Things To Do
Thursday Night Live
If you’re in town on Thursday, head downtown for an outdoor summer evening dancing to a local band with ~2,500 of your closest friends.
Kentucky Native Café
Beautiful wine, beer, and light bites in our favorite local greenhouse. Can’t beat it.
Trifecta Glass Art Lounge
We’d say this even if Trifecta’s resident artist/owner wasn’t a great friend (he is) - you can’t come to Lexington without a stop at Trifecta. Come for a fabulous cocktail, stay to watch live glassblowing, wander through the art on exhibit, and maybe you’ll even happen into live jazz. It’s a vibe, y’all.
Favor Kitchen
When we really want a fantastic meal. It’s a small spot, so either make a reservation, or wait with a beverage in adjacent Arcadium.
Standing Room Only
Standing sake bar around the corner from Favor Kitchen - grab a drink before or after dinner!
County Club Restaurant
Come for the upscale barbecue (we promise that’s a thing), stay for the ambience.
Martine's Pastries
Martine is known for her exquisite cakes (which you can taste by the slice in the bakery), but her café brings a slice of her native France to the Bluegrass. Come for breakfast (Sam swears by the ham and cheese croissant), coffee, or an aperitif - your taste buds will thank you.
ItalX
Gorgeous downtown Italian. “Mod” seems apt. Don’t skip the focaccia.
The Burl
Our favorite local music venue, plus an onsite arcade, brewery, and kitchen. It’s a great spot to stop for a casual afternoon or evening (or both, this is a spot to linger). Don’t forget to check out the show schedule!
Wild Turkey Distillery
Located just up the road from Forest Hill (where Anne-Tyler grew up) and overlooking the Kentucky River and iconic Tyrone S bridge, Wild Turkey is our go-to Bourbon Trail stop, with a new and improved visitor’s center. Bride’s tip: ask for a signed bottle of Russell’s Reserve.
Take a Horse Farm Tour!
Welcome to the Horse Capital of the World! Tour one (or more) of ~450 horse farms in the Bluegrass region (150 in Fayette County alone) while you’re here. VisitLEX (our local convention and visitors bureau) shows you how to go about it.
Dudley's On Short
A Lexington classic! Ask to dine on the rooftop, designed by local celebrity gardener Jon Carloftis.
Constitution Rare & Antique Books
~ sultry speakeasy ~ pairs well with a Dudley’s main course
Lexington Distillery District
You can find it all in Lexington’s Distillery District - restaurants, watering holes, coffee, ice cream, and even a historic working distillery. Come casual and plan to linger.
Castle & Key Distillery
It’s beautiful, and you’ll love it. Plus Anne-Tyler’s Grandaddy Mac worked here for his entire career! The bride recommends any of the seasonal gins.
Woodford Reserve Distillery
Close to Castle & Key and the Stave - make an afternoon of it!
The Stave
Close to Castle & Key and Woodford Reserve - this is your food stop before or after an afternoon at the distilleries. Local, laidback, equally charming outdoor/indoor/porch dining.
Bites of the Bluegrass Food Tour
Yummy Bluegrass cuisine with a heaping side of Lexington history!
Corto Lima
Latin-fusion downtown hot spot. Frozen prickly pear all the way.
Enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Have some time to really dig in? Explore Kentucky’s one of a kind bourbon landscape! We’ve included a few nearby distilleries on our site, but hit the trail for as many as you fancy.
Carson's Food & Drink - On Main
Incredible any time, but we can’t stop won’t stop with Carson’s brunch.
VisitLEX Lexington Visitors Center
We take tourism seriously around here! Check out VisitLEX for all kinds of goings on.
Red River Gorge Geological Area
Looking for some time outdoors? Fancy a hike, camp, or climb? Head an hour south, and you’ll find yourself in paradise.
Lussi Brown Coffee Bar
The groom’s favorite coffee bar, and he’s a stickler for his cortado!
Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream (Manchester)
Lexington’s own ice cream - and it’s delicious! Its Distillery District location hits the spot on a fun summer evening.