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Lexington
Calumet Farm. photo © James Archambeault, courtesy of Lexington CVB
Welcome to Bluegrass Country, the "Horse Capital of the World." But you don't have to be an avid racehorse fan to enjoy the natural beauty, culture and history that this exciting city has to offer. At the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, for example, hiking trails wend their way through forests, meadows and gentle creeks, taking you past historic landmarks; there's even a nighttime guided walk for stargazing. The best place in the world for raising thoroughbred horses, Lexington has over 500 horse farms. The Kentucky Horse Park features films, horse shows and exhibits. Be sure to tour the American Saddle Horse Museum, dedicated to the native Kentucky breed, and watch races at the lovely Keeneland Race Course in season. Historic sites are plentiful here, including the Waveland State Historic Site, the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and the Ashland estate of famed Kentucky statesman Henry Clay.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
Where to Stay
Recommended Reading
Where to stay
Marriott Griffin Gate Resort
Hilton Suites Lexington Green
Radisson Plaza Lexington
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Lexington
Red Roof Inn Lexington Southeast
Hampton Inn Lexington South



Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Off to the racesOff to the races
Keeneland: Part thoroughbred race course, part sales company and considered one of America's most beautiful tracks, Keeneland is known for its well-designed and meticulous landscaping. The grounds consist of the paddock, a prep area where visitors can view horses up-close just before the race and a combination of dirt and turf race tracks.
Address: 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, Kentucky
Phone: 859-254-3412
Admission fee; races held in April and October
Calumet Farm: The most famous of all bluegrass farms, Calumet has won a record nine Kentucky Derby crowns.
Address: 3301 Versailles Road, Lexington, Kentucky
Phone: 859-231-8272
Animal attractionAnimal attraction
Kentucky Horse Park: Horse enthusiasts and other visitors can meet and pet their favorite breeds at this 12,000-acre working horse farm dedicated to celebrating man's relationship with the majestic creatures. The park features two museums, twin theaters and nearly 50 different breeds of horses.
Address: 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Kentucky
Phone: 859-233-4303
Admission fee
American Saddlebred Museum: Explore the history and legends of the American Saddlebred, Kentucky's only native breed, at this museum which includes various exhibits and an award winning multi-image show, "Saddlebred for America."
Address: 4083 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Kentucky
Phone: 859-259-2746
Admission fee
For history buffsFor history buffs
Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate: The home of celebrated statesman Henry Clay, a 600-acre estate that once grew hemp, tobacco and grain is now a museum and National Historic Landmark, where visitors can tour the 18-room mansion, grounds and beautiful gardens.
Address: 120 Sycamore Road, Lexington, Kentucky
Phone: 859-266-8581
Admission fee; closed in January
Waveland State Historic Site: Experience 19th century plantation life at this historic compound where you can tour the mansion or "big house," see quarters where slaves lived, visit a smokehouse and other elements of daily life in the Old South.
Address: 225 Waveland Museum Lane, Lexington, Kentucky
Phone: 859-272-3611
Free
Gone but not forgottenGone but not forgotten
Lexington Cemetery: Established in 1824, this is considered one of America's most beautifully landscaped cemeteries.
Address: 833 West Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky
Phone: 859-255-5522
Free
RestaurantsRestaurants
Jonathan's at Gratz Park: The eclectic menu options at this upscale, hotel restaurant include blackberry quail and coffee crusted pork chop. Outdoor seating on the patio is popular in summer.
Address: 120 W 2ND St, Lexington, Kentucky
Phone: 859-252-4949
Things to doMore attractions
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Lexington goLists

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Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Marriott Griffin Gate Resort
Popularity index: #6 in Lexington
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Hilton Suites Lexington Green
Popularity index: #13 in Lexington
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Orbitz.com View Hotel Photos, Reviews & More Compare & Save on Hotels at Orbitz
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Radisson Plaza Lexington
Popularity index: #23 in Lexington
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Radisson.com Stay at Radisson & get breakfast for up to 4, plus 2000 goldpoints
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Lexington
Popularity index: #19 in Lexington
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Red Roof Inn Lexington Southeast
Popularity index: #36 in Lexington
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Hampton Inn Lexington South
Popularity index: #38 in Lexington
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Recommended Reading
"Racing in the 'horse capital'"  canoe.ca / Associated Press, Feb 26, 2008
You'll find no shortage of great attractions in Lexington, Kentucky.
"Seeking the Magic of Horses in Lexington, Kentucky…Plus Jockeys, BBQ and the Ultimate Sports Bar"  PostcardsForYou.com
The heart of the Kentucky Bluegrass is a great place to explore all things horsey.
"Lexington, Kentucky: Where Bourbon, Betting and Breeding Are a Family Affair"  GoNomad.com, Apr 1, 2006
Between the excitement of a horse race and the thrill of an historic distillery tour, everyone in the family will find something of interest.
"Spirited away - Kentucky"  Scotsman.com, Apr 6, 2008
From horses to distilleries, there's much to see and do in the Bluegrass state.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Lexington