Mt Brilliant Farm

1.9 mi

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.

Old Breeding Shed Turned Guest House

Guard Goat

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Elmendorf Farm

2.4 mi

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.

Remains of Elmendorf Mansion

Lions Circle

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Bach Hay & Straw

3.1 mi

Bach Hay & Straw provides the best quality hay in Lexington. We've tried hay from several vendors…read morearound lexington, and Bach Hay is the one that the horses like the best every time. Tina Bach is very knowledgeable and approachable. Strongly recommend Bach Hay & Straw.

From the owner: We provide quality straw and hay for all your horsey needs :)read more

Gainesway

2.4 mi

This fine Bluegrass land was originally settled in 1774, adjoining a buffalo trace used by settlers…read moreand the Shawnee. It is now a picturesque thoroughbred farm housing many fine stallions. The roster is topped by Tapit who stands for $225,000, one of the highest stud fees in the country. Empire Maker, the grand sire of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, is another of their top stallions with an influential bloodline. The stallions live in small barns designed to look very French village-like, with just four stalls in each. Gainesway is writing its own history in the thoroughbred industry.

Bird Stone 2094 Belmont Winner

Tapit.

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Empire Maker, grand sire of American Pharoah

Spendthrift Farm

4.8

(6 reviews)

1.4 mi

Attended a film shoot at Spendthrift Farm. Have had many visits there, but enjoyed seeing it as…read morepart of the action. Will look forward to seeing how it turns out. 74

Did a 11am tour of the farm this morning. It was so beautiful! The tour starts at the stunning new…read morewelcome center where you watch two fantastic videos about the farms history. Then you set out on a shuttle to tour the farm grounds. The tour we did let us meet the mares and foals. I loved getting to pet the horses and their babies, they were adorable! Love that it was a hands on tour. Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and kind. After the tour we did a little shopping at the gift shop which had a great selection. Then we took some family pictures by the statue of the one and only Malibu Moon. It was a great way to start the day.

Forte

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Lexington Farmers' Market

What a great market in downtown Lexington! It has a great central location that is partially…read morecovered. The 5/3 pavilion is perfect for the farmers market. There was a great variety of items available; pastries, baked goods, meats, cheeses, milk, local beers and LOTS of vegetables. I loved how many vegetable stands there were. Pastry prices were a bit high across the board but the ones I purchased were good. There was even a small amount of local art available which I love to see at farmers markets. I assumed the market was contained to the pavilion but to my surprise I realized the market also lined portions of the streets and around the pavilion. If I lived here I would find it pretty easy to do the bulk of my protein and vegetable shopping here. I almost forgot the mention the plethora of flowers.. GORGEOUS flowers!

I'm so happy farmer's market is open again downtown instead of having to go to Greyline station…read more I went to go get flowers and just browse around. We got there around noon and there was so much to look at. I was drawn to the Dubai brownie but we had lunch right before walking to the market. At the flower table we stopped at I got three stems for 10.00. They do take cash or you can go to the farmer's market information table and buy tokens for your purchase. The fresh produce looked really good long with the baked items on several tables. There is a table that does handmade pasta that looked really good. Since I watch my carb intake sadly I past that table up they also had mini meatballs made with a mix of pork and beef. There was a variety of cheeses, wines, beer, some tee shirts, a food truck that had really interesting drinks and different flavored lemonade flavors. I love seeing all the dogs at the market and although we don't have a dog I thought about getting a cat backpack and taking our cat.

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Agri-Sod

4.0

4.4 mi

Stopped by on a Saturday to grab a few rolls to fix our front yard. Was greeted by a friendly…read morefella who told us to pull around and he loaded us up with what we needed. The sod looks good and he gave excellent recommendations to my husband on how to lay it properly. Three weeks later and the grass has taken off and looks fantastic in our yard.

The Happy Farmer

5.5 mi

The best quality feed around! Travis, the owner, is awesome and full of knowledge! If you need…read morebedding or food for your chickens, Happy Farmer has the best quality!

