If you plan to visit Lexington, KY, for a short visit, you’ll find southern charm, cuisine, history, culture, and much more. To help you get the most out of your time in the Bluegrass State, we’ve created a two-day itinerary of activities you’re sure to love.
For a traveling experience in civilized comfort, renting an RV is a great way to get to know Lexington. Renting an RV takes care of your accommodations and transportation, so you can explore everything Lexington has to offer at your own pace. Whether you prefer a simple, compact trailer or a luxurious motorcoach, you can find an RV rental right for you.
Search RV rentals in Lexington, KY.
Preparing for Your Lexington RV Trip
As you’re imagining what it’s like to spend two days in Lexington, think about finding an RV to rent. Will you need a motor home, or can you tow your RV with your truck or SUV? You’ll find trailers of all sizes if you can pull a heavy load with your own vehicle. If you’d rather drive down the road in a home-on-wheels, pick a Class A, B, or C RV. If driving an RV is not your thing, many providers will deliver your RV directly to your campsite and set it up!
If you’re a first-time RV renter, the rental guides below will help you get familiar with RV travel.
• Picking the Right Size RV
• Guide to Renting Your RV
• Avoid Common RV Rental Mistakes
• RV Parking Tips
Once you find your ideal RV, you can scope out an RV campsite near Lexington, where you can kick back and rest. These days, plenty of convenient RV campgrounds provide full-service amenities and utility hookups. The Whispering Hills RV Park, Cummins Ferry Campground and Marina, Camp Nelson RV Park, and Kentucky Horse Park Campground are wonderful places to set up camp near Lexington. Remember, to fully enjoy your visit, you should reserve a campsite in advance to have your pick of sites.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Lexington.
Day 1: Explore the Bluegrass State
Morning: See the Horses
After a leisurely breakfast, drive a few miles to Paris, Kentucky, to see the iconic Claiborne Farm, home of the great Triple Crown winner Secretariat. As you survey the bluegrass fields lined with plank-board fences, you’ll watch magnificent thoroughbred horses graze the green, tree-dotted countryside. Whether you love the excitement and history of racing or enjoy the refined fields and architecture, you’re sure to enjoy your time outside.
Lunch: Enjoy Southern Charm
When the sun gets bright, head into downtown Lexington and stop by Stella’s Kentucky Deli, a favorite destination for locals. Step into this quaint two-story house and enjoy the eclectic menu offering burritos, sandwiches, burgers, and vegan options. Order a hot brown sandwich and fried green tomatoes to get a real taste of Kentucky. Try a chicken salad sandwich and a slice of lemon icebox pie with a glass of sweet tea for a classic meal.
Afternoon: Step Back in Time
After lunch, discover the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the girlhood home of one of America’s most compelling and storied first ladies. After marrying Abraham Lincoln, the couple visited her family from time to time. Today, you can see 19th-century furnishings and portraits just as they were on a guided or self-guided tour.
Setting up Camp
When you’re ready to take it easy, drive over and check into your RV campground. Once you park and get your utilities hooked up, you can enjoy the scenery outside. If you don’t want the hassle of driving and setting up the RV, you can arrange an RV delivery to your campsite. When you search for your rental, filter by delivery options.
Dinner: Dine in Camp or Eat Out at a Lexington Favorite
Whether you light a campfire or fix supper in your RV’s kitchen, enjoying a meal outside is a great way to end a day of fun. If you want to dine in the city, reserve a table at Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano, which has been serving delicious fine Italian cuisine for over 25 years. Against a backdrop of slow jazz and candlelight, you can indulge in a hand-cut steak or a ravioli quattro formaggi paired with a delightful wine. Be sure to save room for a delectable homemade dessert.
Day 2: Immerse Yourself in Equestrian Culture
Morning: Watch the Horses Run
For an authentic taste of Kentucky’s horseracing heritage, drive over to Keeneland, just outside of town. Head to the track to catch a morning workout. Once you’ve experienced the grandstands, you can tour the beautifully landscaped grounds and maybe even catch a horse sale. Guided tours are available occasionally, and you can enjoy concessions and cocktails if you stay for live racing.
Lunch: Enjoy the Royal Treatment
Lexington is known for its laid-back elegance that somehow stays unpretentious. For an elegant lunch in an unexpected setting, visit Castle Farms at Kentucky Castle. Enjoy classic southern fare like fried grits or buttermilk biscuits and gravy on an estate built like a medieval stone castle. After lunch, you can tour the grounds and visit the teaching gardens, which are filled with flowers and lavender and have a field of pygmy goats.
Afternoon: Experience Bourbon Country
Kentucky is famous for its bourbon whiskey, so spend an afternoon enjoying its history and craft at the world-famous Woodford Reserve Distillery. Book a 70-minute guided tour of the historic grounds and learn about five sources of flavor, from grain to glass. You can taste their award-winning craft bourbons in the Dyer House, which overlooks a natural limestone shelf and Glenn’s Creek, the distillery’s water source.
Evening: Enjoy a Night of Cinema
For a taste of high culture that’s open to everyone, be sure to catch a flick at the beautiful Kentucky Theatre on Main Street. This fully restored, old-fashioned gem shows everything from new releases to European classics and avant-garde art films in a gorgeous yet comfortable setting. For dinner, walk over to Carson’s Food and Drink—On Main for upscale American food with classic flair.
Day 3 and Beyond in Lexington
While a two-day trip to Lexington is bound to be great, you’ll enjoy your stay even more if you extend your visit.
If you’re sticking around for a few more days, add these local-favorite activities to your Lexington itinerary:
• Visit the Kentucky Horse Park: Celebrate horses and history on 1,200 acres of bluegrass farmland. Take a horseback or pony ride and experience daily equine presentations, enjoy horse-drawn tours and carriage rides, tour the onsite museums, view the art gallery, and much more.
• Enjoy live music at the Railbird Festival: This showcase features country music, bluegrass music, and popular crooners from Appalachia and beyond. Past lineups have included big stars like Wynona Judd, Counting Crows, Dwight Yoakum, and smaller bands like the Infamous Stringdusters and the Red Clay Strays.
Autumn Activities
Nothing says autumn like a trip to a pumpkin patch, and Eckert’s Versailles Orchard has some of the finest specimens around. You can also brave the corn maze, take a haunted hayride, and enjoy apple cider donuts. If you’re into handmade arts and crafts, pottery, and sorghum, check out the Midway Fall Festival.
Indoor Activities
Since 1995, the Aviation Museum of Kentucky has delighted the public with over 20,000 square feet of exhibits, including vintage aircraft, aviation simulators, a restoration shop, and a library. Another option is the Trifecta: Glass-Art-Lounge, an immersive glass studio and fine art gallery where you can experience the magical process of glassmaking and have a cocktail once you’re through.
It’s easy to enjoy a two-day vacation in Lexington, Kentucky, in your RV rental from RVshare. With beautiful countryside and delicious cuisine, you’re sure to enjoy a taste of southern hospitality.
