One of Lexington’s oldest restaurants, this traditional steakhouse has been a local favorite since 1948. It’s the perfect place to grab some classic American cuisine like double-decker burgers or an old-fashioned milkshake, and it was even featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” This nostalgic 1950s themed drive-in is one of Lexington’s most iconic landmarks with its retro neon sign. It also offers a variety of music and dance performances, classes, trails for hiking and horseback riding and more. The largest restored Shaker community spans across 3,000 acres and houses 34 original Shaker structures, making it the country’s largest private collection of original 19th-century buildings. The grounds are also home to three picturesque lakes, peaceful fountains, and beautiful gardens blooming with annuals and perennials. With over 200 species of trees, it is not only one of the most beautiful arboretums in the country, but also a mecca for 179 species of bird. The Lexington Cemetery is a beautiful and serene environment that also serves as the resting places for many notable Kentuckians. Tour the mansion or the surrounding scenic residential streets, visit the English parterre garden, or take a “Trees of Ashland” tour during your visit. The Ashland Estate is the former plantation of acclaimed Kentucky statesman, Henry Clay, which has been preserved on 17 acres of wooded grounds. Interestingly, it is one of only 14 theaters in the country built before 1900 that is still in operation and has less than 1,000 seats. The Lexington Opera House was built in 1886 by architect Oscar Cobb, and now hosts a variety of performing arts events. Today, this building is home to the esteemed Lexington Art League. The villa, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1850 by New York architect A.J. The Loudon House is one of only five remaining castellated Gothic Revival villas in the entire nation. The guided tour teaches you about her life here as well as her time as First Lady. The Mary Todd Lincoln House is the childhood home of President Abraham Lincoln’s wife, and also has the unique distinction of being the first historic site to be restored in honor of a first lady. Here, you’ll find the historic homes of some of Lexington’s first leaders, as well as the Fountain of Youth statue which was donated by Lexington author James Lane Allen.

Gratz Park is the perfect place to take an idyllic stroll.

For those looking to explore that history, this guide is designed to give you a first hand look at Lexington’s past. Lexington is a vibrant city with a rich past worth exploring.

History of the lexington opera house