From the owner: When Travis Robinson, a farmer and chicken owner, saw how difficult it was to find high-quality…read morechicken feed in the Lexington area, he set out to change that. Starting with feed for just his chickens and a few customers, he is now providing chickens, feed, bedding, and heirloom tools to the community. Today, our team takes pride in our chickens, and in helping you raise happy, healthy birds. Whether you've been farming for years or just beginning your backyard chicken journey, we're happy to be here for you every step of the way.

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Stepping Stone Ranch

4.9

(16 reviews)

17.6 mi

We did a private trail ride and it was absolutely perfect. The property is gorgeous and the horses…read moreare noticeably loved. Our two guides that went with us were super friendly, patient, and informative. It's not far out of Lexington and if you plan on being in the area I highly recommend you plan a stop in here. If you're a lover of animals you want to make sure you spend your time and money on places that offer a great experience while taking the best care of their animals. Stepping Stone definitely checks both boxes.

This place is great!! Took my kids and extended family and everyone agreed it was the best horse…read moreriding experience we've all had. The horses are noticeably loved and cared for. They provided information and education on that allowed everyone to feel comfortable and more connected to the horses. I highly recommend booking!

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Somer Splash

3.2

(15 reviews)

70.7 mi

Lifeguards were rude and made fun of me for my weight. The lifeguards name was Christopher and he…read moresaid he was playing but it hurt my feelings and then I went to tell a manager and they wouldn't do anything. Poor management and poor workers.

Clean, organized, fair prices. Access to tickets online. Military discount available. Plenty of…read morefree parking. Good concessions.

Amazing fun and great lifeguards!!!

Wave Pool

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Cabana

Suffoletta Family Aquatic Center

3.1

(9 reviews)

7.9 mi

Visited with my niece and nephew and mother in law and had a fantastic experience!! The staff was…read moresuper helpful at check in, lifeguards were in all areas and the place was clean. There was plenty of activities for all ages and mobility levels! I enjoyed the water slide and the lazy river the best. It was very cost effective for our family to attend and enjoy a wonderful summer day! Blacktop parking made it easy to get in and out. Changing rooms were clean with showers and restrooms available. The snack shack offered fresh burgers, chili dogs and a variety of snacks making it a great place for lunch. I was highly impressed and will be back!

We had a fantastic day at Suffoletta Family Aquatic Center. It was very clean in and out of the…read morewater. There were chairs throughout the area. We enjoyed the lazy river quite a bit. The water wasn't above 4 feet anywhere so it was perfect for our 7-year old. There is a 15 minute break/adult swim time on the :45 minute mark. We took advantage of the water slide during that time with no line! Day passes were available and super reasonably priced. The snack bar had great prices and delicious food. I wish something like this was in our area.

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Shillito Park

4.5

(13 reviews)

10.7 mi

I want to preface this by saying I think this park would earn 5 stars by the people going there to…read moreplay sports. It has basketball, baseball, tennis, and frisbee golf. I went there to walk my dog and be in nature. The majority of the main paved walking path is actually separate from the park. It runs alongside the road that runs through the park. Because I was there around rush hour, it basically felt like walking on a sidewalk next to a busy street, rather than like walking in a park. Also, there was some construction and a lot of electrical lines with big metal bases along the path, which also detracted from the little bit of nature. But who knows, maybe I'll come back in the summer (I noticed a pool) and end up increasing my score.

It's a fairly large park with many different spots to choose from. Peaceful with walking paths,…read morepicnic areas and baseball field. Nice : }

Grab a cuppa before going to the park!

Can you find the cat?

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Perfect spot to watch the sunset

Southland Aquatic Center

4.0

(4 reviews)

9.3 mi

I have been there. It was so much fun there's been a lot of cool stuff like the slide. The…read morelifeguards has been nice to me. There was an ice machine there. They got like an ordering stand they have a diving board but the sad thing I only got to stay for 1 hour :(

