Everyone From Kentucky Should Take This One Awesome Vacation Before They Die
By Jenn Shockley|Published May 12, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
There are plenty of gorgeous places to experience in our state, and we’ve celebrated a few of them like Red River Gorge, Danville and Bardstown. The city of Lexington also makes for an amazing vacation in Kentucky, you just have to know all the perks. Lexington may be the second biggest city in our state, but it still offers lots of nature and beautiful horse parks to enjoy.
Here is a perfect place to stay, restaurants to try and places to check out for an amazing vacation in Kentucky:
10. Book your stay at Eighth Pole Inn at 3463 Rosalie Road in Lexington.
The rooms here might be a little costly, but the perks here outweigh the price. The B&B is on a renowned horse farm with gorgeous views of rolling hills, the paddock and the gardens. Each day you are provided with a freshly prepared breakfast, accompanied by coffee, tea and juice, along with snacks. The beds themselves are comfortable, plus you have Wifi access and cable television. This Lexington B&B shows you firsthand what life can be on a horse farm, but adds lots of vacation perks. Once you visit, you’ll understand why Eighth Pole has only gotten the positive reviews.
Most people are familiar with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, but Keeneland has a special place in hearts around the world as well. They may not have the 3 week long pre-race party, but they offer an exciting look into horse racing all the same. Keeneland is a designer track with most the comfort of the Downs and in a more tranquil atmosphere.
If you're looking for southern cooking at its finest in a down home family atmosphere, this is the place to go. They have a fine Hot Brown, and serve some of the best breakfast food in town. The burgers are hearty, and the corn oysters and fried green tomatoes are the perfect level of crisp and tender. Ramsey’s is the perfect spot to stop by for lunch or dinner.
6. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary at 3885 Raven Run Way
This is a beautiful place to visit and really get in touch with nature. Raven Run is one of the most gorgeous spots in Kentucky, and is a perfect place to visit while on vacation. Enjoy a picnic lunch, an afternoon hike, relaxing by a babbling brook, or watching the sun set.
You can see a variety of equestrian history in the museums, more than 50 breeds of horses, horse shows, equestrian art galleries and other types of demonstrations. This is around 1,200 acres of Mother Nature and equestrian beauty, along with experts in the field willing to share information. You can even ride a horse on a trail ride if you want or have lunch at the cafe.
The beauty of spring is a perfect time to visit the Arboretum on the Lexington University grounds. The vast variety of plants, flowers, butterflies and humming birds is enough to mesmerize any lover of spring. There are several different types of gardens set up for your enjoyment and to represent Kentucky’s variety of vibrant plant life.
You can visit the Ashland, the Henry Clay Plantation, at 120 Sycamore Road, the Mary Todd Lincoln House at 578 W. Main Street, or the Joseph Bryan at Joseph Bryan Way, who happened to be the nephew of the famed Daniel Boone. There is also the John Hunt Morgan House, known as Hopemont and built in 1814, and located on 201 N Mill Street. Each home offers a touch of history and tales from the past.
Check out a little bit of everything air travel in Kentucky including historical information and actual planes. You can see several generations of air travel equipment and see more modern planes and copters as well.
2. The Aviation Museum of Kentucky at 4029 Airport Road
You can spice things up at this Cajun and Creole specialty restaurant for lunch or dinner. Etouffe and gumbo are great choices, but anything on the menu is delicious. The staff is great about letting you know the spice level, and there are lightly spiced dishes for those with a sensitive palette.
These are just a few reasons Lexington can make an amazing vacation in Kentucky. It is the home to the University of Kentucky and has a perfect mix of city and country life. What town do you think would make for an amazing vacation spot?
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