A Couple’s Weekend to Lexington, part one
By Michael Dwyer and Sonya Julie
Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky is a Must Do – photo by Michael Dwyer
All About Horses
Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World, is where visitors can experience the Kentucky Horse Park, take a horse farm tour, or go to the races at Keeneland Race Course.
A one of a kind educational theme park, the Kentucky Horse Park, hosts equine competitions and working horses. They opened to the public in 1978 as a family-friendly venue dedicated to the relationship between human and horse. Horses of the World Shows are 30-minute presentations that will bring visitors up to speed on the different breeds. Meet and greet sessions after the shows allow wonderful photo ops and a chance to speak with the authentically costumed handlers. Stroll the Hall of Champions, peruse the various museums and check out the Walking Barn Tour – all while passing memorials and statues of famous equines – a perfect time to hold hands with that someone special.
A Mare and Her New Born Foal with Unique Horse Farm Tours – photo by Michael Dwyer
Horse Farm Tours
For a fun up-close tour of Kentucky’s rich horse culture, look into Unique Horse Farm Tours, owned and operated by Shaun Washington, a native to Lexington. Enjoy a guided tour of some of the most picturesque and historic farms in the Bluegrass Region, such as Calumet Farm and WinStar Farm, the homes of famous Kentucky Derby winners.
The comfortable tour bus travels over winding roads past beautiful country estates while Shaun provides insight into the history and happenings of the area with a great sense of humor, knowledge, and a passion for horses that will entertain and engage guests. Each tour is unique and guests might visit a broodmare barn, pet a colt, or meet a famous stallion. Watch mares and foals frolicking in springtime pastures or perhaps bump into a famous jockey, owner or trainer at the Keeneland Race Course. Tours depart from the Kentucky Horse Park and last 2-3 hours.
Over 450 horse farms are in the area and many are open to the public. If you go to just one horse farm, try Old Friends, a facility that provides a safe and dignified home for retired Thoroughbreds.
And They’re Off at Keeneland Race Course in April – photo by Michael Dwyer
A Day at the Races!
A visit to the historic Keeneland Race Course in April is a wonderful way to celebrate spring. Visitors don’t have to be race fans to enjoy the experience. A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland has beautifully manicured grounds, a sprawling stone clubhouse and grandstand quarried from native Kentucky limestone.
They offer tours, terrific food and drink, and friendly southern hospitality. Visitors dress up for these special weekends, with men in suits and women in dresses. Charm and elegance abound in this romantic setting.
If you go …
Visit Lexington, Kentucky http://www.visitlex.com 800-848-1224
Next week, Michael Dwyer and Sonya Julie continue to explore a “couple’s weekend” in Lexington with food, drink and shopping. Click to read Part Two!
About Michael Dwyer