea Berea Welcome Center and more!

Free to discover their heritage, taste and theirmore! traditions parking available Welcome Cenparking available at the the Berea Berea Welcome Cenand raise a glass at to fine art of American ter, Town Parking lot and on street. ter, the the Old Old Town Parking lot a and on the the street.

Whiskey.

Come join them for tasting in one of Public restrooms, maps and Public restrooms, local maps and more more informatheir three iconiclocal tasting rooms, walk informathrough tion can at Welcome Center in tioninteractive can be be found found at the the Welcome Center in the the the exhibit gallery, be sure to check heart of heart of the the Village.

Village. out their newly expanded gift shop.

120 33 Artist 120 Sycamore Sycamore Road Road Artist Circle Circle 1311 Gilkey Run Rd Lexington, Berea, Lexington, KY KY 40502 40502 Berea, KY KY 40403 40403 Bardstown, KY 40004 (859) 800-598-5263 (859) 266-8581 266-8581 800-598-5263 502-337-1000 Call 77 Days a Dawn to Call for for specific specific dates dates and and times times Days a Week WeekSu Dawn to Dusk Dusk M-Sa 9:30a-5p; 1p--5p TravelHostDOCHALF_Layout 1 5/11/26 1:01 PM Page 1 www.henryclay.org www.visitberea.com www.henryclay.org www.visitberea.com heavenhilldistillery.com

attractions

BARREL DISTILLING CLAIBORNE FARM BARREL HOUSE HOUSE DISTILLING CO. CO.

“Tours.

Shop” “Tours. Tastings.

Tastings.

Gift Shop” Well” “Doing the Usual,Gift Unusually Dedicated to the traditional methods Dedicated to for the anyone traditional methods utilized A must stop who loves utilized horses, by of KY Barrel House by generations generations of horse KY distillers, distillers, Barrel House uses horse history and racing legends.

Inuses the the grains and highest the finest finest local grains and the theClaiborne highest attention attention rolling hillslocal of Paris, Kentucky Farm is to detail to distill age a toliving detaillegacy—an to ferment, ferment,institution distill and andthat agehas a selection selection a defined of sure to palate.

A of KY KY favorites favorites surefor to please please every palate.

A American racing over aevery century and stop Bourbon Trail’s Craft Tour, stop on on the the KY Bourbon Trail’s with Craftevery Tour, stop stop continues toKY shape its future foal by for and

by Wed-Sun Wed-Sun for a a tour tour and complimentary complimentary tasttastborn on its hallowed grounds. ing, ing, and and stick stick around around for for a a bite bite to to eat eat or or a a craft craft 703 Winchester Road Paris, KY 4036 cocktail cocktail at at the the Elkhorn Elkhorn Tavern, Tavern, located located on on site. site.

859-987-2330 Tours offered 1200 Street 1200 Manchester Manchester Street Tours Daily 10a and 11a Daily Lexington, www.claibornefarm.com/visit Lexington, KY KY 40508 40508 (859) (859) 259-0159 259-0159 W-Su BEREA CRAFT FESTIVAL W-Su 11a-5p 11a-5p www.barrelhousedistillery.com www.barrelhousedistillery.com AND LEARNSHOPS “Certified Trail Town” This July, discover creative spirit of Berea during HEAVEN HILL BOURBON EXPERIENCE HEAVEN HILLthe BOURBON EXPERIENCE the Berea Craft happening “Experience the history tradition” “Experience the Festival, history and and tradition”July 10–12, where visitors canheart explore art, live Nestled in of Historic Nestled in the the heart of handcrafted Historic Bardstown, Bardstown, demonstrations, local music, and Appalachian there’s for fan there’s something something for every every Bourbon Bourbon fan at at the the culture one of Kentucky’s most celebrated Heaven Bourbon Experience.

You’re invited HeaveninHill Hill Bourbon Experience.

You’re invited arts communities. excitement continues with to their heritage, taste to discover discover their The heritage, taste their their traditions traditions Berea’s renowned offering and a to art of and raise raise a glass glassLearnshops, to the the fine fineJuly art10–19, of American American immersive, hands-on Whiskey. join them tasting in one Whiskey. Come Come join workshops them for for a ataught tastingby in master one of of artisans in everything from pottery and weaving to their iconic rooms, walk through their three three iconic tasting tasting rooms, walk through woodworking and folk arts.

Together, these the exhibit gallery, be to check the interactive interactive exhibit gallery, be sure sure to events check out newly gift make Berea a expanded must-visit summer destination for out their their newly expanded gift shop. shop. travelers seeking authentic Kentucky craftsman1311 Gilkey Run 1311and Gilkey Run Rd Rd ship unforgettable cultural experiences.

Bardstown, Bardstown, KY KY 40004 40004 3502-337-1000 Artist Circle Berea, KY, 40403 502-337-1000 800-598-5263 M-Sa M-Sa 9:30a-5p; 9:30a-5p; Su Su 1p--5p 1p--5p 7 Days a week from Dawn to Dusk heavenhilldistillery.com heavenhilldistillery.com www.visitberea.com

The Dept. of KENTUCKY TOURISM presents at the historic SCOTTISH RITE CONCERT HALL in Lexington, KY

MONDAY evenings 6:45PM

®

Old-Time Radio Hour e om

nc

re ild E! h C RE

F

Ticket info: WoodSongs.com Nationwide on Public Radio & Public TV

When visiting Lexington stay at one of these wonderful hotels:

Ple n

FRE ty of Pa E rki ng CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com 10| 10|OCTOBER-DECEMBER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2024 2024

SUMMER 2026|11 www.travelhost.com www.travelhost.com

friends Make new

Horse-Drawn Trolley Tour

Saddle up!

12|SUMMER 2026

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

Let's Go! Discover gentle giant drafts, retired racing legends, and unique breeds from around the world as you stroll from barn to barn at the Kentucky Horse Park. Then grab the reins and get in the saddle for a different perspective!

Museum l a n o i t a n Inter of the Horse

ns!

Meet the Champio

Mini Hugs

Plan your experience at KyHorsePark.com ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

SUMMER 2026|13

Horse Racing’s Living History Museum

Discover

EXPLORE The Visitors Guide To the Bluegrass Digital • Convenient • Easy to Read

Old Friends offers guided tour experiences that get you up-close-and-personal with our amazing Thoroughbred champions.

• Searchable • Always have EXPLORE available before your next visit. www.EXPLORELEXINGTONBLUEGRASS.com

1841 Paynes Depot Rd. Georgetown, KY 40324 Phone: (502) 863-1775

oldfriendsequine.org

Summer 2026

The Visitors Guide to The Bluegrass

Summer 2026 Summer 2026

BREYERFEST 2026 The Annual Event Celebrating The Horse

The Visitors Guide to The Bluegrass • Events • Attractions • Shopping • Dining • Relocation

The Visitors Guide to The Bluegrass

BREYERFEST 2026 The Annual Event Celebrating The Horse

• Events • Attractions • Shopping • Dining • Relocation

BREYERFEST 2026 The Annual Event Celebrating The Horse

• Events • Attractions • Shopping • Dining • Relocation

14|SUMMER 2026

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

VISITBEREA.COM ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

SUMMER 2026|15

t r A c i l b Pu in the Bluegrass

Paris, KY

Versailles, KY

Lexington, KY

Lexington, KY

Lexington, KY

Photos by Susan Black

Georgetown, KY

16|SUMMER 2026

susanblackphotography.zenfolio.com ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

Nicholasville, KY

Berea, KY Frankfort, KY

Frankfort, KY Elizabethtown, KY

Lexington, KY

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Lexington, KY

SUMMER 2026|17

Shelbyville, KY 40065 502-487-5007 Th-Sa 11a-6p; Su 12-5p

e r o l p x E

jepthacreed.com attractions attractions

BARREL HOUSE DISTILLING CO. JEPTHA CREED “Tours. Tastings.

GiftDISTILLERY Shop” KENTUCKY RIVER TOURS

“A Passion for Tradition” Dedicated toBoat” the traditional methods utilized “The Bourbon In the family that had been for by2016, generations KY distillers, Barrel farming House Experience theofKentucky Bourbon Trail®uses by five generations opened their passionattention project, the finest local grains the highest boata unique way and to learn about the KenJeptha Creed Distillery on 64 beautiful acres. to detail to ferment, distill a selection tucky River’s influence on and the age history of bourAt Jeptha Creed, they createevery bourbon, vodof KY favorites to please palate.

A bon.

See whysure early whiskey distillers cheka, brandy based on thestop hisstopmoonshine, onthis theriver, KY and Bourbon Trail’s Craft Tour, rished and decided to build their tory and heritage they honor as they make old

by Wed-Sun a tour and complimentary tastfortunes on for its banks.

Discover the Kentucky fashioned new. Book afor tasting experience, stop ing, and stick a bite to eat or a craft Bourbon Trail®around from a new perspective, with in for a drink and food Tavern, at the bar, then browse cocktail atRiver the Elkhorn located site.

Kentucky Tours. Be a part of the on rich histheir gift shop. tory of Bourbon.

1200 Manchester Street 500 Gordon Lane Lexington, KY Boulevard 40508 702 Wilkinson Shelbyville, KY 40065 (859) 259-0159 Frankfort, KY 40601 502-487-5007 W-Su 11a-5p 502-219-3318 Th-Sa 11a-6p; Su 12-5p www.barrelhousedistillery.com Call for hours jepthacreed.com www.kyrivertours.com

That’s Georgetown, Kentucky ASHLAND, THE HENRY CLAY ESTATE BEREA, KY - ARTISAN VILLAGE HEAVEN HILL BOURBON EXPERIENCE “Experience history in a beautiful setting” “The Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky” “Experience the history and tradition” RIVER TOURS KENTUCKY HORSE PARK for ya!

