b'Lexington boasts more than 200 years of history and a distinct culture combining the graciousness of the Old South with the time-honoured tradition of distilling Bourbon, the folk art and music at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Its no wonder that Lexingtons Bluegrass Regions mantra is Horses, hooch and heritage.Founded in the late 1700s, theeverywhere, but its the realRace Course. Listed on the NationalRover Kentucky Three-Day Event, an Bluegrass Region has an illustrioushorses that visitors are hoping toRegister of Historic Places,Olympic level triathlon (dressage, history and a bevy of distinguishedsee. Some 450 Thoroughbred andKeeneland has been hosting springcross country and show jumping) citizens. Many of their homes canStandardbred farms surroundand autumn race meets since itsfor horses and riders.still be visited today. In 1806 aLexington in all directions andopening in 1936. Lexington takes pride in time-modest two-story brick buildingmany are open to the public. TourOne of the best places to havehonoured traditions, and Bourbon on West Main Street in LexingtonThe Thoroughbred Center wherea true equine experience is theis a hand-crafted Kentucky product became home to the Todd family,young horses learn how to excel atKentucky Horse Park, the only parkthat is revered around the world. whose daughter Mary would goracing. You can even visit equinein the world dedicated exclusivelyLexingtons proximity to the worlds on to marry President Abrahamcelebrities at a retirement hometo the horse. The 1,200 acre parkfinest Bourbon distilleries makes Lincoln. Today, the Mary Toddfor race horses. features up-close encountersit the perfect base for exploring Lincoln House has the distinctionIf you are in Lexington in April orwith horses of many breeds, twothe rich heritage of Americas only of being the first house museum inOctober, you can check out themuseums, live demonstrations,native spirit. America to honour a First Lady. current crop of Thoroughbredsequine art and is home to many of The Bluegrass regions loveattempting to make racing historythe worlds most prestigious equine affair with the horse can be seenduring an afternoon at Keenelandevents including the annual Land KENTUCKYTOURISM.COM 29'