Staycation 2015: Enjoying Lexington Kentucky on a Budget

Will you be traveling to far away places this summer or staying closer to home? We are blessed that there are so many places to see and things to do within an hour of our home that it’s easy to plan day trips or staycations. One of our favorite places to visit is Lexington, KY.

Lexington is known as the horse capital of the world but this area has so much history and beautiful landscapes that you could get lost just driving around the back roads taking in the farmland and mansions.

Looking for an afternoon of driving through the countryside? The Bluegrass Country Driving Tour. If you give them a call at 1-800-845-3959 they will send you the current map so you can plan your route without getting lost.

Of course we have to start our list with the Kentucky Horse Park. Your first time trip to Lexington would not be complete without a drive to see the horses (close to 50 breeds), museums, art galleries, and entertainment shows being offered on the 1,200 acre park.

Another stop you will not want to miss is the Keeneland Race Track.  They have tours of the grounds every day that will keep everyone’s attention from toddlers to senior. Check before visiting to see if any age restrictions apply on days when they are running live races.

Depending on where you are in Kentucky, the food varies from Northern to Southern. Lexington is definitely Southern style. From tavern to world-class the restaurants in Lexington are a treat all on their own.

If shopping is more your style, you will find everything from awesome hand crafted works from local artisans to high end jewelry and clothing in the abundant shopping that Lexington has to offer visitors.

If you are a history buff, you will love spending time at the Historical Homes in the area.

Want a peek back in time? How about visiting the homes of Mary Todd Lincoln or Henry Clay?

Spend the day wandering through the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. This is the largest restored Shaker village in the world. Plan on staying all day in order to have time to explore the grounds. They also have a great Inn if you would like to go back in time for a night.

Sports fan? You won’t want to miss the University of Kentucky and the Transylvania University campus tours.

Visiting Lexington would not be complete without a lesson on the five historic bourbon distilleries that are not just tours, but are still working distilleries. Call ahead to check times and schedules or age limits on visitors.
If you somehow manage to see everything the Lexington Kentucky area; you are only an hour or so from other places like Northern Kentucky,  Cincinnati, Ohio, Dayton OH, Louisville KY, or Indianapolis IN.
And now for those that do not live in Lexington, or may be traveling to other areas…check out this amazing list of cities!

A – D

Phoenix, Arizona — Saving For Someday
Fresno, California — Living A Frugal Life
Orange County, California — More With Less Today
San Diego, California — Southern Cali Saver
Denver, Colorado — Bargain Blessings
Washington, District of Columbia — Kidventurous

F – I

Disney World, Florida — The Happy Housewife
Jacksonville, Florida — Saving The Family Money
Orlando, Florida — Coupon Mamacita
St Augustine, Florida — Simply St. Augustine
Tallahasse, Florida — SwagGrabber
Tampa Bay, Florida — LaToyaEdwards.net
Atlanta, Georgia — Pretty Frugal Diva
Dahlonega, Georgia — Kathys Cluttered Mind
Savannah, Georgia — This Mommy Saves Money
Aurora/Chicago, Illinois — A Savings WOW!
Chicago, Illinois — Entertaining Chicago
Indianapolis, Indiana — Chaos Is Bliss

K – P

Lexington, Kentucky — Homeschool Village
Louisville, Kentucky — The Kennedy Adventures
Northern Kentucky, Kentucky — Simply Sherryl
Carroll County, Maryland — Looking at life CreativLEI
Boston, Massachusetts — Maven of Savin
Battle Creek, Michigan — Pichea Place
Grand Rapids, Michigan — Give Me Neither
Metro Detroit, Michigan — Saving Dollars and Sense
Kansas City Area, Missouri/Kansas — Redefined Mom
Omaha, Nebraska — Family Fun in Omaha
Central, New Jersey — Our Good Life
Cincinnati, Ohio — Adventure Mom
Cleveland, Ohio — Kosher on a Budget
Columbus, Ohio — Cleverly Simple
Dayton, Ohio — Savings Lifestyle
Mansfield & Richland County, Ohio — The Traveling Praters
Miami County, Ohio — Something 2 Offer
Northeast, Ohio — Sisters Shopping on a Shoestring
Portland, Oregon — Frugal Living NW
Harrisburg/Central, PA — Family Balance Sheet
Erie, Pennsylvania — Growing Kids Ministry
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Moms Need To Know
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Coupon High

R – W

Arlington, Texas — Grocery Shop For FREE
Fort Worth, Texas — Coupons and Freebies Mom
Houston, Texas — Melissa’s Bargains
Katy, Texas — Moms Confession
San Antonio, Texas — How to Homeschool My Child
Tyler, Texas — iLoveMy5Kids
Charlottesville, Virgina — How to Have it All
Norfolk, Virgina — The Talking Suitcase
Richmond, Virgina — Vacation Maybe
Seattle, Washington — Thrifty NW Mom
Tacoma/South Puget Sound, Washington — Queen Bee Coupons
Oshkosh, Wisconsin — A Little Bit of This and That