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Lexington Experience Guide

Lexington Experience Guide

Brought to you by Visitlex

Welcome to Lexington!

We're thrilled that you're visiting us at Keeneland this April. Discover how you can add even more fun to your experience by exploring all that the Horse Capital of the World has in store for you. While Lexington may be famous for our world-class equine and bourbon experiences, there’s so much more to do here. Take a look for yourself! 

Be sure to check out our Digital Visitor’s Guide below for insider tips and must-see attractions, and don't miss stopping by the Lexington Visitors Center during your stay for personalized recommendations and assistance, including resources like the VisitLEX Visitors Guide, itinerary planning, and unique retail offerings.  

Restaurants


No matter what you're craving, Lexington has a restaurant that will hit the spot, from global cuisine to Southern staples. So be sure to come hungry—and don't forget to save room for dessert. 

Doodles

Doodles

Doodles

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This spot has become a trendy spot for both breakfast and lunch, that specializes in local and organic ingredients whenever possible.

33 staves

33 Staves at Origin Hotel

33 Staves at Origin Hotel

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Located inside The Origin Hotel, this eatery features modern seasonal dishes made from handpicked local ingredients.

lockbox

Lockbox

Lockbox

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Located within 21c Museum Hotel, experience fresh, farm-to-table options that will leave your taste buds delighted.

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop

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Tuk Tuk Snack Shop's cuisine marries Sri Lankan techniques and ingredients with classic Southern dishes.

Eppings

Epping's

Epping's

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Located in a renovated historic building, Executive Chef Cole Arimes turns menu items into works of art.

Omakase

Omakase

Omakase

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Offering traditional and innovative sushi dishes, skillfully cooked to perfection, every item is prepared to dazzle your senses.

granddam at the manchester

Granddam at the Manchester

Granddam at the Manchester

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The Manchester's expansive Appalachian dining hall offers a reimagined Bluegrass fare from local farms.

goodfellas

Goodfellas

Goodfellas

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Size definitely matters at this beloved pizza joint and bourbon bar, which serves pizza slices bigger than your face.

track kitchen

Keeneland Track Kitchen

Keeneland Track Kitchen

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Rub elbows with jockeys, owners and trainers while enjoying a hearty and inexpensive meal.

Horse Country


There's no better way to experience the essence of Lexington than by immersing yourself in the beauty of the Bluegrass. With picture perfect horse farms in every direction, it’s no surprise that Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World. Click here to book your tour and come face to face with Kentucky Derby winners, and the foals destined to be tomorrow’s champions. 

Mill Ridge Farm

Old Friends

A retirement and rescue facility for former racehorses. Get up close and personal with several Kentucky Derby winners.

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Mill Ridge Farm

Mill Ridge Farm

Known for their mares and foals, you can take a behind-the-scenes look at this breeding operation.

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stonestreet

Stonestreet

Priding themselves on letting horses exist as naturally as possible - see horses out in the rolling hills of the Bluegrass.

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Kentucky Horse Park

KY Horse Park

Enjoy horseback riding, and visit a showcase of museums, galleries, theaters, and working farm exhibits.

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Bourbonland


Just below Lexington’s surface there’s a limestone shelf, and the natural spring water that passes through it gives this place life. With 18 innovative distilleries and plenty of bourbon bars and tasting rooms, there’s no shortage of places to experience our native spirit firsthand. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or seasoned enthusiast, you’ll find there is so much to savor in the rich history and craftsmanship behind each bottle. 

castle and key

Castle & Key

Castle & Key

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A Bourbon distillery featuring a limestone castle, elaborate gazebos, sunken gardens, and spring house.

maker's mark

Maker's Mark

Maker's Mark

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A picturesque distillery in the countryside of Kentucky, known for its iconic red wax-dipped bottles.

James E Pepper

James E. Pepper

James E. Pepper

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Located in the exciting Distillery District, you can take a tour of the historic distillery, which includes a tasting.

Fresh Bourbon

Fresh Bourbon

Fresh Bourbon

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Recognized as the first African American-owned and produced bourbon since slavery, they offer an unforgettable experience.

Barrel House

Barrel House

Barrel House

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Enjoy a tour and tasting and the unique gift shop, plus local fare and craft cocktails from The Elkhorn Tavern.

Whiskey Bear

Whiskey Bear & Craft Kitchen

Whiskey Bear & Craft Kitchen

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Voted one of America's best bourbon bars, Whiskey Bear has a wide range of hard-to-find spirits and hosts special tasting events.

