Things to Do in Lexington (2025)

An icon of Bluegrass culture where morning training, the Track Kitchen, and year-round guided tours reveal racing’s inner rhythms. Frequently recommended by national travel writers and Southern Living, and central to Lexington’s identity.

A revived 19th‑century distillery anchoring the Distillery District with an engaging tour, small museum, and a bar pouring neat flights and Old Fashioneds. Often highlighted in credible Lexington guides and bourbon coverage for its history-forward experience.

Multi‑generation thoroughbred nursery where guides share Lexington’s horse‑farm heritage as you meet mares and foals. Noted by The New York Times for photogenic, informative tours and booked via Horse Country; minutes from Keeneland.

A 1926 rail‑depot turned indie venue that draws national and Kentucky acts most weeks, with an arcade next door and outdoor shows in season. Regularly cited by local and regional music press; 2025 calendars show a steady stream of touring artists.

Family‑run since 1901, Michler’s greenhouses host a leafy beer‑garden cafe with seasonal salads, sandwiches, and weekend music and readings. Praised by local critics and voters in 2025 lists for its laid‑back garden atmosphere and community spirit.

One of the few U.S. sites where you tour both a brewery and distillery, tasting beer and bourbon in one stop. Included on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler and Food & Wine for easy access from downtown.

Family‑run cidery in the Distillery District crafting traditional small‑batch ciders and hosting lively markets, book fairs, and tours. Its Little Fork kitchen leans local and gluten‑free friendly; events pop up throughout the year.

A day‑to‑night neighborhood favorite: hand‑rolled bagels by morning; wood‑fired pizzas, oysters, and natural wine by evening. Southern Living singles it out among Lexington picks, and locals swear by its crackly crust and seasonally minded menu.

Set in a historic bottling works, this independent spot showcases Kentucky ingredients, in‑house charcuterie, and a smart bar program. Praised by local food writers and diners, it’s a Warehouse Block anchor for brunch, happy hour, and dinner.

A National Historic Landmark where tours explore Clay’s legacy, women’s history, and the lives of the enslaved at Ashland. Recommended by preservation groups and local guides; the gardens and on‑site cafe make it an unhurried cultural stop.

Community‑minded brewery in the historic Bread Box with a beer garden, frequent collabs, and next‑door ordering from Smithtown Seafood. A favorite of local critics; its programs supporting nonprofits help it feel quintessentially Lexington.

Year‑round Saturday market downtown, peaking April–October with dozens of Kentucky producers. Recognized by regional publications as a downtown anchor and easy way to taste the Bluegrass through its growers, bakers, cheesemakers, and flower farms.