The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games began in 1990. The event is held once every four years, and traditionally has been hosted by a European country. This is the first year, however, that the games will not be held in Europe, but instead in Kentucky's own Kentucky Horse Park ! The Games will include such events as dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para dressage, reining and vaulting! Don't miss this opportunity to see the world's equestrian champions at their best! More about the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Historic Kentucky Theatre
Click here for larger view
On October 4 in 1922 the Kentucky Theatre premiered its first production. The Kentucky Theatre is a familiar Landmark to generations of Lexingtonians. It’s richly ornamented walls and glowing stained glass fixtures have hosted gala events and entertained overflowing crowds.The theater has shown such iconic films as Gone With The Wind and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The Kentucky Theatre has also endured hard times and disasters, both natural and manmade. And so it still stands today, a true palace of memories, a hall full of comedy, tragedy, drama, adventure, and just plain fun! Come to the theater and catch the show! More about the Historic Kentucky Theatre
Tauck Tours Click here for itineraries. (800) 788-7885
American Driving Vacations Click here for itineraries. Contact Us (877) 485-8747
Mint Julep Tours Click here for itineraries. (866) 986-8779
The ideal time to visit Lexington is a beautiful fall Saturday when you can attend racing at the fall meet at Keeneland and then attend a University of Kentucky night football game at Commonwealth stadium. This is also the time when restaurants and hotels are most likely to be full, so advance reservations are recommended. Spring is another excellent time to visit. In the winter season, Kentuckians will be found glued to their televisions or radio's watching the basketball wildcats, or commenting on the last game. Home games at Rupp arena are usually sold out, but tickets can usually be found, especially when Kentucky plays a game while the students are on Christmas break.
VirtualTourist.com User
Online Traveler
Kentucky's Horse Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit. The addmission is not too bad to see the things you will be exposed too. The neatest thing is to watch the early morning putting on of the harness of the great horse including the Clyedales. The number of different breeds are huge. Education abounds through the park along with riding the wagons pulled by the giants of horses. You also (and this I loved) can take a tour from the horse park to some of the famous "horse farms" in the Kentucky bluegrass. Smarty Jones is one of my favorites and he was on the tour. Excitement was all around. So if you love, or even like horses don't miss out on a great place that will call you back time and again with all the splendor of the Bluegrass of Kentucky.
gusto.com User
Online Traveler
While on my way to see ekoostik hookah, I found that Lexington is a great mix of country and city life. When driving in to the city you see endless horse farms and land. Then once you get ino the city it all changes! As we drove closer to the the University of Kentucky (located in Lexington) more and more lights and people and places kept popping up. There was a mass of restaurants, bars, shops, and clubs. The streets were crowded with all sorts of people going from one place to another. I must say I was surprised. And the concert was great too!
VirtualTourist.com User
Online Traveler
All around this area you will see farms lined with drystone fences. This is said to be the largest network of such fences in the US. They are similiar to ones you see in the British Isles in that they have no mortar but are stacked in precise manner to maintain their stability. Some were built in the late 18th century by Scottish and Ulster settlers but most were built by Irish immigrants in the early to mid-19th century. A society exists today to preserve this art, teaching a new generation to build them.
VirtualTourist.com User
Welcome to Lexington Kentucky
Located in the heart of the Bluegrass, Lexington is home to legendary horses, breathtaking landscapes and a culture rich in tradition. Experience the sights and sounds of Lexington’s Bluegrass Region and create memories to last a lifetime with visits to the Kentucky Horse Park, historic bourbon distilleries, majestic horse farms and inspiring historic sites. Indulge in our delightful regional cuisine and enjoy our warm southern hospitality. In the fall of 2010, Lexington will welcome the world to the Kentucky Horse Park, the first North American site of the FEI World Equestrian Games. Escape the ordinary and experience Lexington’s Bluegrass Region.
The Boyd's of Boyd Orchards, 5th generation fruit growers hailing from Southern Illinois, bring their many years of experience in agri-entertainment to Versailles. Come on out and experience family fun at its finest on the neatly kept farm. Enjoy great food and desserts at the Apple Blossom Cafe; as well as shopping in the large, unique gift shop.
