This text—shared in partnership with our pals at VisitLex—is a part of 52Cities, a column the place we share editor-curated and community-loved suggestions for visiting our favourite locations.

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As a local Atlantan, I’m no stranger to visiting Southern cities—spring breaks spent in Florida seaside cities, Lady Scouts journeys to Savannah, an particularly memorable New Yr’s Eve in Nashville, and loads of weekend getaways within the Carolinas. However up till not too long ago, I’d by no means spent a lot time in Kentucky. Certain, there was the household pilgrimage to Mammoth Cave after I was a teen, too cool to understand the wonders of eyeless fish (Google it) and the world’s largest underground cave system, however the Bluegrass State had but to drag me in. After a current journey to Lexington, all of that modified.

Now, I’m downright hooked on the magic of that metropolis—its many-patterned jockey silks and early morning race observe sounds; its edible flower gardens and bustling farmers’ markets; its wealthy bourbon historical past and new-found love of imaginative sake. Lexington is the birthplace of observe stars like Secretariat and residential to 14 bourbon distilleries, together with Recent Bourbon, one of many “first African American-owned distiller[ies] since slavery.” Its limestone-rich soil is perfect for breeding horses, distilling spirits, and rising all kinds of crops, however most significantly, Lexington’s panorama is right for fostering the nice and cozy, welcoming neighborhood you’ll discover there at present.

Whether or not you’re stopping in when the Breeders’ Cup is on the town, looking for out the town’s many LGBTQ+ locations, or just seeking the proper weekend journey, Lexington has just a little one thing for everybody.

1. The Manchester Lodge, 941 Manchester St.

Cozy beds, woody accents, clawfoot tubs, and loads of pure gentle—what extra may you need out of a boutique lodge? Oh, it’s additionally strolling distance from the Distillery District, which is residence to breweries, eating places, and a cidery, plus it’s bought two on-site eating places: Granddam and Misplaced Palm (extra on these later).

2. 21c Museum Lodge Lexington, 167 West Fundamental St.

Up to date artwork lovers, this one’s for you. The 21c Museum Lodge boasts unimaginable metropolis views, a handy downtown location, and galleries stuffed with work from native artists. (They’ve additionally bought charming, big blue penguins to greet you within the foyer.)

3. The Elwood Lodge, 444 Parkway Dr.

Described as “a tribute to modern Southern way of life,” The Elwood Lodge is simply as stunning on the surface as it’s on the within, because of the sprawling floral mural on its facade. It’s bought a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic, an in-house bar and restaurant referred to as Fiddletree Kitchen, and it’s pet-friendly.

4. Pearl’s, 133 North Limestone

By night time, Pearl’s is a wood-fired pizza and pure wine bar, however by day they serve wood-fired bagels—plain with cream cheese or as a sandwich that includes eggs from Black Soil KY, an agribusiness whose purpose is to reconnect Black Kentuckians with their agricultural heritage—and most significantly, espresso.

5. Josie’s, 821 Chevy Chase Pl.

Sit at Josie’s horseshoe-shaped bar and settle in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and even dinner. We’re talkin’ fluffy waffles, loaded omelets, deli sandwiches, specialty burgers, and wedge salads, all served with a facet of Southern consolation.

6. Blue Door Smokehouse, 226 Walton Ave.

You’ll discover a few of the metropolis’s greatest barbecue at Blue Door Smokehouse, from tender, smoky brisket to juicy child again ribs. They’re open Monday via Saturday from 11 a.m. till they promote out, so go early to keep away from disappointment.

7. Nourished Of us, 101 W Loudon Ave. Suite 168

Positioned in Greyline Station, this cozy cafe serves a powerful menu of hearty, from-scratch vegetarian dishes (like their pesto grilled cheese on sourdough), together with loads of dairy- and gluten-free choices.

8. The Social Vegan, 101 W Loudon Ave.

If creative vegan fare is extra your scene, head subsequent door to The Social Vegan (additionally situated in Greyline Station). Their Southern-leaning choices embrace cashew cheese dip and chips, buffalo cauliflower wings, and fried oyster mushrooms.

9. North Lime Espresso & Donuts, 101 W Loudon Ave. Suite 160

Select from their lineup of on a regular basis donuts (Funkfetti, Chocolate Iced, Cinnamon Sugar) or choose one of many ever-changing Specialty Donuts du jour. True to kind, North Lime has equally artistic caffeinated choices, just like the espresso-filled, peanut buttery, Shaken PB Cup, however nobody will decide you for those who go for one thing less complicated.