Havent gone since 2019, back then you could not smile if you want off the diving board. If you…read morelooked around or laughed or yelled near the diving board, they kicked you out of the pool for 1 hour. Kids said the bathrooms were filthy and the Lexington Police would go stand in the changing area and stare at the boys changing, thats what they said. There is/was food? The hamburgers they made there were better than ANY at ANY food place we've been to in all of Lexington KY. Must be some home recipe. One day we went there just to get a burger/fries. They chase everyone out of the pool every 45 min or so. Why not make some kind of lighted sign with a giant clock to show in a non-angry way its part of the plan? The lifeguards blow whistles all the sudden and yell at the kids to get out, as if this is a Jaws movie. Make it non threatening and encourage getting fresh water or a small snack? Play music 1 minute before the kick out time, setup tables with free water cups? have some small challenges, throw a frisbee into a target and win a small prize or who knows. But they dont do these things. Parking is miserable, expect your car will be hit by someone's door. Period.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

4.5

(51 reviews)

17.1 mi

Well worth a visit - accessible and well maintained. Trails climb to a scenic overlook of the…read moreKentucky River, with miles more to hike.

I love the fact that there were so many different trails with different features. I am not sure if…read moreraven run is pet friendly. It was so much fun looking over the Kentucky river as I got to the top. The maps provided are easy to read.

Not something you typically see in a nature reserve - probably grandfathered in. May be a reason to return around Halloween.

Trail

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McConnell Springs

4.7

(26 reviews)

6.8 mi

Nice natural area to walk around it! It is larger and more secluded than the average local option…read more Unfortunately dogs aren't allowed.

Neat little stop. The walk is mostly paved and flat which I think is a plus for some. The blue hole…read moreis neat and the spring boils up which a neat little phenomenon. There is a pond with fish, turtles and frogs. Informative signs along the path tell the history of the park as well.

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Jacobson Park

4.3

(39 reviews)

9.7 mi

First visit to Jacobson Park, and while it felt like a crazy long hike there with two teens and a…read morepuppy during rush hour, it was worth the drive to experience a bucolic and hopping piece of the outdoors! Our puppy loved the ducks (and these were some FRIENDLY and INTERACTIVE ducks...) and we experienced some other cool avian sightings. Not a surprise - but the restrooms were suitably scary and during the first part of our visit, the overcast and gray sky made the cement building feel ripe for a horror movie experience... compete with a scary service truck and a man in stained overalls. (Please note, the gentleman was actually very friendly and engaging and was hard at work - he was not in any way a negative presence). The park is expansive and it was actually really busy for a Thursday evening. The dog park was intriguing but we ran out of time to visit. The play area had something for all ages and was popular with children through teens. Loads of parking and the shelter area was great for a school gathering. Can't wait to visit again!

I came here this afternoon looking for a new park to explore with my dog. Upon arrival, I could…read moretell that this park was huge! There are plenty of green spaces and empty fields to play frisbee, flag football, or volleyball. I drove to the dog park area since the park is strict on having the dogs on leash at all times, so I went there. The dog parks for both small and large dogs are enormous! I have never seen that size of a dog park since I was in Colorado--and that state is known for being pet friendly, so their parks and restaurants are 90% pet-friendly. I took my dog to the small dog park as he is small. It was still 4 P.m. and too hot for my dog. There are not a lot of shades in the small dog area compared to the large dog area. I did not stay that long as my dog did not like being grilled under the sun. I checked out the rest of the park by driving around and noticed a vast playground, a marina (although the water has receded), empty fields, a picnic area, and even a camping area! If I had come later in the day when it was not too hot for my dog, I would have enjoyed my stay here. I have seen plenty of residents around here with their kids, birthday party groups, and groups playing frisbee. I can tell that it is a great park to visit. Cool spot ~

At Jacobson Park

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At Jacobson Park

Mt Brilliant Farm - farms - Updated July 2026

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Buck Pond Farm

4.0

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

Taylor Made Farm

(9 reviews)

This beautiful Jessamine County farm is a family affair, owned and operated by the four Taylor…read morebrothers. Founded in 1976, 1600 acres of land is home to stallions, broodmares and foals. In addition to being a successful thoroughbred breeding operation, they are one of the top sales consignors. Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was raised on the farm.