Children will love the large playground, so unique and so much fun they will never want to leave. High quality fruits and vegetables of the season will also be available. Be sure to come celebrate the seven festivals of fall! More about Boyd Orchards
Headley-Whitney Museum
The Headley-Whitney Museum seeks to connect people with their culture and the cultures of others through the collection, interpretation and exhibition of the decorative arts -- furniture, metalwork, textiles and ceramics. The permanent collection includes jewelry and bibelots designed by Headley, his jewelry specifications, 18th and 19th century Chinese textiles, and Chinese ceramics which range in date from the Neolithic, Tang, Song, Ming and Qing periods. Step back into time while taking a tour of the historic home. More about the Headley-Whitney Museum
Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Autumn Extravaganza
September 25th - October 10th
Are you looking for a specific collectors item that you can't find anywhere? Chances are that the Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Autumn Extravaganza has it! The largest, most visible antique show is going on during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Athens Schoolhouse Antiques bringing buyers and sellers together for over 30 years. This show has grown to house between 150-170 dealers and is normally held the second weekend of each month. The antique extravaganza is held in the historic Athens-Boonesboro School House. This show is the antique lovers paradise! More about the Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Autumn Extravaganza
Jonathan’s at Gratz Park
Dine at Jonathan's at Gratz Park and enter the world of fine dining at its best! Jonathan's has a luxurious decor with a menu to match! Along with being a full service restaurant, Jonathan's allows you to enjoy the same creative food and excellent service in a private setting as they cater for many wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, impressive business meetings and any other special event that you may have. Jonathan’s cookbook Jonathan’s Bluegrass Table was released in 2009 to the delight of Kentucky cooks who had been clamoring for his recipes. More about Jonathan's at Gratz Park
Dixie Belle Riverboat
Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard the Dixie Belle, Shaker Village's 115-passenger riverboat. Cruise the scenic Kentucky River palisades, along a stretch of river with high limestone cliffs and untouched natural beauty.
One-hour narrated cruises describe the river's diverse ecosystem and the historical importance of the river to the Shakers. During the tour, the Dixie Belle ventures through the oldest exposed rock in Kentucky, and passes under High Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1877. Riverboat rides depart from nearby Shaker Landing.
More about Dixie Belle Riverboat
The Fayette Mall
Shopping at the Fayette Mall is an unprecedented experience! Not only are shoppers greeted with the malls motto, "Treat Yourself to Good Times" upon walking into the entrance, but they are also given a variety of over one hundred stores to choose from! From sporting goods stores to the finest jewelry retailers, there is sure to be something for everyone at this consumer's heaven. And don't worry about leaving to find a decent restaurant, the Fayette mall has many full service restaurants to choose from, along with an expansive food court! More about the Fayette Mall
Bourbons of the Bluegrass - Distillery Tours
The Bluegrass Bourbon Distillery tours not only give you a taste for bourbon, but also provides you an education on the production of bourbon! This tour is a two day and two night excursion that takes you to several of the finest distilleries in Kentucky. After this tour you will understand how the "good old whiskey of old Kentucky" has inspired pride, passion (and even poetry) among many Kentuckians. It is no wonder that so many have been inspired in Kentucky because almost all bourbon— 95% according to the Kentucky Distillers Association — is produced in Kentucky! Don't miss the chance to taste America's only native spirit, Bourbon! More about Bourbons of the Bluegrass
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Henry Clay was “The Great Compromiser.” As a statesman for the Union, his skills of negotiation and compromise proved invaluable in helping to hold the country together for the first half of the 19th century. As a result, the Civil War was averted until it could not be avoided and the nation could survive it. In 1809 Henry Clay moved to a farm in Lexington he named. The highlight of a visit to Ashland is the guided tour of the 18-room mansion. A guide welcomes you at the front door to begin your journey through the Clay family mansion and time travel from the 18th century to the present. More about Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Natasha's Cafe
Natasha's Cafe and Boutique is an internet mail order company located in Lexington, Kentucky. Natasha’s Cafe, the real time cafe, is a relaxed urban bistro located in the same building and serves gourmet food, vegetarian and meat entrees, Turkish, Greek and gourmet coffees, and homemade desserts.
There is also a boutique where you'll find romantic clothing of natural fibers, artifacts and exotic jewelry from around the world. Winner of Downtown Lexington Urban innovation award and voted “Best ethnic Restaurant”. More about Natasha's Cafe
Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
301 East Vine Street
Lexington, Kentucky. USA 40507-1513
Lu Ann Pelle
Director of Information Services
Tel: (859) 244-7737
Toll Free: (800) 845-3959
Fax: (859) 254-4555
Email: lap@visitlex.com
Web: visitlex.com
Charlotte Nichols
Group Tour Assistance
Tel: (859) 244-7705
Toll Free: (800) 848-1224
Fax: (859) 254-4555
Email: grptour@visitlex.com
Take a break from the city by driving to Shaker Village to experience the Harvest Weekend Festival. At the festival you will be able to enjoy autumn's bounty. There will also be hands-on harvest activities, including cider pressing and apple butter-making. Visitors can purchase bags and gather their own apples from the Village orchard. Guided tours through the orchard are also available. While visiting the Village, see and touch alpacas and talk with local alpaca farmers. Watch shearing, felting and spinning demonstrations and see unique alpaca products for sale. Can you think of a more perfect way to greet autumn than this?
More about the Harvest Weekend Festival
Hospitality packages now available for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
Hospitality packages are now available for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
All packages include premium event tickets and passes to the Main VIP Hospitality Pavilion, featuring live coverage of all 2010 events, entertainment, and all-inclusive fine dining, business center and conference rooms.
