Even with so many awesome events going on in Nashville in the fall, a weekend end trip to Lexington, Kentucky has been a favorite of mine since college. I recently made this pilgrimage to the blue grass. The Bourbon Trail, a loose association of distilleries across Kentucky has become extremely popular. On this trip, we visited both Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace. Personally I am a Canadian whiskey fan, but it is always fun to see how each distillery tweaks their recipe and ageing process. Both locations had a tasting area where you could partake in their finest. Make reservations for tours when you can, as there can be large crowds, especially on the weekends.

Woodford Reserve Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Keenland, in Lexington hosts horse racing each April and October. I cannot think of many other sports venues as beautiful, exciting and cheap. A $5 bill, gets you general admission seating which is right on the track rail. A simple $2 bet gives each race a rush of adrenaline. Don’t forget to take a walk through the barns when you arrive. Seeing the horses getting their morning shower and prepped for their run later in day reminds you how athletic and smart, thoroughbreds are.

Tony’s of Lexington is a can’t miss restaurant. Be sure to ask for Larry, he is the nicest waiter you could ever hope to meet. http://tonysoflexington.com/

Visit Spalding’s bakery on your way to the track, for some of the best doughnuts ever. http://www.spaldingsbakery.com/

Lastly you can’t visit Lexington (Cincinnati or Louisville for that matter) without a stop at Graeter’s ice Cream. It is heaven in a cone. http://www.graeters.com/

Road trips are one of my favorite things in life and Lexington makes an awesome destination when that travel bug gets you out of Nashville. So, roll down the windows, turn up the radio, and get some fresh air. Fall is the best time of the year!