Your guide to the best Lexington gay bars, LGBT venues and events
Kentucky, United States
Were you a horse girl (or horse boy, or general horse fanatic) in middle school?
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Visit EqualdexLike we’d judge! Lexington, Kentucky is lovingly called the Horse Capital of the World. Of course, the city’s LGBTQ+ community is thoroughly spirited, setting aside thoroughbred racing! W Main Street in downtown Lexington, located between the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University campuses, is lined with long-running community gay bars. Chilled-out lounge bars offering specialty cocktails predominate here, so you can expect fabulous DJ sets and classy cabaret shows.
Begin your adventure at the heart of Lexington, where the pulse of the city beats the loudest - the Historic District. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, and let the 18th-century architecture tell you tales of a time gone by. The Mary Todd Lincoln House, not just a relic of the past, but a symbol of strong-willed individuals and perseverance!
For the art lovers and the culturally curious, the Lexington Art League is waiting to be discovered. With exhibitions that champion LGBTQ+ artists and themes, it's a vivid world where art breaks barriers and builds bridges. The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, with its rich African American heritage, stands as a beacon of the community, offering a plethora of performances that cater to all hues of the human spectrum.
No visit to Lexington would be complete without indulging in the equestrian experience. The Kentucky Horse Park is not just a park; it's a pilgrimage for horse lovers. But here, it's more than just about the horses; it's about the stories they carry, the history they've witnessed, and the unconditional love they offer.
Ready to explore the great outdoors? Let nature's tranquility embrace you at the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. With over 734 acres of pristine wilderness, it's a sanctuary for both wildlife and the human spirit. The meandering trails, the beautiful woods, and the serene Kentucky River offer a respite for those seeking solace in nature's lap, echoing the city's ethos of freedom and self-exploration. The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is a living library of flora that invites leisurely strolls and impromptu picnics. For the adventurers at heart, the Red River Gorge, just a scenic drive away, offers breathtaking vistas, challenging hikes, and the opportunity to whisper secrets into the wind at the Natural Bridge, a magnificent sandstone arch that has been eavesdropping on nature for millions of years.
After exploring the city and maybe trying out the best gay bars in Lexington, explore the amazing distilleries around town. Bourbon, a whisky made exclusively in Kentucky, is the tipple (boozy beverage) of choice in Lexington, and the city’s distilleries range from local craft manufacturers to internationally-known makers. Lexington’s Distillery District is worth exploring as part of a bourbon-making and tasting tour, as well as for its restaurants, kid- and pet-friendly parks, and music venues. Kentucky’s popular folk bluegrass music is easy on the ears, and the performers are often easy on the eyes. The roots bluegrass sound might be high and lonesome, but we know you’ll do away with that last descriptor.
When to visit? The city is especially lively in the spring and fall seasons when Lexington’s two biggest tracks host thoroughbred and harness horse races. The city’s Pride celebrations happen in the fall, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, this community initiative started on a family farm. Lexington elected its first openly gay mayor in 2010, and, for a city of around 300, 000 people, Lexington’s LGBTQ+ community is prominent and active.
You’ll find all sorts of studs in Lexington, so saddle up!
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