On the Road

Lexington

Horse Capital of the World

Lexington country road

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 heading-plus-icon

Lexington Snapshot feat
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.

burrito 12x12 1
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 heading-plus-icon

Bar from Watch Hill Proper
Dining Out

The Ultimate Kentucky Dining Guide | Listen

Tom Wilmes scoured the Kentucky landscape to uncover the best chef, best mixologist, and top dining spots across the state in 2025.

Dishes for Spring Trends
TLP's Top 5

Spring’s Top Culinary Trends

Here, TLP offers up the top five trends this spring that raised our eyebrows, got us googling, or inspired our next supper club meal plan.

The Manchester Matt Kisiday Lost Palm
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.

CITY GUIDES
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.