Thirsty fox

Thirsty Fox

Thirsty Fox

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Located in Lexington's renovated historic courthouse, this restaurant and bar serves delicious American fare and handcrafted cocktails.

RD1

RD1

RD1

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Telling the story of Lexington's history of bourbon, RD1 has brought back Kentucky's first registered distillery.

Bars & Breweries


While we're proud of our bourbon heritage, Lexington is also home to a thriving craft beer culture with a variety of unique breweries. These neighborhood favorites offer a diverse range of flavors and experiences for beer and cocktail enthusiasts to enjoy.  

mirror twin

Mirror Twin

Their philosophy aims to celebrate the "duality of beer" by always having twin drafts on tap that are identical in grain recipes but with one small variation.

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the burl

Burl Brew

Located in the Distillery District, and attached to The Burl Live music venue, Burl Brew offers no-fuss beers and a cozy and hip atmosphere.

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west sixth

West Sixth

The taproom features several rotating fresh brews and the beer garden makes for a great place to chat and try out a pint or flight.

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the grove

The Grove

A combination of brews, cocktails, wines, charcuterie, and food-truck eats... this spot is one of Lexington's newest and most eclectic hot spots.

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Unexpected Experiences


If you're eager to dive deep into the vibrant tapestry of Lexington's local culture, there are plenty of unexpected activities to be explored. Take a walk through the wildflowers at the Arboretum or enjoy local live music - there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

 

TeeDees

Tee Dee's Lounge

Tee Dee's Lounge

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Tee Dee's Lounge is a hidden gem and renowned as a jazz hotspot. Open on Monday’s only, this nightclub has been a mainstay in our community for decades. 

arboretum

UK Arboretum

UK Arboretum

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The Arboretum is the state’s botanical garden. The 100 acres includes plants and trees from Kentucky’s seven physiographic regions.

Thursday night live

Thursday Night Live

Thursday Night Live

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Every Thursday night from April  - October, locals and visitors enjoy live music downtown at Thursday Night Live.

Farmers market

Lexington Farmer's Markets

Lexington Farmer's Markets

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Every Saturday, the Farmers' Market sets up downtown at Henry A. Tandy Park with over 65 members selling Kentucky Proud products.

summit at fritz farm

The Summit Shopping

The Summit Shopping

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The Summit at Fritz Farm is a finely curated, mixed-use destination boasting nearly 70 shops, and 25 dining options.

21c

21C Museum

21C Museum

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More than a hotel, 21c Lexington features contemporary art exhibition spaces that are open free of charge to the public.

Bites of the Bluegrass

Bites of the Bluegrass

Bites of the Bluegrass

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Your foodie guide will take you on an insightful tour where you will taste delicious farm-to-fork cuisine and learn about Lexington along the way.

Tips & Tricks


Make sure your experience at Keeneland is nothing short of spectacular with our insider tips and tricks for a seamless journey. Here are a few pointers so that you can make the most of your experience. 

Plan Your Stay in advance

Accommodations fill up quickly when Keeneland is racing! Click here to take a look at where VisitLEX recommends you stay, nearby to Keeneland.

Book your tours in advance

Dining, Bourbon Distillery, and Horse Country tours are popular during Keeneland racing!

add an extra day

With plenty of other unique experiences to have in Lexington, certainly plan to stay long and extend your trip beyond your day at the races to see all Lexington has to offer. Even better, flights on Tuesdays usually have better rates!

remember to check the weather

The forecast in Lexington is known to shift, so it's always a good idea to pack a variety of outfit options.


Customized Itineraries

Looking for more? Check out VisitLEX.com to connect you with all the best Lexington has to offer.

Follow the “Blue Horse” on social media @visitlex to connect with the best of Lexington! Whether it's exploring historical landmarks or discovering hidden gems, we've got you covered. Don’t forget to share your adventures with us by using #ShareTheLEX.

Kids Club Events

Keeneland Kids Club Events

We look forward to hosting events for our Keeneland Kids Club members throughout the year.

Dates are subject to change. Check back for updates and keep an eye out for email communication about each event. If you have questions, please email our team at [email protected].

Sunrise Trackside

Saturday mornings during the Spring and Fall race meets

Bring the whole family out to Keeneland for Sunrise Trackside to experience the morning sights and sounds of morning works. The Starting Gate concession stand will offer coffee and donuts to enjoy while watching morning works. From 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., children can take part in exciting activities under the grandstand including a meet and greet with Buckles, get their face painted, play fun games, get a jockey silk photo and more! Kids can also meet a horse from 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. in the Walking Ring. During this time, mini tours with one of our tour guides will be available starting from the welcome stand in the Paddock.

sunrise trackside
kids in jockey gear

Kids Club Family Day

One Sunday each Spring and Fall race meet

During the fall and spring race meets, Kids Club members and their families are invited to enjoy a special day at the races by receiving free general admission and access to reserved grandstand seating. Children’s activities will take place in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Derby Day Kids Zone


Celebrate Derby Day at Keeneland for a day full of fun for the whole family. Kids Club members can enjoy free activities, including pony rides, crafts, sweet treats and exciting games in the lower Club and lawn area from 2 - 6 p.m.

