Beyond Cincinnati: Lexington, KY {Series}

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In this series, we will be highlighting several day trips and/or weekend getaways within a short distance of Cincinnati. These trips are simple, fun adventures for you and your family and perfect for when you feel that wanderlust take over and you just need to get out of town for a little while.


OHSometimes you just need to get away. And when you’re traveling with kids, sometimes one night is enough. The perfect amount of time to explore without having to pack bath tubs, high chairs, fifty outfits for inevitable “accidents”, etc. etc. etc.

Being new to this part of the States, we decided to pack up the car and explore. Our first adventure was in Lexington, KY. I’ll be honest. I had no idea what to do in Lexington. I knew it existed, but besides the University of Kentucky, I knew very little.

Lexington is the heart of Bluegrass Country. Which means it’s beautiful and there are a copious amount of horses. I mean, it is called “The Horse Capital of the World”! Therefore, our first stop was to the Kentucky Horse Park. Parking is $5.00. First, we walked around the auction area where items were being auctioned off in a scene straight from a TV Show. Ok, yes, I realize this is real life. But for city folk like me, it was quite an experience.

Auction At Kentucky Horse Park:

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After we got our fill of people watching, we headed out to do some horse watching. Entering the grounds is $16 per adult, $8.00 for children 7-12, and free for 6 and under during their busy season of March 15-November 1st. In the off-season, November 2-March 14th, ticket are $10 for adults, $5 for children 7-12, and free for 6 and under. This year, the Rolex Kentucky 3 Day will be April 23-26 and requires a 3 day event ticket.

Find out more about that event HERE.

Our first stop was the International Museum of the Horse. If you’re really into horses, or horse racing, this is a super thorough museum of horse history and artifacts.

International Museum of the Horse:

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Afterwards, we walked around the grounds, pausing to visit with the horses. There are trolley tours, a barn show, a kids’ barn groom and shine event, and a Hall of Champions Presentation. There are some pretty famous horses residing at this beautiful park including Go For Gin, Da Hoss, Funny Cide, and Mr. Muscleman to name a few. For an additional fee, you can go horseback riding, give your child a pony ride, or take a guided behind the scenes tour of the park.

Kentucky Horse Park:

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To find out more about the Kentucky Horse Park, click HERE:

Afterwards, we drove a few minutes down the road to Red State BBQ, apparently a must for the area. Red and white checkered tablecloths, sauces from all over BBQ nation, and some good old sweet tea made this a perfect pit stop for lunch. The meat isn’t seasoned, but the sauces are all delicious. I recommend the pulled pork!

Red State BBQ:

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We then drove on to Lexington proper. We stayed at the Hyatt, which is actually attached to the famous Rupp Center. Everyone was wearing Wildcat blue, as it was March Madness season.

Hyatt Lobby at Game Time:

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We checked in, then strolled around Lexington, pausing outside Abraham Lincoln’s wife’s house for a quick picture of history.

Mary Todd Lincoln’s house:

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We popped into Tony’s, a swanky new restaurant to watch the UK vs. Cincinnati game (mostly because it wasn’t crowded and we didn’t have to worry about anyone spilling beer on our child). Very cool atmosphere, and some local brews on tap. Afterwards, we strolled around some more and then headed back to the hotel. We picked the Hyatt because it has an indoor pool, and it’s always nice to take the baby swimming. I’m pretty sure she just thinks it’s an epic bath, and she loves bath time.

On Sunday we woke up, ate a hearty breakfast at Ramsey’s. A ton of food, and a fun, eclectic greasy spoon.

Ramsey’s:

Lexington

We then headed over to check out the University of Kentucky. They are doing a ton of construction; can’t wait to see what the campus looks like when it is done! We parked and walked around the University of Kentucky Arboretum to stretch our legs. I can’t wait to come back here when spring is in full bloom! It’s a lovely park with a good 2 mile paved walk of rolling hills. You can off-road on a dirt path for a little bit, but we didn’t take that option with the stroller. Unfortunately, it was Sunday and the Children’s Garden isn’t open on Sundays, but it looked beautiful and seemed like a great place to take the baby once she can walk on her own.

University of Kentucky Arboretum:

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Find out more HERE.

We weren’t quite ready to return to the city and end our weekend, so instead of hopping on I-75, we headed back on US 25, taking in the scenic rolling hills and barns along the way. All-in-all, a great end to a fabulous, easy getaway!

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