Take a bite out of some delicious local eats paired with a helping of history. | Photo courtesy of Bites of the Bluegrass
Whether you’re a lifelong Lexingtonian longing to embrace your inner tourist, or you have a limited amount of time in the Horse Capital of the World, here are 16 tours guaranteed to show you the sights you want to see.
Note: Price estimates are based on individual adult rates available at the time of publishing. Check each company’s website to see current pricing.
Eat and drink
Bites of the Bluegrass | $89 per person | These walking history tours will have you taste, sip, and savor the flavors of different neighborhood bars + restaurants.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. | $13 per person | This two-for-one tour will take you along the journey of creating Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale + Town Branch Bourbon — plus you’ll get to sip samples along the way.
The Mary Todd Lincoln House is open for tours March 15-November 30. | Photo by Richie Wireman, courtesy of VisitLEX
All in on history
Mary Todd Lincoln House | $15 per person | March 15-November 30 | This self-guided tour will walk you through the childhood home of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Don’t worry, friendly + informative staff are on site to answer any questions.
African American Heritage Tour | Free | This self-guided, mobile-exclusive tour courtesy of VisitLEX will have you exploring four parts of town — Northside, East End, Jefferson Street, and South Hill. Enjoy audio narration by local historian Yvonne Giles who will share stories about influential community leaders who helped shap Lexington’s cultural landscape.
Looks like LEXtoday can check Horse on High Knoll off on our Mural Challenge. | Photo by LEXtoday
Art is all around
Art Walk | $15-$35 per person | This two-hour leisurely walking tour hosted by Arts Connect will lead you to various art landmarks + galleries while learning about those who have contributed to our city’s rich culture.
Mural Challenge | Free | One of our all-time favorite galleries? Lexington itself. Next time you’re bopping around town soaking in the sights of our dozens of meaningful murals, take the VisitLEX self-guided mural challenge. By following along on the mobile-only pass, you can earn discounts from participating local businesses.
Night of Frights | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 8-10 p.m. | Burl Brew | Free, price of purchase | The brewery will turn into a mini movie theater showing classic Halloween + horror movies — tonight it’s “Scream” — plus, enjoy special cocktails, $15 Burl Lite pitchers, popcorn, and candy.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Women’s Circle | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | The Sound Healing Center of Lexington | Free | Share, grow, and connect with a supportive women’s community at this donation-based gathering.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Burn Book Candles | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 6 p.m. | Wick & Mortar Studio at Poppy & Pomelo | $38+ | On Thursdays we make candles — celebrate the 20 year anniversary of “Mean Girls” by making your own themed, scented candle.
Friday, Oct. 4
“A Dish Best Served Cold” Premier | Friday, Oct. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center | $17.85 | See the new feature film from Tolleywood Studios at this interactive experience featuring a musical overture, food, and drinks.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Stargazing | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary | Free | Take a closer look at the night sky with the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club — this event is weather dependent.
Fun fact: Cleaning your thermostat annually is recommended — just remove the cover and carefully wipe away dust. | Photo provided by Columbia Gas of Kentucky
Fall has officially arrived, Lexington — the perfect time to find ways to lower your energy bills.
$9.85 million. That’s the total amount of purse money for the 22 stakes races featured at the 2024 Keeneland Fall Meet — the highest in the track’s history. The Grade 1 Coolmore Turf Mile race, which runs Saturday, Oct. 5, will be the “richest race” ever run at Keeneland.
Concert
This Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. the Lexington Philharmonic will kick off its 2024-2025 season at the Singletary Center for the Arts. The two-hour show, “Titans,” will feature sweet, playful, ominous, and majestic works from 20th century composers Lili Boulanger + Florence Price.
Eat
Join Harkness Edwards Vineyard + Black Soil on a culinary journey, for a good cause, this Sunday, Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. Feast over Fire will feature four courses — thoughtfully curated with local, seasonal offerings — each paired with a glass of wine. Tickets are $95.
Transit
Did you know that it’s Week Without Driving in Lexington? If you want to try a different mode of transportation this week, plan your route with the Transit app + be sure to follow along on social media for thoughtful prompts and news.
Drink
Bourbon & Belonging kicks off this week, and Lexington will play host to 13 bourbon-focused experiences from Wednesday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 6. Think: Bottle your own beverage at James Pepper Distillery, bourbon + skewers pairings at The Manchester, a drag brunch at Old North, and more.
BLINK is set to light up the Cincy Region from Thursday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 20. This year’s dazzling event features everything from a cherished sunset parade to a create-your-own adventure through a walkable, immersive illuminated experience spanning 30+ city blocks. Here’s what to know before you go.*
†Federally insured by NCUA.
Edu
Edu
Consider this your fall break check-in
Presented by Wyzant
Wyzant is pay-as-you-go (read: no expensive packages required), offering lessons starting as low as $10. | Photo via Pexels
With October upon us and the school year in full swing, it’s a good time to pause and reflect (ideally with a cozy drink in hand): How is the student in your life doing?
Whether you have a house full of kiddos or are going back to school yourself, Wyzant‘s vetted instructors can help with 300+ topics, from academic core subjects and foreign languages to test prep, musical instruments, and more.
Meet in person with a local tutor, or take lessons virtually. The best part? It’s pay-as-you-go and starts as low as $10/session.
A MagSafe Kate Spade wallet that conveniently attaches to the back of your phone. It boasts Kate Spade’s signature elegant design + can hold up to three cards and cash.
Ok, this may sound weird, but the smell of cigarettes, beer, and bourbon will always make me think of Keeneland. That got me thinking about all we experience through our senses while at the track. Share yours.
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