KENTUCKY ARTISAN Ashland, the home of famous 19th-century This district of Berea is home to various shops Nestled in the heart ofCENTER Historic Bardstown, “The Bourbon Boat” “Meet a Champion!

Explore History!” statesman Henry Clay, is located a short disand galleries where you will find artists at work in tance from downtown Lexington, on a beautheir studios, a bakery, pizza restaurant, skating tiful 17-acre wooded estate. It is designated rink, the Berea Welcome Center and more! Free Georgetown, Kentucky oneavailable of those places. as a National Historic Landmark and has beenis just parking at the Berea Welcome Cenopen to the for over 50 years.

Visit theirkind ter,of the Old Town Parking lot and on the street.

Anpublic “if you know, you know” place.

A “glass half full” gift shop and enjoy lunch at the Gingko Tree Public restrooms, local maps and more informakindstroll of the place.

A finger-licking, bourbon-sipping, Cafe.You may surrounding grounds at tion can be found at thegood-time Welcome Center in the any time. heart you of thejust Village. kind of place. It’s your kind of place, don’t know it yet.

Honoring Henry Clay’s Legacy Through Preservation and Education

120 Sycamore Road Lexington, KY 40502 K ENTUC K Y (859) 266-8581 Call for specific dates and times SC OT T COUN TY www.henryclay.org

3 Artist Circle Berea, KY 40403 Learn more at 800-598-5263 georgetownky.com 7 Days a Week 844-863-8600 Dawn to Dusk www.visitberea.com

“Kentucky’s Showcase for the Arts” fan at the there’s something for every Bourbon Experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® by Dedicated to man’s relationship with and the This 25,000 square foot facility showcases Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.

You’re boata unique way to learn about theinvited Kenhorse, the Kentucky Horse Park is unlike any sells the work of heritage, over 850 taste Kentucky artists into discover their their traditions tucky River’sin influence onMore the history ofbreeds bourother park the thanbooks, 30 cluding visual art, world. specialty foods, and and raise awhy glass to thewhiskey fine art distillers of American bon.

See early of horses graze upon itscuisine 1,200 in acres ofchelush music.

The Center offers the Artisan Whiskey.

Come join them for a tasting in one of rished this river, and decided to build their pastures.

Thetraveler Park also features the Hall of Café & Grill, services andwalk information, their three iconic tasting rooms, through fortunes on its banks.

Discover the Kentucky Champions, horse-drawn trolley tours and special galleryexhibit exhibits andbe Saturday artist the interactive sure to check Bourbon Trail® from agallery, new perspective, with horseback riding.

Enjoy the demonstrations.

Located off color, I-75 at sound Berea and Exit out their newly expanded gift shop.

Kentucky River Tours.

Be a part of the rich hisexcitement of the Parade of Breeds show then 77. Open every day from 9am to 6pm for your tory of Bourbon. explore equine history at the park’s Interna1311 Gilkey Run Rd enjoyment. tional Museum of the Horse.

Bardstown, KYBoulevard 40004 702 Wilkinson 975 Walnut Meadow 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. Road 502-337-1000 Frankfort, KY 40601 Berea, KY 40403 Lexington, KY 40511 M-Sa 9:30a-5p; Su 1p--5p 502-219-3318 (859) 233-4303 985-5448 (859) heavenhilldistillery.com Call for hours Open Daily 9-5 Closed Tuesdays M-Su 9a-6p www.kyrivertours.com www.kyhorsepark.com www.kyartisancenter.ky.gov

KENTUCKY HORSE ARTISAN CENTER KENTUCKY PARK “Kentucky’s Showcase for the Arts” LONDON, KY “Meet a Champion!

Explore History!”

HonoringHenry Henry Clay’s Legacy Legacy Honoring Educational tours,Clay’s engaging exhibits, and ThroughPreservation Preservation and Education serene gardens combine to create an immersive Through and Education experience, inviting visitors to connect with the past and appreciate the enduring impact of this remarkable historical figure.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

www.HenryClay.org 14|OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2024

Educational tours, engaging exhibits, and Educational tours, engaging exhibits, and serene gardens combine to create an immersive serene gardens combine to create an immersive experience, inviting visitors to connect with the experience, inviting visitors to connect with the past and appreciate the enduring impact of this past and appreciate the enduring impact of this remarkable historical figure. remarkable historical figure.

120 Sycamore Rd. Lexington, KY • (859) 266-8581 VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

henryclay.org

This 25,000 square foot facility showcases and “Choose Your Adventure” Dedicated to Own man’s relationship with the horse, sellsKentucky the inwork of over 850 Kentucky artists inNestled theHorse foothills the edge thepark mathe Parkat is unlike any of other cluding visual More art, specialty books, and jestic surrounded by in the Appalachians, world. than 30foods, breeds of pristine horses music.upon The Center offers theby Artisan forest, lakes, crisscrossed miles graze itsand 1,200rivers, acrescuisine of lush in pastures.

The Café & and Grill, traveler services and of trails deeply in information, historyhorselies a Park also features theenveloped Hall of Champions, specialwhere gallery exhibits and Saturday artist place adventure begins.

Inriding. the breathdrawn trolley tours and horseback Enjoy demonstrations.

Located I-75of atthe Berea Exit taking great outdoors ofoff London, Kentucky, the color, sound and excitement Parade 77.Breeds Open every day from 9am tothe 6pmhistory for your you get the you’re on verge of of showsense then explore equine at enjoyment. something new and atMuseum the threshold somethe park’s International of the of Horse. thing unforgettable.

975 Walnut Meadow 4089 Iron Works Pkwy.Road Berea, KY 40403 Lexington, KY 40511 529 S Main St (859) 233-4303 985-5448 (859) London, KY 40741 M-Su 9a-6p W-Su 9a-5p 606-330-0501 www.kyartisancenter.ky.gov www.visitlondonky.com www.kyhorsepark.com

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK “MeetFRIENDS a Champion! Explore History!”

OLD

www.travelhost.com Dedicated to man’s with the horse, “Horse Racing's Livingrelationship History Museum” the Kentucky Horse Park any other park Old Friends provides ais unlike dignified retirement in the world. Morewhose than 30 breeds of breedhorses to Thoroughbreds racing and graze upon have its 1,200 acrestoofan lush pastures.

The ing careers come end.

They offer Park alsotour features the Hall of that Champions, horseguided experiences get you updrawn trolley tours and horseback Enjoy close-and-personal with amazingriding.

Thoroughthe color, sound andare excitement the Parade bred athletes.

Tours availableofby Advance of Breeds show then explore equine history at Reservation Only. the park’s International Museum of the Horse.

841 Depot Road 4089Paynes Iron Works Pkwy.

Georgetown, 40324 Lexington, KY KY 40511 (502) 863-1775 (859) 233-4303 Advance Reservation Only W-Su 9a-5p oldfriendsequine.org www.kyhorsepark.com

www.HenryClay.org 18|OCTOBER-DECEMBER SUMMER 2026 10| 2024 14|OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2024

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Cycling Fishing Paddling Off-Roading Wakeboarding

Choose Your Own

Choose Your Own Choose Your Own

Favorite

Adventure

Cycling Motorcycling Cycling Fishing Camping Fishing Paddling Paddling Hunting Off-Roading Off-Roading Drag Racing Wakeboarding Wakeboarding Kayaking Favorite Adventure

Favorite

Motorcycling Motorcycling Camping Camping Hunting Hunting Drag Racing Drag Racing Kayaking Kayaking

Adventure

Whatever your Whatever your taste taste for for adventure, adventure, London, London, KY KY is is the the ideal ideal place place to to start. start. Because Because Whatever your taste for adventure, London, KY is the ideal place to start. Because here, on the edge of the great Appalachia, surrounded by pristine forests, lakes, here, here, on on the the edge edge of of the the great great Appalachia, Appalachia, surrounded surrounded by by pristine pristine forests, forests, lakes, lakes, rivers and amazing history, unforgettable adventures begin right outside our door. rivers and begin right right outside outside our our door. door. rivers and amazing amazing history, history, unforgettable unforgettable adventures adventures begin Adventure’s Beginning!

Adventure’s Beginning!

Adventure’s Beginning!

BreyerFest Midsummer Fair A Horse Lover’s Dream Weekend!

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orse lovers from far and wide flock to the Kentucky Horse Park, as well as online, for an event like no other. BreyerFest is an annual three-day celebration that celebrates all things

horse! Join in the fun in-person at the Kentucky Horse Park July 10-12, 2026! If you can’t make it to Lexington, join the fully-immersive BreyerFest online event and don’t miss any of the equine demos and the daily live broadcast.

This family-friendly day-in-thecountry is fun for all ages! Meet the real-life horses that inspired the Breyer models, experience the model horse hobby firsthand, and spend time with family and friends enjoying the sights and sounds of Celebration Park including pony rides, a petting zoo, kid’s jumps, Dock Dogs and more. In addition, with live equine demonstrations, free crafts and workshops, seminars, shopping, a film festival, model horse shows, and so much more, it’s almost impossible to do it all in just one day!

Inspired by the many Midsummer celebrations in Scandinavian countries, BreyerFest 2026: Midsummer Fair will be an exciting weekend of Scan-

dinavian fun!

Meet Corgi Hill Flinka, the 2026 Celebration Horse! This sassy Norwegian Fjord is shaking up the status quo of the Dressage world. In a sport known for tall, dark warmbloods, Corgi Hill Flinka is showing the world that it’s the size of your heart that counts! Tickets start at just $35 for in-person and $30 for online, and every ticket includes a special Breyer Model!

Come spend midsummer with Breyer and experience the magic and traditions of BreyerFest and Scandinavia.

And don’t forget your flower crowns!

Tickets available at the Front Gate and online! For more information please visit www.BreyerHorses.com.

