48 Hours in Lexington, Kentucky: Horses, History and Bourbon
When most people think of Kentucky, they think of bourbon, bluegrass and horses – and Lexington is where all three come together. I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and the “Horse Capital of the World” will always have a special place in my heart. The city is home to rolling green pastures, legendary distilleries, stunning horse farms and a rich history. My husband and I recently played tourists in my hometown and I’m excited to share all you can accomplish in 48 hours in Lexington to feel like you had the ultimate Kentucky experience. If you’re planning a short trip, this guide will walk you through the perfect two-day itinerary that is full of southern charm.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, road trip stop, or a first-time visit to horse country, this Lexington itinerary will help you make the most of every minute.
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Traveling to Lexington
The good news about Kentucky is that it is easily accessible from many other states. It is within driving distance from other popular tourist spots (like Nashville) and can easily be added on to the beginning or end of a trip.
If you are flying into Lexington, you have a few options for airports. The Lexington Bluegrass airport is the closest option located just 5 minutes from Keeneland amongst the beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky. The downside to the Lexington airport is that they only have a few airlines flying in and out. If you are loyal to a specific airline or looking for a more direct flight pattern, the Louisville airport is about a 1.5 hour drive.
Flying into Cincinnati is also an option, however, it is further away and with only 48 hours to explore, I recommend opting for the closer options.
If you are flying, you will definitely want a rental car. The Lexington area isn’t known for its public transportation and with the distance between all the activities, you’d really rack up the Uber bill.
Planning to explore some of the iconic Bourbon Trail while in Lexington? Check out my guide to the 12 best distilleries you have to visit.
Looking for a VIP experience? Check Out this guided Bourbon Trail Tour
Staying in Lexington
When planning your visit, you’ll have endless options for where to stay. I’d recommend picking accommodation either closer to the airport or downtown in the heart of the city.
If you are looking for a quieter experience…lodging closer to the airport side of town will provide quick access to Keeneland, the horse farms and other activities that I recommend in this guide.
If you’re hoping to enjoy the bourbon/bar scene, I’d recommend a downtown stay so that you can be in the heart of all the action.
Top Places to Stay in Lexington
Day 1 – Horses & Heritage
Morning: Keeneland
Keeneland is a must-visit on your trip to Lexington. This historic race track is a central part of Kentucky culture and a great opportunity to experience horse country. The track has a fall and spring meet where you can dress up, enjoy some delicious food and bet on your favorite horse. The Fall Meet takes place for three weeks in October and the Spring Meet is held for the same length of time each April.
Keeneland is also the world’s largest and most prominent auction house with 6 thoroughbred sales each year.
If you’re visiting outside of racing season, Keeneland is still a great place to visit. You can book a guided or self-guided tour of the grounds, paddock and track to learn more about its rich history and explore the immaculate grounds. The landscaping here is so beautiful and it’s a great place to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.
My favorite experience at Keeneland (and the one I really recommend) is spending your morning at the “morning works”. Keeneland’s main track is open to horses and trainers daily from 5:30am – 10am. You can enjoy the sunrise, watch the horses get in their morning workout and then stop by the Track Kitchen for a traditional southern breakfast.
Bonus: My husband and I had our engagement pictures taken at Keeneland. We were so blessed to have such a beautiful location in our own backyard!
Midday: Horse Farm Tour
Now that you have visited Keeneland, the next stop is to visit one of the many horse farms that surround Lexington. With this stop, you have a couple options. You can visit a working horse farm such as Claiborne Farm or Mill Ridge Farm. Both of these farms offer guided tours that give you a behind the scenes look into the daily life and training of these incredible racehorses.
However, my favorite option would be to take a tour of Old Friends Farm. This Farm is a sanctuary for retired race horses and is the best option if you want to get up close and personal with the horses.
On the Old Friends Farm tour, you will be given a bag of chopped up carrots and spend the next few hours walking the paddocks and meeting these retired race horses. We recently took this tour and I loved being able to feed and pet these amazing animals. Our tour guide was awesome and shared the stories of each horse as well as the background of the farm. Old Friends is a non-profit and supports over 300 retired horses (as well a donkey, miniature pony and other farm animals). We even got to feed two former Derby Winners on our visit
You can read all about Old Friends Farm and learn more about their incredible mission.
Best Horse Farm Tours Near Lexington
Lunch: Local Favorite
By the time you finish the tour at Old Friends, you’ll definitely be in need of some lunch. 15 min away from the farm is a local favorite, Wallace Station Deli and Bakery. This quaint restaurant is a favorite among locals and was opened in 2003 by Chris and Ouita Michael. The food is fresh and local with the breads and baked goods produced at Midway Bakery, just a 5 minute drive down the road.
When we arrived for lunch on our last visit, the line was out the door! You order at the counter and then find a seat either inside or outside on their expansive covered deck with overflow seating on picnic tables in the yard. This is one of my favorite restaurants when the weather is warm.
