Things To Do
Castle & Key Distillery
The host site for Amaris and Matthew's wedding ceremony and reception, Castle & Key has a rich heritage dating back to 1887. The distillery grounds were in ruins in 2014 when it was purchased and began restoration into a working distillery and destination on the Bourbon Trail. Enjoy the beauty of the historic grounds, including the Springhouse, Botanical Trail, and Glenns Creek on this 100+ acre property approximately 30 miles from Lexington. Be sure to visit the gift store in the restored Boiler Room and shop for locally crafted goods and Castle & Key signature items!
RESTAURANTS
Bella Cafe and Grille
"Everyday dining you deserve" featuring delicious entrees such as Buttermilk Chicken, Grilled Salmon Salad and Bolognese.
Carson's Food & Drink
Rustic Refinement at its best! Groom's personal favorite!
Corto Lima
Latin inspired, modern interpretation = fantastic experience
Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream (Manchester)
A local premium ice cream maker that has grown to 2 locations, nationwide shipping, and recognition through national press including PEOPLE Magazine, the New York Times, and Cooking Channel. Additional location: 3101 Clays Mill Road #301 Lexington, KY 40503 859.682.3035
Distilled on Jefferson
Southern inspired locally sourced fare
Freshie's Ice Cream & Soda Fountain
Family owned and community nurtured shop featuring super premium hand-dipped ice cream in a retro soda fountain setting. Fun and fabulous! Additional location: 4379 Old Harrodsburg Rd. Lexington KY
The Futile Bakery
The Futile Bakery is a walk-in and carryout bakery specializing in making the best cinnamon roll in Kentucky and delicious scones, cookies, brownies, and other treats.
Goodfellas Pizzeria - Mill Street
A slice of New York in Blue Grass country; caution - there could be line out the door of those waiting to order their slice for the day! Additional location: 1228 Manchester Street 859.523.5280
Harry's American Bar & Grill
A tribute to Kentucky’s rich racing history, Harry’s atmosphere is pure Americana. The patio bar is encased in glass during winter and opened in summer.
Indi's Fast Food Restaurant
The iconic to-go spot is striped in bright colors; it looks more like a circus tent than a restaurant. This fried chicken joint serves up the classics: mac’ and cheese, potato wedges, green beans, and – of course – spicy and regular fried chicken. Considered by many to be the best fried chicken in the area. Drive through highly recommended!
Joe Bologna's Restaurant & Pizzeria
Italian Pizzeria and Restaurant established in 1973. A Lexington favorite and longtime pizza parlor with a casual vibe housed in a former synagogue with stained-glass windows. Joe himself sometimes moves from host to chef!
Leestown Coffee House
A locally birthed oasis of coffee and creativity.
The Local Taco Lexington
Tex-Mex meets Southern with creativity. Bride's personal favorite! Additional location: 1916 Pavilion Way, Lexington, KY 40509 859.309.3304
Old School Coffee
Old School Coffee is located in the historic Dudley Square building in Lexington, KY. This building certainly has a lot of history, this structure was originally constructed in 1881 where it served as Public School #3 until 1925. The building still has its “old school” charm with plenty of new age design and delicious coffee.
Parlor Doughnuts
A craft doughnut and coffee shop offering an array of unique bakery items, including original layered doughnuts; vegan, gluten-friendly, and keto-friendly products; artisanal breakfasts; and specialty coffee.
Peach Cobbler Factory
The Peach Cobbler Factory is a place where people come to enjoy delicious cobblers with ice cream, banana puddings, cinnamon rolls, Pudd-N Shakes, our Sweet Peachy Tea, and Cold Rush cold-brewed coffee.
Red State BBQ
Many consider the BBQ to be the classic best in the area, if not in the Commonwealth. Caution: Peach Cobbler and Brisket often sell out, lunch is recommended if wanting these. The surrounding area reminds some of the Bate's Motel, LOL!
Wild Eggs
A wild approach to breakfast, brunch and lunch results in creative, unique offerings including the world of omelets, pancakes, waffles, skillets and scrambles. Additional location: 1925 Justice Drive Lexington, KY 40509
Winchell's Restaurant and Bar
A Lexington staple for over 25 years. Family owned and operated, fresh, local, homemade food including Kentucky Hot Brown, Shrimp and Grits and Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Pie.
Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
Breathe in the country air, savor an overstuffed sandwich, and enjoy your escape at a historic train depot.
DESTINATIONS
The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
Beautiful oasis in the middle of the city of Lexington
Blue Stallion Brewing Co.
Founded in 2013, BSBC began crafting boldly traditional German ales & lagers in the heart of Lexington, KY. They strive to bring authenticity to the local beer community while also brewing wonderful new styles as well, ranging from IPAs, to sours, and to barrel aged beers.
Country Boy Brewing
Country Boy Brewing was founded in 2012 by four native Kentuckians with a passion for great craft beer. Country Boy prides itself on making minimally processed beers with high quality, real ingredients. Their recent expansion to Georgetown KY makes them the largest production brewery in the state.
The Distillery District
This 25-acre property was home to the historic James E. Pepper Distillery, which began making bourbon in 1879. After being abandoned for nearly 50 years, it has been revitalized and become a gathering place during the day as well as a laidback nightlife destination. Along with unique shops, the district includes diverse food and drink offerings such as Crank and Boom, Goodfellas Distillery and Wise Bird Cider.
Gainesway Farm
A private tour of one of the premier thoroughbred farms in the Blue Grass. Limited availability to see the picturesque working farm of 1,500 acres and its magnificent equines.
Keeneland Race Track
Be immersed in a world of thoroughbreds, where the four legged are royalty. The Fall Meet runs October 6-28, world-class racing and experience !
Lexington Farmers' Market
Begun in 1975, the Lexington Farmers’ Market now operates a year-round market in Downtown Lexington in Henry A Tandy Centennial Park and the area around the Historic Old Courthouse. Other community locations and events seasonal.
Mirror Twin Brewing
Mirror Twin Brewing's name is two-fold in its meaning - one of the owners is himself a mirror twin, and the brewery's 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.
Old Frankfort Pike Scenic Overlook
The Old Frankfort Pike Historic and Scenic Byway extends over 15 miles through a memorable historic landscape of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. An extraordinary drive through miles of countryside that was once typical of the Kentucky’s Inner Bluegrass, but survives today in very few places, blending traditional diversified agriculture and the international equine industry in a unique landscape that has evolved over the past 200 years.
Talon Winery & Vineyards
Enjoy a day of wine & scenery. Located on 300 acres of Kentucky farmland, Talon Winery offers a country get away just minutes from the city.
University of Kentucky
Walk and drive through almost 1000 acres of a gorgeous southern university campus, including views of Kroger Field, Arboretum State Botanical Garden and countless beautiful brick architecture.
The Amsden
Located in the historic Amsden bank building constructed in 1890, the Amsden Coffee Club offers locally roasted coffee from Lexington Coffee and Tea, iced + hot espresso drinks, as well as fresh baked goods from Midway School Bakery (a Woodford County favorite!). Mercantile shop for your browsing as well!
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Explore 200 years of history along the bourbon trail. Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, tours and tastings are always complimentary, but registration is recommended.
Canoe Kentucky
Kayak or Canoe down the Elkhorn River!
Evans Orchard and Cider Mill
Evans Orchard and Cider Mill is a 5th generation family farm. Today, the farm covers over 300 acres, with 20 acres of apple, peach, and pear orchards and more than 20 acres of vegetables that are fresh-picked and sold at the Farm Market and Gift Store. Apple and pumpkin season in September and October.
Maker's Mark Distillery
Campus-like setting on the banks of Hardin’s Creek. Established in 1805 and now a National Historic Landmark with beautifully manicured grounds that are a functioning arboretum. Tour the location that is as distinctive as each bottle's hand-dipped signature red wax.
The Pinnacles at Berea
Breathless hike for a breathless view
Red River Gorge Geological Area
The Red River Gorge is a unique, scenic natural area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Spectacular rock features, including sandstone arches and towering cliffs, are just part of the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the gorge year-round to enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing and other recreation opportunities.
Triple Try Farm
Established in 1990, Triple Try Farm sits in a quiet corner of southern Woodford County in the very heart of the renown Bluegrass region. A private tour including visiting Dukey, who flew from W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center, Cal Poly Pomona, to Triple Try, will have limited availability.