Tickets for admission to Keeneland on Derby can be purchased at tickets.keeneland.com.

derby kids
christmas, children

Keeneland Kids Club Christmas Events


Keeneland Kids Club will host its annual Brunch with Buckles & Photos with Santa events in December, exclusive to Kids Club members. Members will receive more information about the event and the link to purchase tickets via email.

Kids Club Resources

Keeneland Kid's Club Resources

Activity & Coloring Sheets

Click the image below to download Buckle's favorite activity & coloring sheets!

Word Search
Crossword Puzzle
Maze
Jockey Silks coloring sheet
Buckles Starting Gate Coloring SHeet
buckles auction stand Coloring Sheet

Newsletters

Explore our Keeneland Kids Club email newsletters below to stay informed about upcoming events, enjoy special messages from our sponsors, and catch up on all the exciting updates you may have missed!

January 2024 Newsletter

February 2024 Newsletter

March 2024 Newsletter

April 2024 Newsletter

Educational Experiences

Keeneland invites schools, classes, clubs, and organizations to learn more about its iconic grounds and operations. If you're interested in bringing your students to Keeneland or having Keeneland come to you, please complete the form below.

Keeneland Kids Club

Welcome To The Keeneland Kids Club


The Keeneland Kids Club in partnership with the UK HealthCare Kentucky Children’s Hospital is the free official club for Keeneland fans 12 and under. The Keeneland Kids Club is a program that was formed to support Keeneland’s mission to educate and give back to both the equine industry and the Kentucky community. Through the Kids Club, children are able to experience Keeneland through exclusive events, educational opportunities and communications to grow their love of horses and racing.

New members will receive a personalized membership packet and special emails each month from Buckles with highlights from other members of the thoroughbred community. Kids Club members will receive a birthday card and exclusive invitations to gather for annual events. Register now for your FREE Keeneland Kids Club Membership.

If you have any questions or need to update your membership information, please email our team at [email protected].

2024 Dates

Run/Walks

Run/walks

Run/Walks On The Keeneland Grounds


Keeneland's founders intended it to be a gathering place for the entire community. It is with this vision that Keeneland uses its grounds year-round for worthy community, fan development and tourism initiatives. Each year, Keeneland is home to numerous Run/Walks, raising funds and awareness for local charities. As many as 15,000 people participate in Run/Walks at Keeneland and raises nearly $1,000,000 annually.

UK HealthCare is a proud partner of Keeneland’s Run Walks. Keeneland and UK HealthCare share a commitment to support the communities they serve through education, philanthropy and community engagement.

2024 Run/Walk Schedule

DateOrganization/Distance
5/11/2024American Heart Association Heart Walk
5/25/2024Big Lex 4 Miler
6/8/2024No Greater Honor Run
6/15/2024Wild Hearts Fun Run
7/27/2024Shepherd's House Run for Recovery
8/24/2024DV8K The Life Changing Race
11/28/2024Bluegrass Runners Thoroughbred Classic
12/7/2024Girls On The Run 5K
12/14/2024YMCA Reindeer Ramble

Request To Host Your Run/Walk At Keeneland


Are you interested in hosting your Run/Walk event at Keeneland? Complete this application to submit your request. Please note that Keeneland provides priority booking to annual groups. Dates are limited due to blackout seasons of March-April and September-late November for Racing and Sales.

Horses and riders watching runners

Committed To Giving Back


Keeneland is proud to have raised more than $1,000,000 for these community organizations. Hosting run/walks on the Keeneland grounds is one of the many ways Keeneland is able to give back to worthy causes in our community each year.

Keeneland Grounds Map


Sign Up For The Keeneland Newsletter


Visiting Keeneland

A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland features beautifully landscaped grounds that are open to the public every day. Fans and horsemen alike are welcome to enjoy our spectacular racing, attend one of our horse sales or simply visit the grounds and celebrate Keeneland’s timeless beauty. Take a look at some of our favorite activities for fans to enjoy.

Visitors are welcome back for tours, morning workouts, Keeneland Shop, the Keeneland Library, and more.