Four Days in Lexington, KY - What To Do, See, Eat, etc?

In My Humble Opinion
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Hubby and I are taking a long weekend over July 4th. We plan on going to the Horse Park one day (I insist!!), but would like some info from residents / frequent visitors. We are on the Atkins diet (nine pounds down in one week!! :eek: ), but will be willing to splurge and splurge mightily that weekend on food. We will be driving down Wed. the 2nd in the evening, so we will have all day Thurs, Fri, Sat, and part of the day Sun.

Museums, historical stuff, culture, food, cool hang-outs - anything would be helpful. Thanks!!

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The Horse Park is wonderful, especially this time of year. You’ll probably also want to drive around the surrounding countryside through the horse farms; it’s towards the end of foaling season, so there should be lots of babies out in the fields. There’s actually a route mapped out and marked with signs to take you through a lot of the farms, but I can’t remember the name of it right off.

You’re coming at entirely the wrong time of the year for basketball (whattaya expect from Hoosiers? :wink: ) but there is the UK basketball museum.

If you like coffee houses, Common Grounds is really good. Beware the ladies’ room, though. It’s a two-seater with no dividing wall and a mirror on the back of the door.

About an hour away, in Harrodsburg, there’s a preserved Shaker community. I’ve never been to this one, but my parents went a couple of years ago, and they said it was really cool. Let’s see, that one’s Pleasant Hill. The one around home is South Union. Or maybe I have that bass-ackwards.

As for the food, where to start? First off, you have to hit Billy’s. If you like barbecue, you’ll love this place. Western Kentucky style pit barbecue, the food of the gods. If you want any mutton, though, you should probably go at lunch. They cook their meat for about 15 hours, so when they’re out, they’re out.

For sandwiches and stuff, you can’t beat Ramsey’s. They’re sprinkled all over town. For Italian, you’ll want to hit Bella Notte out on Nicholasville Road. The bread alone is worth ruining your diet, not to mention the rest of the menu.

I’ve got to get ready for work, but I’ll probably have more suggestions later.

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But I LOVE horses, Roger!!! And my hubby is willing to put up with them, too.

Thanks, CrazyCatLady for that info. I would love more in the future. Thanks!!

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While in Lexington, I suggest you visit Flag Fork Herb Farm and the Garden Cafe. They are located at 900 North Broadway and serve lunch between 11a and 2p. Think… umm… quiche, pasta salads, and wonderful down-home type sandwiches like pimiento and benedictine and beer cheese. The restaurant (and retail shop) are in one of the oldest homes in Lexington, which is on 2 acres of beautiful gardens which are enclosed by brick walls. So while you ARE in downtown, it doesn’t feel that way at all. For that weekend, they will be open Thursday, but not Friday, Sat, or Sunday.
heheh of course, I work there so I’m kind of biased… but it really is lovely. Probably one of the most unique places in the Bluegrass…

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If you don’t mind a little drive out to Perryville (a bit over an hour), you can visit the historic Elmwood Inn. It’s a lovely place to have afternoon tea, just be sure to make reservations ahead of time. One of the owners writes books on the traditions of tea, very interesting.

Then there’s always Holly Hill Inn. It’s in Midway, maybe 30-40 minutes outside Lexington and a great place for dinner. The drive out there is very pretty too, it goes right through horse country (via highway 1681, the Leestown Road route is faster but not as scenic). It’s a prix fixe place and the seasonal menu changes every month. The chef always uses a lot of local produce. I’ve been there numerous times and always enjoyed it immensely.

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Ah, my specialty. Make sure you go to Magee’s bakery. They have the most wonderful creme-filled pastry called a long john. Get there early, because they sell out, and they’re great first thing in the morning. Go to Parkette, a drive-in restaurant. Everything there’s great, but I’d recommend a strawberry milkshake. I’ll second the horsepark and the UK basketball museum. If you’re interested in malls, whatever don’t go to the Lexington mall. The last time I was up there, a vast majority of the stores were empty. If it’s changed in the last 5 months or so, someone please correct me. If you and your hubby are the type that like go-karts and things like that, there’s a place in Versailles (not too far) I believe with go-karts, miniature golf and things like that. I’m completely blanking on the name, so sorry. But Roger Kint is right, there’s not a ton to do. It’s a great place to go to visit and even to live, but as far as tourist things go, there ain’t too much. I’m sure you’ll find plenty to do. Enjoy!

