27 Things People From Lexington-Fayette Have To Explain To Out-Of-Towners

Just let the bourbon flow and don’t ever say no to Missy’s Pie.

1. Horse Lovers Won’t Ever Want To Leave

Source: The Kentucky Horse Park via Facebook
You don’t go to a place like the horse capital of the world and not see a lot of beautiful farmland and gorgeous stables everywhere. The first places to check out? The Red Mile, Keeneland Racecourse and the Kentucky Horse Park.

2. Lexington Folks Are Unapologetically UK Crazy

Source: Rupp Arena via Facebook
Everything around here is “Big Blue” and Lexington folks are completely unapologetic about their love. To win their hearts, make sure to have some blue in your wardrobe.

3. No One Actually Calls It “Lexington-Fayette”

Source: Downtown Lexington Corporation via Facebook
Most folks just say Lexington, even though the metro area includes all of Fayette County plus Clark, Bourbon, Scott, Woodford and Jessamine. It’s a little confusing at first, but it just means there’s a lot to explore!

4. But Everyone Really Is That Friendly

Source: Giphy.com
Depending on where you’re visiting from you might wonder what alternate universe or cartoon you’ve stepped into. Stop panicking. Yes, Lexingtonians really are just that friendly. So just enjoy every moment of it.

5. The Only Time Lexingtonians Like Louisville Is Derby Weekend

Source: Kentucky Derby via Facebook
Louisville practically belongs to Cincinnati anyway, so Lexingtonians don’t really miss it at all. It’s nothing like the Bluegrass region and is as Midwestern as they come—unless it’s Derby-time. Then everyone loves Louisville. Until it’s over.

6. But Everyone Loves Crawfish Just As Much As Louisiana

Source: Bourbon N’ Toulouse via Facebook
You probably wouldn’t expect to find some Louisiana in Kentucky, but there it is. Bourbon N' Toulouse, Gumbo Ya Ya, Furlongs and if you’re out and about, Furlongs Crazy About Cajun food truck. And be sure to stop by for the literal truckload of crawfish at the Kentucky Crawfish Festival.

7. That Delicious Smell Is Jif Peanut Butter...

Source: Tumblr
It smells like childhood and and a carnival all at the same time. You’ll find yourself craving a good old-fashioned PB&J most of the time in Lexington, because you’re constantly smelling the peanuts roasting at the Jif peanut butter plant on Winchester Road. Now I want a glass of milk...

8. ...And That Other Less Delicious Smell Is The Horses

Source: Giphy.com
Yeah, that’s a given. But the city goes to great lengths to manage it and keep it to a bare minimum. It’s not really that bad.

9. Ale-8 Is So Much Better Than Ginger Ale

Source: Old Lexington Tour via Facebook
It’s not hard to find Ale-8 here, and the citrus kick makes it oh-so-much more than the regular stuff. And when you’re in Lexington-Fayette you get it local, from the family business in Winchester.

10. Don’t Forget To Keep Lex Beautiful

Source: Flickr User Vic Eis
Forbes named Lexington as one of the world’s cleanest cities, so do your part to keep it that way. Join up with Live Green Lexington and Keep Lexington Beautiful to get more involved. The only thing that’s okay to leave out on these streets is art.

11. Kentucky Proud Products Make Everyone Happy

Source: Kentucky Proud via Facebook
Love to shop local? Just watch for the ‘Kentucky Proud’ logo. Businesses, restaurants, products and farmers all reap the rewards. That’s why you’re really here anyways, right? To check out things you can only buy, taste and enjoy in Kentucky? Of course it is.

12. And All The Bourbon Makes Everyone Really Happy

Source: Flickr User laurabl
This shouldn’t really come as a surprise, with Bourbon county right there. Try all the local distilleries, especially the five in the bluegrass region: Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, Four Roses and Town Branch. You’ll be happy you did—and you’ll be getting happier with each new stop, if you know what I mean.

13. It’s Not Called The Bluegrass State For Nothing

Source: Festival of the Bluegrass Facebook
Bluegrass isn’t just a reference to the beautiful landscape. The best place to get your fill of the music is at the oldest bluegrass festival in the state of Kentucky, the Festival of the Bluegrass. Just remember: No alcohol is sold at the event, so pack your cooler with all your favorites.

14.There Are No Favorites At Stella’s Kentucky Deli, Just Try Everything

Source: Flickr User Bjorn1101
This is a Lexington staple. The hot brown is unfairly good (and you can get a vegetarian one if you want) and the Kentucky cassoulet with white beans, country ham, pulled pork chorizo and andouille sausage is served with cornbread muffins that will make your mama cry.

