With its rolling hills, fence-lined pastures, and waves of Kentucky bluegrass, the drive through Lexington, Kentucky's countryside is unlike anything else on Earth. Beyond those hills lies a city with an equally unique vibe. Lexington is a youthful and welcoming city with quirky charm, known for its horses and bourbon. With its laid-back vibe, Lexington is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering the best of Kentucky, with truly authentic experiences and scenes for everyone, no matter your vibe.

Horse Vibes

It’s no secret that Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World, and it’s here that horses aren’t just a vibe but a lifestyle. At the world-famous Keeneland Racecourse you can don your best sundress or sportcoat, place your bets, and celebrate with a Keeneland Breeze cocktail. Or if you prefer an up-close and personal look at these beautiful creatures, Horse Country Tours are the perfect option to get out and explore the gorgeous countryside surrounding Lexington.

Bourbon Vibes

Lexington is in the heart of Bourbon country, and as a result, close to the heart of bourbon lovers. Explore all that Lexington has to offer by embarking on your choice of bourbon tours from distillers like James E. Pepper and Woodford Reserve. If bourbon tastings aren't enough, you can quench your thirst by grabbing a drink at Bourbon on Rye, located at the heart of downtown.

Nature Vibes

Sometimes the vibe is getting out in nature to get away from the stress of everyday life. One of the best places to do that is Red River Gorge, deemed one of the “Seven Wonders of the South,” and located only 90 minutes from downtown Lexington. The Gorge is home to some of the best hiking trails in the state with some of the best views, including: lush forests, waterfalls, caves, and its iconic limestone rock formations. Just outside of Lexington is Raven Run, 10 miles of lush greenery, open meadows, and flowing streams. Go for a jog or stroll along trails that wind through forests and bridge over brooks. An equally immersive yet tranquil alternative to the Red River Gorge.

Foodie Vibes

You can’t have good bourbon without good food, and Lexington is home to both. Throughout the city you can find flavors from across the world with atmospheres that are out of this world, and there is no better representation of that than The Grove. Places like Carson’s and ItalX are local favorites with dishes to die for, or if you prefer to cook your own food, take a trip to the Lexington Farmer’s Market and get a taste of our delicious locally grown produce.

Artsy Vibes

Lexington is one of only six University Cities in the nation, meaning it’s a vibrant community with thriving arts and culture sectors. As a result, there’s multiple galleries throughout the city such as the City Gallery at the Downtown Arts Center and the Bolivar Art Gallery, which are free of charge. Or snap the perfect Instagram pic in front of one of our 50+ murals around the city, including Eduardo Kobra’s colorful depiction of Kentucky’s own Abe Lincoln.

New Vibes

There’s nothing more exciting than finding something new–from a new pair of shoes to a new favorite hang-out spot–and Lexington has several fresh destinations for shopping, dining, and chilling. The Summit is an outdoor shopping experience that features a collection of restaurants and shops, both national brands and local favorites. And for those who prefer an indoor shopping experience, Greyline Station is the perfect destination. Once a bus station, this unique space is now home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Vintage Vibes

Everything that’s old is cool, and Lexington is the perfect embodiment of that. That makes this city the perfect place to hunt for vintage home goods, furniture, and fashions. Stores such as The Domestic and Scout Antique and Modern are great places to find reclaimed pieces for the home, and shops like Street Scene Vintage are the perfect place to find quality fashion pieces of the past. Speaking of vintage, Lexington is a city with a long and rich history. There’s no shortage of museums and tours to help you explore our city’s past, such as Ashland, which gives you an intimate look into the life of Henry Clay—one of Kentucky’s most famous historical figures.

Fun Vibes

A one-stop-shop for all things fun, downtown Lexington has something for everyone and every vibe. If you’re looking for something the whole family can do, LexLive is the perfect place with its bowling alley, arcade, sports bar, and cinema. There’s also plenty of places for a night out on the town such as Elixir, which has specialty cocktails and live entertainment, or Ona which was named one of Esquire’s Top 21 Best Bars in America.