Share Tradition And Kentucky Craftsmanship Shop Handcrafted Leather Goods And Gifts From Quillin Leather & Tack

Quillin.com • 859-987-0215 • 716 Main Street • Paris, Kentucky 20|SUMMER 2026

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Horses - History - Hospitality www.pariskytourism.com

Photos: B. Shiflet &Tourism

tourism@parisky.com

Claiborne Farm

Experience A Part of History in Beautiful Paris, KY

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wned and operated by the Hancock family since 1910, Claiborne Farm spans across 3,000 acres and consists of more than 500 horses, 50 barns, 30 homes, and 100 miles of fencing. It has been called “the birthplace of champions” – a fitting title for a Thoroughbred horse operation that foaled and/or raised 25 of the 230 horses in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (through 2025), the sport’s highest honor awarded to a Thoroughbred racehorse.

Secretariat, often referred to as “Big Red”, is one of those 230 brilliant Thoroughbreds, and perhaps the most widely recognized. Being a son of Bold Ruler, an eight-time leading sire who stood at Claiborne, Secretariat was conceived at the same Bourbon County farm where he would later retire and be laid to rest. His dam, Somethingroyal, a daughter of another legendary Claiborne stallion Princequillo, was bred to Bold Ruler in 1969 before returning to the Chenery family’s Meadow Stud in Doswell, Virginia, where, on March 30, 1970, she gave birth to one of the most iconic Thoroughbreds of all time.

Big Red showed flashes of brilliance at a young age, but any experienced horseman or horsewoman will tell you that you never know how a horse will react to racing until the starting gate opens for the first

Secretariat’s grave at Claiborne Farm 22|SUMMER 2026

time. Though he finished a narrowly beaten 4th in his two-year-old debut, Secretariat dominated his second start by a widening six lengths in the blue and white checkered silks of the Chenery family’s Meadow Stable. The flashy chestnut would proceed to cross the wire first in six stakes races on his way to earning 1972 Champion Two-Year-Old and Horse of the Year honors.

In January 1973, months before Secretariat embarked on his Triple Crown quest, the Chenery family patriarch, Christopher Chenery, died at the age of 86. In need of liquidity to pay estate taxes, Chenery’s daughter, Penny Chenery Tweedy, sought the help of Claiborne Farm’s Seth Hancock, who, at age twenty-three, had recently been appointed President of the farm due to the sudden passing of his father, Arthur “Bull” Hancock, Jr. Seth formed a syndicate that agreed to purchase Secretariat’s breeding rights for $6.08M, a record figure at the time. The agree-

Claiborne Farm is to horse racing what Bourbon is to Kentucky ment provided the Chenery family with the cash needed to satisfy their tax bill under the condition that Secretariat would stand as a stallion at Claiborne upon his retirement from racing. Little did Seth know at that time, he had just secured the rights to the ninth Triple Crown winner – the first in 25 years – and arguably the greatest Thoroughbred racehorse of all time.

On November 11, 1973, after a nine-win three-year-old campaign in which the “tremendous machine” captivated the hearts of Thoroughbred racing fans with his record-shattering victories (records that stand today) in the three legs of the American Triple Crown – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes – Secretariat retired to Claiborne Farm to begin stud duties alongside breed-shaping stal-

Inside Claiborne Farm’s main entrance

lions Buckpasser, Damascus, Nijinsky II, Round Table and others.

After 16 years as a stallion at Claiborne, Secretariat passed away in 1989 from laminitis, a debilitating hoof condition for which there is no cure. A post-mortem autopsy revealed that Secretariat’s heart weighed 22 pounds – more than twice the size of an average Thoroughbred heart. Unlike the traditional head, heart, and hooves burial, Secretariat’s entire body was buried in a casket lined with Claiborne’s signature “orange” silks at the farm cemetery. His headstone and brass stall name plate remain at the Paris, Kentucky farm today, which attracts more than 12,000 visitors annually.

Claiborne Farm continues to build on a legacy more than a century in the making. From producing and raising generations of champions to standing some of the sport’s most influential stallions, the farm remains woven into the fabric of Thoroughbred racing. In 2026, that tradition reached another milestone with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (owned and bred by Phipps Stable & St. Elias Stables), who became the 11th Kentucky Derby winner foaled and/or raised at Claiborne in the past 100 years. Under the leadership of Seth “Walker” Hancock, Jr., Claiborne remains committed to horsemanship, tradition, and developing the next generation of champions that will carry the farm’s enduring standard of excellence into the future.

Claiborne hosts stallion tours daily at 10:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., as well as seasonal shuttle tours twice weekly (Wednesdays and Fridays) from April through October. Schedule your tour, or inquire about a private tour, by visiting claibornefarm.com/ tours or calling 859-987-2330.

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KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in Corbin, Kentucky

BIG ASS FANS Lexington, KY

Made in Kentucky is Home to Some of the Most Unique

THE MINT JULIP The Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY

BICYCLE PLAYING CARDS Erlanger, KY

KINGSFORD CHARCOAL

Burnside and Summer Shade, KY

DIXIE

Bowling Green, KY

HOTPOCKETS Mount Sterling, KY

ALE-8-ONE

Winchester, KY

TOYOTA MOTOR MANFACTURING KENTUCKY

Georgetown, KY Toyota's largest plant produces 550,000 vehicles and over 600,000 engines annually, including Camry, RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus models.

24|SUMMER 2026

THE HORSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD TIFFANY AND COMPANY Lexington, KY

115 Kentucky Derby winners 77% were born in Kentucky.

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GORILLA GLASS Harrodsburg, KY Makes glass used in iPhones.

KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY Kentucky 95% of the World’s Bourbon is Made in Kentucky

Kentucky

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER

Companies and Innovative Ideas in The World.

Louisville, KY

KENTUCKY HOT BROWN Louisville, KY The Brown Hotel

LINK BELT CRANES Lexington, KY

DIPPIN’ DOTS Paducah, KY

REYNOLDS WRAP Louisville, KY

POST-IT NOTES Cynthiana, KY

JIF PEANUT BUTTER

Lexington, KY It takes 188 billion peanuts to produce the amount of peanut butter made in Lexington.

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CORVETTE POP-TARTS Pikeville, KY

Bowling Green, Since 1981 this plant has been the exclusive home of the Corvette.

SUMMER 2026|25

Jeptha Creed Distillery

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elcome to the family farm! Owned and operated by mother-and-daughter duo Joyce and Autumn Nethery, Jeptha Creed Distillery sits on 64 acres of active farmland. On the same property they distill their spirits, they grow their most essential ingredient: non-GMO Bloody Butcher Heirloom Corn. Native farmers of Shelby County, ‘Nethery Farms’ extends beyond the distillery to encompass around 2,000 acres in total. Their family-farming roots inspired the Nethery family to adopt an ‘Our Farm to Your Glass’ process. Their craft Kentucky bourbon begins with family-grown heirloom grains and is carefully processed on the property, all the way to your glass. Any ingredients that they don’t cultivate for their spirits, they make efforts to source as locally as possible.

Everyone is family at Jeptha Creed. After entering through their rustic gates and passing by the various antique vehicles scattered about the property, you’ll be warmly welcomed into the gift shop. With smiling faces eager to assist your visit, the personal touch of their gift shop offers a peek into their authenticity. Browse their carefully curated selection of exclusive gear to find unique trinkets, apparel, and - of

20|SUMMER SPRING 2026 26| 2026

course - their ‘Farm to Glass’ bourbon. From spirit-food-infusions (like their blackberry vanilla moonshine jam) to high-end bourbon accoutrements, their gift shop is a must-visit for even the most seasoned aficionados.

Moving just past the gift shop, you will find their café and bar serving obligatory staples and exciting seasonal riffs. They offer classic cocktail options, like the Old Fashioned or Kentucky Mule, but also have creative seasonal cocktails like their Vintage Car or Pumpkin Pie Martini (all cocktails are made with Jeptha Creed spirits). Looking for a bite to eat on your visit? Their kitchen serves up delicious pizzas and seasonal appetizers all made-to-order. After se-

curing a drink and snack, take a stroll out to their beautiful patio, offering climate-controlled conditions in the colder months, and beautiful views of the property year-round. The gift shop and patio are both open to travelers of all ages, featuring many free-to-play games to keep everyone entertained.

Looking to learn more about Jeptha Creed’s ‘Farm to Glass’ Kentucky bourbon? Jeptha Creed offers many unique tour and tasting opportunities! Their one-of-a-kind ‘Single Barrel Thieving’ experience invites you to understand the process of selecting and categorizing single barrel selections, offering you three cask-strength samples thieved straight from the barrels. In the ‘Our Farm to Your Glass’ experience, a seasoned tour host will educate you on the importance of heirloom corn in their process, allowing you to taste the difference it makes with a showcase of spirits. Even if you don’t have time to commit to a full experience – Jeptha Creed offers a spirit tasting, with a brief overview of their story, at the top of every hour.

Whether stopping in for a quick trip, or spending the afternoon, Jeptha Creed has an experience tailored for every traveler.

Offering fun for the whole family, stop by Jeptha Creed to make your trip to Kentucky an authentic Bluegrass experience. Jeptha Creed is located at 500 Gordon Lane, Shelbyville, KY 40065. For more information call (502) 487-5007 or visit their website www.jepthacreed.com.

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Retail. Restaurant. Rest area. Why choose?

Shop heirloom - quality artisan works , eat a meal in our on - site cafe , explore exhibits , watch demonstrations , and learn about state travel destinations all at the Kentucky Artisan Center.

Conveniently located just off of I - 75 exit 77 in Berea , K , the Kentucky Artisan Center combines unique artistic heritage , hospitality, high - quality goods , and unforgettable Kentucky travel experiences in a single space .