10. Natalia’s Pastry Store, 101 W Loudon Ave.

Nestled among the many many storefronts in Greyline Station, this Dominican-owned pastry store has freshly baked goodies starting from savory empanadas to candy cupcakes and all the pieces in between.

11. Rise Up Pizza, 101 W Loudon Ave. Suite 112

In case you’re fortunate sufficient to search out your self at Rise Up on a Saturday, go forward and seize a #SaturdaySlice, their completely crusty, Sicilian-style slices (I like to recommend a nook piece). Or, order one in every of their specialty personal-sized pies any day of the week.

12. Zim’s Cafe, 215 W Fundamental St. Unit 25

Positioned contained in the Outdated Courthouse, Zim’s is an informal, family-friendly spot from the eight-time James Beard Basis Award nominee, Chef Outia Michel. Their menu adjustments primarily based on what’s in season, but it surely at all times includes a bounty of recent produce, meat, and extra from Kentucky farmers. Psst: Lexington’s Customer Middle is situated in the identical constructing, so this can be a good spot to cease in if you would like to additional immerse your self in all issues LEX.

13. Smithtown Seafood, 501 W sixth St.

One other joint from Outia Michel, Smithtown Seafood is all about—you guessed it—seafood. Take pleasure in oysters on the half shell, chilled lump crab dip, fried catfish sandwiches, and different domestically sourced delights.

14. A Cup of Commonwealth, A number of Places

In search of a cup of Joe to begin your day? Cease by one in every of their places and gas up on espresso constituted of sustainably-grown beans.

15. Holly Hill Inn, 426 N Winter St, Halfway, KY

In case you can solely squeeze one meal from Ouita Michel into your journey, Holly Hill Inn is the spot. Helmed by Culinary Director Tyler McNabb, this pioneering farm-to-table restaurant crafts whimsical prix fixe menus round seasonal, hyperlocal fare in a bucolic setting simply exterior of Lexington.

16. Lockbox, 167 W Fundamental St.

Eating at Lockbox is a no brainer for those who’re staying on the 21c Museum Lodge (it’s situated within the lodge’s foyer), however its downtown location makes it a handy dinner spot for anybody, visitor or not. Order a bunch of bites like their pimento cheese and biscuit-filled share board for the desk, or select a couple of of their show-stopping mains.

17. Crēaux, 310 W Quick St.

Impressed by all issues New Orleans, Crēaux is Lexington’s reply to Bourbon Avenue—meaning stay music, Hurricanes, and rattling good Southern-style fried fish.

18. Granddam, 941 Manchester St.

Named for a retired matriarchal racehorse dwelling her greatest life as a retiree, The Manchester Lodge’s Granddam is all about taking it simple in type. Sip a tableside julep when you peruse the Appalachian-inspired menu of reimagined Bluegrass fare, sourced primarily from native purveyors.

19. Misplaced Palm, 941 Manchester St.

If tropical, ‘70s Miami vibes are extra your factor, head upstairs at The Manchester Lodge to the Misplaced Palm rooftop bar. They’ve bought seafood towers, shrimp mofongo, and tacos al pastor until 11 p.m., plus loads of rum-based cocktails, beer, and wine.

20. Proud Mary BBQ, 9079 Outdated Richmond Rd.

Perched on the Kentucky Riverbank, Proud Mary is understood for his or her killer barbecue, chilly drinks, and stay music.

21. Corto Lima, 101 W Quick St.

James Beard-nominated chef Jonathan Lundy is behind this downtown, Latin-inspired restaurant. From shrimp ceviche to Peruvian hen, just about all the pieces on the menu pairs properly with one in every of their many signature margaritas.

22. Crank & Increase, A number of Places

This craft ice cream parlor has two places in Lexington, but it surely’s their Distillery District spot that particularly piqued my curiosity. Having fun with a frosty candy deal with after a day at a brewery? Sure please.

23. Little Fork, 1170 Manchester St. Suite 140

Positioned at Clever Chicken Cider within the Distillery District, this meals truck sources substances from Black-owned farms via a partnership with Black Soil KY to serve up loaded hen poppers, fried inexperienced tomato burgers, and different cider-friendly fare.