We were visiting during their “Tomato Jam” where they highlighted local favorites that are made with tomatoes. I had my heart set on some fried green tomatoes but by the time we ordered they were sold out! I had a delicious chicken salad sandwich on a local made bun and a brownie for dessert.
Afternoon: History & Downtown Stroll
In the afternoon, trade rolling pastures for a dose of history and city charm in downtown Lexington.
Start with a tour of the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the childhood home of the former First Lady. This historic home is open seasonally from March 15th- November 30th and offers both self-guided and guided tours.
You can also visit Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, where you can wander beautifully kept grounds and learn about one of Kentucky’s most influential statesmen.
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through downtown Lexington. Pop into local boutiques for a little souvenir shopping, or recharge with a latte from a cozy coffee shop like Old School Coffee or Lussi Brown. This mix of history and modern creativity gives you a true feel for downtown Lexington’s personality.
Evening: Bourbon & Dinner
You can’t have a true visit to Kentucky without trying some Kentucky Bourbon. While you’re in the downtown area, consider visiting the Bluegrass Tavern. With one of Lexington’s largest bourbon selections, this is a great place to begin your evening. You can book a private tasting or just stop by to sample a bourbon flight. If bourbon isn’t your preference, they also serve craft beers and mixed drinks.
For dinner, a local staple and one of my all time favorite Lexington restaurants is Malone’s. There are three locations throughout Lexington and it is a must-visit while you are in town! They offer great steaks, chicken, burgers and other local dishes. Each meal is served with delicious bread and you have to try the “Lexingtonian” salad. So good!
While you’re dining, take a look around the room where they have framed signatures from famous people who have dined at their locations.
Top Recommended Lexington Restaurants
Day 2 – Bourbon & Bluegrass
Morning: Distillery Experience
Kick off your second day in Lexington with one of Kentucky’s most iconic experiences: a bourbon distillery tour.
Just a short drive from downtown, places like Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace open their doors to visitors eager to learn the secrets behind this southern spirit. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at everything from the mash and fermentation process to the barrels that give bourbon its signature flavor.
Of course, no tour is complete without a guided tasting—where you can savor the smooth notes that make Kentucky bourbon world-famous. Even if you’re not a drinker, the rich history, craftsmanship, and scenic distillery grounds make this a must-do during your 48 hours in Lexington.
Want to spend more time exploring Bourbon Country? Check out my 2 Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary
Afternoon: Outdoors and Unique Dining
Once you have had your fill of the distillery scene. Take a scenic drive out to Shaker Village. Shaker Village may not be on everyone’s 48 hours in Lexington bucket list but I think it is an amazing addition to any trip.
Shaker Village was home to the 3rd largest Shaker Community in the United States between 1805 – 1910. With over 3,000 acres to explore, there are so many fun activities here.
My favorite thing to do at Shaker Village is dine in their restaurant which is why I recommend coming here for lunch. You’ll want to make a reservation for the Trustee’s Table as the dining room will fill up quickly. The food is made fresh with farm to table ingredients and the menu changes seasonally. Be sure to try a cup of the tomato celery soup!
After lunch, take some time to walk through the grounds and learn about the Shaker way of life. There are a multitude of hiking trails if you’re looking to get in a little exercise. You can also head over to Raven Run for some more walking/hiking.
Evening: Downtown Eats & Nightlife
After a full day of exploring, wrap up your Lexington trip with a memorable evening in the heart of downtown. Start with dinner at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, where elegant cuts and a refined atmosphere make for a true special-occasion meal
Looking for something more casual? Enjoy the cozy, buzzing vibe at Carson’s Food & Drink, a local favorite for hearty Southern-inspired dishes.
From there, catch a live show at the Lexington Opera House or Lyric Theatre for a dose of arts and culture. Whether you choose nightlife or a laid-back evening activity, Lexington offers the perfect way to close out 48 unforgettable hours in horse country.
Optional Add-Ons If You Have Extra Time
- Kentucky Horse Farms Tour
- VIP Bourbon Trail Tour
- Kentucky Horse Park – equestrian museum & live horse shows.
- Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
- Tour of University of Kentucky Campus or attend one of their sporting events
48 hours in Lexington may fly by, but in that short time you can experience so much of what makes Kentucky special—thoroughbred horses, world-class bourbon, rich history, and incredible Southern food.
From watching the sunrise over Keeneland’s pastures to sipping bourbon straight from the source, Lexington offers the perfect blend of bucket list adventures and local charm.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway or a road trip stop, Lexington is such a fun city.Horses, history, and bourbon may be the headliners, but it’s the laid-back atmosphere and genuine hospitality that make you want to come back again and again. So pack your bags, bring your appetite (and maybe your best pair of boots), and get ready to experience the heart of Kentucky in a way you’ll never forget.
Looking for more to do in Kentucky? Check out these guides:
A Weekend in Bardstown, KY: Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay On the Bourbon Trail
Ultimate Guide to Red River Gorge: Top Hikes, Activities and Scenic Spots
