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

[disynut]

We(ds(7), dd(2 1/2) and I) will be tagging along with dh when he attends a conference at the end of this month in Lexington. I'm looking for some things to do while we're there, but not a lot is coming up in my internet searching for the kiddos. We may try and tour a horse farm and will probably go to a mall....maybe go to a movie one day and of course, see what the hotel pool has to offer . Anyone here have any other suggestions? Or suggestions on other things? I've been to Keeneland, but it's been years ago and I'm not sure my kids would enjoy it(I was there for some horse auctions--interesting to me even as a teenager...those things go for some high prices!)

Thanks in advance,
Jennifer

 

[DonaldTDuck]

Get out of town. Anywhere is better.

 

[kathie859]

The Horse Park is usually a hit with the kids. Even the 2 1/2 yr old will like seeing the horses. There are companies that specialize in arranging visits to horse farms and there's several historic homes around the area but I doubt your little one would enjoy that. One other place outside of town is Shaker Villiage. It's a restored area with a great restaurant with plenty of room for the kids to run off energy and see something truly unique. There's also boats rides on the Kentucky River which are booked at Shakertown. Keeneland is not running now, but you could check to see if there are any horsesales when you are in town-- like you say--those sales are really fascinating but again--probably not for the younger child. Hope you enjoy your visit.

 

[kydisneyfans]

There is a small children's museum in town, figure an hour or two there. Admission is cheap.

As for malls-Fayette Mall is very nice. Hamburg Pavilion is outdoors.
Turfland Mall is pretty much vacant.

The kids place just south of Fayette Mall is a neat indoor park type place with tubes for the kids to crawl around in and the like. We have a Check E Cheese and Gattitown in the area too.

The KY Horse Park is a good idea, I live about 5 minutes from there.

There are 2 drive in theatres within about 20 minutes. Movie theatres are everywhere. We also have some nice parks for the kids. The Newport Aquarium is only an hour north and is worth the visit.

What hotel are you staying at?

I have many BOGO Entertainment Book Coupons that I can send for local attractions if you would like them.

 

[punkin]

Last time we were there we went to the Henry Clay house (I forgot the name of it-Ashburn or something like that). It was very interesting if you like pre-civil war history.

We will be there visiting family at the end of next month.

 

[DianeV]

Go to Joe Bolognas to eat (downtown) Went to a soccer tournament a couple years ago and really enjoyed the food there (not super expensive either) its Itailian

 

[pjshaff]

Is White Mountain Cremery still there? They had the best ice cream, I believe that it was near the Two Keys.

 

[disynut]

Thank you all! Dh just told me we were visiting Henry Clay house with his group(he's a huge history buff--he used to be a history teacher). We will probably do the Horse Park, too, then. I've been there, but like Keeneland, I was a teenager. I remember Fayette Mall--I wonder if they still have that Karmel Korn place? Yum-o!

We are staying at the Embassy Suites. I didn't realize Newport was only an hour away--we may go to that, too.

I would love any coupons you would have that you aren't going to be using,kydisneyfans, thanks! But wait, I don't think I'd have time to get them. Thanks anyway though!

Joe Bologna's sounds very familiar--must be popular with some around here that frequent UK games. We may have to try that, too.

Is Hamburg Pavilion worth a visit? Is it an outlet place or regular shopping stores?

Thanks all!!

Jennifer

 

[J&Bsmom]

About 45 minutes west of Lexington on I-64 (Shelbyville) is Buffalo Crossing. I haven't been there, but some people have said its fun. I think they have some kids stuff and a restaurant. They may have a website?

Have a fun/safe trip!

 

[bgdiznee]

The Embassy Suites in Lex is a very nice hotel. We had our DD wedding reception there and they did a fantastic job. Don't forget that they do a managers cocktail hour every evening with a pretty well stocked open bar and when last we were there a nice selection of snacks. Chips and queso, assor. cheeses, vegies and dip, pretzels, chips, popcorn ect. Also the breakfast buffet which is included in your stay is very nice and the seating area is large and airy. Have a great trip.

 

[kydisneyfans]

Hamburg is basically an outdoor mall-no outlets there.

You could take the kids to a Legends game at Applebee's Park also.

I drive past the Embassy Suites daily (well nightly around 4:00 AM) for work-if interested, I could drop any discounts I have off at the front desk with Bill, the older gentleman that works night shift at the front desk. Just let me know when you will arrive and I'll have those at the desk that night.

The Bluegrass fair also occurs at the end of the month-have not been to that though.

And do not speed on New Circle Rd.

 

[MonorailNate]

Hamburg Pavilion is not an outlet mall. Many of the stores are duplicates of those at Fayette Mall, only a little smaller. There are lots of restaurants and stores such as: Target, Meijer, Walmart, Lowes, Kohls, Garden Ridge, Dicks Sporting Goods, Old Navy, Gap & Gap Kids, Ltd. 2, American Eagle, Aeropostle, Ann Taylor Loft, Victoria's Secret, Gymboree, Stride Rite, Zumfoot, Circuit City, Gordmans, Michael's, Marshalls, and several others. You can't really walk from store to store--you have to drive and park from one store or area to another. I actually live about 3 minutes from Hamburg.