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200 Artisan Way, Berea, K 4040 Open Daily 9am-6pm Cafe Open 9am-4pm |27 Learn more at kentuckyartisancenter.ky .gov SUMMER 2026

shopping shopping LUCIA’S WORLD EMPORIUM

p o h S

BOURBON BARREL KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY ARTISAN CENTER

255 S. Forbes Rd. Building #3 Lexington, Ky. 40502 859-455-8927 Shop Th- F 9a-4p; Sa 9a-12p

975 Walnut Meadow Road Berea, KY 40403 (859) 985-5448 M-Su 9a-6p

“Lexington’s Bourbon Barrel Headquarters” Bourbon Barrel Kentucky is an amazing place for Bourbon lovers to pick up their very own Bourbon Barrel. They offer a huge selection of Bourbon Barrels, Bourbon Barrel Heads and Bourbon Barrel Staves and hoops. The Barrels, Heads and Staves have all been dried so they are ready for your project. They offer custom laser work and engraving on Bourbon Barrel Heads.

“Kentucky’s Showcase for the Arts” This 25,000 square foot facility showcases and sells the work of over 850 Kentucky artists including visual art, specialty foods, books, and music.

The Center offers cuisine in the Artisan Café & Grill, traveler services and information, special gallery exhibits and Saturday artist demonstrations. Located off I-75 at Berea Exit 77. Open every day from 9am to 6pm for your enjoyment.

www.kyartisancenter.ky.gov

“Fair Trade Gifts, Clothing, and Home Decor” Located in the Warehouse Block, Lucia’s is a Fair Trade establishment that brings one-ofa-kind handmade products from around the world to Lexington. Whether you are looking for chic jewelry, bohemian clothing, or a unique gift, they have you covered! Additionally, their products are made from upcycled, sustainable sources so your purchases secure a brighter future for global artisans and our planet.

328 North Ashland Avenue Lexington, KY 40502 859-523-1529 M-Sa 10a-6p

www.luciasworldemporium.com

QUILLIN LEATHER & TACK

“Quality Leather and Tack Goods” Quillin Leather & Tack is Kentucky’s largest custom halter shop .... 17,000 halters will be produced in their Paris, KY workroom this year.

Shipping quality Kentucky made Quillin Halters, leather goods, belts and pet collars world wide, for over 40 years. Your order at Quillin is custom made and never pulled off a shelf.

Make sure to visit Quillin for fine leather goods and great gifts.

716 Main St Paris, Kentucky 40361 (859) 987-0215 M-F 8a-5p; Sa 9a-12p

www.quillin.com

SAVANÉ SILVER

“One-of-a-Kind handcrafted fine jewelry” Savané Silver features one-of-a kind hand crafted silver jewelry by local artist and designer Rachel Savané. Savané creates beautiful jewelry using Kentucky Agate found in east-central Kentucky creek beds. Jewelry designs are offered in sterling silver and fine gemstones. Savané Silver also offers pendants, hair cuffs, bracelets, rings, earrings and masterpieces.

130 N. Broadway Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 455-8111 Tu-Sa 10a-6p; Su 12-5p

www.savanesilver.com

SCHWAB’S PIPES ‘N STUFF

“Over 400 selections of imported cigars” Schwab’s Pipes ‘N Stuff features a humidor room with a wide variety of over 400 crafted selections of imported cigars. Their Tobacco Bar features 26 of their personally blended tobaccos. Schwab’s carries all major brands of pipes and a complete line of XKAR and Zippo lighters, smoking accessories and a smoking lounge is available. They are family owned since 1977 so great service is guaranteed.

Since 1982 - Maker’s Of Fine Equine, Pet & Personal Leather Goods ...

Visit us on Main Street In Paris Kentucky www.schwabspipesnstuff.com 859-987-0215 • Quillin.com

245 Southland Drive Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 266-1011 M-Sa 10a-6p; Su 11a-4p

28|SUMMER 2026 26|OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2024

www.travelhost.com ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com www.travelhost.com

The Kentucky Horse Park Celebrating the Horse for more than 40 Years

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luegrass, bourbon, and horses – and the unique ability to get up close with champions of the racetrack. A tour of Kentucky would not be complete without meeting retired racing legends at the Hall of Champions during a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park.

Located within minutes of downtown Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is one of the crown jewels of the Commonwealth, attracting more than 500,000 visitors annually. Opened in 1978, the Kentucky Horse Park is a true 1,224 acre working horse farm, equine theme park, and internationally-renowned equine competition facility. For lovers of the great outdoors, the park also features a 260-site campground.

During its main season, guests can experience the joy of horseback riding, draft horse trolley tours, explore equine history in the Smithsonian affiliated

International Museum of the Horse, and enjoy live equine presentations.

The winter season is a time of rest and relaxation for their horses. They spend most of their time turned out to their paddocks but take turns visiting guests during Stall-Side Chats.

The Kentucky Horse Park is open Daily closed Tuesday and is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511, one-half mile east of I-75 off Iron Works Parkway at Exit 120. For hours, admission and the daily schedule visit kyhorsepark.com.

Barrel House D I S T I L L I N G C O.

TOURS Lexington’s Bourbon Barrel Headquarters TASTINGS

GIFT SHOP That’s Georgetown, Kentucky for ya!

Bourbon Barrel Heads, Staves and Hoops

Georgetown, Kentucky is just one of those places.

An “if you know, you know” kind of place. A “glass half full” kind of place. A finger-licking, bourbon-sipping good times kind of place. It’s your kind of place, you just don’t know it yet.

Custom Laser Work

859-455-8927

K ENTUC K Y

Learn more at georgetownky.com 844-863-8600

Wed-Sun: 11am-5pm;Sat Closed Mon-Tue Thurs, Fri 9am-3pm 9am-12pm 1200 Manchester Street Lexington, Kentucky 40504 859.259.0159

255 S. Forbes Rd.• Building #3. Lexington, Ky. 40504.

SC OT T

www.travelhost.com 30|SUMMER 2026

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COUN TY

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CIGARS

FA M I LY O W N E D F O R

49 YEARS! • Professional Tobacconists

Humidor Room with over 400 Selections

• Specializing in Imported Premium Cigars and Pipes • Tobacco Bar with 25 Blends - Custom Blended in House • Complete Line of Cigar and Pipe Smoking Accessories • Largest Free Standing Tobacco

Smoking Lounge

Shop in the Bluegrass • Indoor Smoking Lounge and Outdoor Smoking Patio • Straight Razors and Shaving Accessories • XIKAR Lighters • Men’s Gifts

Outdoor Smoking Patio

HOURS: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Sunday 11am-4pm

8 5 9 - 2 6 6 - 1011 | w w w. s c h wa b s p i p e s n s tu ff . c o m 2 4 5 S o u t h l a n d D r i v e L e x i n g to n , K Y 4 0 5 0 3

A Kentucky Gift Guide HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY

Shop their portfolio of award-winning American Whiskeys, including Kentucky exclusives, as well as expanded lines of Bourbon-inspired food, merchandise, and seasonal items.

1311 Gilkey Run Rd. Bardstown, KY 40004 502-337-1000 Www.heavenhilldistillery.com

ASHLAND MUSEUM STORE

Visit Ashland, The Estate of Henry Clay, and stop by the Museum Store to take home a piece of history.

Unique textiles, Salisbury pewter, books and more celebrating the legacy of Henry Clay, Lexington and Kentucky.

120 Sycamore Road Lexington, 40502 Parking lot accessed from Fincastle Road 859.266.8581 www.HenryClay.Org

LUCIA’S WORLD EMPORIUM

JEPTHA CREED DISTILLERY

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list with unique handcrafted products from around the world. All products are produced under fair trade and provide economic stability for the artisans who create them.

A must visit gift shop while visiting the Bluegrass. Featuring a variety of spirits and unique gift items.

328 N. Ashland Ave Lexington, KY, 40502 859.523.1529 www.luciasworldemporium.com

SAVANE` SILVER

BEREA, KY

Savané Silver has easy pick up silver rings all the way up to stupendous one of a kind masterpieces, with plenty of options in between. All are hand-crafted by designer Rachel Savané in the shop!

See why Berea is the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky!

Explore artist shops, working studios and inspiring galleries throughout town.

Experience the tradition of Appalachian craftsmanship firsthand, from handcrafted jewelry, arts and crafts, blown glass and one-of-a-kind treasures.

130 N. Broadway Lexington, KY 40507 859-455-8111 www.savanesilver.com

Shop local in Berea! www.visitberea.com

CLAIBORNE FARM

The perfect day tote! Made of two layers of fabric and thick webbing handles for stability. Includes brass zipper closure for easy travel.

17”L x 12”H x 3.5”W Canvas shell.

32|SUMMER 2026

500 Gordon Lane Shelbyville, KY 40065 502-487-5007 www.jepthacreed.com

Custom illustrations of Secretariat in profile, running in the Derby, draped in roses, and running in the Preakness with horseshoes, roses, black-eyed-susans, and carnations scattered throughout the print.

SCHWAB’S PIPES N STUFF

Specializes in imported premium cigars, the best brands of pipes and a tobacco bar with 25 blends of pipe tobacco. A perfect place to find a special gift for the discerning cigar or pipe smoking person in your life.

245 Southland Dr. Lexington, KY 40503 859.266.1011 www.schwabspipesnstuff.com ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

dining HOLLY HILL INN

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DOODLES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH CASTLE FARM

“Comfort food with a conscience” “Farm-to-Table concept with Fine Dining feel” Doodles within has become one ofCastle Lexington’s hot Located The Kentucky landmark, spots. With wi-fi, bottomless of locally Castle Farmfree restaurant offers a cups one of a kind roasted, organic coffee a once greatstated, menu dining experience.

Virginiaand Woolf chalked full ofthink local and organic ingredients, “One cannot well, love well, sleep well, if this place is dined a gem.

Make to visit Doodles one has not well.”

