We are planning to take our 11-year old granddaughter to Lexington, KY for BreyerFest in July. Instead of staying in a chain hotel, we would like to have *unique* accommodations which are within driving distance from Lexington. Thus far, we have identified a few options: Tee-Pee City; Inn at Shaker Village; and Jailer鈥檚 Inn. We would appreciate feedback on any of these options, as well as suggestions on other properties. Also, are there any other special things to do for horse-lovers in the Lexington area? (Specific farms not to miss, etc.) And, where would you take an 11-year old to eat in Lexington?
I confess my husband and I were spoiled last year by the very special accommodations we stayed in during our three-week trip to Italy, thanks to Trip Advisor. It%26#39;s hard to get excited about staying in an American chain hotel, after staying in (restored) villas, castles, and convents in Umbria and Tuscany -- all thanks to this website. (Thus, my unusual approach to our trip to Lexington, KY).
Many thanks for any/all suggestions.
Hopt to find *memorable* accomodations for a granddaughter
Of the lodging choices you mentioned, I would recommend Shakertown. It would serve well as a place to eat with an 11 year old. The Shakertown accommodations are what you would expect, austere but charming. There are trails to hike, a boat ride you can take on the Kentucky River through a gorge known as the Palisades, but it is really remarkable for its tranquility. The food is hearty but excellent, especially the soups. Meals are served in shifts in the main dining room. You sign up for what you want when you check in. They now serve ETOH, which was kind of a big deal when the local gov%26#39;t allowed it recently. Shakertown is about 30 minute from Lexington.
An alternative would be the Gratz Park Inn in downtown Lexington. It is a hotel, but with a B %26amp; B feel. Gratz Park is an area of historic older homes just north of the CBD. It may be a little pricey, but it is a nice alternative in Lex to chain hotels.
Depending on how much time you have, the Kentucky Horse Park should be all you need to fascinate and occupy an 11 year old girl. Most of the private horse farm tours include some exposure to thoroughbred breeding, since that is what they do. NOT appropriate for a young girl. If you care to post back, though, I can give you a number of drives that are pure pastoral horse country.
Hopt to find *memorable* accomodations for a granddaughter
Thank you. I will take a closer look at Shaker Village. Any suggestions you may have about riding tours of horse country would be appreciated. I know our granddaughter would love to see horse country.
Many thanks.
First, the drive from Shakertown to Lex on U.S. 68 is beautiful. You begin by tracing the palisades along the KY river, then snake up through limestone cliffs to farms, then into town. If you stay on U.S. 68 through downtown (Broadway), you will emerge on the northeast side of town. Keep going until you reach Paris. Go left on the U.S. 68 bypass at Paris, then left on U.S 460. Take 460 until you reach KY 922 (Newtown Pike), and go left, back towards Lex. As you approach Lex, Newtown will intersect with Iron Works Pike. Make a left on Iron Works and you will reach the Kentucky Horse Park.
Another nice drive, starting from Lex, is to go out (west)Versailles Road (U.S. 60). Calumet farm will be on the right, just past New Circle Road. Probably the most famous horse farm in the world. Just after Calumet, across the road from the airport, is Keeneland Race Course. While there is no live racing in July, Keeneland will be open for simulcasting. Pull into Keeneland, get out, and just stroll through the grounds. Go into the track and check out the paddock area. Leaving Keeneland, head west on U.S. 60 to Versailles. Follow 60 as it hooks right at Versailles and head towards Frankfort. As you approach Frankfort, turn right on Ky 1681 , Old Frankfort Pike. Old Frankfort Pike will take you back to New Circle Road in Lexington.
This may all sound a bit confusing, but if you look at it on a map, it will make sense.
I%26#39;ll leave it to you as regards tours of individual horse farms. They have gotten a little restrictive over the years with regard to tours. You could check with Calumet, Taylor Made, Lane%26#39;s End, and Airdrie, to name a few.
One restaurant you may want to check out is Dudley%26#39;s, in downtown Lexington. It is located in an old schoolhouse building. It is very horsey....the chairs in the bar area have nameplates on them reserving them for luminaries in thoroughbred racing...think Bob Baffert, Nick Zito, etc. Dudley%26#39;s has a wonderful patio. This is a nice restaurant, and while its not a ';kid%26#39;s menu'; place, an 11 year old should do fine there.
Have fun....
This is excellent advice. That drive is gorgeous! The whole Shaker experience is really fun and she%26#39;s the perfect age.
You have received excellent advice. I only had one other suggestion, but I don%26#39;t think it will be ready in time. What we refer to as ';the Castle'; on US 60, just outside of Lexington on the way to Versailles is being restored as a bed and breakfast. It seems like it won%26#39;t be ready until the fall though. Still check out the website, it may be something you would be interested in during another visit if you come back.
http://www.kentuckycastle.com/
Thank you for all of the guidance. The drive through horse country sounds wonderful. Hopefully, we can drive past the castle just to see it... ($1,000 a night?). It looks spectacular.
Any suggestions on where to take an 11 year old horse lover to eat are appreciated!
If you are driving around in horse country, I would suggest Wallace Station on Old Frankfort Pike. It is close to Midway, but located right on the pike. They have excellent sandwich fare and ice cream in an old roadside country store / cafe atmosphere. They also use local ingredients, which I appreciate.
I printed out your replies to my post on this forum and showed them to my husband (the driver). He said, *What nice people.* My sentiments exactly. Many thanks for helping us make this trip to Lexington a trip that our granddaughter will always remember. Any and all additional suggestions appreciated!
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