Explore the top things to do in Lexington, from hiking to horse-racing

Get acquainted with Kentucky culture during your stay at the Country Inn & Suites, which places you near family-friendly things to do in downtown Lexington. You can see the Wildcats play at the Central Bank Center or visit The Thoroughbred Center to learn more about the state’s famous racehorses. For a truly unforgettable experience, schedule a tour of a nearby working horse farm or spend a day at the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park. Here with your sweetheart? You can find great dining and cultural spots like ArtsPlace downtown or hop on the Brewgrass Trail to survey the area’s small craft breweries. For a great day trip, travel less than an hour to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill to tour the restored village and explore 33 miles of hiking and riding trails.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark

ArtsPlace

3.77 mi / 6.06 km from the hotel
This 1904 Beaux Arts building began life as a YMCA. Today, it offers a gallery for exhibits by local and regional artists.

Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate

2.92 mi / 4.69 km from the hotel
The 17-acre estate of the celebrated statesman is a National Historic Landmark and welcomes guests for tours of its Italianate-style house begun in 1809. Visitors are also welcome to stroll the formal gardens and wooded areas.

Shaker Hill of Pleasant Hill

22.83 mi / 36.74 km from the hotel
The largest restored Shaker community in the US welcomes visitors to 34 restored buildings displaying furniture, crafts, textiles, and artifacts that help tell the history of this movement.

Keeneland

9.65 mi / 15.54 km from the hotel
After cheering on your favorite Thoroughbred on the racetrack, explore the Keeneland Library for books, journals, and special collections about various equestrian topics.

Kentucky Horse Park

8.96 mi / 14.43 km from the hotel
Admission to this world-renowned park includes entry to the International Museum of the Horse and the American Saddlebred Museum. This amazing destination also features campgrounds, restaurants, and shops.

Lexington Opera House

3.87 mi / 6.22 km from the hotel
Attend a Broadway touring musical, ballet, or big-time band performance in this gem of a restored 19th-century opera house, now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Red Mile

4.92 mi / 7.92 km from the hotel
The home of harness races since 1875, today Red Mile offers a full slate of horse racing, live concerts, gambling, and dining.

Rupp Arena

4.02 mi / 6.47 km from the hotel
The well-known University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team calls Rupp Arena home. Join more than 23,000 other attendees to watch a ball game or a variety of live performances.

The Thoroughbred Center

3.74 mi / 6.03 km from the hotel
Take a peek at all that goes into the care and training of Kentucky Thoroughbred horses at this extensive horse farm.

Transylvania University

3.52 mi / 5.67 km from the hotel
You won’t want to miss an opportunity to see a play, concert, or sports event at this liberal arts university founded in 1780.

University of Kentucky

4.14 mi / 6.66 km from the hotel
Stroll the urban campus, visit the on-campus art museum to see its impressive collection, or attend a concert or theatrical performance by the school's talented students.