Thissure belief is lived out in while in Lexington, the perfect place to Castle Farm’s missionit’s to serve farm fresh, southstartcuisine your day. onsoul. the ern that isConveniently good for bothlocated body and cornernew of twists Third on and with ample Enjoy oldLimestone, favorites with a fine dining ambiance inside of the castle walls. parking.

Closed on Mondays.

230 Pisgah Pike 262 N Limestone Versailles, 40383 40507 Lexington,KY Kentucky 859-256-0322 (859) 317-8507 M-Su Su-Th 5p-8p, F & Sa 5p-9p Tu-Su 8:30a-1p, 8a-2p www.thekentuckycastle.com www.doodleslex.com

“Fine Dining at its Best” Chef de Cuisine Hannah Arvin features a multi course menu sourced primarily from locally grown ingredients at the beautiful Holly Hill Inn. Dine on the front porch, stroll through the gardens, and enjoy the art gallery during your visit.

Holly Hill houses nearly 100 bourbons and features an award-winning wine list, featured in The Wine Spectator every year for 20 years. Sunday brunch is available every week.

426 N. Winter Street Midway , KY 40347 (859) 846-4732 Please call or check website for hours. www.hollyhillinn.com

GOLDEN’SBREAKFAST PUB & DELI AND LUNCH DOODLES

“Southernfood Cuisine Best” “Comfort withat a its conscience” Loved byhas the become Locals forone overof70Lexington’s Years! A warm Doodles hot and Rustic gathering place for locals and visispots.

With free wi-fi, bottomless cups of localtors to come and enjoy their favorite bourbon, ly roasted, organic coffee and a great menu beer and bite.

Featuring delicious catfish, chalked fulla of local and organic ingredients, burgers, and so much more!

Live muthis placefrog is alegs gem.

Make sure to visit Doodles sic oninmost Saturday’s and Sunday’s. while Lexington, it’s the perfect placeLocated to start among beautiful horse farms on on Paris your day.

Conveniently located thePike. corner of Third and Limestone, with ample parking.

Closed on Pike Mondays.

5493 Paris Georgetown, KY 40324 262 N Limestone (859) 227-2677 Lexington, Kentucky 40507 Su 1p-7p Th 3p-9p, F-Sa 12p-10:30p, (859) 317-8507www.facebook.com/Goldenspub Tu-Su 8a-2p www.doodleslex.com

HONEYWOOD

“Planting a Flag for Kentucky Cuisine” Honeywood chefs use locally sourced ingredients, creatively prepared to express a new vision of Kentucky’s cuisine; one that celebrates tradition but embraces a new generation of cooking and dining. Lunch and dinner Monday- Saturday. Brunch on Sunday 11am-3pm.

Honeywood features a craft cocktail bar with over 100 bourbons, craft beer and dynamic wine selection.

110 Summit at Fritz Farm Suite 140 Lexington, KY 40517 (859) 469-8234 M-Sa 11a-9p; Su 11a-3p www.honeywoodrestaurant.com

CRAFT CIDER LOCAL BEER COCKTAILS COMFORT FOOD OVER 100 BOURBONS • CRAFT COCKTAILS • DELICIOUS FARM TO TABLE CLASSIC AMERICAN FARE WITH A MODERN TWIST

kitchen

LOCATED IN THE HEAVEN HILL BOURBON EXPERIENCE 1311 GILKEY RUN RD., BARDSTOWN, KY

Get in here!

WWW.HEAVE NHILLDISTILLERY.COM LUNCH & DINNER MONDAY-SATURDAY | SUNDAY BRUNCH

110 Summit at Fritz Farm, Suite 140 | Lexington, KY 40517 LEXINGTON’S DISTILLERY DISTRICT Reservations at (859) 469-8234 or honeywoodrestaurant.com TUESDAY - SUNDAY 1170 MANCHESTER - BY THE WATER TOWER

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com www.travelhost.com

SUMMER 2024 2026|31 |33 OCTOBER-DECEMBER

dining JALAPEÑO’S

JALAPEÑO’S MI PEQUEÑA HACIENDA

“Authentic Mexican “Bold Mexican cuisineCuisine” with superior service” IfMi you Pequena love ~Mexican Hacienda food serves Jalapeño’s bold isMexican a must stop cuisine while andvisiting refreshing the margaritas.

Bluegrass! Jalapeño’s Try their traoffers ditionalaburritos wide and variety savory of fajitas. delicious Enjoyauthentheir sutic Mexican a widedining variety of perior servicecuisine. in their Enjoy comfortable room enchiladas, chimichangas, and other decor tasty or on their beautiful patio. The Mexican Mexican and favorites, including extransportsplatters you straight to the heart of Mexico. cellent seafood entrees. second They have a greatis Mi Pequena Hacienda’s restaurant bar selection and don’t Dr., forget to try their relocated at 110 Cynthia Brannon Crossing freshing homemade margaritas.

859-309-3840.

MI PEQUEÑA HACIENDA SAV’S GOURMET ICE CREAM

“Bold “Friendliest Mexican ice cuisine cream with guy superior around!” service” Mi Hacienda serves bold Sav,Pequena as he is known locally, makes 20 Mexican flavors of cuisine and margaritas. their tragourmet icerefreshing cream and non-dairyTry sorbet.

You ditional and savory fajitas.of Enjoy their sumay beburritos a classic connoisseur Vanilla ice perior service their adventurous comfortable Hot dining room cream, or a in super Banana or on their beautiful patio.Piment, The Mexican decor type, made with Sav’s his own hatransports you straight to the heart of Mexico.a banero sauce and fresh bananas.

Perhaps Mi Pequena Hacienda’s second restaurant is milkshake of Kentucky Coffee, featuring locally located at 110 Cynthia roasted espresso beans Dr., and Brannon bourbon.Crossing Let Sav 859-309-3840. know that Travelhost sent you!

SAV’S

1030 South Broadway Lexington, Kentucky 40507 (859) 281-5171 M-F 11a-10p; Sa, Su 12-10p

1030 Broadway 3501 South Lansdowne Drive Lexington, Lexington ,Kentucky KY 40517 40507 (859) (859) 281-5171 245-4679 M-F 11a-10p; M-Su 11a-10pSa, Su 12-10p www.mipequenahacienda.com

3501 Lansdowne 819 National Ave,Drive suite 130 Lexington 40517 Lexington,, KY 40502 (859) 245-4679 859-229-0250 M-Su Tu-Su11a-10p 12-10p www.mipequenahacienda.com www.savslex.com

819 Na Lexingt 859-229 Tu-Su 12

LE DEAUVILLE DEAUVILLE

LE DEAUVILLE MIYAKO SUSHI & STEAK HOUSE JALAPEÑO’S

MIYAKO SERAFINISUSHI & STEAK HOUSE

SERAF

199 2547N.Limestone Richmond Road 1030 South Broadway Lexington KY Lexington ,,Kentucky KY 40507 40509 40507 Lexington, (859) (859) 246-0999 268-0708 281-5171 M-F Sa,5-10p; Su 12-10p Tu-Th 5-9p; F, Sa 5-10:30p M-F 11a-10p; 11:30a-2p, Sa 12-11p; Su 12-10p www.ledeauvillebistro.com www.miyakorestaurant.com

243 West Broadway 2547 Richmond RoadStreet Frankfort, KY Lexington , KY40601 40509 502-875-5599 (859) 268-0708 M-Sa 11-2:30: M-Th 4p-9p: F-Sa 4p-10p M-F 11:30a-2p, 5-10p; Sa 12-11p; Su 12-10p www.serafinifrankfort.com www.miyakorestaurant.com

243 We Frankfo 502-875 M-Sa 11

“Authentic Mexican Cuisine” If you love Mexican food Jalapeño’s is a must stop while visiting the Bluegrass! Jalapeño’s offers a wide variety of delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. Enjoy a wide variety of enchiladas, chimichangas, and other tasty Mexican platters and favorites, including excellent seafood entrees. They have a great bar selection and don’t forget to try their refreshing homemade margaritas.

“Authentic “Authentic French French cuisine cuisinewith withsuperior superiorservice” service” Le Deauville is an an authentic authentic French French restaurant restaurant offering traditional food.

Featur-ing traditionalFrench Frenchbistro bistro food.

Featurdelicious rackrack of lamb, roasted duckduck and and seaing delicious of lamb, roasted food.

All you cancan eat eat Crepes on Mondays, and seafood.

All you Crepes on Mondays, Tuesdays they they offeroffer all you cancan eat eat mus-sels. and Tuesdays all you musChoose from from an extensive wine list while sels. Choose an extensive wine list dining while in the famous historic section Down-town Lexdining in the famous historic of section of Downington.

Happy Hour and Halfand Price town Lexington.

Happy Hour HalfAp-petizers Price ApMon-Fri petizers 5pm-6:30pm.

Mon-Fri 5pm-6:30pm.

199 N.Limestone 199 N.Limestone Lexington , KY 40507 Lexington , KY 40507 (859) 246-0999 Tu-Th F, Sa 5-10:30p (859) 5-9p; 246-0999 www.ledeauvillebistro.com Tu-Th 5-9p; F, Sa 5-10:30p www.ledeauvillebistro.com

Cuisine” “Authentic “Fresh sushi Mexican French prepared cuisine right before with superior your eyes” service” IfAtyou love Sushi Mexican foodHouse, Jalapeño’s is aenjoy must Le Deauville is an French Miyako & authentic Steak you restaurant can stop visiting Bluegrass! ofoffering traditional French food.bar Featurfresh while sushi servedthe daily atbistro the Jalapeño’s sushi and fers a wide variety oftables. delicious authen-tic ing delicious rack of lamb, roasted duck Mexiand teppanyaki hibachi Their talented and can cuisine.

Enjoy a wide variety of seafood.

All you can eat Crepes onenchiladas, Mondays, experienced chefs create authentic Japachimichangas, andthe other tasty Mexican platters and they offer all you can eat musneseTuesdays dishes using freshest ingredients and and favorites, including ex-cellent seafood ensels.

