05 May Horses & History

Posted at 13:36h in History, Horse Racing by
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We’re celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week and we’re excited to share with you not only the great Horse Country experiences available to you, but also other attractions that pair perfectly.

It is impossible to talk about horses in the Bluegrass without describing the land and people in such was as “family owned,” “historic,” “history,” “generations,” and the like. So today’s suggestion pairing comes from a place of both celebration and reverence for the history that surrounds us in the Bluegrass.

Indeed, the oldest continuously working thoroughbred farm in Kentucky (and possibly North America!) – Runnymede Farm – is a farm you can visit through Horse Country. That’s just one of many that boast generations of families committed to the care of horses and passion for the sport (looking at you, Claiborne, Mill Ridge, Keeneland, Stone Farm, Lane’s End, Airdrie Stud…just to name a few!).

Kentucky, founded in the 18th century, is full of rich history and there is no shortage of ways to experience it in our region. Ashland the Henry Clay Estate and the Mary Todd Lincoln house in Lexington bring such notable figures as Henry Clay and first lady Mary Todd Lincoln to life through tours, well kept grounds and museum experiences.

Our friends at VisitLEX share a timeline/history of our beloved Lexington. Fun fact, their own offices are housed in the historic Lexington Fayette Co Courthouse, which was built in the late 1800s. Check out more history here. Happy exploring!

Itinerary suggestion:

Friday morning tour at Claiborne Farm (11 AM) – over 100 years of breeding thoroughbreds; home and resting place of the great Secretariat
Lunch at Goodfellas in historic Distillery District in Lexington
Afternoon tour of Mary Todd Lincoln House

Saturday morning at Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate (indoor and outdoor options available)
Lunch at Zim’s Cafe in the historic Courthouse downtown. Stop in and say hi to the friendly VisitLEX folks while you’re there and grab some fun Lexington souvenirs!
Tour Runnymede Farm (2PM), the state’s oldest continuously working thoroughbred farm


Perfect for: History buffs, curious minds, a new perspective on things.
Advance reservations: Claiborne and Runnymede – yes! Mary Todd Lincoln & Ashland – advised!
More info: visithorsecountry.com // visitlex.com // mtlhouse.org // henryclay.org

Happy National Tourism & Travel Week 2021!