The Stars of Lexington
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Racing Central
Lexington is to horseracing what Hollywood is to the entertainment industry: The heart and soul of the business, home to the industry's stars (both four and two-legged) and the epicenter of America's thoroughbred world. But while Lexington eats, sleeps and dreams horses, there's much more than equine enticements in Kentucky's Bluegrass region. With more than 200 antique stores and dozens of art galleries in the area, a weekend spent at the races and in search of great finds is a winning combination.
Up Next: Lean on the rails! -
Lean On the Rails
Keeneland is the local track, and while it's not as famous as Louisville's Churchill Downs, its races are some of the richest in the world. The area's top trainers exercise their string of horses daily and analyze the results over breakfast at the track kitchen, which offers a hearty breakfast and the chance to rub shoulders with racing's rock stars. Whatever the weather, the daily workouts take place starting at first light, and a spot on the rails is where one gets closest to the action.
Up Next: Park it -
Park it
Part theme part, part museum, the Kentucky Horse Park is home to more than 50 breeds of horse, from draft horses to Tennessee Walking Horses and regal Arabians. Activities vary by season and include wagon and pony rides; a variety of polo, dressage and other competitions are held in the park's equestrian arenas in the winter months. During warmer months, the fields are filled with polo matches and trials for a variety of national competitions. The park is also home to the prestigious Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, an annual event that's on par with Olympic competition.
Up Next: Behind the fences -
Behind the fences
Many of the region's 450 farms warmly welcome visitors. Dropping by unannounced, however, is not the way to go; rather, hire a private guide, reserve a seat on a group tour, or call a variety of farms to make personal appointments. It's also possible to visit with some of racing's fading stars. Old Friends is one of a few organizations dedicated to caring for retired racehorses, whether champions or not. Visits to the farm, home of movie star Popcorn Deelites (Seabiscuit) and others, are free of charge and must be reserved in advance.
Up Next: Arts & Antiques -
Arts & Antiques
Downtown Lexington is full of art galleries and antiques shops. Try East Main Street for large, multi-dealer shops and 18 th and 19 th century furniture and Clay Avenue off East Main for rugs and oddities. Scattered throughout both streets are the city's finest galleries, including Artist's Attic and Ann Tower on East Main . And a visit to Tuska Studio to view the collection of the reknowned John Regis Tuska is a must.
Up Next: Take the scenic route -
Striking Scenery
Wandering through the beautiful rolling hills of the Lexington area isn't just a matter of taking the scenic route. Traveling the designated scenic byways to the small towns of Midway or Nonesuch is like finding antiquing gold at the end of a rainbow. Midway's downtown area is only a block or so long but it is filled with antique and gift shops. Nearby Nonesuch is home to the astounding Irish Acres Antique Gallery -- 30,000-plus square feet of everything from fine antiques to cookware. Famished shoppers can rejuvenate with a meal at the gallery's Glitz restaurant.
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