A long weekend horse itinerary for the local or visitor, visiting some of Horse Country’s attractions in Fayette County. Pick and choose your favorites or book all of these tours – it’s all up to you!
FRIDAY
Godolphin at Jonabell Farm | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Visit the historic Jonabell Farm just outside of Lexington and see the Darley stallions on this walking tour of the stallion complex. You’ll learn more about the process of breeding and racing thoroughbreds and maybe even see the Kentucky Derby winners (Street Sense and Nyquist) who call Jonabell Farm home!
Hallway Feeds | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Visit the family owned and operated feed mill that has fueled champions for decades – including our two living Triple Crown winners + so many more champions. It’s an art and a science to create nutritious and tasty grain for horses. This is a fascinating and engaging tour that gives an insight into what powers horses – their food!
Be sure to check out… Greyline Station on Loudon Avenue, a public marketplace with a focus on locally crafted and sourced goods. Merchants include restaurants and food vendors, apparel vendors, a plant store, Kentucky-themed goods and more! Check out their website for information on events and hours.
May we suggest… checking out Wilson’s Grocery, Rise Up! Pizza or one of the many restaurants/vendors at Greyline Station for dinner?
May we suggest… breakfast at the Keeneland Track Kitchen before your tours? Open at 6 a.m. each morning on the Keeneland backside, you may see horse trainers, owners, jockeys and more picking up a bite to eat and talking strategy!
Keeneland Morning Works | 9 – 10 a.m.
Visit the historic Keeneland Racecourse and catch a glimpse at the training routine of thoroughbred racehorses. You will visit the Keeneland Paddock and Grandstand, watch horses train on the track and when available, the word-renowned Sales Pavilion.
Mill Ridge Farm | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Just a few minutes away from Keeneland! Get some carrot therapy visiting the mares, weanlings & yearlings up close at this family-operated thoroughbred nursery. You’ll also visit with resident stallion and world record holder at a mile on the turf Oscar Performance.
Stonestreet Farm | 1 – 2 p.m.
Visit one of the most successful broodmare bands in the industry on this tour of Stonestreet Farm. You’ll take a walk through some of the barns and other parts of the farm to see mares and foals up close and personal while learning about the attention to detail that go into the care of each horse!
Be sure to check out… the Lexington Visitor’s Center in the historic Old Courthouse downtown to shop Lexington-inspired goods and apparel and find out more information on things to do and see in the area!
May we suggest… a late lunch/dinner in Downtown Lexington at Zim’s Cafe, a local eatery with a focus on sourcing local, fresh ingredients for their food.
Be sure to check out… Kentucky’s State Botanical Garden, the Arboretum! This 2.5 mile paved walking trail on the campus of the University of Kentucky (just a few minutes from Downtown) takes visitors through the native plants in each region of Kentucky.
SPY COAST FARM | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Get an in-depth look at a prominent sport horse facility that specializes in the breeding and training of top quality performance horses, specifically Grand Prix show jumpers. Spy Coast focuses on the breeding, young horse development, training and rehabilitation that go into developing a successful sport horse. This tour truly has something for everyone!
May we suggest… lunch at Red State BBQ for some tasty Southern BBQ. Be sure to grab an Ale8 (Kentucky’s state soda) while you’re there!
Be sure to check out… the Kentucky Horse Park after your tour at Spy Coast Farm. The Kentucky Horse Park is home to museums, shows and exhibits dedicated to sharing the history and diversity of the horse and hosts horse shows and events year-round.
Your weekend wouldn’t be complete without some local Lexington food experiences! For restaurant and lodging info, as well as more to-do inspiration, check out our friends at VisitLEX.
Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, Horse Country strongly encourages you to confirm with all attractions/restaurants current availability and protocol.