15. The Perfect Take Home Gift: Fried Chicken Candles

Source: Kentucky for Kentucky via Facebook
Seriously. It’s the perfect take-home gift to remind you of your visit. Made by a real Kentuckian in a real cast iron skillet with real chicken, you can’t go wrong.

16. Pie From Missy’s Will Ruin You For Anything Your Grandma Bakes

Source: Yelp user Brian W.
Missy’s Pie Shop has the best pies you’ve ever tasted. Hands down. Chocolate brownie pie, peanut butter pie, butterscotch pie, cherry, black bottom banana, pecan pie—it doesn’t matter whether you go traditional, in season or completely new. Have a slice there and take home a whole other pie for later.

17. Halloween Is More Than Tricks And Treats - It’s Thriller!

Source: Thriller! Lexington via Facebook
Lexington folks know they started the whole “Thriller” re-enactment trend right outside the Kentucky Theater, and they are super proud of it. If you’re there on Halloween it’s practically mandatory to join the thousands in the audience.

18. And You Thought A Southern City Couldn’t Do Good Mexican

Source: Mi Pequena Hacienda via Facebook
There are a lot of Mexican restaurants in Lex-Fayette, but the most authentic is by far Mi Pequena Hacienda. The corn and flour tortillas are homemade, the salsas are fresh, the fajitas are famous and the margaritas are spot-on. Don’t even get me started on the Tacos Al Pastor. They’ll haunt your dreams.

19. Yes, The Abe Lincoln Mural Is Spectacular

Source: Flickr User A Train
You’ve seen photos of the Eduardo Kobra masterpiece and now you want to see it in person. And it’s even more stunning in person. Fun fact: The mural is only a few blocks away from the house where Lincoln’s wife was raised, the Mary Todd Lincoln House.

20. For Postcard Views, Just Look For The Nearest Bridge

Source: Flickr User cmh2315fl
Lexingtonians are like “no big deal” about the stunning views of the Kentucky River, limestone cliffs and the gorgeous sea of trees. That’s because they see these sights every day from the bridges. One of the best is the Old Clay’s Ferry Bridge.

21. Don’t Like Bourbon? The Bluegrass Tavern Will Change All That

Source: Yelp user Jerry N.
Sure, you can visit the distilleries, but don’t leave without trying a true Lexington Kentucky Bourbon Bar. And at the Bluegrass Tavern you almost have enough to try a new one almost every day of the year. Pull up a seat at the long bar or grab one of their barrel tables.

22. Everything Awesome In Lexington Happens At Rupp Arena

Source: Rupp Arena via Facebook
UK basketball games, concerts, pageants, conventions and shows. It’s all here. Which only makes sense, considering it’s the largest arena by capacity in the U.S. Go Cats!

23. Doodles Is The Best Breakfast In Town

Source: Doodles via Yelp.com http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/doodles-lexington?select=yWu74silfYt-e2kGssshKA#tmwqb1zWkZTRo0bgmzatFQ
Don’t Yelp it, just head to Doodles. They serve breakfast all day, use Kentucky Proud products, offer lots of organic, local options, locally roasted press coffee, perfectly executed eggs, delicious southern biscuits, hot browns, huevos rancheros, delicious omelettes, tasty hash and the best, fried-to-order beignets in town. Done and done.

24. Need A Sanctuary? Run To Raven Run

Source: Flickr User keithreed01
Everyone needs to be surrounded in unspoiled nature sometimes, and Raven Run is one of those special places that an out-of-towner may miss even though it’s 734 acres. But once you get there you may not ever want to leave.

25. No One In Lexington Is Lazy On The Fourth Of July

Source: Lexington, KY via Facebook
Don’t even try to get anywhere early on the morning of the Fourth of July Bluegrass 10,000. Unless you love running. Then it’s the perfect day to lace up your shoes and join in on the race that’s 38 years running. Ha.

26. The Farmers Market Is The Event Of The Summer—And The Winter

Source: Lexington Farmers Market via Facebook
This is more than just your standard fruits and veggies. You’ll also find local meat and eggs, fresh cut flowers and fresh baked goods. Definitely get in on it during summer, but you won’t have to miss out during winter—they just move the whole show indoors.

27. The Best Things In Life Are Free In Lexington

Source: Flickr User keithreed01
The Lexington-Fayette area has over 100 parks to explore, four dog parks, a 12,000 sq. ft. public skate park and two public disc golf courses with 18-holes. The Arboretum is 100-acres and a fantastic way to spend the day with free general garden admission. Don’t forget to check out the 16-acre Arboretum Woods, they are truly stunning and the perfect way to forget you’re in an urban area. The only thing that costs at the Arboretum is the Kentucky Children’s Garden, but it’s only $10 per day for up to five people, or $3 per person and those under 2 years old are free. What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Lexington-Fayette? Tell us in the comments below!