Known as the “horse capital of the world” and with plenty of world-class horse farms in the city, you’ve probably heard about Lexington. But beyond these horse farms and well-known attractions, there is a side of Lexington that not many tourists are aware of.
There are various hidden gems in Lexington that deserve massive appreciation because of the quality they offer. Below, I have listed 15 lesser-known tourist spots and restaurants in Lexington that can improve your experience of visiting the city even more.
Table of Contents
IndoorHidden Gems in Lexington
1. Waveland State Historic Site
Address: 225 Waveland Museum Ln, Lexington, KY 40514
A mix of both outdoor and indoor, Waveland State Historic Site is the first place on this list of indoor hidden gems in Lexington.
As you reach this place, the first thing that will catch your eye is the historic Greek revival mansion, which was established in 1848, and was the home of Joseph Bryan, grandnephew of Daniel Boone, who was a Former Virginia State Delegate. That’s why this house is also known as the Joseph Bryan House.
During your visit to the mansion, you will learn about the Bryan Family and their role in Kentucky. The mansion is preserved in its actual state with classic furniture and paintings inside.
After this, stroll through the garden outside. The trails are well-maintained and are ideal for walking among nature, as in the surroundings you will see trees and lush green grass. Here you will also see small outbuildings as well.
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2. Headley-Whitney Museum of Art
Address: 4435 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40510
Unlike other art museums where the sole purpose was art, Headley-Whitney Museum offers something unique with green spaces and a garden outside.
Known for its collection of fine jewellery and decorative arts, as you enter, you will see the museum being beautifully decorated, which is so pleasing to the eyes. The craftsmanship and furnishing of everything inside provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Lastly, the Rose Garden outside is a must-visit after visiting the gallery. The garden is well decorated with flowers and designs on small plants that look beautiful.
3. Aviation Museum of Kentucky
Address: 4029 Airport Rd, Lexington, KY 40510
If you are interested in flights and planes and want to know and see more of them, then the Aviation Museum of Kentucky will be an ideal visit. On the 20,000-square-foot exhibit area, you will see different planes that were once in use.
There are both indoor and outdoor exhibit areas where you will see different aircraft, from classic to modern planes and helicopters. Some of the aircraft on display are the Bell OH-58 Helicopter, Rutan VariEz, Piper L4, Pulsar, Volume V, and many others. Along with that, you will also see information plaques close to them, giving information about the aircraft.
Overall, whether you are alone or with family, you will thoroughly enjoy the visit to this museum because of how interesting the aircrafts on display are.
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4. American Saddlebred Museum
Address: 4083 Wing Commander Way Suite 150, Lexington, KY 40511
For those interested in the American horse culture, then the American Saddlebred Museum is a must-visit spot in Lexington. There are various artifacts related to the Saddlebred breed of horses which holds a significant value in American horse racing culture.
As you reach the museum, on the outside, you will see a sculpture of a Saddlebred horse. And as you went inside the gallery, you will see different horse paintings, including the collection of George Ford Morris – a well-known horse painter. Along with that, different memorabilia like antique riding gear, elegant saddles, and trophies from top competitions and information about the best horse riders as well.
Lastly, in the Elisabeth M. Goth History Wing, you will see different interactive exhibits like watching different documentaries/movies, kids can solve various puzzles, and can also try a virtual Saddlebred riding experience.
5. Living Arts & Science Center
Address: 362 N Martin Luther King Blvd, Lexington, KY 40508
Specially loved by kids, the Living Arts and Science Center has exhibits of both art and science, which are really interesting.
The best thing in the museum is their planetarium, where you will see different space-related shows. There is also a science exhibition, especially for kids, where kids will be engaged in STEM-related activities.
Not only that, but different paintings and photographs throughout the museum by different artists are also eye-catching, and with various reptiles and different animals, this museum provides a one-of-a-kind experience.
Outdoor Hidden Gems in Lexington
6. Thoroughbred Park
Address: 100 Midland Ave, Lexington, KY 40507
In the horse capital of the world, an outdoor destination like Thoroughbred Park shouldn’t be ignored. It isn’t a huge park with a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities, but it’s the sculptures that make this place worth visiting and also offer countless photography opportunities.
As you reach this park, you will see yourself surrounded by various horse sculptures, some of which are crafted like they are in a race with riders on top, while some are solely horses. Here, you will also see forty-four pieces of information plaques about some of the greats of the racing industry.
Not only the sculptures but also the green space in the park is also relaxing. The park is clean and covered with lush green grass and benches for you to sit on. There are also shaded areas under trees where you can sit as well. Lastly, there are also some small water fountains near the sculptures, which make this park look even more beautiful.
7. Triangle Park
Address: 400 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
For those looking for a simple park to spend some time at, especially with family, Triangle Park is a place that should be in your list.
This park is fairly known among the locals as a spot to spend quality time, especially in the evening. The triangle-shaped park is fully clean, with paved trails for jogging and walking on the borders. There are also cascade waterfalls in the park, which make this place even more inviting.
8. Stonestreet Farm
Address: 3530 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40510
Spans over 1800 acres, if you are interested in horses, then this hidden gem farm in Lexington is definitely worth visiting.
As you reach the place, you will see different horses in the open field, while some will be indoors on the farm. Among the horses, you will see Rachel Alexandra, who is world-famous for being the 2009 Horse of the Year and winning several championships. You will also see different yearlings on the site who will be getting prepared for the races.
