LIFESTYLE: A Spring Day Trip Into The Heart Of The Bluegrass

If you want to experience springtime in Kentucky, look no further than the Bluegrass Region. From Midway through Versailles, into Lexington and on to Paris, this area of North Central Kentucky is characterized by rolling hills and pastures, limestone rock fences, thoroughbred race horses, bourbon distilleries, and more. You could easily spend a day — or a few — discovering and exploring these treasures.

Horse farms abound in the Lexington area. Horse Country’s website, visithorsecountry.com, will guide you to the many farms in the area, highlight what you can expect to see and do at each farm, and allow you to book a tour. The 900-acre Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington is a great farm to visit if you want to get up close and personal to the horses…and yes, guests can even feed carrots to any of the horses on the farm! Founded by Alice Headley Chandler in 1962, Mill Ridge has a rich history, including a close association between its owners and royalty, even Queen Elizabeth II looked to the farm to breed a champion. Alice’s father, Hal Price Headley, was instrumental in the development of Lexington’s prestigious Keeneland Race Track and became its first president, serving from 1936 to 1951. The Mill Ridge tour begins at the Breeding Shed. Guests then caravan in their own vehicles, following their tour guide through the farm, making numerous stops along the way to see fields of mares, new foals, yearlings, and the farm’s stallions. The farm is eagerly anticipating the births of around 60 new foals this spring! millridge.com

Strolling down Main Street along the Midway Historic District will land you at Railroad Drug and Old Time Soda Fountain, where you can enjoy a sweet treat at the ice cream and soda bar. Be sure to visit the retail shops along Main Street for great gift ideas.

The Midway Historic District, located halfway between Frankfort and Lexington in Midway, was designated by the National Registry of Historic Places as a historic district in 1978. Charming shops and restaurants line both sides of the still-active Lexington and Ohio Railroad — the oldest railroad in Kentucky. Black Type Co. can fuel your adventures with hot coffee drinks and pastries, as well as cocktails, wines, and charcuteries. The gift shop offers the creations of local artisans, including Kentucky-themed art, honey, lotions, and candles. Kentucky bourbons and wines are also available for purchase.

The Kentucky Castle, located just outside of Lexington in Versailles, is a sight to behold. Sitting on 110 acres, including a 50-acre working farm, the privately held castle includes boutique accommodations, an award winning estate-grown farm-totable restaurant, a spa, and event spaces. The 15 guest rooms include a farm view cabin and tower suites to choose from. Spa services, hotel bookings, and other information can be found at thekentuckycastle.com. Book a tour of the facilities and learn about the rich and dramatic history of the building of the castle.

The Lexington Distillery District is a 25-acre property that was once home to the historic James E. Pepper Distillery, which began producing bourbon in 1879. The property was abandoned in 1958 but was revitalized 50 years later by a team of local entrepreneurs. It is now a lively, vibrant downtown destination that includes working distilleries, trendy restaurants, the Manchester Music Hall, art galleries, and much more. Grab lunch at the Elkhorn Tavern and jump on a distillery tour and tasting at Barrel House Distillery or the revitalized James E. Pepper Distillery. lexingtondistillerydistrict.com

Story and Photos by Patti Hartog

Today's Transitions | Spring 2023