Finally, a visit to downtown Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington is all about the horses. But the famous and popular Kentucky Horse Park is located a fair bit outside the north end of the city, and often many travelers and tourists don't spend much time in the city itself.

And we were exactly the same. We have been through, to, or around Lexington a couple of times before. But we had never made it downtown!

So yesterday we hopped on the Lexington city bus for the cash fare of $1.00 ($1.31 CAD) and it only took the one bus from where we are staying to do the 35 minute ride to downtown. A short walk away from the main transit station was Thoroughbred Park, so we made that our first destination.

Opposite the main transit station is this huge mural of Honest Abe.

Race to the finish!

Who won? Photo finish?!

Ruth, with the foal statue.

Thoroughbred Park has a lot of plaques paying tribute to the many people who had a hand in making Lexington the horse capital of the world... including Bing Crosby, and Queen Elizabeth II among many others. Kind of interesting to read the plaques.

We wandered to the central area to find the tourist office.

The old courthouse, under re-construction.

It turns out that the old courthouse building has sat empty for a number of years, but the decision was finally made to renovate it and it is going to be the home of the Visitors Centre when it reopens.

The top is already finished.

Lexington isn't a very big city (population about 320,000), and as such it doesn't have a very big downtown. And there's no river running through it, or bridges to see. But it has a certain charm and it's a very clean city. No trash, and no trashy looking graffiti. We like that! 

The wall art that it does have is true art... lots of murals!

Ruth, with Lyn and Emilie at the Visitors Center.

We always stop in at the visitors center in any city we go to. They have tons of info on the local area, and if you don't have much time they'll point you to the important sites.

Us, with the Blue Horse.

Lexington is the heart of the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, the home of legendary horses and world famous bourbons. In the early spring there is a hint of blue in the grass, prompting early settlers to dub the region, "the Bluegrass".

Hidden just below the surface of our rolling hills lies an ancient limestone shelf that acts as a natural filter. The water that passes through this massive filtration system feeds the soil and grasses that grow strong horses unlike anywhere else in the world. (Those same waters produce the best bourbons in the world, too!)

Although no one has real evidence that blue horses exist, there are many tales of sightings across the region from legions of true believers. Legend has it that a horse called "Big Lex" turned blue from grazing in nourishing bluegrass pastures his entire life. Perhaps he found the very source of these limestone rich waters. Be on the lookout for a big blue horse as you drive around the backroads that are home to hundreds of horse farms in the area -- you might just see the legendary blue horse yourself.

The Christmas decorations are out.

Not many people around!

We seemed to notice that... there aren't many people around even on a beautiful day.

We went and walked around the historic section up by Transylvania University. Lots of old homes and big trees.

Another mural.

The old Lexington Public Library.

Old homes.

Side street.

Another old home.

We always look for a view when we're visiting a city. Lexington doesn't have many tall buildings... the tallest is a blue office tower. We wondered if we could get a view from there and the girls in the visitors center said they have an office on the 21st floor. So they called over for us and got us inside! Thanks ladies! The receptionist Donna let us in to get some photos.

Another mural.

Back at the elevator, I said to Ruth... "let's see what's on the top (31st) floor".

There were a couple of offices, and we went to one and opened the door. Another receptionist was there and we said we had a funny request. She led us through their boardroom and to the balcony! Hey, you never know if you don't ask!

View of Lexington from the 31st floor.

From there. we walked over to the University of Kentucky.

 Decorated for Christmas.

Scenery along the way.

Ruth, and the giant Christmas tree.

University of Kentucky Library.

View looking back at downtown. 

We had been at the top of the tall blue building.

Inside the university library, they have a quilt exposition.

Took the bus back home, and there was a party waiting for us!

Ruth's birthday flan!

Our friends had a little party last night celebrating Ruth's birthday! What a good day we had, and with beautiful Lexington weather. Today, that's continuing with a forecast high of 63F (17C) and more sunshine!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cat lover...?

Go Pet Cat Condo

And in Canada...

Select Brio Toys