24. Goodfellas Pizzeria, A number of Places

With a number of places across the metropolis—together with one within the Distillery District—Goodfellas is a handy, community-loved pizzeria that’s good for grabbing a pie or two.

25. Lussi Brown, 114 Church St.

Pronounced “Lucy” Brown, this all-day espresso store serves its expertly crafted cocktails from round midday till they shut at 10 p.m., Wednesday via Sunday. Sit at one in every of their sidewalk tables and luxuriate in a Watermelon Mojito, Chilly Customary, or Earl Gray Mule.

26. Clever Chicken Cider Co., 1170 Manchester St. #140

This family-fun operation crafts small-batch ciders utilizing the very best Kentucky-grown apples, together with harder-to-find varietals grown in neighboring states like Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. With seasonal specials like Frosé (aka frozen Rosé Cider) and classics like their semi-dry Commonwealth Gold, you’ve bought loads of choices to select from.

27. Ona’s, 108 Church St.

Open seven days per week from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Ona’s is a divey, no-fuss bar that caters to a wide range of tastes. Suppose: $Three Excessive Life, a rotating record of pure wines, and craft cocktails.

28. Darling Wine Bar, 101 W Loudon Ave. Suite 164

This Greyline Station spot is all about pure wine, however they’ve bought some chilly beer too, if that’s your factor. Previously The Breeze, Darling Wine Bar can also be a bottle store in case you’re seeking to inventory your lodge fridge.

29. Crossings, 117 N Limestone

A cornerstone of Lexington’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, Crossings is a queer, downtown dive bar that’s been round for 30 years. Its present house owners are dedicated to creating an inclusive surroundings for all who enter and describe it as “a house for queers, misfits, and charity.”

30. Talon Vineyard & Vineyards, 7086 Tates Creek Rd.

Established in 1999 as Fayette County’s first vineyard, Talon Vineyard & Vineyards is a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon tasting wine and absorbing the surroundings. Carry a picnic blanket and a few snacks to make a full day of it.

31. Mirror Twin Brewing, 725 Nationwide Ave.

Named for co-founder Derek DeFranco’s mirror twin (an an identical twin with asymmetrical options), this brewery is all about neighborhood, good vibes, and nice beer. They’re continually including new beers to the draught lists of their two side-by-side taprooms—one is pretty commonplace in design whereas the opposite is extra of a laid-back lounge.

32. Myriad Meadery, 732 Nationwide Ave.

One other brainchild of the Mirror Twin of us, Myriad makes a speciality of all issues mead (honey wine). Lead Mazer Doug Value, additionally a Mirror Twin brewer, is behind their many mead varieties you’ll discover on faucet, from Blackberry Espresso Session Mead to a Cranberry Hibiscus Mead Spritzer.

33. The Void Sake Firm, 949 Nationwide Ave. Suite 190

Sake won’t be the very first thing that involves thoughts once you consider Kentucky, however belief me, the oldsters at The Void know what they’re doing. Go to their sake brewery and take a look at a sake flight, or go for sake in slushie kind if it’s an particularly scorching day.

34. Ethereal Brewing, 102 W Vine St.

In case you’re already within the Distillery District, you may as properly mozy on over to Ethereal Brewing, aka the one brewery on the town with a devoted yeast lab. They’ve additionally bought a dog-friendly faucet room full with dart boards and the occasional taco stand.

35. Bourbon on Rye, 115 W Fundamental St.

This Prohibition-style bar and restaurant makes a speciality of elevated cocktails in addition to an intensive record of bourbon and rye, naturally. Can’t discover one thing that tickles your fancy on their record? Ask the bartender for the uncommon bourbon record.

36. Harvey’s Bar, 200 W Fundamental St.

A part of the six-business collective often known as The Grove, Harvey’s is a colourful, energetic bar with indoor and out of doors seating accessible. They’ve bought beer, wine, and cocktails, and the decor is someplace between a speakeasy and “Alice in Wonderland.”

37. The Thirsty Fox, 215 W Fundamental St. #50

Inside Zim’s Cafe you’ll discover one other booze-forward institution: The Thirsty Fox. Their menu options approachable wines, native beers, distinctive cocktails, and, in fact, bourbon.

38. County Membership, 555 Jefferson St.

The sister restaurant of Ona’s, County Membership makes a speciality of refreshing cocktails and crushable, pure wine. Their meals menu is targeted on the artwork of smoked meats, so it’s price sticking round for a chew.

