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16 Mar 2025Updated last time
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One day in Lexington, KY Ititnerary

One Day in Lexington, KY Itinerary Overview

Embark on a delightful one-day adventure in Lexington, Kentucky, where you'll experience the city's rich heritage and scenic beauty. Start your morning with a visit to Keeneland Race Course, a historic and picturesque venue where you can immerse yourself in the tradition of thoroughbred racing. Next, head to the Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm and educational theme park that offers an in-depth look at man's relationship with horses through museums, horse shows, and equine presentations.

As you continue your journey, make your way to the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln. This historic house museum provides a fascinating glimpse into her life and the history of the era through guided tours. In the afternoon, visit Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, the beautifully preserved home of the prominent 19th-century statesman Henry Clay. Here, you can explore the architectural grandeur and lush grounds that once hosted numerous political and social gatherings.

Round off your day with a peaceful stroll through The Arboretum, a 100-acre botanical garden that features diverse plant collections, walking trails, and seasonal events. This serene setting is perfect for nature enthusiasts to unwind and soak in the natural beauty. From historic landmarks to lush gardens, this one-day itinerary in Lexington offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and nature.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Keeneland Race Course

    Experience the tradition of thoroughbred racing in a historic and picturesque setting, which offers a glimpse into the world of horse racing.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Kentucky Horse Park

    Explore a working horse farm and educational theme park dedicated to man's relationship with the horse, featuring museums, horse shows, and equine presentations.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Mary Todd Lincoln House

    Visit the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln, and learn about her life and the history of the era through a guided tour of this historic house museum.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate

    Discover the historic home of statesman Henry Clay, which offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and politics, with beautifully preserved architecture and grounds.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    The Arboretum

    Enjoy the serene and scenic beauty of this 100-acre botanical garden, featuring diverse plant collections, walking trails, and seasonal events, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

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    The Kentucky Castle

    4.5

    The Kentucky Castle

    Dine like royalty in a real castle, offering farm-to-table dining with locally sourced ingredients.
    4.5
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    Blue Door Smokehouse

    4.8
    $$$$

    Blue Door Smokehouse

    A hidden gem known for its mouth-watering smoked meats and traditional BBQ flavors.
    4.8
    $$$$
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    Alfalfa Restaurant

    4.2
    $$$$

    Alfalfa Restaurant

    A quirky eatery offering a diverse menu with vegetarian-friendly options and a cozy atmosphere.
    4.2
    $$$$
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    Goodfellas Pizzeria

    3.1
    $$$$

    Goodfellas Pizzeria

    Enjoy New York-style pizza in a unique setting that mimics an old-fashioned speakeasy.
    3.1
    $$$$
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    Distilled on Jefferson

    4.7
    $$$$

    Distilled on Jefferson

    A chic restaurant located in an old distillery, known for its innovative cuisine and craft cocktails.
    4.7
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    The 21c Museum Hotel Lexington

    The 21c Museum Hotel Lexington

    A boutique hotel that doubles as a contemporary art museum, offering a unique blend of culture and luxury.
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    The Kentucky Castle

    4.5

    The Kentucky Castle

    Stay in a real castle with luxurious accommodations and unique amenities, including a farm-to-table restaurant and spa.
    4.5
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    The Sire Hotel Lexington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

    4.5

    The Sire Hotel Lexington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

    A charming boutique hotel with historic charm and modern comforts, located in downtown Lexington.
    4.5
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    Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa

    4.2

    Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa

    A luxurious resort offering a full-service spa, golf course, and beautiful grounds, perfect for a relaxing stay.
    4.2
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    The Campbell House, Curio Collection by Hilton

    4

    The Campbell House, Curio Collection by Hilton

    A historic hotel with Southern elegance and modern amenities, offering a unique blend of past and present.
    4
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Deafheaven

    Deafheaven

    The event will take place at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington.
    Map IconManchester Music Hall in Lexington (0.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Oct 2025
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    The Band CAMINO: The Never Always TOur with special guest almost monda

    The Band CAMINO: The Never Always TOur with special guest almost monda

    The event will take place at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington.
    Map IconManchester Music Hall in Lexington (0.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Nov 2025
    Picture for The Band CAMINO: The Never Always TOur with special guest almost monda
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    Maddox Batson - I Need a Truck Tour

    Maddox Batson - I Need a Truck Tour

    VIP INFO: Maddox Batson Truck Stop VIP Meet and Greet includes, 1 (one) photo with Maddox on purchaser device, 1 (one) autographed photo provided by tour, and 1 (one) autographed item of purchaser choice. Purchase includes 1 (One) parent/guardian (wi...
    Map IconManchester Music Hall in Lexington (0.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Sep 2025
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    ARCHERS THE TEMPORARY HIGH TOUR PART 2

    ARCHERS THE TEMPORARY HIGH TOUR PART 2

    The event will take place at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington.
    Map IconManchester Music Hall in Lexington (0.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Oct 2025
    Picture for ARCHERS THE TEMPORARY HIGH TOUR PART 2
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    Drake White - Keep It Movin’ Tour

    Drake White - Keep It Movin’ Tour

    The event will take place at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington.
    Map IconManchester Music Hall in Lexington (0.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Oct 2025
    Picture for Drake White - Keep It Movin’ Tour
  • Event Icon

    KISS Alive

    KISS Alive

    The event will take place at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington.
    Map IconManchester Music Hall in Lexington (0.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon11 Oct 2025
    Picture for KISS Alive
  • Event Icon

    HYPERGLOW Lexington, KY 2025! "America’s Largest Glow Party"

    HYPERGLOW Lexington, KY 2025! "America’s Largest Glow Party"

    HYPERGLOW 2025: Americas Largest Glow Party returns to LEXINGTON, KY!Get ready, Kentucky!HYPERGLOW is back brighter, louder, and wilder than ever before! Join us on October 11, 2025 at Manchester Music Hall for an epic night of neon lights, high-ener...
    Map IconManchester Music Hall in Lexington (0.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Oct 2025
    Picture for HYPERGLOW Lexington, KY 2025! "America’s Largest Glow Party"

Travel Gems from Reddit


Music for Your Journey

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    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A classic road trip song that sets a relaxed and carefree tone.
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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    An upbeat anthem perfect for driving, evoking a sense of adventure.
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson's timeless hit captures the joy of the open road.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Neil Diamond - Kentucky Woman

    Neil Diamond - Kentucky Woman

    A nod to the Bluegrass State, this song celebrates Kentucky's charm.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Gene Autry - Home On the Range

    Gene Autry - Home On the Range

    A soothing tune that evokes the tranquility of natural landscapes.
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  • Music Icon

    Ray Charles - America the Beautiful

    Ray Charles - America the Beautiful

    A patriotic song that celebrates the diverse beauty of the country.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

    Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

    An easygoing track perfect for enjoying a scenic drive through Kentucky.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel
  • Music Icon

    Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys - Blue Moon Of Kentucky

    Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys - Blue Moon Of Kentucky

    A bluegrass classic that resonates with Kentucky's musical heritage.
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    Picture for Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys - Blue Moon Of Kentucky
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    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads - Original Version

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads - Original Version

    John Denver's ode to rural America is ideal for a drive through scenic landscapes.
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  • Music Icon

    America - A Horse with No Name

    America - A Horse with No Name

    A mellow song with a sense of mystery and exploration, great for winding roads.
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