Lexington, Ky

[spooky01]

Hubby is going on a business trip to Lexington later this week for a couple of days and I am thinking of going with him. Probally shouldn't because I just got home from 16 days in Tampa, helping friends ship then just generally helping. But..... I have always wanted to go. Any suggestions on a low budget, get in as many farms, tracks, parks, etc. Is Turfway the only track running now, that is close to Lexington? I am going to do a google search, but I figured you all would know best.

TIA

[Good Old Sledge]

Kentucky only runs one track at a time, so yes, Turfway is your choice. If you're on limited time, I'm not sure I'd suggest the drive.
Keeneland, even when dark, is a wonderful place to visit. There's a grand library there and the track kitchen hasn't changed much in the 40 years I've been checking. You can wander around the sales pavilion, too.
You can make Churchill Downs in an easy hour-and-a-half. The track dark isn't much but the Derby Museum is nice.
Most all farms offer tours for free - Lanes End and Three Chimneys are two of my favorites. And Claiborne, if for nothing more than the cemetary.
There's also the training track just south of town on 68.
Joe Bologna's for lunch - college pizza place that's both budget and great!
Not sure if The Springs is still taking reservations, but that and Campbell House are good, centrally located Motels that are nice without being costly.
And the Kentucky Horse Park now features Funnycide and Alysheba! If you go, drop a couple peppermints on John Henry's grave for me, would you?

[findeight]

Er, no offense but I'd skip the hour drive to Turfway. For one thing, it's COLD. For another, Turfway is not exactly scenic unless you consider strip malls and big box stores worth the drive. Just another suburban racetrack.

Yeah, Keeneland is beautiful. So are the miles of fencing and stud barns that are way nicer then where we live.

Horse Park is on winter hours but their main museum has an equal number of Derby and other major classic trophies-including the ones for the Triple Crown which I never knew exsisted.

I'd do a farm tour and hit the Horse Park if it fits your time frame. Most of the local hotels can set you up with the tours and help with directions to the Park.

But bring a warm coat.

[wildernessD]

Hands down!

Kentucky Horse Park:
http://www.kyhorsepark.com/

Located on the property of the former Walnut Hall Stud Farm where Rodney stood.

If your fortuante and their is NO snow in Lexington?
You might consider horse graves?
Loads in Lexington:
http://www.tbheritage.com/TurfHallmarks/Graves/GraveMattersFarmNAM.html

On a very slim chance you might try arranging a view of Floral Barn on the backstretch of the Lexington track. It's not generally open to the public, I've been told they have a wonderful, although unpreserved library. You may get lucky:
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM230N
http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc26235.php
http://www.mytravelguide.com/attractions/profile-68031605-United_States_Kentucky_Georgetown_Stable_Of_Memori es_Inc.html

[Sing Mia Song]

It doesn't have the TB history that Claiborne has, but Castleton Lyons should be on your short list. It is an incredibly exquisite place.

Gainesway is a favorite of mine, both for the horses and the architecture, but I heard they aren't doing tours anymore. :(

Claiborne is lovely, and the graveyard, as mentioned, is like a walk through racing history. Three Chimneys is nice, but tourism central. Airdrie is more of a "working farm" than a showplace, but the stallion manager is a doll and the horses are super.

WinStar has a glorious entrance, but where the horses are is down to earth. Tiznow is a ham and a half.

TaylorMade is way on the south side, and you'll think it "eh" when you get there, but Unbridled's Song is perhaps the most beautiful creature I've ever laid eyes on.

[LUCI Center]

You also might want to check out Old Friends.
http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/

[lindasp62]

I'm from Cincinnati and get down to Lexington often...it's only 1.5 hours.

That said, Turfway, being closer to CIncinnati, is not really worth your drive. I second the others....visit Keeneland. It is just beautiful, even when nothing is going on. Very genteel.

Kentucky Horse Park for sure.

My favorite horse farm tours that are open to the public are Three Chimneys and Claiborne, but Claiborne is a bit of a drive up to Paris, KY. Not sure where you are staying, but it would still be worth it. If you are . If you are looking to buy halters,leads, etc, Quillin's Leather is in Paris KY and all their items are made by hand on the premesis and are of premium quality, but still affordable.

Old Friends..yes, please go there. Some fabulous horses there in their retirement. It is a top retirement farm. You will be amazed. Make sure to get one of the guided tours so you can get informed of all the details of the residents.

Midway, Kentucky is charming with lots of little unique shops and restaurants, and is located near some of the most scenic farms in the area.

If you like Bourbon, Woodford Reserve is in Midway. You can do a tour and can purchase some souvenir. For wine, there is Equus Run Vineyards.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[Pozzo]

Yes, do check out Old Friends in Georgetown (502 863 1775) They do guided tours at 10am, 1pm and 3 pm. A great gift shop, too.

Midway is adorable and a great place for lunch. MellowMushroom, in downtown Lex has great pizza.

Not all farms do tours beside three chimneys and Claiborne, so call ahead and check The new Adena Springs in Paris is also quite beautiful and you can meet Awesome Again and Ghostzapper.

[summerly]

The road to Lexington should be a yellow brick road where the rainbow ends and you have a pot of gold!!! My favorite place on Earth and to be my home soon again!!!! But bring a coat.....the most horse horse friendly lovin town ever but indeed chilly....sorry!!

[SmartAlex]

Keeneland, even when dark, is a wonderful place to visit.

Joe Bologna's for lunch.



Yes, and Yes!

Also, do the Bluegrass Driving Tour, and head towards Midway. Lots of great little shops and great lunch places.

Also, the Kentucky Horse Park museum is a MUST.
Don't forget the life sized sculpture at Throughbred Park in the downtown.

I just love Lexington.

[hitchinmygetalong]

Hands down!

Kentucky Horse Park:
http://www.kyhorsepark.com/

Located on the property of the former Walnut Hall Stud Farm where Rodney stood.

If your fortuante and their is NO snow in Lexington?
You might consider horse graves?
Loads in Lexington:
http://www.tbheritage.com/TurfHallmarks/Graves/GraveMattersFarmNAM.html

On a very slim chance you might try arranging a view of Floral Barn on the backstretch of the Lexington track. It's not generally open to the public, I've been told they have a wonderful, although unpreserved library. You may get lucky:
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM230N
http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc26235.php
http://www.mytravelguide.com/attractions/profile-68031605-United_States_Kentucky_Georgetown_Stable_Of_Memori es_Inc.html

The barn you mention is on the grounds of The Red Mile (http://www.theredmile.com/), not Keeneland. Fennell's Tack is right next to it, and it is a wonderful place to stop in and warm up next to the woodstove and gawk at the Standardbred racing bits :eek: It is closer to downtown than I am, a shocking find when you think you are in the center of Lexington.

Food must stop: Wallace Station on Old Frankfort. You might see Sam Shepard there. My DH sees him seemingly every time he stops there (i.e. twice a year).

Tour: Three Chimneys. Claiborne.

Another must see: Keeneland. With the all-weather surface on both the main track and the training track, they are galloping horses year-round. Go early, watch some works, then have a cholesterol-laden breakfast in the track kitchen. Get your pic taken by the Rolex clock in the paddock, and go shopping at the gift shop ($$$$).

There is also The Thoroughbred Center on Paris Pike (beautiful drive).

Lots and lots and LOTS to see, even in the dreary days of winter.

[lindasp62]

Food must stop: Wallace Station on Old Frankfort. You might see Sam Shepard there. My DH sees him seemingly every time he stops there (i.e. twice a year)..

Just a note...Wallace Station is only open for breakfast and lunch. But, by all means, make it a stop!