OUT & OUT & About About
The The Arboretum Arboretum
Discover Kentucky's botanical garden! Explore 100 acres of stunning gardens, scenic trails, and the one-of-a-kind Walk Across Kentucky on the University of Kentucky campus.
Boone Creek Boone Creek Outdoors Outdoors
Soar through the breathtaking Boone Creek Gorge on an unforgettable zipline adventure featuring six exhilarating ziplines, sky bridges, a rappel, and stunning views up to 200 feet above the forest floor.
Discover the birthplace of Lexington at this scenic 26-acre park, where historic ruins, natural springs, and peaceful trails bring Kentucky's history to life.
McConnell Springs McConnell Springs
RJO LOCAL HISTORICAL & CULTURAL TREASURES
Restaurants worth the rave
Cole’s- locally sourced ingredients, handcrafted cocktails, and one of Kentucky's best bourbon selections!
Giuseppe’s - a hidden Lexington favorite known for its romantic atmosphere, live jazz, exceptional Italian cuisine, and impressive wine list.
Gratz Park
Gratz Park is the perfect place to take an idyllic stroll. Here, you’ll find the historic homes of some of Lexington’s first leaders, as well as the Fountain of Youth statue which was donated by Lexington author James Lane Allen.
Mary Todd Lincoln House
The Mary Todd Lincoln House is the childhood home of President Abraham Lincoln’s wife, and also has the unique distinction of being the first historic site to be restored in honor of a first lady. The guided tour teaches you about her life here as well as her time as First Lady.
spotlight
About Shelia Bayes
We are proudly recognized as Lexington's Finest Jeweler and named one of Harper's BAZAAR's Best Jewelers in America, GDA Jewelers is a full-service destination where extraordinary craftsmanship and unforgettable experiences come together.
Jeff Ruby’s - Known for awardwinning steaks, fresh seafood, and an elegant Art Deco atmosphere create one of Lexington's most amazing experiences Blue Door SmokehouseLexington's favorite barbecue! Enjoy slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and classic Southern sides. It’ll leave you somehow wanting more!
Teresa Kinder
Lexington Local; Shelia Bayes Jewelers
A couple extras...
Keeneland- No trip to Lexington is complete without a visit to the legendary Keeneland Race Course!
Gatton Park - Take a stroll through Gatton Park, Lexington's vibrant downtown green space filled with scenic trails, public art, and community events!
Look for the “T” throughout the guide for more Teresa recommendations!
WITH THE FAMILY
4089 Iron Works Pike Lexington, KY 40511
Experience Kentucky's horse country at the world-famous Kentucky Horse Park, where live horse shows, interactive exhibits, museums, and more than 50 horse breeds bring the Bluegrass State's equestrian heritage to life.
Let imaginations run wild at the Lexington Children's Museum, where interactive exhibits and hands-on discovery inspire kids to learn through play.
3644 Boston Rd #130, Lexington, KY 40514
440 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507
Jump into nonstop fun at Sky Zone Lexington, where trampolines, ninja courses, dodgeball, foam pits, and more make it the ultimate indoor adventure for all ages.
THE SPIRIT OF Kentucky
Local Distilleries
Barrel House Distilling Co. ( 6 min drive)
Bespoken Spirits ( 9 min drive)
Dark Arts Whiskey House ( 6 min drive)
Fresh Bourbon Distillery ( 4 min drive)
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co ( 4 min drive)
Regional Distilleries
Buffalo Trace Distillery ( 42 min drive)
Four Roses Bourbon ( 32 min drive)
Wild Turkey Distillery ( 34 min drive)
Hartfield & Co. ( 32 min drive)
Woodfood Reserve ( 34 min drive)
Josie’s
CAR: 7 minutes
WALKING: 36 minutes
Distance: 1.6 miles
“#1 breakfast spot in Lexington! Such a wonderful place for community feel and good food! The staff is the best of the best (especially Sue!) and we often get to chat with the owners when they greet us. ”
Biscuit Belly
CAR: 8 minutes
WALKING: 30 minutes
Distance: 1.3 miles
“I love a good biscuit, and this place has good biscuits. I got the one with goat cheese, and it was spectacular. I am getting hungry just thinking about it. The coffee was really good, too. It is a super cute little place, too; love the bright colors.”
