Things to do in Lexington, KY(Budget friendly of course!)

[pperfectmom]

I live not too far from Lexington and actually work there. There are quite a few things to do nearby. Ashaland(the Henry Clay Estate) will be fun and there is plenty room for the toddler to run around. In town some of the best places to eat aren't that expensive-Joe Bolognas is awesome! Ramsey's has wonderful country style cooking and one of the best Hot Browns around along with to die for pies. Also, White Mountain Creamery is gone but there are several Graeter's around and their ice cream is incredible. They give Ben & Jerry a run for their money. If you drive down Versailles Road toward Versailles, you'll see the castle on your right. It isn't open to the public yet, but my DD loves going by it on the way to Grammie's house. Also, Fort Boonesboro is fun and isn't too far down the road. It is a State Park with a pool and frontage along the Ky. River. The Fort itself is fairly historically accurate and has reinactments by people in costume most days. Down the road from there is a great restaurant Hall's on the River that has outdoor seating that is wonderful and a hot brown to compare to Ramsey's. They also have their famous beer cheese and seafood offerings and are moderately priced. Hope you have fun!!!!

 

[WDWBarb]

and I think it's a FANTASTIC city!

I second the votes for the Horse Park (if your children like horses - if they don't they might be bored) and the Explorium. When my DD was younger she adored that place.

I also highly suggest that you explore our city parks. Woodland Park has a fabulous pool and is a great place for a picnic. There's also a skate park, tennis courts, a playground, etc. Jacobson park is huge and has paddle boats and an enormous playground. My favorite is Raven Run! It's a natural area for hiking that has some breathtaking views (need to be in halfway decent shape to do this one!).

About 54 minutes away is Natural Bridge State Park. The rock formations are so beautiful! This one is a definite HIKE but they do have a chair lift if you want to ride up (but I suggest walking back down; it's simply amazing).

I hope you have a fantastic trip and welcome to The Bluegrass!

 

[MollyBelle]

I live in Lexington as well and am a life-long resident ... I agree that it is a beautiful, cultural, FUN place to be ...

I second the nomination for: Joseph-Beth Bookstore (you cannot beat this place for killing a couple of hours with kids ...we've been doing this for YEARS with ours, now ages 11 and 8) ... also, outside Joseph-Beth, is a lake with fish and ducks and some great restaurants...bring some stale bread and you've got a half an hour down right heree ... ha.

Also, if you have ever heard of Bounce-U, this is a fabulous place off of Man O War Blvd that has only been open for a couple of months....not sure if the 2 year old could partake, but you could do a google search for ages...basically, on Tues & Wed, you can pay an entry fee (I think $8 or so) and they have huge inflatables to bounce and play in ... we recently went to a fantastic party there ...

Check this website: www.lctonstage.com (I think) for plays within your dates ...it's right next door to the Explorium (children's museum) and their plays are WELL worth the effort ...extremely kid-friendly.

I live near Woodland Park as well and also Henry Clay's home -- both of these are great places...check out: www.lfucg.com and click on Parks/Rec for parks listing and events at each park ... this city is big on parks and has a lot of great events...the Woodland Jubilee is a wonderful family event if it is going on in your dates.

Anyway, hope you enjoy Lexington ...the Embassy Suites is very nice and close to the Horse Park and easily accessible to downtown Lexington. Speaking of downtown Lexington, another thing my kids LOVE to do is wear their bathing suits downtown and run through the fountains downtown near the courthouse and library...TONS of kids do it every day (I work on Main St.)

Hope this info helps -- have a great visit.

 

[Piecey]

And do not speed on New Circle Rd.

You aren't kidding!

I was just in Lexington last week. I took a friend who had never been to Kentucky before.. she LOVED the castle and the Horse Park.

We also toured Old KY Chocolates ( I think thats what it was called?) and got some free samples. Yummy!

I second Joseph-Beth.. my mom had all her cancer treatments down in Lexington when I was little and I used to sit in Joseph Beth the entire time with my dad just reading books. (Of course, we later bought the books..)

I love walking downtown around Triangle Park. I LOVE De Shaes.

Have a great time!

 

[bethyg]

Another Lexingtonian here. Definately do the Children's Museum and Theatre. Horse Park and the Saddlebred museum are also a must. Joseph-Beth booksellers next to Fayette Mall is great, with a huge children's section, wooden Brio trains and story hour. Call ahead and find out the times. Fayette Mall has the Disney store and build-a-bear workshops. There is a nice play area near the food court as well.

Boyd's orchard is off Versailles road near the castle (a few miles from the airport). While strawberry season is nearly gone and apples might be few and far between because of our unexpected Spring frost, they have a great place to run and play, climb hay bales and slide, petting zoo, wagon rides through the apple orchards and a nice snack shop for lunch. The folks that run it are great people.

Second the Joe Bolognas! Beware, a single breadstick can actually feed 4 people. Drive though.....would not recommend walking in that part of downtown. Gattitown is nice....lots of games, great game room, but we are staying away from it currently. An "inside source" of mine tells me they have had a rodent problem. 'Nuff said for me.

A horse farm tour would be great for the older child, but the younger child might get a tad bored. Claiborne farms is one of my favorites. FYI: Marriott Griffen gate is across the street from Embassy suites and they have a nice spa if mom needs some peace.

If you're big UK fans, there is the UK basketball museum. A Legends game would be fun also. Sometimes the Singletary Center on UK campus has special concerts. Could always check their website.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[willoughbyclan]

I too live just outside of Lexington but work in Lexington. Even though these have all be mentioned, I would recommend:

Legends game
Horse Park tour
Jacobson Park (They used to have Free Friday Flicks-where you take a blanket or lawn chair and watch a pre-chosen movie outside beginning at dusk)
Kids museum
Kid's place or Chuck-E-Cheese
Plenty of theaters to choose from
Outdoor drive-in (choice of 2 movies) a short drive to Winchester (15mins)
Natural Bridge (lots of trails and a chairlift)
Southland pool
Ramseys to eat.

If you make the drive to Newport Aquarium, plan to also visit the Cincinnati Museum, our girls LOVE that place and can easily spend the entire day's opening hours and still not want to leave.

I hope you have a wonderful time.