KENTUCKY BOUND | WHAT TO DO IN LEXINGTON

Our last big trip of the summer was to Kentucky for my good friend’s wedding. But, before heading down to Somerset, I stopped in Lexington to visit the place I called home for four years while attending the University of Ketnucky (Go Cats!)

SHOP MY LOOK:

I spent a few days in Lexington and was shocked by how much had changed. I’ll admit, it made me feel older than dirt, but it was a passing feeling thanks to a little Kentucky Bourbon (heh heh). I wore this tribal print skirt and chambray off the shoulder top and tie-up sandals as we walked around town. The high waist of the skirt and worked well with the crop top and I felt so comfortable the entire day.

If you haven’t been to Lexington – you really should go! No, it’s not where the Kentucky Derby is held (I get asked that a lot from people out here in the west), but it is called the Horse Capitol of the World. It’s so beautiful and everyone is just so friendly. These pictures were taken in the downtown area where you can find adorable little boutiques and great little restaurants.

Here are my recommendations of where you should go if you get the chance to visit:

RESTAURANTS

DUDLEY’S ON SHORT: I’ve eaten here before and it was delicious! It has an extensive wine selection and a cozy bar. Get the steak fritties!

MALONE’S: It’s Lexington’s signature USDA prime steakhouse serving the “best beef on the planet”. There are a few locations, but the one I’ve been to is the original, which is located on Tates Creek Road.

HISTORIC DISTILLERIES

Each Bluegrass distillery offers their own unique tour and tastings, some of them are free. There’s the BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY, FOUR ROSES DISTILLERY, WILD TURKEY DISTILLERY and WOODFORD RESERVE DISTILLERY. You’ll be saying ya’ll and fitting right in with the locals by the end.

BOURBON BARS:

Once you see how Bourbon is made, you’ll want to check out where it’s served! A few recommendations include: BLUEGRASS TAVERN, PARLAY SOCIAL and JDI GRILLE AND TAVERN.

TO BET ON THEM HORSIES 😉

KEENLAND: It’s Lexington’s horse track and one of my favorite spots in the world. You can bet on on the horses and get all dolled up like a real southern belle. April and October is the prime time to visit the track.

WILDCAT COUNTRY:

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to check out the local bars we hit up as University of Kentucky students you can go to THE TIN ROOF (originally started in Nashville), TWO KEYS (be prepared for some people watching), CHEAPSIDE (has an outdoor patio) and if you find yourself hungry at 2:00am stop by Tolly-Ho. It’s open 24/7 and is basically a right of passage for UK students. The cheddar tots are bomb! Just be sure to let them know it’s your first time 😉

As always, thanks for stopping by The Nomis Niche! Make sure to follow me on Instagram and Snapchat (@thenomisniche) for more outfit ideas, travel recommendations and style inspiration!