Lexington is an underrated golf trip that Tour de Fore tested in 2023 and loved. The courses are solid and affordable, but the real draw is what you do between rounds: bourbon distillery tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, horse farm visits, and a surprisingly good food and bar scene downtown. It's a trip with built-in variety that keeps everyone engaged.
The best courses, bars, and rentals in Lexington — curated for groups.
5 coursesSpring, FallLEX (10 min drive)50-200k population
full kitchengame roompoolbourbon bar areaparkingfire pit
houseSleeps 10-16
$400-$1000/night
Downtown Lexington / University area
walkable to downtownfull kitchenparkinghistoric charm
Dining
Malone's
$$
steakhouse
Lexington's premier steakhouse. Prime steaks, great bourbon selection, and a private dining room for groups.
County Club
$$
southern
Southern comfort food and creative cocktails. Hot chicken, pimento cheese, and bourbon flights.
Winchell's Restaurant
$$$
farm-to-table
Chef-driven farm-to-table in a cozy setting. The best fine dining in Lexington.
Ramsey's Diner
$
southern
Meat-and-three with massive portions. The beer cheese is legendary. Perfect post-round fuel.
Tony's of Lexington
$$
steakhouse
Old-school steaks and seafood since 1952. No-frills, big portions, and a loaded baked potato the size of your head.
Nightlife
Ethereal Brewing
brewpub
Best craft brewery in Lexington. Great taproom with a rotation of Belgian-inspired and experimental beers.
Bluegrass Tavern
Late Night
whiskey bar
200+ bourbons behind the bar. The definitive bourbon bar in the bourbon capital of the world.
The Burl
Late Night
dive
Live music venue and bar in a converted warehouse. Great local acts and cheap drinks.
McCarthy's Irish Bar
Late Night
sports bar
Downtown Irish pub. Pool tables, darts, and a solid late-night crew. Good for the inevitable 1am session.
Activities
Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour
distillery2-3 hours$0-$25/pp
Free tours and bourbon tastings at the legendary Buffalo Trace in Frankfort (40 min from Lexington). The National Historic Landmark distillery makes Pappy, Eagle Rare, and Blanton's. Book ahead — slots fill fast.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
distilleryfull day$50-$150/pp
Hit Woodford Reserve (30 min), Buffalo Trace (40 min), and Wild Turkey (45 min) in a single day. Book a van.
Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour
distillery2-3 hours$20-$50/pp
The most photogenic distillery on the trail. Stone buildings, copper pot stills, and excellent tastings.
Keeneland Race Track
horsebackhalf day$5-$50/pp
World-class thoroughbred racing in April and October. Even without races, the grounds and morning workouts are special.
Horse Farm Tours
horseback2-3 hours$25-$50/pp
Tour working thoroughbred farms and see retired Triple Crown winners. Uniquely Kentucky.