The Best Way to Spend an October Weekend in Lexington, Kentucky

The Bluegrass State is known for offering excellent day-trip opportunities - Bowling Green's Corvette Museum, Bardstown's Dinner Train, Loretta's Maker's Mark tours - the possibilities are astounding. But if you are planning a weekend getaway this fall, look no further than Lexington! Lexington is called "the city in the park" because of its location at the center of hundreds of beautiful, park-like horse farms in and around Fayette County. Casual yet cosmopolitan, Lexington offers a charming blend of big city amenities and small-town friendliness.

Nestled in the heart of central Kentucky, Lexington has something for everyone - sporting events, horses, shopping, dining and nightlife. Home to the University of Kentucky and Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington gets visitors from across the country. As you can see, It will be easy to jam-pack your weekend with activities, but I am going to give you the guide to maximize your Lexington experience.

When arriving in Lexington on Friday afternoon or evening, I suggest making a trip to the Liquor Barn (locations include Beaumont and Hamburg - Hamburg is a new and funky store). The Liquor Barn is your perfect party store. Not only do they supply every kind of beer, liquor and mixer imaginable, they also have endless party supplies and hors devours. Stock up on everything you need for tailgating on Saturday! You will be able to find plenty of U.K. ware, as well as Keeneland party supplies. Out of my "must-stop shops" in Lexington, The Liquor Barn is at the top of my list. In fact, in college, my roommates and I would sneak in - you "have to be 21 to be on the premises" (they only ID, however, when you purchase alcohol, but I was still too scared to buy mixers) - just to buy funky plastic cups and great appetizers and dips. The Liquor Barn also stocks Kern's Kitchen's Derby Pie - and not just during Derby week! All of us from Kentucky know we crave that pie more than just once a year!