Choose from an recipes. extensive wine list while traditional Japanese Also located at trees.

They have a great bar selection and don’t dining in the famous historic section 2511 Ritchie Street, Crescent Springs, of KYDown41017. forget to try 859-578-0031 their re-freshing homemade town Lexington.

Happy Hour Half Price marApPlease Call forand reservations and garitas. petizers 5pm-6:30pm. hours ofMon-Fri operation.

“Fresh sushi prepared right before your eyes” “A Frankfort Tradition” At Miyako Sushi & Steak House, can enjoy Serafini pairs their unique fusionyou of Italian and fresh sushi Cuisine served with daily the at the sushilibation bar and Bluegrass perfect in teppanyaki tables.

Their talented anda the heart ofhibachi Kentucky’s Capital City. Enjoy experienced chefs create authentic Japaspecial experience with family and friends. nese dishes usingof the and You get a sense thefreshest stories ingredients that have been traditional Japanese recipes. located for at shared over a distinctive glassAlso of bourbon 2511 Ritchie Crescent Springs, KYCapitol 41017. hundreds of Street, years. Across from the Old Please Call 859-578-0031 for reservations and Building, they live this tradition at Serafini every hours of operation. day. Find their full menu online.

“Friend Sav, as gourme may b cream, type, m banero milksha roasted know th

“A Fran Serafini Bluegra the he special You ge shared hundre Building day. Fin

SANDWICHES | BURGERSSANDWICHES | BURGERS SALADS | FRIED CATFISHSALADS | FRIED CATFISH

859 - 846 - 5161 859 - 846 - 5161 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Near Midway 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Near Midway www.wallacestation.com www.wallacestation.com

www.wallacestation.com 34|SUMMER 2026 34|OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2024

www.wallacestation.com Reservations Recommended • www.miyakogrill.com Reservations Recomme

34|OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2024

www.miyakopoke.com

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com www.travelhost.com

Where it all Started

Sanders Café and Museum

C

olonel Harland Sanders is one of the most highly recognized figures in the world. Laurel County, Kentucky, is proud to honor the legacy of the Colonel’s first and original restaurant established in the 1940’s, located in southern Laurel County in Corbin, Kentucky. Lee Cummings, co-founder of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, also began his career in 1952 with his uncle, Colonel Sanders, in Laurel County.

The birth of Kentucky Fried Chicken was founded by a man who was also given the title “Kentucky’s Most Famous Citizen”. You may also know him by his fashion statement of a white suit and black

36|SUMMER 2026

trim glasses, with a side of southern hospitality for traveling tourists. Along with extraordinary entrepreneurial skills and savvy businessman talents, his accomplishments have made Kentucky an international destination.

Before Interstate I-75 was established in 1977, the primary road for travelers in Laurel County was US 25. This is where you will find the historic birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders’ secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken at Sanders Café and Museum. This historical landmark started an extensive preservation effort in 2019 and it was completed in April of 2022.

The museum’s expansion features key elements like Harland’s Herb and Spice Room, the historical KFC timeline and the museum space with hundreds of memorabilia from across the world.

Time travel as you walk through Sanders Café original kitchen, reading Colonel’s favorite quotes “If you’ve got time to lean, you’ve got time to clean”. In ad-

dition to the original hotel room, there is ample opportunities for photos and guests can purchase souvenir items.

To celebrate chicken history, Laurel County created The World Chicken Festival in 1990, which would have been the Colonel’s 100th birthday. It is home to the World’s Largest Stainless-Steel Skillet which is over 10.5 feet in diameter and has served more than 120,000 fried chicken dinners. It is one of the largest festivals in the Bluegrass State. It is held the last full weekend in September. For more information visit http://www.sanderscafe.com/ https://chickenfestival.com/

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

TRADITIONAL FRENCH BISTRO FOOD tro food in a renowned relaxed atmosphere.

You can chose from an extensive wine list while dining in an airy space or outdoor terrace in the famous historical section of Lexington. Le Deauville is also available to host your special event in the private Bouchon Room.

Dine-in · Outdoor S eating In-St ore Pickup Available HAPPY HOUR Tuesday - Saturday 5:00 - 6:00pm All Drinks All Appetizers Half Price

199 N Limestone, Lexington, KY Open Tues - Thurs 5 - 9pm and Fri & Sat 5:00 - 10:30 pm Closed Sunday Seating is limited so please

Call or Text for Reservations @ 859.321.7191 www.ledeauvillebistro.com

The Best in Authentic Mexican Cuisine 33 STAVES RESTAURANT & BAR

WALLACE STATION

“Southern Cuisine ” Located in The Summit at Fritz Farm, Lexington’s premier shopping destination, 33 Staves brings Kentucky-inspired fare to the Lexington community. Drawing inspiration from Lexington’s horse and bourbon cultures, 33 Staves provides an inviting setting designed to give you a taste of true Kentucky hospitality. A large selection of bourbons and other spirits are also available at their full service bar.

4174 Rowan Lexington, KY 40517 859-245-0400 M-F 7a-10a; Sa-Su 8a-12p; M-Su 4p-9p www.33staveslexington.com

SMITHTOWN SEAFOOD

dining

“One of the Top 5 burgers I’ve ever had!”

Local farmers supply many of the ingredients used in their gourmet deli menu, which includes delicious jumbo panini sandwiches, burgers, salads and baked goods. Desserts include huge delicious homemade cookies, brownies, pies and more. Guy Fieri of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” said their Big Brown Burger was “one of the Top 5 I’ve ever had!” Beer, outdoor dining available.

3854 Old Frankfort Pike Versailles, KY 40383 (859) 846-5161 Tu-Sa 11a-7p & Su 11a-4p www.wallacestation.com

D N A B I H C H MARIA

TRACKSIDE RESTAURANT & BOURBON BAR

WISE BIRD CIDER

T I W C I S LIVE MU Friday and Sundays!

“Delicious Farm to Table Healthy Food” The scratch-made menu is both familiar and creative, emphasizing local foods and old-fashioned KY recipes as well as flavors from all over the world. Find catfish, fresh salads, gourmet burgers, ethnic seafood dishes, fish tacos, vegetarian specialties and much more. Smithtown partners with its neighbor FoodChain for tilapia and greens grown at its back door. A must visit for a unique dining experience.

501 West 6th Street Lexington, Kentucky 40508 (859) 303-4100 M-Su 11a-9p www.smithtownseafood.com

n Crossing

e • Nicholasville, KY 09-3840

“Sit Back, Relax, Enjoy” Trackside Restaurant and Bourbon Bar is in the fully restored historic 1882 Paris, Kentucky Train Depot. Trackside celebrates everything that makes Paris and Bourbon County great, Horses, History and Hospitality offering seasonal Kentucky fare. They offer comfortable home style Kentucky kitchen fare with reasonable prices and fresh local produce whenever possible. Reservations not required, although helpful.

134 East 10th street Paris, KY 40361 (859) 340-3010 M-Sa 11am - 8:30pm, Su Closed www.tracksideatthedepot.com

“Great Cider and Great Food” Well known for crafting small-batch ciders made with a focus on tradition and quality from the best apples. Wise Bird’s food program, Little Fork, features mainstays like a smash burger & fries, shareables like a cheese and charcuterie boards. They place an emphasis on gluten free and vegan options, food & cider pairings, and a meaningful menu for kids. Tours are available all week. 48 hours’ notice is suggested to schedule a tour.

1170 Manchester St #140, Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 309-1863 wisebirdcider.com

VOTED BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER

Lansdowne

3501 Lansdowne Dr. • Lexington, KY 859-245-4679

Hours: Monday- Sunday 11am-10pm

PEQUENAHACIENDA.COM HOURS

Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am5pm

38|SUMMER 2026

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“A feeling of welcome and comfort” Windy Corner Market and Restaurant is fashioned after an old country store and sits amid some of Kentucky’s most legendary horse farms.

The menu features Po-Boy sandwiches, burgers, salads, seafood, Midway Bakery goodies, softserve ice cream and more. Wine and beer is also available. Make sure to browse their shelves full of local goodies, including jams, hot sauces, soaps and much more.

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26

Favorite Dishes and Drinks OF THE BLUEGRASS

33 STAVES

4174 Rowan, Lexington, KY 40517 859-245-0400 I www.33staveslexington.com Savor modern seasonal fare made with handpicked local ingredients and generous doses of southern hospitality including Fried Green Tomatoes, KY Fish and Chips, Chicken Marsala, Blackened Salmon, New York Strip Steak and the featured Jumbo Spicy Bourbon Chicken Wings.

Jumbo Spicy Bourbon Chicken Wings

DOODLES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

262 N Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 317-8507 I www.doodleslex.com Doodles has been serving comfort food with a conscience for over 17 years. Locally owned, locally sourced breakfast and lunch restaurant. Their motto ‘comfort food with a conscience’ and it fuels the drive to source the freshest local ingredients to create a unique and consistently flavorful menu for their customers while providing an inviting space for the community to gather. The featured dish is their popular Beignets.

Beignets

FIVE BROTHERS BAR & KITCHEN 1311 Gilkey Run Rd. Bardstown, KY 40004 502-337-1000 Www.heavenhilldistillery.com

Southern Signature Starters 40|SUMMER 2026

Savor Southern comfort with their signature starters — crispy Pimento Cheese Balls with Five Brothers Select Sauce and Evan Williams Roasted Red Pepper Jelly, golden onion rings with Cajun remoulade, and fried green tomatoes topped with arugula and whipped goat cheese.