The farm is super clean, with lots of beautiful scenic views, which made visiting this farm special.
9. Kearney Hills Golf Links
Address: 3403 Kearney Rd, Lexington, KY 4051
For those who like playing golf, whether with a group, family, or alone, Kearney Hills Golf Links must be on their list.
Designed by Pete Dye, a well-known golf course designer, this public course has wide fairways, rolling hills, and deep bunkers and is perfect for those who love an authentic, open-course feel. Wind will play a huge role during the game, as the trees aren’t in the course and are on the borders only.
Overall the views of the surroundings are also eye-pleasing as the course remains in nice condition and also has two water hazards, which makes the course look even better.
10. Cardinal Run Park South
Address: 2000 Parkers Mill Rd, Lexington, KY 40513
With sports facilities, walking, and jogging trails, the last outdoor hidden gem in Lexington in this list is Cardinal Run Park South.
The paved paths go through the park’s open fields and tree-lined paths and are ideal for walking and jogging activities. The park is well maintained and cleaned, with shaded areas providing a place to sit.
Not only that, there are baseball and softball fields for those who want to play the game. Overall, it’s a peaceful place, which is worth spending some time at.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Lexington
11. Masala Indian Cuisine
Address: 3061 Fieldstone Way, Lexington, KY 40513
The first hidden gem restaurant in Lexington in this section is Masala Indian Cuisine. If you are someone who likes eating Indian food, this place is a must visit as they serve tasty authentic Indian food.
The ambiance inside the restaurant is gentle, with different small lighting and chandeliers, which makes the decor look even better with the painting of the Taj Mahal. The floor-to-button entrance lets you see outside with wooden chairs and sofas seating options, making seating more comfortable.
On the menu, they offer pakoras, samosas, chicken tikka, chicken mushroom, chicken korma, chicken karahi, saag chicken, lamb curry, goat curry, kabob, biryani, different Indian bread, beverages, and dessert options, a wide range of veg options, seafood options and many more.
12. Happy China
Address: 1301 Winchester Rd #109, Lexington, KY 40505
Happy China is a hidden gem for Chinese food lovers. With a good portion size being the speciality, you should definitely check this place out. The decor inside is quite simple, just like what you will see in many local restaurants.
On the menu, apart from the big portion sizes, crab rangoon and vegetable lo mein are their speciality and are among customer’s favorites as well. Apart from that, their menu also includes wonton, dumplings, spring rolls, chicken rolls, wings, a variety of lo mein (soft noodles), Szechuan chicken, kung pao chicken, and chicken with vegetables.
Along with that, a variety of other dishes, like seafood, beef, lamb, curry, combination platters, rice, and dessert, also make the menu an extensive one.
13. Epping’s on Eastside
Address: 264 Walton Ave, Lexington, KY 40502
If you are looking for a restaurant with more modern decor and care a lot about the ambiance, then simply head to Epping’s on Eastside.
The modern-day decor with the white theme looks so eye-pleasing and inviting. Different pots of plants and comfortable seating options also make the experience one of a kind. There is also a private dining area for those who want to arrange a small gathering or an event.
On the menu, you are going to have options like calamari, lamb kabob, crab cakes, beef tallow fries, veg spring rolls, gnocchi, New York strip tataki, chicken parmesan, mushroom risotto, grilled cowboy ribeye, salmon, and many others.
14. Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant
Address: 837 Chevy Chase Pl, Lexington, KY 40502
Whether you like eating Mediterranean food or just simply craving to eat it in Lexington, simply head to the Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant, where they serve authentic Mediterranean dishes.
Though it’s not a very huge, but a moderately sized restaurant which is carefully decorated, which is comforting. The small lighting on top of each table, with different paintings and pictures on the wall, made the overall ambiance fairly cozy inside.
On the menu, they offer various Mediterranean dishes like Baba ghanoush, falafel, shawarma, fried kibbeh, chicken kabob, kofta kabob, ghallaba, different grilled options, platters, shrimp, salmon, soups, salads, and other vegetable options.
15. Shanghai Bistro
Address: 2200 War Admiral Way UNIT 170, Lexington, KY 40509
The last restaurant on this list is an Asian food restaurant, Shanghai Bistro. The restaurant is just like what a local Asian restaurant should have. It is simple and calm from the inside.
Their menu is reasonably extensive, with a wide range of food items like spring rolls, crab rangoon, dumplings, soups, salads, fried rice, lo mein noodles, pad Thai, stir-fried Chinese dishes, sweet & sour chicken, bourbon chicken, and Mongolian beef.
Along with that, their house specialities include sesame chicken, tao chicken, basil chicken/beef, Thai-style cashews, seafood delight, shrimp, peanut chicken, and others.
FAQ’s
1. What is special about Lexington?
The horse racing culture in Lexington is one of the best in America and is easily the best thing about Lexington. Here you will see various horse farms and trained horses for races.
2. Is Lexington expensive for tourists?
No, compared with other cities in the surrounding, you will find Lexington affordable.
3. Is Lexington a prime tourist spot in the US?
While not the best, but yes Lexington is among the best tourist spots in America.
4. What is the best time to visit Lexington?
August to October are among the ideal times to visit Lexington.
