Buck Pond Farm was founded in 1783 and has had a storied history. It is the ideal place to produce…read moreand raise thoroughbreds, with its rolling paddocks and rich pastures. The Arnolds maintain the 300 acres of prime Bluegrass land with the horses their priority. Very welcoming. 13

The land boasts historical significance for more than two hundred years. It was passed down…read morethrough the family of Captain David Shely of Virginia and has gone through numerous hands, including the duPont family, as a stallion station. Currently, it is owned by thoroughbred trainer Ken McPeek and operated as a 115 acre premier boarding and training facility that has been beautifully restored. The name Magdalena honors a Matriarch of the Shely family. A pre Civil War cemetery sits on the back of the property as well as one for many of the horses that passed through the lives of those who maintained the farm. The former breeding shed has been transformed into a guest house that is available on Air B&B. A lovely place to wake up with coffee on the deck with a view of the farm.

Mereworth Farm was a thoroughbred farm established in 1924 until it was bequeathed to a foundation…read moreto become a 1200 acre sanctuary committed to lifelong care of retired thoroughbreds. Nearly 170 horses call Mereworth Farm and are well cared for by the staff through their later years. 25

It's been years since I've visited the interior of Ashland, but I have to say, regardless the…read moregarden is a highlight of the estate, with its meticulously maintained paths, flowerbeds, and water features. It's a lovely place to wander and relax, with plenty of benches and shaded areas to take in the beauty of the surroundings. The garden also features several commemorative statues and markers that pay tribute to Henry Clay's legacy. My favorite time of year is Spring, when the Ashland Peonies are in bloom! This is such a beautiful spot for an evening walk!

A great historical site. I've been to numerous historical homes and this was one of my favorites…read more The condition and decor of the home is excellent. Our docent, William, was informative and very knowledgeable, even providing detailed answers to all questions. If you're a fan of Henry Clay or American history then make this a stop on your visit in Lexington.

Originally founded in 1874, Elmendorf boasts over 700 acres of spectacular green rolling hills and…read morethe remaining four columns of the mansion that sat on the rise overlooking the farm. While it is no longer utilized as a breeding farm, it holds great historical significance in the equine industry of the Bluegrass. Most notably, Fair Play, sire of the great Man o War stood here.

We arrived on a cold and dreary day toward the end of their season. Very few customers that day so…read morewe got prime parking. Upon entering the barn style store, we noticed very quickly how the inside was clean and staff were friendly. We got a few things to try at home like the fudge and doughnuts. We also got some food: BLT, burger, chips, drinks, etc. There are a lot of places to take beautiful fall photos. We were 3 adults and a toddler, thankfully we paid a reduced price to enter the activity area because only the toddler did anything & it was too cold / wet to do most of the activities. She loved the petting zoo area & had a blast in the corn pit. I recommend going even on a day the sun doesn't shine. Be sure to wear boots.

What a beautiful and fun place to visit. The space is originally a tobacco farm repurposed to an…read moreorchard and family-friendly adventure. There are a ton of activities for kids and families; zip lining, big slides, party areas, giant corn hole, and much more. The space is just peaceful and relaxing. They have a market and food. The cider bar is in full swing end of summer to winter. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. You can also bring leashed dogs.

Attended the annual New Vocations Open Barn and BBQ. A lovely night to stroll the grounds and visit…read morethe retired racehorses in the barns. Most are friendly and happy for attention. There was live music and excellent nachos from Hillbilly BBQ. This is an extremely worthwhile organization and gives retired racehorses new homes and often new jobs to keep them busy. 41

We absolutely LOVE Stepping Stone! It is our family's favorite place to go…read more We get a season pass every year so the kids can play through the summer and fall (and as a bonus, it includes admission to special events and festivals). The playground is a huge hit--there's a large slide structure, jumping pillows, and plenty of smaller play options for toddlers. My favorite newer addition has been the fall corn maze--such a fun experience! After playing, the kids love grabbing a treat or ice cream in the market. In the market, I usually stock up on cider, preserves, and fresh fruit--and I always grab a bottle of Wise Bird Cider (so good). They also offer baking mixes, vegetables, meats, and more. You'll find seasonal favorites like strawberries, apples, and pumpkins throughout the year, and everything is consistently fresh and delicious. We make it a tradition to buy strawberries in May, grab peaches during the summer, and pick apples in early fall. Stepping Stone also serves as a wedding and private events venue, and I often see school field trips there as well. The owners and staff are absolute sweethearts, and it's clear they genuinely care about what they do. They're wonderful community partners, and it really shows.

A great place to go with the family. It's about a 30-40 minute beautiful drive from Lexington…read more Wasn't too crowded. There was a cute bouncy and playground area for kids. I of course went to pick some strawberries and there was a great selection as they had just opened for the season. They also had plenty of berries in their store you could just walk in and buy some along with some vegetables, fresh baked goods, jams and pickles, frozen meats and local dairy products. It was a nice way little afternoon trip.