 

[kydisneyfans]

My mistake-the Bluegrass Fair is in mid July.

The Kopper Popper is still at the mall-it has relocated to the Dick's Sports wing.

 

[disynut]

You all have been such a help! KYdisneyfan, that is so nice of you! I'm going to PM you with our dates---you are a great help!
Don't worry about me speeding--I'm a country girl not used to "big city" roads, lol. I'll be the one everyone is honking at, lol.

We were wondering if the Legends game would be worth going to. We attended a Nashville Sounds game last summer and enjoyed it.

I'm going to be hitting Fayette Mall and Hamburg Pavilion definitely. I have got to have some of that Karmel Korn and I need to return a shirt to Kohls. I'm going to check into Buffalo Crossing right now!

Google has nothing on these boards!

Thank you all again--

Jennifer

 

[kidtink]

I am a history buff too and live in the heart of Lexington...if your husband likes Henry Clay's estate (Ashland) than he may also like some of our other historical homes also. Each home costs about $6 a piece, but you can go to our visitor's center on Vine street in downtown and buy an all inclusive ticket to visit all four of them for only $10 a piece (Mary Todd Lincoln's home, Waveland and John Hunt Morgan house). While at the visitor's center you can pick up more information on area things and discounts on tickets to the Horsepark and the Explorium (the children's museum downtown).

If your do decide to go downtown try to eat at DeShae's which is right next door to the Explorium and a two blocks up from the Mary Todd Lincoln home.

If I had my choice between Hamburg pavilion and our mall with a 21/2 yo (which I have), I would choose the mall and park near the Dick's entrance. That area of our mall houses the Disney store, Build-a-Bear workshop, and Libby Lu's (kinda like the Bibbidy Boppity Boutique). Just travel up Nicholasville RD from downtwon and you will go to the mall. It is also more centrally located based on where you are staying.

Keeneland is really only worth visiting in the months of April and October although it is open year-round for die hards to do simulcast racing bets.

LIke I said I live in the middle of Lexington so let me know if there are any phone numbers or hours of operation that you would like me to get for you. Have a great time while you are here!

 

[dis-happy]

We LOVED our visit to Lexington to see the Rolex. KY Horse Park (and all the exhibits) is fabulous, especially if you love horses. You could easily spend a day there.

Our local friend took us to eat at Joe Bologna's (order the breadstick as an appetizer....it feeds 4!) and Columbia Steak House (the one downtown, which is supposed to be better). Actually, the whole downtown area is gorgeous and very walkable...a great way to spend an evening. There are beautiful fountains, old buildings, horse statues.

We also went to Keeneland, too bad it will be closed while you are there...

Have fun! One more free thing to do: if you like books (and bookstores) there is one there that used to be the largest single bookstore under one roof in the US (our friend says that don't bill themselves that way anymore, so they must have been surpassed). But if an afternoon of book browsing sounds like fun for your gang, give it a visit. I can't remember the name unfortunately, but maybe someone else from the area can provide it.

 

[kidtink]

A Lexington Legends came would be completely worth it. Seats are cheap, they have a different promotion everyday of the summer and the park has a playground where your daughter can play when she starts to get bored. I don't know the dates you will be here, but they are only in town June 21-24 after that they play a stint of away games. Here are the promotions for those dates:

6/21: Thirsty Thursdays (discounted drinks)
6/22: fireworks!
6/23: kids replica jersey giveaway
6/24 JIF kids club

Also between Gattitown and Chuck E Cheese, definitely do Gattitown. It is on the same road as the mall.

Final piece of advice, visit Joseph Beth bookstore near the mall. They have a great kids section (complete with train set that can occupy your daughter) I could spend hours there!

 

[punkin]

I have to save this thread as a favorite. We are going to Lexington on 7/25 and my kids are already whining that there's nothing to do there except go to the pool with grandpa. This gives me some ideas to keep them occupied (or rather have grandpa keep them occupied while Hubby and me do nothing all day)

 

[dreamalittledream]

I love Lexington, I have a friend who lives there and we have visited a few times. Flying in to the airport and seeing the rolling green hills and white horse fences is so unique.

we made a wrong turn and ended up in Versailes and there is the castle that you can see from the road there. pretty cool even for a 2 yr old.
(I HAVE to laugh b/c I pronounced it incorrectly like the french estate not like "Ver Sales" )

also isn't there an outlet or warehouse for Scholastic near there or is it closed?

have fun.

 

[GoofyGolferGirl]

The Childrens Museum is really nice and the Childrens Theatre is right next door, my DD LOVES both of these! She could spend hours in the museum, there are lots of hands on activities and a art room she loved. This is located downtown across from Triangle Park.