Lexington’s Best

Hiking

If you’re looking to get outdoors, head to Gatton Park, right in the heart of downtown. If you want something a bit farther out and in the woods, then go to Raven Run or Red River Gorge, where the good hiking trails are. The Red has to be one of my favorite places to visit on the weekend. Grey’s Arch is a simple trail as well as Natural Bridge.

After you’re done hiking, eat at Miguels, La Cabaňa, or Daniel Boone Coffee shop.

Local coffee shops

Personally, I love coffee, and there are so many great places in town it’s hard to just pick a few. Let’s start with my favorite: Grounded All Day Cafe. Best bagel sandwiches ever, and they are constantly making new flavored syrups to try.

Old School Coffee is in a super old-school building in town, not far from Gatton Park, and they typically have the hottest coffee. Third Street Stuff is my second favorite coffee shop in town. Located right downtown across from Doodles, it stands out with its artsy flair!

Michlers

The perfect blend of plants and simple eating, this is a greenhouse combined with a cafe. Now, the cafe is outside, so not a stop to make in the winter, but if you’re here with good weather you definitely should take a look around or grab some food.

Battle Axes

On the north side of town, this warehouse of fun dominates a block. You can throw axes, drive fast go-carts, bowl, play laser tag, or play pool. A very family-friendly location!

Distilleries

Take a distillery tour! There are so many to choose from in the surrounding area, but my favorite and the one right in town is Townbranch Distilling. It has a tour of their brewery and distillery together, which means you get to try both of their products!

Breweries

Like the Bourbon Trail, but better. Run around town to all the different breweries and see which one fits your vibe the best. I recommend starting with either Country Boy, West Sixth, Blue Stallion, Mirror Twin, or the Void (my personal favorite).

Trifecta

Take a glass-blowing class and create your own piece to take home. And if you’re thirsty after, pop into the speakeasy they have hidden. This is one of my favorite places to bring friends that are visiting from out of town. We can sit and have a drink and watch the masters at work blowing glass.

Legacy Trail

While Lexington isn’t known for it’s biking scene, it does have one long trail. This starts in the middle of town (right next to West Sixth if you want it to) and takes you all the way out to the horse park!

Keenland/Horse Park

If you’re here in April or October, head to Keenland for the horse races! If you aren’t you can still go visit the horses at the horse park in Georgetown and get a tour of the facility.

Distillery District

Right next to the heart of downtown, this area has a lot to offer. The Burl has an arcade and typically live music playing during the week. With several distilleries and bars right there to choose from, I generally hang out at Wise Bird.

And if you’re feeling a sweet treat, Crank and Boom has you covered.

Warehouse District

On the other side of town, this area has several breweries or wine bars to hang out at. Located near a few restaurants, this spot is typically less hectic than the distillery district.

Misc.

• If you’re into sports, head to a soccer game at Lexington Sporting Club.

• If you’re here in the summer and into Rennaissance Faires, there’s one just outside of town that is a ton of fun to go to!

• Pasta Garage: Handmade pasta right around the corner from the Warehouse District. This is easily the best pasta in town. They can be found at the farmers market selling their pastas to bring home as well!

• Pho BC: Basically my favorite place to eat. I was convinced broth ran through my veins and not blood for a little while there. The bowls are massive and everything is so fresh and packed with flavor.

• Purple Yum: One of those holes in the walls that just wows! You go around the shop with a tray and pick out which pastries you want. Asian dessert-inspired, they have so many great options to choose from. Anything ube is my go-to.

• Tandoor: Lunch here is phenomenal! A buffet that really hits the spot for a great price. Honestly, I’m super basic when it comes to Indian food, so the tikka masala is hands down my favorite.

• Carson’s: Casual, but finer dining, this is a great date night spot. The filet medallions are always what I end up getting.

• Coles: Locally sourced ingredients and a fine dining experience. This is my go-to when I feel like getting a little dressier and spending money on good food. The crème brule will forever be my favorite thing to get there.

• Tack House: A great breakfast place away from the center of town. If you like cinnamon rolls, these are some of the best I have ever had!

• Sahara: Be ready to stand in line during the lunch rush, but it is so worth it! The lamb shawarma plate is a must-get.

• Big Kahuna: Hawaiian BBQ and what I get after a long day running around. The kalua pork is my go-to.