Holidays to Lexington

Home to hundreds of horse farms as well as a famous racecourse, Kentucky’s second-largest city deserves the nickname ‘Horse Capital of the World’. But holidays to Lexington are no one-trick pony show. Tranquil green spaces, a budding arts scene, and some of America’s top whiskey distilleries are just a few things to keep you galloping back to this Southern getaway.

Lexington: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – February

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The best neighbourhoods in Lexington

Downtown

Downtown is the entertainment hub of the city, full of restaurants, bars and art galleries, making it one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Lexington. Triangle Park offers plenty of lush green space and waterfalls, ideal if you’re looking to stretch your legs. Get a lay of the land with the self-guided Historic Lexington Walk, which takes you to famous sites like the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln.

Good for: History, restaurants, parks

Chevy Chase

A small, residential neighbourhood next to the University of Kentucky, Chevy Chase is where to stay in Lexington if you want to live like a local. Stroll the leafy streets past cute cottages and a small village centre where you’ll find laid-back cafes, restaurants and boutiques. It’s also one of the city’s oldest shopping districts — perfect for buying gifts and souvenirs.

Good for: Shopping, cafes, souvenirs

Ashland Park

You’ll find stylish homes and old-money elegance in Ashland Park. This beautiful neighbourhood is on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll down the tree-lined streets and pick out your favourite red-brick mansions, then wander over to the Henry Clay Estate to explore the gardens and interior of this heritage home. If you’re looking to ramp up the energy, Downtown is only five minutes away.

Good for: Mansions, gardens, history

Things to do in Lexington

Lexington
Brett Hait; courtesy to VisitLEX

Take in the culture

A horse farm and theme park, the sprawling Kentucky Horse Park is one of Lexington’s biggest draws. You could spend a full day visiting its museums and monuments or exploring its trails on horseback. In the heart of town, the University of Kentucky Art Museum showcases art from around the world, while The Living Arts & Science Center boasts hands-on exhibits and a planetarium.

Shopping

From quaint bookshops to classic Southern boutiques, shopping in Lexington will not disappoint. Enjoy an outdoor shopping experience at The Summit at Fritz Farm, where dining and browsing go hand in hand. Find used vinyl records, classic video games and vintage clothes at popular stores like Pops Resale. Or head to the Fayette Mall, Kentucky’s largest shopping centre, to shop the latest trends.

Places to eat

Restaurants in Lexington promise a feast for the senses. Make sure to come with an empty stomach to sample some of the best brisket, bourbon-infused dishes and farm-to-table fare around. The revitalised Distillery District has plenty of dining options, including the popular pizza spot Goodfellas. On weekends visit the Lexington Farmers Market for fresh local produce and baked goods.

FAQs about Lexington holidays

If your trip to Lexington is all about hitting the highlights, three to five days should cover it. Consider a week or more if you want to take in every detail. Longer visits provide ample time to unwind and explore at your own pace, especially after a long-distance journey.
For plenty of horse-racing action, come during spring or autumn. This is also the best time for a holiday to Lexington if you’d like to explore the bluegrass countryside and spend time in nature. Temperatures during this period are pleasant, but pack a jacket for those chilly nights.
The locals here mainly speak English. Every city has its own distinct lingo, so it's worth picking up a few common expressions to use during your city break in Lexington.
Lexington is considered a very safe city with a low crime rate. Make sure you look out for cars when crossing as the roads can get very busy. It’s also wise to avoid walking alone late at night during your holiday in Lexington.
Organise your Lexington trip for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. -8ºC (18ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Whether you're into art, history, or anything else, there's no shortage of things to do in Lexington. Keeneland Association Inc and Kentucky Horse Park are just a taste of what awaits in this holiday-worthy destination.
The warmest month in Lexington is July, when temperatures peak at 32ºC (90ºF).
While on your trip to Lexington, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your expenses. You may want to carry a mix of cards and cash to avoid any hassles with payments.
Lexington is one of the more affordable cities in Kentucky. You’ll have options to suit every budget, from high-end heritage hotels to simple guesthouses. To save on flights and hotels to Lexington, consider a winter visit from December to February. You’re likely to find cheaper deals and experience fewer crowds.
With around 15 cm of rainfall, April is the rainiest month. If you're going on your Lexington holiday then, you'll want to plan a few indoor activities. Enjoy a meal at one of the city's top dining spots, check out an art gallery, or treat yourself to some retail therapy.

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