We just returned from visiting Taylor Made Farm in beautiful Nicholasville, KY. We thoroughly…read moreenjoyed the "California Chrome Experience". We will be returning in the near future for the general farm tour but if you are a racing fan I recommend you get tickets immediately - Chrome will be going to Chile soon and dates are limited - I cannot emphasize what a great opportunity this tour presents. If you miss it this season put it in your calendar for next year. We got to see California Chrome up close and personal! We got a visit from our friend Liam who works with these fabulous stallions every day! The tour was presented at a very leisurely pace. We were truly able to enjoy our time at Taylor Made Farm. Our tour guide Carly was fabulous! She answered questions and gave a very interesting overview of one of thoroughbred racing's megastars. We toured the breeding shed and the stallion barns. We each got individual photos taken in California Chrome's stall after feeding him one of his favorite cookies! Horse girl heaven let me tell you! We then took a scenic drive over the farm to one of the barns where Chrome's and other sire's babies are housed. The "California Chrome Experience" is a very interactive experience. Lots of opportunities for photos and petting the horses. After the tour we had a meal at Daddy Joe's Bar & Grill which was included with our tickets. Great job Taylor Made Farm for putting together a tour designed with horse lovers in mind. I would truly spend the money to go on the "California Chrome Experience" again. It was that enjoyable!!!

Mill Ridge Farm

4.6

(16 reviews)

This was a GREAT tour. Took tour on a Sunday but windy…read moreSaturday. Nice sized group. Delightful tour guide, Brittany. First a quick history of the farm. Then we met one of the stallions and fed him carrots. We got in our cars and drove to meet some mares and foals. Took a bit for the mares to come and greet us but they all did eventually. Very friendly horses, especially when you have carrots. Lastly we saw the yearling fillies. Beautiful setting. This was so fun, highly recommend if in the area.

A lovely evening with the Thorobreds at Mill Ridge Farm. Pizza and wine, and a walk through the…read morebeauty of the farm and the thoroughbreds that reside there. 69

Claiborne Farm

(25 reviews)

Amazing tour, learned a lot and loved the horses! Absolutely beautiful farm! Highly recommend! Easy…read morewalking and worth the drive there.

We reserved spots on the 10:00 a.m. tour on a Saturday. The weather was beautiful, the farm was…read moreclean for a horse farm, the visitor's center was nice, too. The lady who greets you as you come into the visitor center was incredibly helpful and welcoming. We loved our tour with Levi who was so knowledgeable about the farm and its history. He let us pet 3-4 horses and feed them peppermint. It was overall a wonderful experience and we loved it. Very informational. If you have mobility issues you might consider bringing a wheelchair. You walk on concrete the entire time.

Margaux Farm

Such a beautiful farm located right next to equus run and the elkorn creek just outside of Midway,…read morein Woodford County Kentucky. The staff is so friendly everytime I've encountered them. The owners are great to the locals and let them fish in the creek and park on some of the premise to fish, kayak, etc on the creek.

Magdalena Farm

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.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

4.5

(51 reviews)

Well worth a visit - accessible and well maintained. Trails climb to a scenic overlook of the…read moreKentucky River, with miles more to hike.

I love the fact that there were so many different trails with different features. I am not sure if…read moreraven run is pet friendly. It was so much fun looking over the Kentucky river as I got to the top. The maps provided are easy to read.

Asbury Trails

4.7

(7 reviews)

This set of trails apparently belongs to a local private college that I hadn't heard of. They are…read moreopen to the public, and it wasn't hard to drive and park here. The trails cover a wide variety of environments, reaching a meadow where the power lines through and going down into the ravine which holds the Kentucky River. Once you're down there, a long path runs under the riverside cliffs. As is often the case in this region, the scenery is pretty, but on the difficult side. Many of the trails are narrow and covered with gravel or mud, and are high enough in spots that a slip could carry some significant consequences. There were plenty of bugs as well. But I managed to get a solid two-hour workout/scenic visit in. It's free and it's not far from Lexington.

They finally opened back up and we love it here! It's beautiful. We do the easy trail to the right,…read moreso I can't speak on the other trails, but we always have so much fun enjoying nature here ‍

WoodLog Covert

Beautiful views, peaceful place. Loved Webster the goat and his little black sidekick. Enjoyed…read morerunning in the countryside. Had nice even parking for our 37 foot class review A RV.

Mereworth Farm