Places to Explore In and Around Lexington
Shaker
Village
Located about 30 minutes
from Lexington at Pleasant Hill, this is America’s largest restored Shaker
religious community. There are 34 original buildings from the 19th century, 40
miles of hiking trails on over 3,000 acres of land, and lodging and dining at
the Inn. Self guided tours take you through many of the buildings and
surrounding areas where docents demonstrate crafts associated with the Shakers
such as broom making, weaving, wood working, farming, etc. http://www.shakervillageky.org/
Red River Gorge Geological
Area
Located about one and a
half hours from Lexington, this scenic area contains 29,000 acres of forest,
streams and cliffs. It has over 100 natural stone arches and rock shelters and
contains some of the best hiking in the state. Additionally, the unique
sandstone rock formations that are common to the area make it one of the top
rock climbing destinations in the world.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
This driving tour allows
you to explore six distilleries that craft this uniquely Kentucky spirit. You
will get to sample some of the area’s best bourbons and learn about how the
mixture of weather and limestone water allow the production of this historic amber
colored drink. http://www.kybourbontrail.com/
Kentucky Horse Park
Just minutes from downtown
Lexington, this 1,200 acre park is central Kentucky’s epicenter of equestrian
life and sports and was the host to the 2010 World Equestrian Games. There are
many attractions and museums that will allow you to interact with, ride and
learn about the incredible history of the horse. There are also dining
opportunities and a campground. http://kyhorsepark.com/
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
About 10 miles from
downtown is this 734 acre park that is dedicated to preserving the natural
beauty of the Kentucky River palisades and early Kentucky history. There are
over ten miles of hiking trails that lead through meadows, woodlands and
streams. Additionally there are numerous 19th century building sites, as well
as over 600 species of plants, and hundreds of species of birds, mammals and
reptiles. http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=276
The Arboretum, State
Botanical Garden of Kentucky
This 100 acre arboretum is
located on the southern end of the campus of the University of Kentucky. There
are over 2 miles over walking paths that take you through an outstanding
collection of native plants from all of the main geophysical regions of the
state. Additionally there are rose, herb, perennial, and annual gardens as well
as home vegetable, nut and fruit demonstration plantings. http://www.ca.uky.edu/arboretum/
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