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Thanks for all of the info, Dopers!

Fujerica, will you be working that Thursday?

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I grew up in Lexington so I’ll make a few recommendations. If you’re into nature try visiting Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, where in addition to native songbirds and very aggressive woodchucks you can see swarms of friendly butterflies that love nothing better than to land on you.

http://www.lfucg.com/ParksRec/RavenRun.asp

If you are into old timey stuff, I’d second the recommendation to visit Pleasant Hill; I believe they have a good restaurant there. There is also Fort Boonesborough–the original fort is long gone but they reconstructed it and you can watch people do demonstrations of things like broom making or candle dipping. When I was a kid I was fascinated by the pottery wheel. Fort Boonesborough is near Richmond Ky, but this is only a short drive from Lexington.

http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/parks/ftboones.htm

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Oh, and I forgot to add that for in-town historical stuff you might want to see Henry Clay’s home, Ashland, or the Mary Todd Lincoln house. Parker Place, where Mrs. Lincoln’s grandmother lived, is a lovely old Italianate mansion on Short Street a couple blocks away from the Mary Todd house. It used to be open for tours though that was 20 years ago and I’m not sure if it still is.

http://www.uky.edu/LCC/HIS/sites/todd.html

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I suggest a short 30-minute drive over to Frankfort (take the Old Frankfort Pike, if you can get someone to tell you where to get on it – it’s the most beautiful drive in the Commonwealth, in my opinion). In the Frankfort Cemetery, you can visit the grave of Daniel Boone that overlooks the Kentucky River. The State Capitol Building and the Governor’s Mansion are both lovely inside and out.

Frankfort also has an amazing Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial designed as a giant sundial. Etched into the face of the dial are the names of Kentucky’s Vietnam dead, and they are placed such that the tip of the gnomon’s shadow touches each name on the anniversary of the person’s death.

Another suggestion: The Kentucky History Center. It had its grand opening just about a month before I moved away from Frankfort, and I was never able to visit, but I hear it’s a nice place.

There are numerous historic homes and buildings in Frankfort, and there are some quaint antique shops there, as well.

You could easily while away half a day in Franfort, and like I said, it’s only a twenty-to-thirty minute drive, and a beautifully scenic drive at that (if you take Old Frankfort Pike, that is).

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If you’re into arts and crafts type stuff, take a side trip to Berea. The historic downtown area is chock-full of shops selling the work of local artists and craftspeople. Some of it’s your typical Kuntry Krafts Krap, but a lot of it is really amazing. IIRC, Mitchell Tolle has his gallery there, too. Berea’s about 45 minutes south of Lexington.

Waveland Estate, on Nicholasville Road just past Man O’ War, is also beautiful. I’ve never been on the house tour, but we’ve taken picnics to the grounds several times. I imagine the tour’s a whole lot like Ashland, which was pretty cool.

The best park in the city is probably Jacobsen Park. There’s a large lake where you can fish or rent paddle boats, a really fun playground, tons of walking and bike paths, and plenty of open space to hang out and people watch, play frisbee, or whatever.

On the Fourth, there’s a parade, fireworks, and such downtown. The best place to watch the fireworks is from the top level of the parking garage a block or so down High from the Hyatt. If you want any good fireworks, though, you’ll have to bring them from home. Bottle rockets, etc., are illegal in Ky. The Herald-Leader should have a full schedule of festivities either online or in that day’s edition.

