Lexington, Kentucky: tradition meets trendsetting in the heart of the South
Kick off your Kentucky adventure in Lexington, a vibrant hub of indie bourbon distilleries, street art and bluegrass bars that set the tone for an unforgettable journey
The coolest corner of Kentucky? It’d have to be Lexington. Sure, the southern state of Kentucky is known for its natural beauty – think Appalachian mountains to the east, plus rolling hills of horse country and limestone caves – and then you reach Lexington, a thrumming, vibrant city known for its indy bourbon distilleries, bluegrass bars, street art and seriously cool hotels. Journeying to America’s south? Don’t miss this soulful city where tradition and creativity combine.
Embark on the bourbon trail
If you’re searching for your perfect bourbon blend, you’ll find it here. Lexington is dotted with distilleries where you can learn about production and – more importantly – taste the liquor. Fresh Bourbon is run by Tia Edwards, the first African-American woman since slavery to distill bourbon in Kentucky. Her downtown tasting room has an elegant bar feel, with crystal chandeliers and a vibe that’s designed to appeal to both men and women. Down the road, Justin’s House of Bourbon has the largest collection of vintage and rare bourbon in the state. Whether you’re a bourbon first timer or a big fan, both are a must for understanding the importance – and appreciating the taste – of America’s ‘native spirit’.
Place your bets at Keeneland
Kentucky is famed for its horses, and while the Kentucky Derby deserves its spotlight, watching world-class thoroughbreds race at Keeneland is arguably just as epic. Get in the thick of the action and soak up the fence-line atmosphere with a general admission ticket, or if that’s not for you, why not venture into the peaceful countryside on a horse farm tour, where you can meet horsing legends – past and present.
Heady art and historical homes
You’ll want to allow plenty of time to revel in downtown Lexington – this may be a city, but it has a town-like feel, and you can spend your time strolling between vibrant art murals, spotting the Barbie-pink race horse by local artist Wiley Caudill and the largest Abraham Lincoln mural in the world, which was created by Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra. The city has a 200-year-old history, with plenty to appreciate downtown, but the historical homes of the neighbourhoods – grand, sprawling houses – are fascinating. Peer into the childhood home of first lady Mary Todd Lincoln, check out the fancy rooms and gardens of Henry Clay’s home before strolling the self-guided African American Heritage Trail.
Eat, drink, repeat
To really understand what makes the city tick, try a food tour – they fuse the city’s history and food culture into one delicious afternoon. With Bites of the Bluegrass you’ll taste craft beers, farm-to-table dishes and delicious desserts, plus get insider intel on where to feast later, from wood-fired pizza and natural wine at Pearl’s to smoked brisket, baby back ribs and bourbon at Blue Door Smokehouse. Veggies and vegans aren’t overlooked with cashew-dips and belt-loosening salads at The Social Vegan and Nourished Folks, or for southern comfort food and grandma’s recipes, try the huge portions at Mimi’s Southern Style Cooking.
Bluegrass, beers and bourbon
It’s time to revel in live bluegrass at one of the city’s many bars, or take on expertly crafted cocktails and bourbon blends in the distillery district. You’ll catch the region’s top acts pass through the Burl, a 350-capacity venue with a retro games arcade and beer garden, or try Al’s Bar, a tiny 100-person late-night dive bar that’s a short taxi out of town.
The best beds
Ink-blue walls, caramel-coloured velvet curtains and standalone bathtubs make the Manchester Hotel one of the hippest hotel stays in the city. Meanwhile, 21c Museum Hotel is a great choice for contemporary art lovers – the lobby doubles as a gallery, and rooms have a fun and fresh feel with dazzling white walls and lime-green sofas.
Book your next adventure to Lexington with direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport, available through British Airways.