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

JEPTHA CREED’S BAR & CAFE 500 Gordon Lane, Shelbyville, KY 40065 502-487-5007 | www.jepthacreed.com

Bloody Mary

Conveniently located minutes off I64 in Shelby County, Jeptha Creed’s Bar & Café boasts delicious craft cocktails using their own distilled spirits and fresh local ingredients, as local as their own farms. With a carefully curated café menu to match, enjoy a variety of artisan pizzas, appetizers, and small bites. Grab your friends and visit this Sunday for their Sunday Funday Bloody Mary (pictured) and hang out on the patio or lawn to play cornhole or one of their many games. Make sure to pre-book a tour or tasting on their website to make your visit complete.

MI PEQUEÑA HACIENDA

3501 Lansdowne Dr., Lexington KY 40517 (859) 245 4679 110 Cynthia Dr., Nicholasville KY 40356 (859) 309 3840 www.mipequenahacienda.com Mi Pequena Hacienda Seafood and Mexican Cuisine combines Tijuana Mexican Food and Fresh Seafood to bring you authentic flavors that excite your taste buds. From sizzling fajitas to zesty ceviche, their menu is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes.

Tacos Al Pastor

NIGHTJAR

436 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY, 40403 (859) 756-6185 https://www.436chestnut.com/ Wednesday - Saturday 5pm - 9pm At Nightjar, their smashburgers feature AWA Berea College Farm beef on Martin’s potato or gluten-free Udi’s buns, served with hand-cut fries. Customize with avocado, fried egg, bacon, pickles, sharp cheddar, hot sauce, and more.

Smashburger

WISE BIRD CIDER

Lexington’s Distillery District 859-309-1863 1170 Manchester Street www.wisebirdcider.com

Savor award-winning, small-batch heritage ciders crafted from REAL apples, each sip rooted in craftsmanship and bold flavor. Pair flights with delicious eats from Little Fork Kitchen, featuring the Lexington Burger Week–winning smash burger, fresh shareables, and seasonal favorites.

They proudly offer gluten-free and vegetarian options, plus local beer, craft cocktails, games, and outdoor space — all in the Distillery District. Wise Bird Cider: great cider, great food, great company.

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

Scratch Made Hummus & Fresh Crudite SUMMER 2026|41

e t e a t c a o c l eloRe

Robert L. Quick, CCE Commerce Lexington, Inc.

Robert L. Quick, CCE Commerce Lexington, Inc.

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O

Thesuccess region’s economic success April and October, and the Kentucky alf of Commerce Thethan region’s economic ParkCounin northern Fayette CounLexington, its more comes largely fromHorse its diverse Park econin northernHorse Fayette gton, its more than comes largely from its diverse econty.

There are 1,900 members, our board of which has by of other thingsplenty of other things ty. recognized There are plenty members, our board of omy, which has beenomy, recognized by been directors, and the business commuto of doour likemany taking a tour of our many multiple national sources.

Lexington’s to do like taking a tour d the business commumultiple national sources. Lexington’s nity, I am excited to welcome you to historic sites, to cities like Georgetown, historic sites, visiting our museums visiting our museums cited to welcome you to proximity to cities likeproximity Georgetown, the Greater Lexington area. Whethandattending Bourbon distilleries, attending Frankfort, Midway, Nicholasville, and Bourbon distilleries, Lexington area.

WhethFrankfort, Midway, Nicholasville, er you’re here for a visit or in the concerts and music festivals, cheerWinchester, Cynthiana, Mt. Sterling, concerts and music festivals, cheere for a visit or in the Winchester, Cynthiana, Mt. Sterling, of relocating to the area, ingor onenjoying the UK Wildcats, or enjoying Paris, Richmond, and Versailles aling on the UK Wildcats, locatingprocess to the area, Paris, Richmond, and Versailles alyou’lland findthe that Lexington and the many fabulous restaurants. lows from for easy trips tomany and from those fabulous restaurants. at Lexington lowsfull forof easy trips to and those surrounding region are charm communities to enjoy shopping, arts egion are full of charm Greater LEX communities to enjoy shopping, arts Greater LEX is an experience like is an experience like and hospitality. andand crafts fairs, golfing, and much ty. none other, and and crafts fairs, golfing, much none other, and you’ll find yourself you’ll find yourself more. wanting come back again and makes Greater more. LEX unique wanting to come back againto and akes GreaterWhat LEX unique again or perhaps you’ll just decide is itsof variety – the variety of its landThe region’s most iconic brand again or perhaps you’ll just decide the variety its landThe region’s most iconic brand stay. To learn scape, educational opportunities, is its scenic beauty provided the moretoabout to stay. Toby learn what it’smore about what it’s ational opportunities, is its scenic beauty provided by the likevisit to live or work here, visit lookathealth care choices, employment many horse farms with the backdrop like to live or work here, lookatchoices, employment manyarts horse farms with the backdrop lex.com, and find your place in options, family activities, and historic Keeneland Race Course, lex.com, and find your place in ly activities, arts and of historic KeenelandofRace Course, Greater LEX. culture, businesses, and economy. which offers Thoroughbred racing in Greater LEX. nesses, and economy. which offers Thoroughbred racing in region is among the smartest, among Our the smartest, most affordable, job friendly, enble, job friendly, entrepreneurial, most inspiring, and , most inspiring, and innovative places in America. aces in America.

We provide a circle of influence, protection, and support for your business.

Dale Morgan

“

The opportunity to educate individuals from some of the same neighborhoods I grew up in about personal finances is very satisfying.

Commerce Lexington does valuable work in bridging gaps in business and economic opportunities by providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the information and connections they need to succeed.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! Commerce Lexington Inc. 330 E. Main St., Suite 100, Lexington, KY 40507 859-254-4447 commercelexington.com

“

- Dale Morgan, President & CEO, Foundation47 SBA 2025 Financial Services Advocate of the Year

42|SUMMER 2026

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By the Numbers BLUEGRASS RANKINGS

TOP 10 REGIONAL EMPLOYERS

#2 #2 #3 #7 #7

A LIST OF THE MAJOR EMPLOYERS IN THE EIGHT-COUNTY REGION THAT CONSISTS OF BOURBON, CLARK, FAYETTE, FRANKLIN, JESSAMINE, MADISON, SCOTT, AND WOODFORD COUNTIES

Best Run City in America, WalletHub Most Affordable (Large) Cities, Business Facilities

Company

County

Description Empl.

Mid-sized Metro with Best Business Climate, Business Facilities

University of Kentucky

Fayette

Education

15.541

Top Cities With the Lowest Salaries Needed to Live Comfortably,

KY State Government

Franklin

Government

11,210

Toyota Motor Manufacturing

Scott

Manufacturing 10,151

Amazon.com

Fayette

Distribution

5,727

Fayette County Public Schools

Fayette

Education

5,620

Baptist Health

Fayette

Healthcare

4,502

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Gov Fayette

Government

2,884

Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI)

Fayette

Healthcare

2,621

Conduent

Fayette

Outsourcing

2,500

Madison County School System

Madison

Education

2,000

Friendliest City in the US, Readers’ Choice Awards

Smart Asset

# 10 Best Cities to Buy a House, Niche # 11 Top Cities for Work/Life Balance & Mental Health, Coworking Café

# 11 Top Cities in the South, Southern Living Magazine # 15 Top Places to Live, U.S. News & World Report # 16 Best Cities to Buy a House in America, Niche TOP 18 Best Places to Travel, Reader’s Digest

# 19 Best College Town in America, Best College Reviews # 29 Best Cities to Raise a Family, Niche # 50 Best Places to Live, Money Magazine

LEXINGTON IS A DAY’S DRIVE FROM 2/3 OF THE POPULATION IN THE US. MILEAGE FROM LEXINGTON TO: Nashville, TN

|

214

Atlanta, GA | Charlotte, NC

380

| Chicago, IL | Cincinnati, OH

399

369

|

Destin, FL | Indianapolis, IN

83

664

|

Knoxville, TN

186

170

MONTHLY AVERAGE HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURES Jan. 40/24

Feb. 45/28

March 55/36

April 65/44

May 74/54

June 82/62

July 86/66

AUTO

Aug. 85/65

HOME

Sept.

78/58

LIFE

Oct. 67/46

BUSINESS

Nov. 54/37

A MEMBER SERVICE

Dec. 4/28

KYFB.COM

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SUMMER 2026|43

STATE FLAG & SYMBOLS SCTapAitTalEFrankfort FLAG & SYMBOLS CSatpaitteal SFrankfort eal adopted 1942.

State Seal adopted 1942.

STATE FLAG & SYMBOLS Capital Frankfort

State Fruit Blackberry, (Rubus alleghe-niensis), Sadopted tate Fr2004. uit Blackberry, (Rubus alleghe-niensis), adopted 2004.

State Fruit Blackberry, (Rubus alleghe-niensis), adopted 2004.

State Seal adopted 1942.

S SA A TT AE TEFFL LG AG& SM YM B O L LS ST T T E LFA A G & &S SY Y M BB OO LS S C a p i t a l Frankfort C a p i t a l Frankfort Capital Frankfort l adopted1942 1942 S SeeSaalleaadopted .. .

SttSaatteeateS adopted 1942

SttSaatteeateFFrrFuuiirttuitBlackberry, Blackberry,(Rubus (Rubusalleghe-niensis), alleghe-niensis), S Blackberry, (Rubus alleghe-niensis), adopted 2004. adopted2004.

2004. adopted State Motto “United We Stand, Divided We 1942. We Stand, Divided We SFall,” tate adopted Motto “United Fall,” adopted 1942.

Official Latin Motto “Deo gratiam habeamus”

State Flower Goldenrod (Soldiago gigantea), adopted 1926.

State Flower Goldenrod (Soldiago gigantea), adopted 1926.

(“Let God”),gratiam adoptedhabeamus” 2002.

O fficiausl Lbeatingrateful Motto to“Deo S t a t e F l o w e r Goldenrod (Soldiago gigantea), adopted 1926. (“Let us be grateful to God”), adopted 2002.

