Why Visit Lexington, Kentucky?
Quit horsing around and visit Lexington, Kentucky, also known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region. Horse farms and paddocks surround the region, giving the city it’s mane identity.
The Best Time to Visit Lexington, Kentucky
The hottest months in Lexington, Kentucky start in June and end in August, with average highs of 85°F. The coldest months last from December to February, with temperatures averaging at 43°F. The driest months fall between August to September, and the wettest months fall between December to April.
High season usually falls during festival season, lasting from June to July. The Festival of Bluegrass, Kentucky’s oldest bluegrass music festival, kicks of festival season in early June. Lexington Pride Festival occurs in the later part of June, offering live music, crafts, food, and informational booths from LGBTQ organizations. After which, begins the Fourth of July festivities.
The cheapest time to visit Lexington, Kentucky is in October.
Getting Around Lexington, Kentucky
The Airport
Blue Grass Airport (LEX) serves the city, just 6 miles west (around 16 minutes) from downtown Lexington. Taxis are available outside the terminal by the baggage claim exit, metered fares begin at US$4.50, and normally costs US$18–US$21 to travel from Blue Grass Airport (LEX) to downtown Lexington. The cheapest way to leave Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is via Lextran bus 21, with a journey time of 40 minutes, costing US$1.
Public Transport
Lextran, the public bus system, serves Lexington, Kentucky. 27 bus routes run throughout the city, operating daily from 05:00–00:00. Single rides cost US$1, with day passes available for $3. Do note that credit card payment is only accepted at the Downtown Transit Center, and not onboard buses.
Things to Do in Lexington, Kentucky
If you visit in the winter, be sure to drive through the Kentucky Horse Park’s famous holiday showcase, “Southern Lights: Spectacular Sights on Holiday Nights.” Not only is the site a major tourist attraction in Lexington, Kentucky, but it’s also a working farm that houses famous retired horses, and a training center for thoroughbreds.
Catch a horse race in Lexington, Kentucky. Race courses include The Red Mile Harness Track and Keeneland.
The Red Mile Harness Track is the oldest racing track in Lexington, Kentucky, and the second-oldest in the country.
Hotels near The Red Mile include: 2-star Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lexington-Downtown University, 3-star SpringHill Suites Lexington Near the University of Kentucky, and 3-star Hyatt Regency Lexington.
Live races at Keeneland occurs between April and October. The most famous race is the Blue Grass Stakes, held annually in April.
Hotels closest to Keeneland include: 3-star Residence Inn Lexington Keeneland/Airport and 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Lexington Keeneland/Airport.
The Mary Todd Lincoln House, situated in downtown Lexington, was purchased for 16th First Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln in her childhood. Today, the historic 14-room house is a museum containing artifacts belonging to both the Todds and the Lincolns. One-hour public tours are available at the time of writing.
Hotels in downtown Lexington include: 3-star Hilton Lexington Downtown, 3-star Residence Inn by Marriott Lexington City Center, 4-star 21C Museum Hotel Lexington, and 4-star Lexington Marriott City Center.
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