Top Lexington Attractions and Restaurants for USPC Festival Attendees

By Ashley Huebner, USPC Marketing Intern

For United States Pony Clubs members and families traveling to Lexington for the 2026 USPC Festival, the Bluegrass region offers plenty of experiences beyond the Kentucky Horse Park. From Southern comfort food to local favorites, there’s something for everyone. In addition, there’s plenty of fun attractions when you’re not at the Kentucky Horse Park with your pony.

Lexington Restaurants

Grab a barbecue plate at Red State BBQ, just a few minutes south of the park on Georgetown Road (4020 Georgetown Rd.). This family-friendly restaurant is the perfect pit-stop for pulled pork and brisket.

Right up Interstate 75 North in downtown Georgetown, Local Feed (214 S. Water St.) serves up elevated scratch-made Southern classics in a historic 1890s building, which makes it the perfect place to slow down after a busy day at the Kentucky Horse Park.

For a scenic drive through the area’s iconic stone walls and rolling pastures, head toward Bryan Station Road to find Windy Corner Market (4595 Bryan Station Rd.). This cozy spot serves burgers, baked goods, and po’ boys (a sandwich with either roast beef, ham, or fried seafood on a New Orleans French bread roll cut lengthwise) alongside beautiful horse country views.

For a lively, upscale American pub right in the heart of the city of Lexington, try Carson’s Food & Drink (362 E. Main St.). You can’t go wrong here.

Just west of downtown Lexington on Manchester Street lies the historic Distillery District, a revitalized 25-acre industrial area that is a must-visit for families. Packed with local ice cream shops, pizza joints, and art galleries, it is a great spot to stroll, eat and unwind.

For a true central Kentucky staple, look for Ramsey’s Diner (with multiple locations, including 4391 Old Harrodsburg Rd. and 3090 Helmsdale Place), famous for traditional “meat and three” Southern comfort food and an assortment of homemade pies. It’s a local favorite.

Further down Nicholasville Road, Bella Notte (3715 Nicholasville Rd.) offers a relaxed Italian getaway where families can share fresh pasta and wood-fired flatbreads around a beautiful indoor olive tree.

Nearby, OBC Kitchen (3373 Tates Creek Rd.) delivers chef-driven Southern dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss their unique Bacon in a Glass appetizer.

Lexington Attractions

When you’re ready to take a break from the show grounds, explore some of the area’s unique attractions!

• Countdown Games (1872 Plaudit Pl.) offers immersive escape rooms perfect for families or team activities.
• While live Thoroughbred racing does not return until October, Keeneland (4201 Versailles Rd.) always offers its beautiful historic grounds for off-season walking tours. Or you can catch early morning track workouts followed by a traditional southern breakfast at the Track kitchen. 
• Main Event (2440 Richmond Rd.) is a massive entertainment hub, complete with bowling, laser tag, and arcade games.
• Old Friends (1841 Paynes Depot Rd.) is a premier Thoroughbred retirement farm where families can get up close and personal with racing legends.
• Tee Times Indoor Golf (3220 Summit Square Pl.) has high-tech virtual simulators to practice your swing out of the sun or rain.
• The Aviation Museum of Kentucky (4021 Aviator Rd.), located at Blue Grass Airport, features real military aircraft and flight simulators.

For Lexington tourism, travel information, and a preview of all that the Horse Capital of the World has to offer, check out www.visitlex.com. For more information on Georgetown, visit www.georgetownky.com. For attractions in the Bluegrass State, check out www.kentuckytourism.com.