Bourbon and Birdies in the Horse Capital of the World
Could it be that a landlocked State, with no bordering ocean, I can’t even say that I saw a sizable lake, be considered one of the most beautiful States in the USA. Absolutely, it’s gently rolling and lush pastureland is dissected by roadways, guiding you through sprawling horse farms, some of the most beautiful small cities including Lexington, which in 2024 Conde Naste Traveler Readers Choice Award designated as ” Top 5 Best Small Cities in the U.S. “ and of course the iconic Bourbon Distilleries.
Our home in Bluegrass Grass country, is the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa, only 10 minutes from downtown Lexington. You can’t help but notice the pyramid of Bourbon Barrels, and for the can’t get enoughers, of all things, a Bourbon dispensing machine with a great selection of regional bourbons and whiskeys including, rare selects such as Pappy Van Winkle. I wonder how many Pappys are bought after hours??? Well, we are on the infamous Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a sign of what’s to come!
The Griffin Gate Golf Club tucked in the rolling green meadows of Lexington, is the home course of the Marriott. A Reese Jones design, a resort-private facility, where guests of the resort are welcomed to enjoy one of the top ranked courses in the State. Looking for the Pro Shop, it is walking distance from the Marriott, look for the historic 19th century mansion with its stately white columns, around back and you are there.
Playing in November was a little chilly but the course was in immaculate condition. A great deal of the credit for the conditions goes to the Reese Jones and his 2015 renovations. Very playable for any golfer, pick the right tees of course. The course features a strong collection of risk reward holes with water and stone bridges prominent throughout the course.
A couple of notable, and memorable holes on the front include, the par 5, 1st where you come across your first stone bridge, the par 5, 3rd with water front, left and right of the green. Those same waters follow you to the 4th although should not really come into play unless you hit it really badly!
Wasting no time on the back side the 10th, another par 5, dogleg left with water flanking the entire left side. The par 4, 18th is a great finishing hole demanding accuracy off the tee getting you past the slight dogleg for a clean approach to the green.
Done with your round there is no shortage of things to do in the area. With Bourbon on the brain, it was an easy decision to venture down the road to a National Historic Landmark distillery that is ranked top-tier in the world, Woodford Reserve Distillery. One of the finest distillery tours of the many we embarked on; you literally get a taste of a rich history and extraordinary quality of the fine collection of Bourbon Whiskeys produced.
There are a few options for guided tours and tastings, all providing the opportunity to learn about the art of whiskey-making and of course finishing with tastings of Woodford Reserves award winning bourbons and whiskies. It is advisable to book your tour in advance. Woodford Reserve
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Speaking of matches made in Kentucky, we must tell you, about 20 minutes from the Woodford Reserve Distillery is The Woodford Club a semi-private golf club with its pastoral setting, features rolling hills, mature trees, and some of the best greens in Central Kentucky. It has hosted the Women’s Kentucky Senior State Amateur Tournament in 2020 and 2021, and now home to The Woodford Legends Invitational!
The Woodford Club
Giddy – UP
When you are in Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World you would be remiss if you did not visit a horse farm and stop into Keenland Racetrack. We did both! Mill Ridge Farm is a sprawling 900-acre horse farm and for Kentucky, it is considered to be one of the smaller ones. But you have likely heard – size isn’t everything!
Founded in 1962 Mill Ridge has a rich history of raising and selling Thoroughbred racehorses and you will need more sets of fingers and toes than you have to count the winners. Since 2000, Mill Ridges has produced 39 world class winners including: Kentucky Derby winner, GIACOMO, 2 Horse of the Year winners, HAVRE DE GRACE, and POINT GIVEN, and 9 Breeders Cup winners. You can see the complete list at Mill Ridge
Speaking of fingers and keeping them all, Mill Ridge is a very interactive Farm. At the guidance of your tour guide you may have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Mares, Foals, Yearlings and maybe even Stallions. These horses love their carrot treats and you will have the opportunity to give them such. Listen to your guide as all of these majestic animals have different personalities. You will be shown how to feed them their treats and keep all your fingers.
Getting in on the action with the ponies is no further than a 10-minute drive down the road to Keenland Race Track. So much more than just the home of four-legged champions. Did you know that the Secretariat movie was filmed here?