Equus Vineyards does tours, I think, and they’re out by the Horse Park. Of course, if you’re willing to drive the hour or so to the other side of Bardstown, you can get a taste of a fine old Kentucky tradtition. The Maker’s Mark distillery does free tours, and you can hand-dip your own bottle. The bottle’s a bit expensive, but the dipping is just too cool, and I thought the tour was really fun. You can also sign up to be a Maker’s Mark ambassador, which comes with all sorts of neat little perks.

It’s a shame you’re coming at a time that Keeneland’s not running. There is absolutely no way I’d rather spend a weekend afternoon than at Keeneland. It’s quite possibly thte most beautiful track in the country. The horses, the food, critiquing the outfits in the crowd (especially the suits and heels of the women teetering through the saddling paddock), it’s really wonderful. You guys will have to come back during April or October some year.

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If you really want to blow your diet, the Nighthawk Special at Columbia’s Steak House is a local institution. It’s beef tenderloin broiled in garlic butter, and it’s heavenly. Columbia’s has two locations in Lexington: downtown and Richmond Road. There’s also one in Berea. I also have to second [I[CrazyCatLady[/I} re: Ramsey’s, which is by no means fine dining but the food is very good (and affordable) and the atmosphere is very friendly. If you get the chance, you need to stop by Graeter’s (which also has multiple locations) and get some good, homemade ice cream.

Others have hit on most of the local cultural attractions, but I have to second the Kentucky History Center as being a neat place to spend the afternoon. If you decide to head down to Madison County to visit Berea, you ought to visit White Hall, the home of abolitionist Cassius Clay. If I’m not mistaken, you can tour his estate at least on weekdays and perhaps Saturday mornings as well.

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Oh I know about Graeter’s! I went to college (for a brief time) in Ohio, just outside of Columbus, and we had a Graeter’s. Great stuff.

Thanks everybody, and keep it coming (if there’s anything left)!

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Frankfort native here. I would also suggest a day spent over here, for the reasons mentioned earlier. Definitely drive the Old Frankfort Pike, whether you spend time in Frankfort or not. En route, stop at the Headley-Whitney Museum, which is a quirky little place. Basically an opportunity to view the private collections of the wealthy.

There are several distilleries which offer tours. Labrot and Graham is located between Frankfort and Versailles on US 60, about 10 miles west of Lexington. Their distillery is about 150 years old and has been completely restored. Ancient Age here is Frankfort gives a good tour. PRNYouth, the new history center is great and most definitely worth a visit.

The State Department of Tourism is here: http://www.kytourism.com/

Hope you enjoy yourself.

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Frankd6, I had no idea there were other Frankfort-ers at the Straight Dope, but I shouldn’t be surprised. I lived in Frankfort for five years, just off Louisville Road (Rte 60) on Hawkeegan Drive. It’s just such a nice community – I always loved the fact that the Capitol is in a residential neighborhood. It’s quite picturesque.

I’ve driven past the Headley-Whitney Museum many times and never once stopped in to see what it was. I regret it!

Maybe you can help me with something, Frankd6: There’s a place I loved to drive when I lived there. According to Mapquest, it’s called Glenn’s Creek Road, but I never remember hearing it called that when I lived there. It’s out past the State Archives, sort of, and if you follow it all the way it takes you into Versailles. For the first part of the road, it runs right alongside the river, and takes you underneath Interstate 64.

Anyway, that road takes you right through the grounds of an old distillery. It looks mostly abandoned, but some of the warehouses look like they’re still used to age bourbon. It’s a really neat place – all overgrown with weeds and ivy. I didn’t have a good camera when I lived there, but I do now, and I’ve always wanted to get back there to take some pictures. Any idea what I’m talking about, or what distillery it – or was?

Avarie537, if you do spend a day in Frankfort, consider heading just a little further to Shelbyville, Kentucky, for dinner at Claudia Sanders Dinner House. It was founded by Colonel Sanders and his wife after they sold Kentucky Fried Chicken. It’s located on the grounds of the Sanders’ farm. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is very southern. (It used to be more homey, with the dining areas actually being located within different rooms of the old house, but after a fire a few years ago that gutted the place, they’ve remodeled into a more traditional restaurant layout – but still with lots of character.)

