- Bluegrass backroads
- Lexington
- Horse races
Dates
October 8 – 12, 2024
Highlights
- The refined culture of historic Lexington – “Athens of the West”
- The Keeneland horse races
- Backroads Kentucky: karst topography, horse country, Appalachian culture
- Stories of early explorers, 19th century tragic figures, and Appalachian “company towns”
- Outstanding inns: The Daniel Boone Tavern, the Manchester, the Benham Schoolhouse
Trip Description
I hear Kentucky calling: thoroughbreds pawing the turf, water coursing along limestone ledges, and ghosts of the commonwealth’s rich past. Let’s answer their call! We’ll spend our first night in the famous Daniel Boone Tavern Inn in Berea; then drive via pretty Bluegrass backroads into the capital city, Lexington. We’ll lodge for two nights in a Garden-and-Gun-cool uptown hotel – the Manchester, central to most everything. That will include Gratz Park – an urbanite’s dream, which we’ll explore with a local historian. It also includes Keeneland, Lexington’s esteemed horse racetrack. We’ll attend one afternoon of the Fall Meet, and it’s quite a delightful spectacle. We’ll also visit Henry Clay’s beautiful Ashland estate, enjoy local fare and friendliness, and bask in the aura of autumn . . . which pairs nicely with Kentucky Bourbon. We’ll depart urbane Lexington for a scenic drive into coal country, in Kentucky’s far east, for our last night – to be spent at the 1924 Benham (KY) Schoolhouse Inn. We have surprises in store – based on local talents – to celebrate the history and culture of this difficult to reach, nature-kissed region. Please join us on this delightful small group adventure!
Featured Experiences
Daniel Boone Tavern Inn
Built at a prominent location on the College Square in the heart of Berea where the old Dixie Highway intersected with the campus, Boone has become one of the most famous Kentucky hotels and has been known as a popular destination for travelers of business and leisure alike.
Boone Tavern began humbly with 25 guestrooms, now, the guest room tally is at 63, and an $11 million renovation has upgraded many elements of the property, laying the foundation for another successful century. This award-winning Berea, Kentucky hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Manchester
The Manchester is an upscale, independent lifestyle boutique property with sprawling views of downtown Lexington and beyond. The property offers high-end amenities, upscale restaurants and bars, flexible event space, and a bespoke gym.
What's Included
Comfortable transportation
Accommodation 
Breakfast, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
All activities / admissions per the itinerary
Guide and concierge service throughout the trip
Trip Price
$3,342 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $470)
What's Not Included
Price does not include alcohol, other meals, or optional trip insurance.
..well-planned, from interesting and fun excursions planned each day, to comfortable lodging and transportation. Our trip leaders, Chumley and Khal, were impressive with their knowledge of each area we explored and gracious in their planning of every aspect of our trips.
Trip insurance safeguards your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. Though trip insurance is optional, we strongly encourage travelers to purchase trip insurance in the event you have to cancel or leave a trip for any reason. Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing travel insurance. Please confirm with Explore Up Close before making any additional travel arrangements.
Once you have received confirmation from Explore Up Close, we recommend contacting a travel insurance provider directly to request a quote and compare pricing and features. You can find other providers that may fit your needs at www.insuremytrip.com, or we can gladly connect you with our travel agent.
This trip departs from Greenville / Spartanburg, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina. If you live elsewhere, please contact us to discuss travel arrangements, and we will look forward to assisting you!