Poppy & Olive
CAR: 8 minutes
WALKING: 35 minutes
Distance: 1.6 miles
“What a chic place! Absolutely delicious and plated appealingly. They have lunch and dinner menus as well, and they serve drinks and have two separate bars. It's pretty enough for that for sure!!”
SPECIALTIES
Biscuit Daddies
CAR: 7 minutes
WALKING: 25 minutes
Distance: 1.1 miles
"Their gluten-free biscuits and gravy are delicious! As are their sweet biscuit options. And the owners are very kind and attentive to their customers."
GF OPTIONS
Grounded All Day
CAR: 4 minutes
WALKING: 8 minutes
Distance: 0.4 miles
“Best bagel sandwich spot I’ve ever been to! They have a variety of house-made cream cheeses to choose from, and they are phenomenal. The staff is very friendly and great people.”
GF + VEGAN OPTIONS
Beau’s Cafe
CAR: 16 minutes
Distance: 4.6 miles
"Cool place to eat. Enjoyed the food. Going back for the mountain high pancakes����"
GF + VEGAN OPTIONS
VVS RATED LUNCH
CAR: 5 minutes
WALKING: 22 minutes
Distance: 1 miles
“My partner and I have been here 4 times, the food is amazing, and the staff is always friendly and very nice. The pomegranate ricotta cinnamon roll is the best- nothing overpowers the other, it's a perfect seasonal item. Their brioche buns are the best. I've never had brioche as good as this!
VVS RATED LUNCH
SPECIALTIES
CAR: 2 minutes
WALKING: 5 minutes
Distance: 0.2 miles
GF OPTIONS
VEGAN OPTIONS
VEGETARIAN & VEGAN
*Reservations are recommended at these restaurants so make sure to call ahead of time!
Agave & Rye
Tony’s
*Reservations are recommended at these restaurants so make sure to call ahead of time!
THE VIRAL VAULT
CAR: 5 minutes
WALKING: 16 minutes
DISTANCE: 0.7 miles
Step back into the Prohibition era at Constitution Speakeasy, where a hidden entrance, expertly crafted cocktails, and an intimate atmosphere make for one of Lexington's most unforgettable nightcaps!
CAR: 2 minutes
WALKING: 9 minutes
DISTANCE: 0.3 miles
Discover one of Lexington's most unique destinations at 21c Museum Hotel. Contemporary art, boutique luxury, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere all come together under one roof. PLUS, the museum is open 24 hours a day!
CAR: 19 minutes
DISTANCE: 8.6 miles
Treat yourself to a royal dining experience at The Kentucky Castle, featuring farm-to-table cuisine, seasonal menus, and stunning castle views to create one of Kentucky's most extraordinary dining experiences.
LEXINGTON Harvey’s
A well-known and much-loved downtown bar, Harvey's features 7 signature craft cocktails, 30 hand-picked wines, and local brews on tap. The Beer Garden at Harvey’s is the perfect outdoor space drink and great foo
Bugsy’s Entertainment
Play, eat, and compete at Bugsy's Entertainment, Lexington's newest entertainment destination featuring bowling arcade games mini golf
NAVIGATING
LEXINGTON
LYFT
Lyft makes it easy to get around the city, from downtown hotspots to local distilleries. With quick pickups and a hassle-free app, it’s the perfect way to explore Lexington without the traffic headaches!
UBER
Another option is Uber! Choose from options like budget-friendly UberX or spacious UberXL, and enjoy real-time tracking, cashless payments, and door-todoor service. Skip the parking hassle and explore the city with comfort and convenience.
Bailey Rebh
Brianna Black General Manager