Lexington, Kentucky is in the heart of the “Bluegrass Region,” named for the grass that provided the state its label– and it in fact does look blue at particular times. The city declares the well-deserved title of the “Horse Capital of the World,” with 450 horse farms, Kentucky Horse Park, and Keeneland Racecourse. There’s bourbon– Lexington boasts more than 15 close-by distilleries and the progressing Distillery District– where The Manchester Hotel held its grand opening this summertime.
” I’ve constantly had an individual connection with Lexington, however it was the best place, right time, and right area. Everything compared with the kind of project we imagined doing together,” hotelier Nik Feldman stated of developing the residential or commercial property with partner Hank Morris. “We knew how meaningful The Manchester would be for the community of Lexington.”
The hotel is set on the previous premises of main Kentucky’s very first signed up bourbon distillery, and its “Rickhouse Revival” facade functions dramatic arches that echo throughout the home. “We were really intentional in rooting the hotel’s style and shows in Lexington’s fantastic history and landscape– and obviously, the horses and bourbon-making that have made it well-known– though we wanted to do so through a more subtle, contemporary, and internationally inspired lens,” Morris informed Travel + Leisure. “We wanted to utilize the physical architecture, interior treatments, and rich narrative behind our restaurant and bar principles to supply our visitors with an emotional connection to Kentucky.”
The Distillery District presently includes dining establishments, breweries, an ice cream shop, entertainment, and a vintage market, together with the historical James E. Pepper Distillery dating to 1780, as soon as the biggest scotch distillery in the nation. The 125-room Manchester anchors the entryway to the district, and its Art Deco rooftop drinking parlor, Lost Palm, “an immediate favorite for both residents and hotel guests,” according to Morris, provides an expansive view of downtown Lexington. Granddam dining establishment, called for a matriarchal racehorse, serves traditional Appalachian meals with international influence, created by couple team Paula and Karl Lowe.
Make The Manchester your home while you drive along the winding roadways of Lexington, marvel at the appeal of thoroughbreds at horse farms, or cheer one on at Keeneland. Here are some of the best things to do while you’re in town.
Things to Do in Lexington, Kentucky
Keeneland Racecourse
Open year-round, visitors can view races during the meets, go to horse sales, or delight in the perfectly landscaped premises. The National Historic Landmark consists of the Keeneland Library, store, and a range of trips.
Kentucky Horse Park
Located on 1,200 acres of bluegrass farmland, the Kentucky Horse Park provides museums, galleries, barn trips, assisted horse and pony trips, and horse-drawn carriage tours. Equestrian events consist of steeplechase, cross nation competitions, polo, and specialized breed programs.
Visit a Horse Farm
Tours of horse farms are interesting methods to find out about breeding and raising thoroughbreds. Visitors may have a possibility to touch horses, feed them carrots, and see horses of various ages, consisting of mares, foals, yearlings, and stallions while finding out about how they are cared for.
Trip Historic Homes and Buildings
The childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, integrated in 1803, is open for trips as is Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate. Other historic websites include Waveland, the Lexington Opera House, and McConnell Springs, a 26-acre nature sanctuary where the city of Lexington was founded in 1779.
Visit a Distillery
Find out how bourbon is distilled at the James E. Pepper Distillery with a trip of the stills and fermenting procedure. Go To Bluegrass Distillers, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., or explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Drop in for a taste at African American owned and produced Fresh Bourbon Distillery.
Hang in the Distillery District
Pertain to dine, drink, shop, play, listen to music, or meet up with friends and hang out at outside tables overlooking the creek. There’s doggy day care, axe throwing, an arcade, and more to come in the developing location.
Downtown Lexington Walking Tour
See modern-day and vintage structures on a self-guided or arranged tour. Have some fun and learn more about the legend of the blue horse named Lexington on the Big Lex Scavenger Hunt. Get some Lexington history in addition to tasty foods on a Bites of the Bluegrass strolling food tour.
Check out Lexington’s Museums
There’s also the Bluegrass Heritage Museum, American Saddlebred Museum, Headley-Whitney Museum of Art, and Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum where you can take a scenic 11-mile train ride through horse and tobacco farms or view vintage railroad souvenirs. The International Museum of the Horse is the world’s largest museum to check out the relationship between horses and humans.
Walking, Bike, or Stroll along Lexington’s Legacy Trail
The Legacy Trail begins at the Isaac Murphy Memorial Garden and winds north to the Kentucky Horse Park for 12 miles of tracks that include downtown Lexington, parks, and historical sites.
Test Craft Brews on the Brewgrass Trail
Beer, cider, sake, and mead are more Kentucky creations along the Brewgrass Trail, where brewmasters are signing up with bourbon distillers in producing popular drinks. Check out the craft developing scene and bring your pup along for the fun.
Take Pleasure In the Beautiful Kentucky Outdoors
Take a horseback ride, kayak or paddleboard in a river or creek, or zip line over the canopy. There are so many methods to delight in the outdoors in the Lexington area.