A guided 35-minute trail ride along the scenic
outskirts of the park is the perfect way to start the morning. The trail
ride is enjoyable for first-time and experienced riders. Horseback
riders must be at least 7 years old and 4 feet tall. Pony rides are
available for children ages 2-12. Weight restrictions apply.
Ride load times: 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m.,
1:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 4 p.m. $22 horseback rides ($15 when purchased
with park admission), $5 pony rides.
MARE AND FOAL SHOW
Adorable baby horses and their mothers are brought
into the barn for an up-close introduction to visitors. Occasionally,
visitors will be able to pet the foals in the paddocks or their stalls
during park hours.
Runs from Memorial Day to July 31. Show begins 11:45
a.m. daily.
HORSE-DRAWN TOURS
After lunch, take a relaxing horsedrawn trolley ride
around the park, where you'll learn about the park history and get a
chance to see a variety of draft horses with a stop at the Draft Horse
Barns. Staff members are available to answer questions about the park
and the horses.
Price included with park admission. Weather permitting, trolley rides start at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
PARADE OF BREEDS
Meet some of the "stars" of the park at the Breeds
Barn, where professional costumed handlers put horses through their
paces. After the half-hour long show, visitors may pet the horses, take
photographs and speak with the handlers. Breeds include Appaloosa,
English Shire, Palomino, Gypsy Horse, Marwari, and the Welsh Cob.
April 1-Oct. 31. Daily shows 11 a.m. and 2 p.
LOCK & KEY CAFÉ BOUTIQUE
When it's time to leave the park, Lock & Key is
the perfect place to stop for lunch. It offers historical architecture
and outdoor patio seating and is just six miles outside the park. The
restaurant serves freshly made soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and
baked dishes. For a sweet finish, try the utterly delicious
Peanut-Butter Cup or Almond Joy Shake.
201 E. Main St., Georgetown. (502) 867-1972 or www.lockandkeycafeboutique.com. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m Saturday-Sunday.
Just a 15-minute drive from the park, the Explorium
of Lexington is one of the oldest children's museums in the country.
Nine discovery zones feature interactive exhibits. The popular "Hold
Your Horses" Zone includes life-sized horses in an interactive grooming
stable, a clinic that lets the visitor be the veterinarian and a
crawl-through cave to explore the topography that contributes to making
the Bluegrass blue.
Victorian Square at Short Street and Broadway,
downtown Lexington. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Admission: $7. (859) 258-3253 or www.explorium.com.
A five-minute drive from the Explorium, Ramsey's
Diner is home to lowbrow southern food cooked to perfection and "the
best hot brown in the city." Breakfast is served all day.
496 E. High St. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. (859) 259-2708 or www.ramseysdinners.com.
While you are in Lexington, don't miss Keeneland,
which is celebrating its 75 anniversary with special races Oct. 15 and a
concert featuring the Boston Pops and the University of Kentucky
Symphony Orchestra.
Bed and breakfasts have been a Bluegrass tradition
since the earlier settlers arrived in the late 1700's. There are plenty
of quaint options in the Lexington area, and many are centrally located
with access to nearby attractions such as the Downtown Arts Center.
ESSENCE OF THE BLUEGRASS
The Essence of the Bluegrass Bed and Breakfast
offers sophisticated comforts at a gorgeous estate home in the midst of
the verdant horse farms outside Lexington, Ky.
The Essence of the Bluegrass is a modern estate home
nestled among horse farms. The entrance features a gorgeous dual
staircase, player piano and a gleaming chandelier. Each of the four
guest rooms has a private bath. The Kentucky Horse Park is only minutes
away. Children and pets are welcome with advance notice. Horse boarding
available.
Essence of the Bluegrass, 4343 Mount Horeb Pike, Lexington. (859) 255-0067. www.essenceofthebluegrass.com.
LYNDON HOUSE
Located in Lexington's historic downtown district,
the Lyndon House blends the old and the new with its Victorian
staircase, stylish furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities. The
mansion has two suites and three bedrooms, each with their own bath,
complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV. Each room has 11-foot-high ceilings
and elegant moldings. Guests will wake up each morning to the aromas of
fresh, brewing coffee and a hot breakfast prepared by innkeeper Anton
Giovanetto. Many of Lexington's finest restaurants and shops are within
walking distance, and the Kentucky Horse Park is minutes away. Out back,
there's also a luscious green garden, perfect for a relaxing end to the
day. Children and pets are welcome with prior arrangement.
Lyndon House, 507 N. Broadway. (859) 420-2683 or www.lyndonhouse.com.
THE CORNER HOUSE
This B&B's southern charm and beauty is worth
the 35-minute drive from the Kentucky Horse Park. Located in the
downtown area of Nicholasville, The Corner House, with its hardwood
floors and beautiful Victorian mantels, offers four guest rooms, each
with private bath, queen-sized bed, TV and Wi-Fi. Owner Karen Pedigo
cooks delicious breakfasts each morning. Guests can play pool or darts
in the billiard room or try their hand at the antique organ in the
parlor. Children and pets welcome with prior arrangement.
The Corner House, 228 Richmond Ave., Nicholasville. (859) 881-5229 or (877) 571-5777. www.cornerhouse.com.