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Whether it’s catching a race day at Keeneland, touring a horse farm, or exploring the many fine distilleries of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, an activity involving horses or bourbon is a must.
 
Surrounded by the rolling, bluegrass hills of Kentucky, visitors can split time between the city of Lexington, where a burgeoning dining scene fills the historic downtown streets, and the neighboring countryside that’s home to Thoroughbred farms, bourbon distilleries and other off-the-beaten-path dining options.
 
Shop Local and Nationally-Known Brands: Fritz Farm combines the beauty and leisure of a public park with the convenience and commerce of an outdoor mall. A great place to sample Lexington’s best (and latest) flavors, and a shopping center full of local boutiques and favorite higher-end chains.
 
Enjoy Farm-to-Table Fresh Cuisine: Lexington is a foodie’s paradise with a spot for whatever your clients are craving. Hundreds of independent restaurants helmed by the likes of James Beard Award-nominated chefs take farm-to-table cuisine to spectacular heights with flavors from around the world. Barbecue is an essential meal while in Lexington (County Club can’t be beat), as is one fancy, old-school night out at the Lexington local favorite, Dudley’s on Short.

Top Things to Do in Lexington, Kentucky

Horse Capital of the World: With icons of Thoroughbred racing like Keeneland Race Course and picture-perfect horse farms in every direction, it’s no surprise that Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World.  Lexington is home to more than 450 horse farms, many open for behind-the-scenes tours via Visit Horse Country. This includes the historic Lane's End Farm (visited twice by Queen Elizabeth II herself!), equine retirement facilities, nurseries and more. The 1,200 acre Kentucky Horse Park, dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse, is another can’t miss attraction for any visit to Lexington.
 
Bourbon in the Heart of Kentucky: Beneath the rolling bluegrass hills of Lexington, Kentucky, a rare limestone formation filters natural spring water for the world’s finest bourbon, fueling a magical culture of creativity and innovation. For centuries, the best and brightest Bourbon minds, the most skilled Bourbon alchemists, and the most creative Bourbon mixologists have called Lexington home. In that time, they’ve established world-class bourbon distilleries and bars, and invented some of the world’s most beloved bourbon cocktails.
 
Discover Kentucky’s natural beauty at the stunning Kentucky River Palisades (a 450-million-year-old ecosystem) perfect for self-guided hikes or soaring above the treetops on Boone Creek Outdoors’ thrilling Zipline Canopy Tours. Then head downtown to Gatton Park on the Town Branch, Lexington’s newest urban green space where art, nature, music, and community come together through events, programs and inviting amenities.

Place Your Bets at Keeneland Race Course: With its tranquil setting and lovely stone fences and buildings, this national historic landmark is one of the most genteel and beautiful racetracks in the world. Visitors are welcome year round. Live Thoroughbred racing takes place in April and October and live Thoroughbred auctions are held January, September and November.
 
Go to a Horse Farm: Exploring a horse farm in Lexington provides behind-the-scenes context to the races, the animals, and the region, as well as gorgeous, sweeping views of bluegrass country. 

Have an Adventure at Shaker Village: A scenic step back in time, seldom experienced elsewhere, The Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill is dedicated to the Kentucky Shaker community, preserving their unique way of life. Beautiful, historic buildings and surrounding farm country offer many possibilities for the whole family. 

Explore Downtown Lexington: Downtown Lexington is a good mix of the young and old, and of both small town and big city vibes. Its architecture spans about 200 years, and there are historic walking tours through the various stages and major players of the city.
 
Downtown is also home to a thriving nightlife scene with something for everyone. Not only is just about every bar a bourbon bar, but there are plenty of craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and unforgettable places to sit, sip, and take in the atmosphere of the Lexington bar and brewery scene. 

Lexington, Kentucky is proving to be an increasingly valuable addition to travel itineraries, earning the title of #1 Most Tourist-Friendly City in the U.S. in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. The destination also ranked #6 among America's Best Food Cities and #8 among the Best Small Cities, highlighting its broad appeal to a range of travelers, from culinary enthusiasts to culture seekers. These accolades position Lexington as an ideal destination for travel advisors looking to offer clients an authentic, high-quality U.S. experience with strong visitor satisfaction.

For travel agents, Lexington offers a compelling blend of Southern hospitality, world-renowned equestrian heritage, and a growing culinary scene, all within an accessible and easy-to-explore city. According to Mary Quinn Ramer, President of VisitLEX, the recognition reflects the community's welcoming spirit and the destination's ability to consistently deliver memorable experiences. Backed by more than 757,000 traveler votes in the prestigious awards program, Lexington continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination where visitors feel genuinely welcomed, making it a strong recommendation for leisure travelers seeking both charm and quality. 

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