Get In On The Magic!
Spring in Lexington is nothing short of magical. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington is nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass region. A place where lush green landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cultural experiences await. As the weather warms up and flowers bloom, there’s no better time to explore the rich offerings of this charming city. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone looking for great local eats, Lexington has something special for everyone. This ‘Spring adventures around Lexington, KY’ post is our guide to making the most of your spring in and around Lexington.
Key notes
- Explore the many horse farms
- Visit the Kentucky Horse Park
- Hike the Red River Gorge
- Check out local farmers markets
- Go for a brewery tour
- Tour the Bourbon Trail
- Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House
- Take a drive on the scenic Kentucky Byway
- Enjoy outdoor dining in downtown Lexington
Explore the Horse Farms
Spring is the perfect time to visit Lexington’s renowned horse farms. With the lush green pastures and the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, you’ll find horses in full bloom (so to speak) as foals are born. Take a guided tour of the nearby farms to learn about Lexington’s equestrian legacy. Many farms offer tours where you can get up close with these magnificent creatures, and some even let you pet the foals.
Recommended Tour:
- Kentucky Horse Farm Tour: This tour is a must-do for anyone interested in learning more about the horse industry, from breeding to racing. Most tours take you to iconic locations such as Claiborne Farm, where Secretariat is buried, and Lexington’s famous horse paddocks.
Visit the Kentucky Horse Park
For a more in-depth horse-themed experience, head to the Kentucky Horse Park. A working farm and educational theme park dedicated to horses. Why make this a spring adventure in Lexington? During the spring, the park hosts various events, including shows, festivals, and even horse riding lessons. It’s a great place for families to learn about the history and care of horses while enjoying a day surrounded by beautiful animals and lush scenery.
Tip: Be sure to check out the Parade of Breeds show, where different horse breeds perform for the public in the park’s outdoor arena.
Hike at the Red River Gorge
Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby Red River Gorge. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the gorge is about an hour’s drive from Lexington. This geological marvel features towering sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and scenic waterfalls. It is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and photographers.
In the spring, the Gorge comes alive with wildflowers, birds, and new greenery. Popular trails like the Natural Bridge Trail and the Sky Bridge Trail offer breathtaking views. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a rock-climbing session or even go zip-lining through the treetops for an adrenaline-filled experience.
Shameless plug for one of our favorite clients: Looking to turn your trip into a full-blown vacation? Check out Mountain Retreats. They have cabins and homes for rent in Stanton, KY just minutes from Red River Gorge!
Check Out Local Farmers’ Markets
Spring is synonymous with fresh produce and Lexington has some of the best farmers markets around. Every Saturday, head over to the Lexington Farmers Market located in downtown Lexington. There you’ll find locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handmade goods. It’s the perfect spot to stock up on local goodies, sample artisanal foods, and chat with farmers and vendors.
Additionally, don’t miss the Chevy Chase Farmers Market, which offers a more intimate market experience in one of Lexington’s historic neighborhoods.
Go for a Brewery Tour
Lexington has become a hotbed for craft beer enthusiasts, and spring is the ideal time to sip on a cold one while soaking up some sunshine. A brewery tour is a fun way to explore Lexington’s vibrant craft beer scene, which is home to several renowned breweries.
Some of our favorites include:
- West Sixth Brewing: Known for its flagship IPA and community-focused ethos.
- Ethereal Brewing: Stands as a testament to Lexington’s brewing heritage, offering quality beers and a distinctive experience with a vast selection of craft beers, including sours and IPAs.
- Alltech’s Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.: Home to the popular Kentucky Bourbon Barrel beers.
- Blue Stallion Brewing: A great spot for European-style beers and a relaxing atmosphere.
Many breweries also host events like live music, food trucks, and spring festivals, so be sure to check their event calendars.
Tour the Bourbon Trail
Kentucky is synonymous with bourbon, and there’s no better time to dive into the local bourbon scene than spring. Take a tour of Lexington’s local distilleries or venture out to the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which is just a short drive away.
Distilleries like Woodford Reserve, Castle & Key, and Wild Turkey offer guided tours where you can learn about the distillation process, see behind-the-scenes operations, and, of course, sample some of the finest bourbon in the world.
OUR PICK: Our fav distillery we can’t visit enough is Buffalo Trace. And yes, it’s free.
Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House
History enthusiasts will want to explore the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the childhood home of the future First Lady. The historic house offers a glimpse into the life of Mary Todd Lincoln before she became the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. Spring is a perfect time to visit the beautifully restored house and learn about her Kentucky roots, her upbringing, and her connection to Lexington.
Take a Scenic Drive on the Kentucky Scenic Byway
Spring is the perfect time to hit the open road and take a drive through the Kentucky Scenic Byway, which offers picturesque views of the state’s rolling hills, horse farms, and charming small towns. You can explore the backroads, stopping at local restaurants, historic sites, and hidden gems along the way. The beauty of the Bluegrass landscape is at its peak in spring, with vibrant green fields and colorful wildflowers.
Enjoy Outdoor Dining in Downtown Lexington
As the weather warms, enjoy a meal outdoors at one of Lexington’s fantastic eateries. Many restaurants in the downtown area have patios where you can dine while taking in the spring air. Distilled at Gratz Park, Coles 735 Main, and The Blue Heron Steakhouse all offer great outdoor seating options with delicious menus to match.
Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat from Crank & Boom Ice Cream or Sav’s Gourmet Ice Cream after your meal!
Lexington is definitely a beautiful area blossoming in the spring with plenty to do to make the most of the wonderful weather. Be sure to check out local event listings to stay updated on spring happenings!
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