It’s a one-of-a-kind place. For your entree, you might even want to choose a Kentucky Hot Brown, if the old ticker’s in pretty good shape at least. :wink: (A Hot Brown contains lots of cheese. And ham. And cheese. And bacon. And cheese. Did I mention cheese?)

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Whoops … a Hot Brown more traditionally contains turkey. But here’s a recipe from Governor Patton that allows you to use whatever meat you want. Just like a politician, pandering to the masses. :smiley:

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Avarie…
yes I will be working that Thursday. I usually help at the resgister between 1p and 2p, but I will definately be in the bldg no matter what, so feel free to ask for me (Jessica) if you so desire…
They do like people to make reservations for lunch, but they’re not hard to get… call (859)252-6837 during business hours and speak to the hostess… she can take reservations well in advance (like now), and you’d be guaranteed a spot (the dining room is fairly small). Of course, you don’t have to have 'em, it just helps… and of course there’s the shop and the gardens…

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What a great thread to find my local Dopers! :slight_smile:

I don’t think it was mentioned that at the Kentucky Horse Park now is a monumental exhibition called All the Queen’s Horses: The Role of the Horse in British History. Admission to the exhibit includes admission to the park. So if you’re as horsey as you say, you’ll really enjoy yourself there!

I think the Parkette Drive In is closed (?).

You can arrange tours of horse farms through several local agencies. One is Blue Grass Tours, (859) 233-2152.

I think you’d really enjoy a visit to Shakertown. It has been beautifully restored and is a peek into a singular people. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

I hope you enjoy your stay. We’re mightly pleased to have you!

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Fujerica, is this the same Flag Fork that used to be on 421 north of Frankfort?

PRN, those are the Old Taylor, Old Crow and Old Grand Dad distilleries, although I don’t think any distilling has gone on there for many years. However, I think there is still bourbon stored in the warehouses. One of them, closest to the road, burned a few years ago. They also have that cool barrell bridge over the road there.

This is just down the road from the Labrot and Graham distillery that I mentioned earlier. If you follow the road on into Versailles (that’s Ver-say-ulls) you pass the former home of Happy Chandler, a former Kentucky Governor and Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

That road is in fact called Glenn’s Creek Road, presumably because the body of water running along beside it is called “Glenn’s Creek.”

RE: Claudia Sanders, I live in Shelby County now (Bagdad, to be exact). I’ve never been all that impressed with the Claudia Sanders. The food is OK, but not outstanding. It burned about 4 years ago and was rebuilt in a more institutional style (although I haven’t been inside, don’t know what it looks like inside now). If you’re headed that way, I’d recommend going about 3 miles on down the road to Simpsonville and eating at the Old Stone Inn.

You should also check out Keeneland. It’s beautiful just for the grounds and plantings, although I don’t know how they’ll look in the middle of July.

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Frank’s right, Claudia Sanders is fairly run-of-the-mill. It’s OK if you live around here and are looking for some place to go, but don’t go out of your way expecting a find of an eatery.

If you’re set on having a hot Brown and plan on heading to Louisville, go downtown to the Brown Hotel, where they were invented! :slight_smile: I’m partial to Louisville as well, and there are many interesting things to do there. But if you’re just planning on Lexington, there have been quite a few good suggestions in this thread. If I could have a nickel for every time I’ve eaten at Ramsey’s! It’s really good. Go to the one at High and Maxwell.

Keep your eyes peeled around town for decorated horse statues. We had a public art exhibit a couple years ago where local artists took plain horse statues and arted 'em up. Some still remain on public display.

You can see interesting sculptures at the corner of Main and Midland downtown of horses racing and mares and foals grazing. They’re so realistic looking, I’m told real horses have shied when they see them!

Lexington also offers downtown carriage rides. Ask to go to the Gratz Park area, where you’ll see Transylvania University, and have dinner at the Gratz Park Inn. (It was a second-place prize package on Jeopardy! several years ago. :slight_smile: )