The arrival of warm weather heralds the coming annual summer vacation season. But for those lacking time or resources — or just wanting to stick close — the Lexington area offers an abundance of summer activities.
From day trips to weekend fun, and even long weeks of vacation, the Bluegrass offers a range of opportunities, both expected and surprising.
“What’s great about a ‘stay-cation’ is it allows you to get to know your own city. There are lots of hidden gems in Lexington that are easily accessible,” said Kristin Voskuhl, marketing director at the Living Arts and Science Center in Lexington. “Spend some time exploring now, and next time you have an out-of-town visitor, you’ll be ready to show them all Lexington has to offer.”
Beyond the intrinsic enjoyment to be had exploring the Bluegrass, residents can gain further satisfaction knowing they’re contributing to the local economy.
“By exploring our local attractions, restaurants and shopping, local residents inevitably become ambassadors for our community,” said Gwen Thompson, executive director at the Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington. “That ambassadorship has an impact.”
Recently, the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism released new numbers for Travel and Tourism throughout the state. In Fayette County alone, travel and tourism spending was more than $2 billion in 2015 and accounted for 15,339 jobs.
“Economically speaking, all the businesses that make Lexington an attractive and unique place to live and visit rely on the steady support of locals,” said Voskuhl.
Ben Self, co-founder of West Sixth Brewing, added to this sentiment: “When you support West Sixth, you support its 42 employees who live, eat and shop in central Kentucky,” he said.
To get the most out of a stay-cation, setting an agenda might be the first order of business. To help, VisitLex.com has created stay-cation itineraries (www.visitlex.com/staycation) for the bourbon lover, the foodie, the romantic couple, the nature lover, families and more. Each scenario includes ideas for morning, afternoon and evening activities, highlighting attractions, events and local restaurant suggestions.
“We created these stay-cation ideas for locals as a way to highlight attractions, restaurants and events that might be overlooked,” explained Mary Quinn Ramer, president of VisitLEX. “Visiting family and friends is among the top three reasons people travel, and we hope these itineraries will encourage Lexingtonians to take their friends and family to these places when they visit.”
From breweries and distilleries to farm-fresh food, historic tours, parks and museums — Lexington and the surrounding area off er options to fi t a variety of tastes and interests.
“The LASC is a bigger-city experience right here in downtown Lexington,” Voskuhl said. “With four art galleries, a large Discovery Exhibit — currently on space — a self-guided maker’s space and Lexington’s only planetarium, there’s something fun for everyone.”
That variety is worth celebrating, Thompson said.
“We always encourage guests to explore our neighborhood as a part of their visit,” said Thompson. “You can walk to lunch at one of the many neighborhood restaurants, take a self-guided walking tour or explore the nearby historic Lexington Cemetery.”
Head just a little farther from the center of town for a tour of Keeneland, the Kentucky Horse Park or a day out at the Lexington Legends ballpark.
“It’s fun to see what’s in your own backyard, and discovering those things while supporting the local economy is a win for everyone,” said Kara Heissenbuttel, Keeneland’s director of patron experience.