Founded By Horsemen: Since opening in October 1936, Keeneland has been unique in the Thoroughbred industry. Only at Keeneland are world-class racing and industry-leading sales united under one mission-driven entity. Today, Keeneland continues to be guided by its original mission, taking a leadership role in the industry to improve safety, promote integrity and strengthen the sport of racing.
Keeneland is the world’s largest and most prominent Thoroughbred auction house and hosts world-class racing twice annually during its boutique Spring and Fall meetings. Owners, trainers, riders and fans from all over the world travel to Lexington each year to participate at Keeneland.
The public is welcome to attend Keeneland’s sales and race meets, as well as explore the library and the track’s park-like setting throughout the year. Keeneland is open every day to visitors, and offers guided walking tours. www.keeneland.com
Bourbon Around Every Corner
Trying to get the most Bourbon possible out of our time in Lexington we didn’t have far to go! Lexington is in the heart of Kentucky and the heart of Bourbon County. Seven distilleries within a mile of downtown and another 11 within a 20-to-30-minute drive.
One of Lexington’s exciting hot spots, appropriately named is the Distillery District. It was the original home to the historic James E. Pepper Distillery which began making bourbon in 1879.
In 1958 the site was abandoned completely, untouched for nearly 50 years. Fortunately, in 2008 local entrepreneurs teamed up to bring this area back to its former glory and they did not disappoint. Since then, this revitalized piece of Lexington history has become a lively downtown destination.
Here you will find two distilleries, a number of bars and restaurants in a very walkable environment. The Distillery District
James E. Pepper Distillery: Using filtered limestone water from the historic distillery well, this place is one-of-a-kind. Bourbon tours are available at $20 per person and include the story of the historic brand, time in the distillery museum, a tour of the working distillery and a tasting of the award-winning, small-batch whiskeys. James E. Pepper
Our favorite here was the one-two punch of Barrel House Distillery and the Elkhorn Tavern. Barrel House embraces the tradition of old Kentucky distillers by producing quality Kentucky Bourbon with traditional methods. Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday, lasting about an hour. End your experience with a specialty drink at the lounge and taproom.
The Elkhorn Tavern, is an intimate lodge-style bar and restaurant, located right next to Barrel House Distillery in the old barreling house of the historic distillery. An ideal spot to end your tour, begin your sampling. And have bite to eat. Barrel House Distillery
In the region, those 20 to 30 minutes away include a couple of the Bourbon landmarks, some of our favorite; Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key, Four Roses, Wild Turkey and the aforementioned Woodford Reserve.
Buffalo Trace Distillery: Not sure why but I look at this one as the Granddaddy of Distilleries. It might have something to do with the fact that Blanton’s comes from here. Definitely a Bourbon that is near the top of my list. It is one of America’s oldest continuously operating distilleries, even staying open during Prohibition. Located right on the Kentucky River, Buffalo Trace’s campus is a sprawling brick distillery with a beautiful, scenic background. Most unique here is that you can get on to a tour without a reservation, they do their best to accommodate. Sampling after the tour is complimentary and they have by far the best gift shop of all. You know that when you need to line up to check out!
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Castle & Key Distillery: There are plenty of iconic places to drink bourbon in Kentucky. But there’s one experience that might just top them all: drinking whiskey on the castle grounds designed by the man known as the Man who Pioneered the Bourbon Industry, E.H. Taylor. Castle & Key Distillery produces gin, vodka, rye whiskey, and, most importantly, bourbon. Tracing back to Taylor’s original vision of the castle and distillery it serves as a tourism center where people could learn about the region and the spirit. Castle & Key Distillery
Four Roses Distillery: Located on the scenic Salt River in Lawrenceburg, Four Roses Distillery is headquartered in a unique California Spanish Mission-style building built in 1910. They have been perfecting the art of quality and consistency for years and have used that guiding principle to develop their ten signature recipes. Admittedly there is always Four Roses in my cabinet in particular Small Batch when I can get it! Four Roses Bourbon
Wild Turkey Distillery: When I bought my first bottle of Wild Turkey, first sips I was not impressed. It grew on me and now you can always find this in my cabinet as well. In 1893, bourbon from this distillery was selected from over 400 whiskeys to represent Kentucky at the World’s Fair. The same fine 101 proof Wild Turkey bourbon is still made today. Visitors will tour the fermentation area and the cistern room where the barrels are filled as well as timbered warehouses to experience the sites, sounds and smells of a working distillery. Wild Turkey Bourbon
OMG there is no shortage of great and fun restaurants and bars in Lexington. Of course, remembering where you are, every one of these is a Bourbon tasting establishment.
