Classic Auto Group’s Travel Guide to Exploring “Horse Country” of Lexington and Louisville in Kentucky in Honor of National Horse Day

Looking for an exciting new place to visit this summer on a family road trip? In just half a day’s drive you can be on your way to exploring one of the great American traditions: The Kentucky Derby and world of competitive horse racing! On today’s post, we’re sharing our picks for great places to visit in Lexington and Louisville Kentucky and the surrounding areas. You’ll find plenty of history, horseback riding, and great food and drink in “Horse County” Kentucky! Check out our travel guide and start plotting the Summer vacation of your dreams today, or plan ahead for a visit later this year.

Our Picks for Seriously Cool Things to Explore in Lexington and Louisville of Kentucky

Lexington was founded as a city by the frontiersman and explorer William McConnell, about 17 years before Kentucky was ratified into statehood. It was named thus after word reached their encampment that the first battle of the American Revolutionary War had been fought in Lexington, Massachusetts. The settlers wanted to honor this iconic moment in American History, and named the settlement in kind.

• Book a public or private tour at one more more locations out of the 30+ Horse Stables, Farms, and Tracks in the Lexington Area via “Horse Country” Tours or one of these other organizations.
• Kentucky Horse Park is an incredible destination for horse lovers of all ages to tour the museum, walk about the facilities, learn about horse breeds, and even take a horseback ride or carriage ride. The activities, lectures, workshops, and presentations are educational and fun! You can even enjoy a weekend of camping for a taste of the great outdoors!
• Attend a race, learn about horses, or just enjoy the chance to explore the grounds on a tour of Keeneland, a National Historic Landmark. A destination for all things Horse Country, you’ll have an opportunity to pet horses or ride one, purchase locally made goods, and enjoy some prime fine dining, among other fun activities!
• The Mary Todd Lincoln House is the childhood home of iconic American Political figure and spouse of President Lincoln Mary Todd Lincoln. The home has been converted into a 14 room museum and historic home open for tours, exhibitions, and lectures.
• See Kentucky like you’ve never seen it before with a Zipline Canopy Tour through Kentucky River Palisades with Viator.
• Why not spend a lovely day with your family enjoying the fresh air and local food and a one-of-a-kind dining experience by booking a Private Picnic with Goats for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. We guarantee you’ll get some “instagrammable” moments and iconic family photos like never before!
• The Arboretum at the University of Kentucky is a beautiful and budget friendly activity for all ages. Your the grounds from dawn to dusk with absolutely free admission in this 100 acre public garden and horticultural displays on the campus grounds.

Louisville was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, and named after King Louis XVI of France after his assistance during the Revolutionary War; it’s also known as “Falls City” as relates to its position on the Falls of the Ohio. It’s now known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, home of legendary boxer Mohammed Ali, and of course the famous Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats!

• The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville is an award winning museum and multicultural center devoted to preserving the legacy and history of Louisville native and champion athlete Muhammad Ali. Check out the exhibits, galleries and presentations to learn more about his life and legacy.
• The Saint James Court Art Show and Fair in Old Louisville returns annually in October!
• The Conrad Caldwell House Museum in Louisville is an incredible historic home from the Victorian Era that’s open to touring year round, and also hosts programs, events, and rotating exhibitions!
• The Louisville Mega Cavern is a true wonder to behold and great for explorers of all ages for walking tours, tram rides, as well as zip-line adventures!
• The Derby Museum in Louisville offers visitors of all ages a look into the history and tradition of the Kentucky Derby event! You’ll also have an opportunity to meet Thoroughbreds, Miniature horses, and even create some horse themed artwork. It’s a blast for the whole family!
• Sportsfans will delight in a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Bourbon Tasting Room experience located next door!
• Explore the tastes of the South with a tour along the Urban Bourbon Trail of Louisville by exploring distilleries and breweries of craft brews and bourbons!
• The Waterfront Park at Louisville is a non-profit public park meant to connect residents and visitors with their neighbours, serve as a community hub, and central meeting point for folks from all walks of life! Enjoy fundraiser events, waterfront yoga classes, kids and family camps, Pokemon meet-ups, the yearly lantern festival flea markets and craft fairs, 5ls, bike racing and so much more all year round.
• The Frazier History Museum in Louisville offers a wonderful look into the local culture and tradition of Kentucky. Explore local history with a series of current and upcoming exhibitions highlighting historic neighbourhoods, iconic moments in US history, local artisans and artwork, and even regional food and beverage.
• Short on time or just passing through on the way to your next adventure? Here’s a crash course plan for exploring the best of Louisville, Kentucky in 24 hours!
• A 3-hour drive along the Kentucky Scenic Byway makes a great detour and day trip for those who enjoy a scenic drive with plenty of overlooks and stop-offs for photo opportunities. The 71/2 mile stretch of Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway runs from Hodgenville through New Haven, Bardstown, Springfield, Perryville, Danville and more as you drive along the Mississippi.
• Take a drive along the Bluegrass, Blues and BBQ Byway on a tour of Kentucky!

Amazing Eateries and Distilleries to Check out in the Lexington and Louisville area:

• Dudley’s on Short in Lexington
• Carson’s Food & Drink in Lexington
• Tony’s of Lexington
• Josie’s Restaurant in Lexington
• Pies & Pints in Lexington
• The Social Vegan in Lexington
• Moody Mike’s in Lexington
• Mellow Mushroom Lexington
• Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine Lexington
• Minton’s in Lexington

• Oasis Mediterranean restaurant Lexington
• Lussi Brown Coffee Bar in Lexington
• Graze in Lexington
• Barzeiros Brazillian Steakhouse in Louisville
• Vincenzo’s in Louisville
• Proof on Main in Louisville
• Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville
• Prohibition Craft Spirits
• Copper & Kings Louisville
• Brough Brothers Distillery Louisville
• Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville
• Old Forester Distilling Co in Louisville

Check out these videos for more great travel tips:

Top Ten Things to Do in Lexington Kentucky

Kentucky Top 10: Travel Guide for Louisville and Lexington

15 Things to Do in Louisville Kentucky

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