Home to a winning college basketball team and legendary thoroughbreds, Lexington, Kentucky, scores big in the sports world. But it’s more than hoops and horses. Fed by limestone-rich water, the fertile fields surrounding the city yield abundant crops and a majority of the world’s bourbon. It also boasts hoppin’ craft breweries, an array of dining options ranging from downhome to highbrow, and some seriously locavore chefs. It all combines to create a sure-bet culinary scene that’s giving its other appealing aspects a run for their money. Start in NoLi (North Limestone), an edge-of-downtown neighborhood that’s transformed from abandoned properties to an arts hub. Fuel up for a day of exploring at Doodles, a former gas station now serving Lex-sourced breakfast staples like cornmeal-crisped pancakes drizzled with sorghum molasses. Head to the historic James E. Pepper Distillery District and grab a cold one—an ice cream cone or a Kentucky craft beer—at Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge. When in the horse capital of the world, a stop by Keeneland is a winning choice. Hooves pound the historic track each April and October, but its idyllic green grounds and facilities are open for tours year round.
plan your trip to lexington 
On the Road
Snapshot: Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky has upped its culinary game in the form of a playful downtown dining renaissance soaked in Southern charm.
On the Road
Central Kentucky Bluegrass Bites
Samantha Fore takes us on a culinary tour through Eastern Kentucky, sharing the diverse bites, from noodles to burritos, savored along the way.
the latest in lexington
On the Road
Get To Know Lexington, Kentucky | Listen
Lexington is the heart of horse country, and the bucolic farms that ring the city inform its character.
Fore-Front
Sam Fore on How to Survive a Restaurant Reboot | Listen
Sam Fore of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop shares the reasons behind—and intricacies of—pivoting a concept in its first year of opening.
On the Road
Travel Queer Here | Listen
While traveling queer can feel a little dicey, these Southern towns offer a wide range of LGBTQ+ friendly events and restaurants.
Explore Nearby
On the Road
Louisville
New and exciting aromas fill the old, industrial streets of the Gateway to the South. Come for Bourbon, and leave with artisan bread.
On the Road
Nashville
Nashville is a city fueled by music, steered by history, and revved up with a dynamic food and drink scene.
On the Road
Memphis
Call it grit. Call it soul. No matter how you slice it, there’s something about Memphis' food and music scene.