39. Keeneland, 4201 Versailles Rd.

Whether or not you come for a Crafted Occasion or an excellent ol’ customary horse race, Keeneland is bound to please. Breakfast on the Observe is particularly family-friendly, so deliver the kiddos alongside and watch because the jockeys heat up with the horses. In addition they provide excursions of the well-manicured grounds all 12 months lengthy in case breakfast is not your factor.

40. Lexington Farmers’ Market, 399 S Broadway

Meet a few of these native purveyors IRL on the Lexington Farmers’ Market. The market’s date and placement will range relying on the time of 12 months, so make sure to verify their web site earlier than you intend to go.

41. Little Sparrow Productions, A number of Places

From drag bingo with prizes to emo drag brunch, Little Sparrow Productions places on spectacular drag reveals all through central and southern Kentucky. Test their Instagram for the most recent present schedule, and make sure to deliver greenback payments to tip the queens.

42. Mill Ridge Farm, 2800 Bowman Mill Rd.

Horse ladies, this one’s for you. The oldsters at Mill Ridge Farm have been elevating and promoting racehorses since 1962. Their family-owned farm has bred a powerful variety of Derby winners, together with Secretariat, Giacomo, Barbaro, and Avenue Sense. Guests can tour the farm, however take into account that it is best for those who arrive in your individual car as there’s some driving required. For greatest extra particulars on easy methods to go to, take a look at visithorsecountry.com.

43. Bites of the Bluegrass, A number of Places

This strolling tour is ideal for these seeking to get a really feel for the native meals scene. Along with lots of bites (and cocktails, for those who select that possibility), your educated information will fill you in on Lexington’s historical past, too.

44. The Legacy Path, 318 West Loudon Ave.

If it’s not too scorching and also you’re in search of an outside exercise, head on over to this shared use greenway path for a motorcycle, run, or stroll via the town. The path begins at Isaac Murphy Memorial Backyard and continues for 12 miles to the Kentucky Horse Park.

45. SoulFeast Week, A number of Places

Based in 2021 by siblings Martina and Marcellus Barksdale, SoulFeast Week is an annual 10-day celebration of Black farmers, cooks, and restaurateurs in central Kentucky. It’s price planning your whole journey round this week—the festivities embrace a hip hop brunch, a diaspora dinner, Soulteenth Fest, and extra. The dates shift barely yearly, however the week at all times facilities round Juneteenth (the 2023 SoulFeast Week was June 16 via June 25).

46. The Kentucky Fortress, 230 Pisgah Pke.

That’s proper—Kentucky has its very personal fortress, and it’s situated proper exterior of Lexington in a city referred to as Versailles (pronounced “ver-SAYLES”). E book a tour of the fortress, farm, or each, then get pleasure from a meal on the on-site restaurant.

47. Recent Bourbon Distillery 377 E Fundamental St.

Expertise a full sensory bourbon tasting on the Recent Bourbon Distillery. You’ll want to purchase tickets upfront through their web site, so plan accordingly.

48. Classic Remedy, 101 W Loudon Ave. Suite 178

Pop into Classic Remedy when you’ve had your fill of snacks at Greyline Station and put together to be delighted by the sheer quantity of well-curated classic garments and various ‘90s ephemera. Bonus: They provide free transport, so you possibly can store their cabinets even once you’re again residence.

49. The Home, 945 Nationwide Ave.

The Home is a traditional booth-style vintage and classic store with assorted distributors all through. Browse for artwork, pottery, residence items, books, clothes, equipment, furnishings, and extra—and make sure to say hello to the store cat.

50. Wearhouse, 941 Nationwide Ave. #120

This classic boutique makes a speciality of high-end clothes, equipment, furnishings, and artwork. House owners Shanda and Liz are sustainability advocates and classic fanatics, so that you’ll be in good fingers once you step into their store.

51. Forage, 803 N Limestone Suite 170

Think about this your one-stop store for vegetation, flowers, and sustainable dwelling. Forage is residence to Lexington’s first refillery, a spot the place you possibly can refill bottles of all-purpose cleaner, toothpaste, shampoo, and extra.

52. Creatures of Whim, 126 N Broadway

At Creatures of Whim, you’ll discover a curated assortment of handmade items akin to clothes, equipment, and candles. You’ll additionally discover tarot playing cards, crystals, sage, and ritual instruments.

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The place are your favourite locations to go to in Lexington? Inform us within the feedback beneath!