If you are looking for an outstanding, infotaining and entertaining few days away, look no further than the Lexington, Kentucky area of the United States. If you are in the Midwest, Upper Southeast, Mid-Atlantic or Southern Northeast part of the nation this is a trip you can easily do in four days/three nights.
Departing out of the Chicago metro area was a breeze of a journey. The trip is only 5 1/2 hours outside of the greater Chicago area. Clearly, with a stop or two you will want to add on an hour or two, but that is all on how and when you travel. Driving to Kentucky from the northwest passage of Illinois is quite lovely. Open roads await once you are past the Indiana/Illinois border corridor; and once you hit the bluegrass state of Kentucky it is an even more aesthecically beautiful ride.
Once you arrive in the Lexington area, there are plenty of hotel options. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Lexington (1976 Justice Drive) and as a frequent traveler I was quite impressed with this location. It's relatively new, but the cleanliness was a joy to behold. The bedding is remarkable. I've stayed at some of NYC's finest hotels and this Holiday Inn (yes, I'm serious) is just as good as the Parker Meridien in the Big Apple. Again, I'm serious. The staff is cordial, professional and helpful. The fitness center is worth a visit. The cross trainer was a far more difficult workout than the ones at my local gym. It's an ideal location surrounded by a whole host of restaurants (mostly chains). The Bonefish Grill and Chuy's are both located near the hotel and the consistency of their menus are well represented at these locations. Chains are not always a bad thing. Sometimes, they are a good thing.
The Kentucky Horse Park is a must-see marvel for any horse lover or non-committed equine person. You don't have to be a horse person to love this glorious park packed with some of God's most stunning creations. There is an entire barn dedicated to a whole host of breeds. When I was there the first time they bragged about 58 different breeds. KHP offers a parade of breeds and the entire family will love this palate of one gorgeous horse/pony after another.
The Big Barn stall offers an up-close look at the working horses, including the heroic Clydesdales. You can join a trolley ride provided by those gigantic working horses.
The Hall of Champions is my favorite part of the Park. Currently, five champions reside in the Hall. From the Trotter world, you can view three winning champions and they are Mr. Muscleman, Won the West and Western Dreamer. Western Dreamer is getting old, so if you want to visit with him, book the trip soon.
On the champion Thoroughbred front the Park offers two iconic names of horse racing. Funny Cide is housed here. Of course, Funny Cide won the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Point Given is now 24 years old. I was there on his birthday and he looks so magnificent you would swear he could still pull off a mighty victory in a Graded Stakes race. He remains one of the most stunning specimens in the equine world. I took more photos of Point Given than of me in the rest of the park. Point Given won the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes and he would have won the Triple Crown (and should have won the Triple Crown) had he had a better ride! No blame on the jockey who will go nameless here. Editor's Note: Funny Cide passed away in July, 2023.
The mighty Man o' War statue greets you upon arrival and you could still almost hear his hooves matching the track. He had the longest stride of any of the horse giants and his still relevant history is a heartbeat away for any lover of horses.
Some mighty giants of horse racing history are buried here or have memorials here after having spent their retirements in this lush, lovely home. Alysheba, Bold Forbes, Cigar, Da Hoss, John Henry, Forego and Go For Gin are a few of the champions who are memorialized on property.
Trail and pony rides are also available. There are several museums on property, including the International Museum of the Horse. A superb gift shop is at your disposal.
This is one of the best road trips you will ever find. It isn't an expensive trip. Entry into the park is $12.00 per adult.
Forty-five minutes away from the Kentucky Horse Park is the absolutely amazing Ark Encounter. The Ark Encounter is a big wow! When you finally witness this astonishing replica of Noah's Ark you will be inspired emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. The crafters behind this idea built this Ark to the exact specifications of the Ark noted in the Torah/Bible in the first book of Genesis.
Inside the Ark you will find three levels. The interior serves as a learning tool as to what it may have been like for the inhabitants - the humans and the animals. Some unique gift shops (of course, there are gift shops) are on board as well.
Outside you will find a ziplining run and a zoo (it's a small zoo, but it does serve as a nice thread of continuity for the experience -- knowing animals would have played a major role in this endeavor). God took His creations seriously and that meant every living, breathing form of it.
The Creation Museum is about an hour away. You can do both the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum in one day, but it's a push to do it this way. Ultimately, you may be more inclined to add on another day.
The Kentucky State Capitol building is quite close to the heart of Lexington. It is in nearby Frankfort. As I mentioned, I have travelled extensively and the Kentucky State Capitol is one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the nation. The area is beautiful and you can walk the grounds comfortably. The Executive Mansion or Governor's House is directly across from the Capitol building itself, so you can do both in a short period of time.
If you are shopping for men's clothing you will want to visit Logan's of Lexington. This store is full of classic and top flight brands. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't recommend retail outlets, but this small boutique store is quite exceptional and the personnel are superb and skilled at their business.
Enjoy the road! Prepare to pay more for petrol and if you are renting a car it will cost more to do that as well.
Copyright Chicago and Then Some 2022