State Flag adopted 1962.

State Flag adopted 1962.

State Motto “United We Stand, Divided We State Bird Cardinal, adopted 1926.

State Bird Cardinal, adopted 1926.

Fall,” adopted 1942.

Official Latin Motto “Deo gratiam habeamus” (“Let us be grateful to God”), adopted 2002.

State Flag adopted 1962.

State Bird Cardinal, adopted 1926.

“UnitedWe WeStand, Stand,Divided DividedWe We SttSaatteeateM oottttoootto“United S MM “United We Stand, Divided We Fall,”adopted adopted1942.

1942.

Fall,” Fall,” adopted 1942. l aaLttiianntinM “Deogratiam gratiamhabeamus” habeamus” OO fffffiiccfiiiaaclliaL oottttoootto“Deo “Deo gratiam habeamus” O L MM (“Letus gratefulto God”),adopted adopted2002.

2002. (“Let us usbe bebegrateful grateful to toGod”), God”), adopted 2002. (“Let

SttS wloeew Goldenrod (Soldiago gigantea), adopted 1926.

Goldenrod(Soldiago (Soldiagogigantea), gigantea),adopted adopted1926.

1926.

S aattteeateFFllooFw rr erGoldenrod

State Rock Kentucky Agate, adopted 2000.

SSttaattee RGocem k stKentucky Agate,Pearl, adopted 2000. one Freshwater adopted 1986.

SSttaattee G e m s t o n e Freshwater Pearl, adopted 1986.

Soil Crider Soil Series, adopted 1990.

SSttaattee SMoiilneCrider Soiladopted Series,1998. adopted 1990. ral Coal, SSttaattee M i n e r a l Coal, adopted 1998.

Tree Tulip Poplar (Liodendroan tulipifera),

StateStFaotsesilRBrachiopod, adopted 1986. ock Kentucky Agate, adopted 2000. Sadopted tate T1994. ree Tulip Poplar (Liodendroan tulipifera), SSttaattee FBosustilterBrachiopod, adopted 1986. f l y Viceroy Butterfly adopted 1994.

State Gemstone Freshwater Pearl, adopted 1986.State M usical Instrument Applachian Dulcimer, 1990.

S(Lime-nitis tate Butterarchippus), fly Viceroyadopted Butterfly tate M2001. usical Instrument Applachian Dulcimer, State Soil Crider Soil Series, adopted 1990. Sadopted (Lime-nitis State Wildarchippus), Animal Gadopted ame Sp1990. ecies Gray adopted 2001.

State S ong “My Old Kentucky Home” modern S t a t e M i n e r a l Coal, adopted 1998. 1968.

SSquirrel tate Wi(Sciurus ld Animacarolinensis), l Game Specadopted ies Gray Sversion, tate Soadopted ng “My1986/1988.

Old Kentucky Home” modern tsee Thoroughbred Tree Tulip Poplar caballus), (Liodendroan Squirrel carolinensis), adopted adopted 1968. tulipifera), StateSHtoar(Sciurus (Equus 1996.

State Fossil Brachiopod, adopted 1986. version, adopted 1986/1988.

State Bluegrass Song “Blue Moon of adopted 1994.

State eHForisseh Thoroughbred (Equus caballus), adopted 191956.

96.

Kentucky Spotted Bass, 2000. adopted State Butterfly Viceroy Butterfly SKentucky,” tate Bluegraadopted ss Son1988. g “Blue Moon of SttSaaStteeattaetR RooRccokkckKentucky Kentucky Agate, adopted KentuckyAgate, Agate,adopted adopted 2000.

S 2000.

State Musical Instrument Applachian Dulcimer, State Fish Kentucky Spotted Bass, adopted 1956.

(Lime-nitis archippus), adopted 1990.

Kentucky,” adopted 1988.

S t a t e G e m s t o n e Freshwater Pearl, adopted 1986.

S a t e G e m s t o n e Freshwater Pearl, adopted 1986. adopted 2001.

State Gemstone Freshwater Pearl, adopted 1986.

State Wild Animal Game Species Gray StSateateSSoSitlaotiCrider adopted le Crider SoilSeries, Series, adopted1990.

1990.

SongSoil “My Old Kentucky Home” modern Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), adopted 1968. State Soil Crider Soil Series, adopted 1990. version, adopted 1986/1988.

S t a t e S a t e M i n e r a l Coal, adopted 1998.

M i n e r a l Coal, adopted 1998.

State Horse Thoroughbred (Equus caballus), adopted 19S 96.tate Mineral Coal, adopted 1998.

B luegPoplar raPoplar ss S(Liodendroan on(Liodendroan g “Blue Moon of Tulip tulipifera), S TSrrTeeteearteeeTulip Tulip tulipifera), SttSaatteeateT Poplar (Liodendroan tulipifera), l FBrachiopod, adopted 1986.

SttSaatteeateFFS Brachiopod, adopted 1986. ish Kentucky Spotted Bass, adopted 1956.

Kentucky,” adopted 1988.

S ooFsstssoaiislltseiBrachiopod, adopted 1986. adopted1994.

1994. adopted 1994. adopted ViceroyButterfly Butterfly SttSaatteeateB BB S uuttttueetrrtfferllyyflyViceroy Viceroy Butterfly S a t e M l I rueemnnettntApplachian ApplachianDulcimer, Dulcimer, S t a t e M u I m Applachian Dulcimer, State Mussiiuccsaaicll aI nnssnttrrsuutm (Lime-nitisarchippus), archippus),adopted adopted1990.

1990.

(Lime-nitis archippus), adopted 1990.

(Lime-nitis adopted 2001. adopted 2001. adopted 2001. niaamll aG l G Gray SttSaatteeateW WW iillddildA G maeemeS Gray S AnnAiim m aam SppSeeccpeiieecssiesGray “MyOld OldKentucky KentuckyHome” Home”modern modern SttSaatteeateS SooSnnoggng“My “My Old Kentucky Home” modern S Squirrel(Sciurus (Sciuruscarolinensis), carolinensis),adopted adopted1968.

1968.

Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), adopted 1968.

Squirrel version,adopted adopted1986/1988.

1986/1988. version, adopted 1986/1988. version, Thoroughbred(Equus (Equuscaballus), caballus),adopted adopted119996.

1996.

SttS HooH Thoroughbred (Equus caballus), adopted 96.

S aattteeateH rrssoeerseThoroughbred “BlueMoon Moonof SttSaatteeateB BB SooSnnoggng“Blue “Blue Moon ofof S lluueelggurreaagssrssassS S a t e F i s h Kentucky Spotted Bass, adopted 1956.

S t a t e F i s h Kentucky Spotted Bass, adopted 1956.

Kentucky,”adopted adopted1988.

1988.

Kentucky,” adopted 1988.

State Fish Kentucky Spotted Bass, adopted 1956.

Kentucky,” adopted1962.

1962.

SttSaatteeateFFllaaFgglagadopted adopted 1962.

S Cardinal,adopted adopted1926.

1926.

SttSaatteeateB iirrddirdCardinal, Cardinal, adopted 1926.

S BB

44|SUMMER 2026

ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

DEMOGRAPHICS DEMOGRAPHICS LEXINGTON / BLUEGRASS REGION LEXINGTON / BLUEGRASS REGION

716,357 716,357

$376,690 $376,690 AVERAGE HOME PRICE 2021 ANNUAL AVERAGES AVERAGE HOME PRICE

POPULATION POPULATION

2021 ANNUAL AVERAGES

$101,746 $101,746 AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$1,347 $1,347

AVERAGE RENT (FOR 2-BR/2-BA APARTMENT) AVERAGE RENT (FOR 2-BR/2-BA APARTMENT)

92 92

36.18 36.18 MEDIUM AGE MEDIUM AGE

COST OF LIVING (NATIONAL AVG. = 100) COST OF LIVING (NATIONAL AVG. = 100)

44% 44%

COLLEGE GRADUATES (NATIONAL AVERAGE: 35%) COLLEGE GRADUATES (NATIONAL AVERAGE: 35%)

Source 2024 Commerce Lexington Source 2024 Commerce Lexington

Notable Dates in Kentucky History 1775

1926

2010

Daniel Boone blazes a trail through the Cumberland Gap, into central Kentucky

The cardinal is adopted as Kentucky’s state bird and the goldenrod as the state flower

Lexington becomes the first city outside of Europe to host the World Equestrian Games

1928

2012

“My Old Kentucky Home” is selected and adopted by the state legislature as Kentucky’s official song, originally written

by Stephen Foster as an anti-slavery ballad

Kentucky Wildcats win their 8th NCAA Championship under Coach John Calipari, with Anthony Davis named MVP

1964

Kentucky legalized the growing of hemp, once an important cash crop for Kentucky for the production of rope and sailcloth.

1782 The “Last Battle of the American Revolution” is fought at Blue Licks, near Mount Olivet

1792 Kentucky becomes the 15th State to join the Union

1875 The very first Kentucky Derby is held and is won by a colt named Aristedes, with a crowd of nearly 10,000 people at Churchill Downs

1922 The Kentucky Theatre at Churchill Downs opens, and is one of a few remaining movie palaces in the country

United States Congress recognizes Bourbon Whiskey as a “distinctive product of the United States” by concurrent resolution

1966 A comprehensive Civil Rights law is passed, the very first southern state to do so

2013

2020 Kentucky confirms the first state case of the COVID-19 virus on March 6. The pandemic resulted in over 1.6 million confirmed cases and nearly 18,000 deaths in Kentucky by early 2023.

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ExploreLexingtonBluegrass.com

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SUMMER 2026|47

Discovering the magic of Lexington is more convenient than ever.

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Enjoy a smooth, stress-free airport experience that gets you on your way and into your adventure faster.

Located just five miles from downtown, a short drive can get you into the heart of Lexington soon after you land!

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bluegrassairport.com