A wide variety of hospitality packages are now available. Daily passes, four and eight-day packages, discipline-specific packages, private suites, and chalets are available.
Hospitality patrons will also have first selection of preferred hotels, parking, and concierge services. The 2010 Games housing and transportation partners will assist hospitality patrons in all travel arrangements and needs.
Details on all packages can be found at www.alltechfeigames.com.
![.[][section_title].](http://destinations2discover.com/images/titles_dynamic/tour_operators.gif)
![.[][section_title].](http://destinations2discover.com/images/titles_dynamic/local_area_specialists.gif)
The Boyd's of Boyd Orchards, 5th generation fruit growers hailing from Southern Illinois, bring their many years of experience in agri-entertainment to Versailles. Come on out and experience family fun at its finest on the neatly kept farm. Enjoy great food and desserts at the Apple Blossom Cafe; as well as shopping in the large, unique gift shop.
Children will love the large playground, so unique and so much fun they will never want to leave. High quality fruits and vegetables of the season will also be available. Be sure to come celebrate the seven festivals of fall! 
The Headley-Whitney Museum seeks to connect people with their culture and the cultures of others through the collection, interpretation and exhibition of the decorative arts -- furniture, metalwork, textiles and ceramics. The permanent collection includes jewelry and bibelots designed by Headley, his jewelry specifications, 18th and 19th century Chinese textiles, and Chinese ceramics which range in date from the Neolithic, Tang, Song, Ming and Qing periods. Step back into time while taking a tour of the historic home. 
Are you looking for a specific collectors item that you can't find anywhere? Chances are that the Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Autumn Extravaganza has it! The largest, most visible antique show is going on during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Athens Schoolhouse Antiques bringing buyers and sellers together for over 30 years. This show has grown to house between 150-170 dealers and is normally held the second weekend of each month. The antique extravaganza is held in the historic Athens-Boonesboro School House. This show is the antique lovers paradise! 
Dine at Jonathan's at Gratz Park and enter the world of fine dining at its best! Jonathan's has a luxurious decor with a menu to match! Along with being a full service restaurant, Jonathan's allows you to enjoy the same creative food and excellent service in a private setting as they cater for many wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, impressive business meetings and any other special event that you may have. Jonathan’s cookbook Jonathan’s Bluegrass Table was released in 2009 to the delight of Kentucky cooks who had been clamoring for his recipes. 
Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard the Dixie Belle, Shaker Village's 115-passenger riverboat. Cruise the scenic Kentucky River palisades, along a stretch of river with high limestone cliffs and untouched natural beauty.
One-hour narrated cruises describe the river's diverse ecosystem and the historical importance of the river to the Shakers. During the tour, the Dixie Belle ventures through the oldest exposed rock in Kentucky, and passes under High Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1877. Riverboat rides depart from nearby Shaker Landing.
Shopping at the Fayette Mall is an unprecedented experience! Not only are shoppers greeted with the malls motto, "Treat Yourself to Good Times" upon walking into the entrance, but they are also given a variety of over one hundred stores to choose from! From sporting goods stores to the finest jewelry retailers, there is sure to be something for everyone at this consumer's heaven. And don't worry about leaving to find a decent restaurant, the Fayette mall has many full service restaurants to choose from, along with an expansive food court! 
The Bluegrass Bourbon Distillery tours not only give you a taste for bourbon, but also provides you an education on the production of bourbon! This tour is a two day and two night excursion that takes you to several of the finest distilleries in Kentucky. After this tour you will understand how the "good old whiskey of old Kentucky" has inspired pride, passion (and even poetry) among many Kentuckians. It is no wonder that so many have been inspired in Kentucky because almost all bourbon— 95% according to the Kentucky Distillers Association — is produced in Kentucky! Don't miss the chance to taste America's only native spirit, Bourbon! 
Henry Clay was “The Great Compromiser.” As a statesman for the Union, his skills of negotiation and compromise proved invaluable in helping to hold the country together for the first half of the 19th century. As a result, the Civil War was averted until it could not be avoided and the nation could survive it. In 1809 Henry Clay moved to a farm in Lexington he named. The highlight of a visit to Ashland is the guided tour of the 18-room mansion. A guide welcomes you at the front door to begin your journey through the Clay family mansion and time travel from the 18th century to the present.
Natasha's Cafe and Boutique is an internet mail order company located in Lexington, Kentucky. Natasha’s Cafe, the real time cafe, is a relaxed urban bistro located in the same building and serves gourmet food, vegetarian and meat entrees, Turkish, Greek and gourmet coffees, and homemade desserts.
There is also a boutique where you'll find romantic clothing of natural fibers, artifacts and exotic jewelry from around the world. Winner of Downtown Lexington Urban innovation award and voted “Best ethnic Restaurant”.
