Horses help define the region, and two attractions offer the best in equine sightseeing. At Keeneland Race Course, a National Historic Landmark, it’s all about the Thoroughbreds. Tour operators can choose from four personalized tours, ranging from the basics of racing to an inside view of the track’s “backside.”
On a Behind the Scenes Racing Tour, groups get a look at race day operations, including a walk through the barns and a stop at the jockeys’ quarters (available only during race meets in April and October). The track’s Behind the Scenes Sales Tour provides a look at the renowned Keeneland Sales Pavilion and auction ring (available during the September, November and January sales).
A second horsey attraction is the Kentucky Horse Park, the only park in the world dedicated exclusively to the noble steed. Horses of many breeds are on display here, and pre-booked groups of 15 or more receive discounted rates for an experience that includes the Smithsonian-affiliated International Museum of the Horse and the American Saddlebred Museum, as well as equine presentations such as the Parade of Breeds and Hall of Champions.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the park’s opening, and there’s no better way to experience it than through the Kentucky Sundown Program. Designed exclusively for groups, it’s a private evening program that showcases the beauty and serenity of the park’s 1,200 acres. It includes a variety of tours and several dining options.
If you’ve seen enough horses and are ready for some history, take the short drive to Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, a 3,000-acre tapestry of rock walls, rolling pastures and Shaker dwellings. Shaker Village is a fantastic group attraction because of the sheer number of unique visitor experiences available.
Guests can take guided tours of the Historic Centre to learn about 19th-century Shaker life, listen to traditional music in the 1820 Meeting House or enjoy a relaxing ride through the palisades of the Kentucky River aboard the 115-passenger Dixie Belle riverboat. They can dine on Shaker and Kentucky fare in the candlelit Trustees House Dining Room and stay overnight in a historical Shaker building.
Additionally, Shaker Village offers special activities throughout the year, from chamber music in a restored barn to arts and crafts fairs and beer festivals.
For a Lexington experience guaranteed to please, book your group for a performance of traditional bluegrass, country/western and folk music at “Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour,” which, according to Becca Rogers, group sales manager at VisitLex, is “affordable, fun and unique.”
Held most Monday nights at the historical Lyric Theater, “Woodsongs” is Lexington’s version of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, complete with folksy chatter from host Michael Jonathan and live commercials delivered from the stage in between performances from musicians who are more interested in cultural integrity than chart-topping.
For more information about the Bluegrass’ bounty of memorable experiences, go to visitlex.com or email Rogers.
Top photo: Shakertown Centre family dwelling
Photo by David Toczko
