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Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate

120 Sycamore Rd, Lexington, KY 40502 · 859-266-8581

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Perhaps Kentucky's most famous statesman, Henry Clay was not only the "Great Compromiser," who warded off the Civil War for a time, but a Speaker of the House and Secretary of State (among other offices). Ashland, the home now considered a National Historic Landmark, was built by his son on the foundation of the original and features period items and furnishings. Built of brick, the stately Italianate structure also features a cluster of dependencies and manicured gardens on its remaining twenty acres.

Keeneland Race Course

4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40592 · 859-254-3412

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As famous for its beauty as its racing prominence, Keeneland was constructed in 1936 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Distinguished by its limestone buildings and mature trees, Keeneland helped to reinvigorate horse racing when it was faltering – clearly a successful effort. These days, visitors from around the world gather to watch horses train, catch them race during April and October, and bid for thoroughbreds at auction. A gift shop and restaurant are available onsite.

Kentucky Horse Park

4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511 · 859-233-4303

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Spread across more than 1200 acres, this local complex pays homage to Lexington's source of pride and tourism, the horse. Visitors can view dozens of breeds via horseback and carriage rides, special shows, and in museum exhibits and programs. There's a working horse farm, a memorial to the great racehorse Man o' War, and even a campground with leisure activities. Throughout the year, scheduled events add to the slate of activities and display equines in all their glory. Great for folks of all ages.

Mary Todd Lincoln House

578 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 · 859-233-9999

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This elegantly proportioned brick home was built in the late Georgian style at the turn of the 19th century. Initially an inn, it was sold in 1831 to Robert Todd, Mary's father and a prominent Lexington businessman, and he, with his second wife and children, moved to the 14-room structure in 1832. Mary lived there until 1839, when she joined her sister in Springfield, Illinois, and eventually met and married Abraham Lincoln. Restored in the 1970s, the historic home now appears as it did when the Todds inhabited it. It also features period furnishings and gardens and many of the family's personal possessions.

McConnell Springs

416 Rebmann Ln, Lexington, KY 40523 · 859-225-4073

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It was at this site that early settlers first named Lexington, having heard news of the start of the Revolutionary War in Lexington, Massachusetts. Through the years, farms and industry made use of the area, which was reclaimed as public parklands in the late 1980s. Today, you'll find natural springs, mature oaks, and lush vegetation. Stone walls and foundations allude to past habitation, and trails are available for hiking and exploring. Special programs are sponsored regularly as well, and a visitors center offers informative tours.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330 · 859-734-5411

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Modern visitors find a particular peace while visiting this community, whose members advocated a simple life during its 19th-century heyday. Today, the restored buildings and expansive grounds provide a glimpse of Shaker life, from clean-lined design to clever methods of doing household work. At the National Historic Landmark, visitors can view gardens, buildings, domestic goods and interiors, and watch various crafts being practiced. A riverboat ride, miles of trails, a restaurant, and guest accommodations are available as well. Twenty-five miles from Lexington.

The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky

500 Alumni Dr, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506 · 859-257-6955

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This joint project promises a wealth of beauty for visitors, residents, and anyone who finds pleasure in nature. Themed gardens place focus on water environments, roses, herbs, butterflies, and the interests of children. Also available is a section that showcases plants from Kentucky's various regions, including representative trees. Trails are available as well, and special events provide even more reason for visitors to frequent the arboretum throughout the year.

Thoroughbred Center

3380 Paris Pike, Lexington, KY 40511 · 859-293-1853

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Spanning 240 acres, this facility serves as headquarters for thoroughbred training in the area. At any given time, approximately 700 to 800 horses are housed at the complex, which maintains a number of barns and dependencies, along with two race tracks. Tours feature thoroughbreds, their trainers and routines, care and housing, and methods through which they're conditioned for competition. Children's theater productions are also scheduled, and special events are welcomed. Tours run about an hour and a half.

University of Kentucky Art Museum

corner of Rose and Euclid, Singletary Center for the Arts, Lexington, KY 40506 · 859-257-5716

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This university-affiliated museum provides "town and gown" communities with an opportunity to view a range of masterworks by well- and lesser-known artists from a variety of countries and times. The permanent collection includes pieces by Dürer, Lichtenstein, Chuck Close, and Rembrandt in such genres as Abstract Expressionism and American Impressionism. Textiles and regional art also find a place in the facility, which brings in traveling exhibitions and offers lectures as well. While the permanent collection is free, temporary exhibits charge varying fees.

Waveland State Historic Site

225 Waveland Museum Ln, Lexington, KY 40514 · 859-272-3611

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Constructed by descendants of Daniel Boone, this refined, brick-built Greek Revival home features an abundance of classical details, including friezes, mouldings, and Ionic columns. Dating from the mid 19th century, the home (whose name derives from fields of grain moving in the breeze) features period furnishings, artwork, and family possessions. Outbuildings, including slave quarters and kitchen dependencies, may also be viewed. A fascinating glimpse of early Kentucky life. Tours are given on the hour.

Attractions & Activities

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Everyone needs to rest and relax. Our families run from work, to meetings, home – and out again for social functions and children's extracurricular activities. You want quality leisure activities. To aid in your pursuit we have researched a diverse list of options. Ruled out the true wastes of time. And brought to you only the 10Best. We provide quality information you need to make your choices. This city has its share of interesting sites, thriller theme parks, spectacular sporting events, and lovely parks that you don't want to miss on your trip. Our selections point them out for you and allow you to relax, unwind and take in the sites. Enjoy yourself – that is the point of leisure time anyway! Peruse our lists, see what grabs your fancy, and then head out for some personal time!

 

Attractions & Activities

Check out the great attractions & activities you can find in Lexington.

Keeneland Race Course
A Lexington 10Best Bet
Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites

Read the 10Best Review: As famous for its beauty as... More

The Best of Town and Country

A Weekend in Lexington (January 2008)

All Lexington articles »