Number 1 by far on our list is Carson’s on Main. Upon entering you are impressed by the size and the huge bar in the distance, TV’s above, no doubt a great casual atmosphere to catch some sports while recharging. The drink menu, in particular the wine list was the first hint that looks can be deceiving. The expansive dinner menu has a culinary flare to satisfy any pallet. Don’t even think of having the Sweet and Spicy Rib Entrée, I could barely get through that option as a starter, highly recommended. All classic cut steaks with their signature spice are available but I could not get passed the Filet Medallions, two, 4 oz medallions served on Yukon Gold garlic mashed potatoes with rosemary demi-glace and asparagus; topped with béarnaise. An amazing experience, excellent staff, huge portions, we had to be rolled out! Carson’s Food & Drink
To no surprise, they have won numerous awards including:
- Best of Lexington 2024 – Lexington Herald Leader Readers Choice Awards (8 years)
- OPENTABLE’S ‘Diners Choice Award (2017 -2024)
- One of Bourbon Reviews – Best Bourbon Bars of America (2022, 2024)
Other dining suggestions Include:
Honeywood: Renowned Bluegrass Chef Ouita Michel provides delicious Kentucky cuisine utilizing as much locally grown meat and produce as possible.
The Manchester Hotel: Back to the Distillery District we go, two wonderful and distinctly different dining options. Granddam, is a perfect fit with the luxurious Hotel. This could be your oyster, offering a comprehensive experience for bourbon enthusiasts, Bluegrass inspired dishes and culinary adventures. Also in the Manchester is The Lost Palm, is a tropical, pineapple-scented rooftop paradise. The indoor-outdoor drinking parlor features a flamboyant tiki cocktail program and Down-Home Tropical dishes made for sharing — wild stuff like gator bites and short rib sliders.
Lockbox: Adjoining the 21c Museum Hotel, it’s a one-of-a-kind atmosphere combining rotating contemporary art exhibits with an amazing dining experience. The restaurants preparations are simple, yet thoughtful, farm to table options that will leave your tastebuds delighted.
Grip It and Rip It …… before you Sip It!
In Lexington, they love their Bourbon, they love their horses, but their golf is not far behind. The rolling landscape is dissected by rivers, gorges and lakes, and with the influence of the Appalachian Mountains it is ideal for golf courses.
Other than those previously mentioned, there are 20 courses in the area, below are a few other for your consideration while in the Lexington area.
Gibson Bay: A Michael Hurdzan design playing to 7,100 yards is fairly open off the tee, allowing wind to be a factor in your round. Your scoring will be determined by your play into the greens, as missing the fairways will lead to side-hill lies and an awkward approach shot. Many of the greens are set into hill sides and protected by strategically placed bunkers and mounding.
University Club: Home to the University of Kentucky Wildcats Golf Team, 36 holes of golf designed by Arthur Hills. Whether you play the Big Blue Course or the Wildcat Course you find yourself in a stunning countryside setting of Central Kentucky’s rolling Bluegrass terrain.
Peninsula Golf Resort: Thirty minutes south of Lexington in Lancaster, is a Pete Dye design that has received 4 ½ star Golf Digest rating. Fairways sweep through natural contours with elevation changes producing many breathtaking sights. Stay and Play Villas are available to make this and exceptional golf getaway.
Bright Leaf Golf Resort:
Another with stay and play option, with both hotel and villas providing true southern hospitality. 27 holes of golf with the 18-hole course offering up generous landing areas for the most part, six holes have water to challenge your decision-making skills. The nine-hole course is target golf in style with water on 7 of the 9 holes.
Whatever your passions might be, Lexington might just be your place to be. A welcoming place to unwind in comfort and style. A place to gather with friends and family, sip a glass of bourbon, mingle with a few horses, make a bet or savor an unforgettable meal. A place where breathtaking natural beauty lives alongside a vibrant creative culture that you’ll want to return to again and again.
For more information on the Lexington area in Kentucky visit: Lexington, Kentucky Visitor Information
