Experience the best of Lexington

Lexington lies in the rolling Bluegrass country of central Kentucky, where limestone-rich pasture grows champion Thoroughbreds. Miles of black plank fences, stone walls and white barns surround the city, and its downtown has brick streets, a courthouse and cafés. The University of Kentucky, whose basketball team draws loyal crowds, and the old homes of the Gratz Park district give it a collegiate and historic feel.

Keeneland, a racecourse that also holds major Thoroughbred sales, is the city's best-known track, and the Kentucky Horse Park shows breeds from around the world and holds the grave of the champion Man o' War. Ashland, the estate of the statesman Henry Clay, and the girlhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln are open as museums, and bourbon distilleries line the country roads to the west.

Burgoo, a thick stew of meats and vegetables, beer cheese, hot brown sandwiches and fried chicken are the Kentucky dishes, with bourbon in cocktails to follow. Spring brings flowering trees and the April racing, and autumn is the finest season.