Things To Do In Lexington, Kentucky, 5 Day Travel Itinerary, Brief History, Weather – Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall – Bike Paths, Campsites, Famous Landmarks

July 2, 2024

Lexington, Kentucky: A 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Lexington, Kentucky, also known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” offers a unique blend of Southern charm, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 5-day trip to Lexington, along with some information about the weather, bike paths, campsites, and famous landmarks:

Brief History

Lexington was founded in 1775 and played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. After the war, the city became a center for horse breeding and racing. Today, Lexington is known for its bourbon distilleries, historic sites, and lively arts scene.

Weather by Season

Winter (December-February): Coldest months with average highs around 40°F (4°C) and lows around 20°F (-7°C). Snowfall is occasional.
Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather with average highs in the 70s°F (21-27°C) and lows in the 40s°F (4-10°C). This is a great time to visit for outdoor activities.
Summer (June-August): Hottest months with average highs in the upper 80s°F (around 30°C) and lows in the 60s°F (around 18°C). Expect some humidity.
Fall (September-November): Comfortable temperatures with average highs in the 70s°F (21-27°C) and lows in the 40s°F (4-10°C). Fall foliage is beautiful this time of year.

5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Horse Culture

Morning: Start your day at the Kentucky Horse Park, a sprawling complex dedicated to all things equine. Here, you can tour the International Museum of the Horse, watch a live racing demonstration, or even take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Afternoon: Head to Keeneland Race Course, one of the most prestigious horse racing tracks in the world. If there’s no race meet going on, you can still take a guided tour of the facilities.
Evening: Enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant serving traditional Kentucky fare, like burgoo (a stew) or hot brown (an open-faced turkey sandwich).

Day 2: Explore Lexington’s History and Bourbon Heritage

Morning: Visit the Lexington History Center, which houses exhibits on the city’s rich history, from the early settlers to the Civil War.
Afternoon: Take a tour of one of Lexington’s many bourbon distilleries, such as Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, or Woodford Reserve. Learn about the bourbon-making process and enjoy a tasting at the end of the tour.
Evening: Catch a performance at the Lexington Opera House, a beautiful historic theater that hosts a variety of shows throughout the year.

Day 3: Experience the Great Outdoors

Morning: Rent a bike and explore Lexington’s extensive network of bike paths, including the Legacy Trail and the Town Branch Trail. These trails offer scenic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Afternoon: If you’re traveling during the warmer months, cool off with a swim at Jacobson Park, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The park also has a lake for fishing, hiking trails, and a playground.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise on a replica paddlewheel boat on the Kentucky River. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy a delicious meal.

Day 4: Discover Lexington’s Arts and Culture

Morning: Spend the morning browsing the shops and galleries in the lively downtown Lexington area. There are also several museums to explore, such as the University of Kentucky Art Museum and the Lexington Children’s Museum.
Afternoon: Take a walk through the Transylvania University campus, one of the oldest universities west of the Allegheny Mountains. The campus is beautiful and historic, with red-brick buildings and manicured lawns.
Evening: Catch a concert, play, or other performance at a venue like the Lexington Opera House or the Rupp Arena.

Day 5: Explore Lexington’s Hidden Gems

For your last day in Lexington, here are some ideas to explore beyond the typical tourist spots:

Morning:

Lexington Farmers Market: Immerse yourself in the local scene at the Lexington Farmers Market. Held every Saturday morning, this vibrant market offers fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food options. Sample regional specialties like sorghum molasses or Kentucky cheeses.
Manchester MusicMansion: Take a step back in time and explore the Manchester MusicMansion. This historic mansion-turned-museum houses a collection of vintage instruments, player pianos, and music boxes. You might even get a chance to hear some of these instruments come to life!

Afternoon:

Lexington Public Cemetery: For a unique historical perspective, visit the Lexington Public Cemetery. Established in 1840, the cemetery is the final resting place for many notable figures in Lexington’s history. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour or join a guided tour to learn about the city’s past residents.
Headley-Whitney Museum: If you’re an art enthusiast, don’t miss the Headley-Whitney Museum. This museum houses an impressive collection of 20th-century American art, including works by Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jacob Lawrence.

Evening:

Catch a minor league baseball game: Experience the energy of live sports by catching a game with the Lexington Legends, a minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Enjoy a hot dog and a beer while cheering on the home team.
Local Brewery Hopping: Wrap up your Lexington adventure with a brewery hopping tour. Lexington boasts a thriving craft beer scene with many local breweries offering tours and tastings. Sample a variety of beers and discover your new favorite!

Bonus:

If you have extra time, consider these options:

Keeneland Race Course (if there’s a race meet): If there’s a race meet happening during your visit, don’t miss the chance to experience the thrill of horse racing at Keeneland Race Course. Witness the elegance and athleticism of these magnificent thoroughbred horses.
Day trip to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill: Take a short drive to the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a restored 19th-century Shaker community. Learn about the Shaker way of life and explore their beautifully preserved buildings and grounds.

This itinerary offers a variety of options to tailor your last day in Lexington based on your interests. Enjoy exploring the city’s hidden gems and creating lasting memories!

Famous Landmarks:

Lexington is full of historic sites and cultural attractions. Here are a few to consider adding to your itinerary:

Ashland, the 29-room estate of Kentucky statesman Henry Clay
Mary Todd Lincoln House, childhood home of the First Lady
Waveland State Historic Site, historic mansion and former plantation

Campgrounds:

If you’re looking for a camping option near Lexington, here are a few options:

Kentucky Horse Park Campground: Located right next to the Kentucky Horse Park, this campground

Lexington’s Bike Paths: Explore the City on Two Wheels

Lexington boasts a great network of bike paths, perfect for exploring the city and surrounding countryside at your own pace. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular options:

Paved Trails:

Legacy Trail: This 11-mile paved trail is Lexington’s longest and most popular. It runs north-south through the city, connecting several parks and neighborhoods. The Legacy Trail offers scenic views of horse farms and rolling hills, making it a great choice for a relaxing ride.
Town Branch Trail: This 6.5-mile paved trail follows Town Branch Creek through the heart of Lexington. It offers a more urban experience, passing by shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks.
Squires Road Trail: This 1.3-mile paved trail winds through a scenic area on the southeast edge of Lexington. It’s a good option for a shorter ride with some nice views.
Brighton East Rail Trail: This 4.6-mile paved trail follows an old railroad corridor on the northeast side of Lexington. It connects to the Legacy Trail and offers a mix of urban and rural scenery.

Shorter Trails & Paths:

In addition to the longer trails, Lexington has several shorter paved paths and multi-use trails scattered throughout the city. You can find a map of these on the Lexington website: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/trails

Tips for Biking in Lexington:

Helmets are required by law for cyclists under 16.
Be aware of your surroundings and share the road with pedestrians and motorists.
Most of the trails are relatively flat, making them suitable for cyclists of all abilities.
Consider renting a bike from a local shop if you don’t have your own.

These are just a few of the many bike paths available in Lexington. With its extensive network of trails, Lexington is a great city to explore on two wheels!