Go There: How To Spend a Weekend in Lexington, KY
Spend a weekend sampling all this Southern town has to offer, from bourbon tastings and soul food to Kentucky Wildcats basketball.
Known as the land of horses, history and homestyle cooking, Kentucky is a small (but undoubtedly entertaining!) state. And while I might be biased as a native Kentuckian myself, I think Lexington just might be one of our best cities.
My first trip to Lexington was one to remember, and I’ve often found that each one since has continued to surpass the last. I’m consistently mesmerized by the city’s unique ability to foster the luxuries of a metropolitan area while still maintaining the Southern charm for which this half of the country is famous.
There are plenty of things to do in Lexington, KY, plus cozy accommodations and delectable cuisine — there is truly something for everyone to enjoy here. And even better? The locals you meet are guaranteed to make you feel right at home. Read on to learn more about why you should visit Lexington, KY.
In This Article
Where to Stay
A self-proclaimed “spirited place,” The Manchester Hotel perfectly captures the unbridled atmosphere of Lexington. Created with coziness in mind, the rooms are spacious with rich colors and are inspired by the area’s roots in the Bourbon industry (more on that later), with deep browns, maroons and blues at the forefront. It is modern yet with a creative nod to history, with small details like wooden desks, velvet chairs and antique radio look-a-likes adorning the space.
In addition to its guest rooms, The Manchester boasts an impressive roster of on-site restaurants, bars and meeting spaces. Named after a matriarchal racehorse, as one does in Kentucky, The Granddam produces “reimagined Bluegrass fare.” Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and, of course, a nightcap, the menu includes up-scale takes on southern favorites, including shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, deviled eggs and mint juleps.
On the top floor, you can visit the Lost Palm, a 1960s-inspired rooftop oasis. Designed after Southern Florida (because we Kentuckians love a beach trip), the bar features plenty of flamboyant cocktails, small bites and even a fresh seafood tower.
Where to Eat
Nothing says vacation quite like treating yourself, right? While visiting Lexington, you’ll want to stop by Malone’s. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Malone’s is home to great food and even better service. Their menu houses a whopping dozen premium cut steaks, plus plenty of sushi, seafood, salads and house favorites. But my personal go-to? The world’s greatest desert. All of your favorite sweet treats are piled into one tower (yes, tower). With layers of angel food cake, black cherry ice cream, chocolate chunk ice cream, Oreo cookie crumb crust and loads of toppings, this is a desert you’ll most certainly want to save room for.
Any time of day is a good time to visit Lockbox. Star dishes include warm griddled banana bread, ham and sweet corn hushpuppies and pimento mac and cheese. Plus, this trendy eatery is located inside Lexington’s 21C Hotel, which means you’ll get dinner and a show with rotating art exhibits available to view daily.
You didn’t think this Kentuckian was going to finish without mentioning soul food, did you? Having a homemade, Southern meal is a must in the Bluegrass state, and lucky for you, Lexington’s Blue Skillet is one of the best. Daily specials include baked chicken, meatloaf, fried pork chops, green beans, mashed potatoes, cabbage and greens. And if you see a line when you arrive, don’t let it scare you off. Trust me; it’s worth the wait.
How To Spend a Day in Lexington, KY
There are tons of things to do in Lexington, KY.
For starters, a visit to Lexington just wouldn’t be complete without a bourbon tasting. Lexington is a top-tier bourbon destination. In fact, the city is home to an underground limestone shelf, which is known to naturally filter the iron out of the groundwater, making it almost perfectly pure for distilling.
Located in the heart of Lexington, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Home to the award-winning Town Branch® Bourbon, this family-owned establishment has roots — seven generations of Irish brewers, distillers and coopers, to be exact. Hourly tours and tastings are available throughout the week, but my suggestion? Check out the Twilight and Cocktail Tour to make your experience even more memorable.
If you’re looking to knock a few more Bourbon Trail stops off your list while visiting Lexington, KY, there are several within driving distance. Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve and Four Roses are all just a short car ride away.
With all this bourbon around, people often forget that Lexington is home to other rich historical facets, including the home of Mary Todd Lincoln. Self-guided tours of the former first lady’s childhood home are available seasonally from March through November. The exceptionally well-preserved museum houses several original artifacts, including antique furniture, silver and family portraits.
After a long day of bourbon tasting and tours, what better way to unwind than with a bit of retail therapy? Lexington is home to several unique boutiques, including Sash and Bow, Pirie Boutique, JamesC Boutique, Logan’s of Lexington and Steel Mill & Co.
Local Obsession: Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
Kentucky’s allegiance is split between two sports teams, but if you’re in Lexington, the choice is clear: The Kentucky Wildcats. Visitors and locals alike will confirm for you that there is nothing quite like a fan that “bleeds blue.” Having won an impressive 14 NCAA National Championships, The University of Kentucky has been home to some of the world’s top basketball stars, including Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, Julius Randle, Jamal Murray and more.
The games are so legendary that they’ve accumulated quite the star-studded fanbase. Celebrities such as Drake, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are all known to frequent the infamous Rupp Arena.
On any given day, but especially game days, the city is bound to be swimming in a sea of their iconic Kentucky blue. And take it from someone who learned their lesson early in life: Don’t interrupt a UK fan while they are trying to watch the game. Thank me later.
Want to learn even more about living in Lexington, KY? Check out this year’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list.