On social media I see all the time... "Where do I stay when going to Breyerfest?" "What is there to do other than Breyerfest?" "What airport is the best to fly into?" I hope this page will help answer some of your most frequently asked questions!
Where to Fly?
If you're flying into Kentucky, there are three major airport choices you have. You can fly directly into Bluegrass airport, located right across from the major horse farms in Lexington, KY. However, the airport is small and can be costly to fly into, as it's not considered a major airport. The best secondary choices for most of my cross country buddies is either Louisville or Cincinnati, however both of these options involve at least an hour drive from the airport to your hotel, if you're staying in the Lexington area. The drive to many though is worth it when they can see some of the beautiful Kentucky countryside.
Where to Stay?
If you haven't picked a hotel by the first of the year, you may have some issues finding a hotel within Lexington that is available on the dates. The Clarion and Embassy are almost always sold out the day Breyer releases the dates of the next year's Breyerfest, so what else is there?
On a budget: If you're budget conscious and want to spend more money on models versus hotels (mostly because there is so much to do you will mostly just be using the hotel for sleeping anyways) the Red Roof Inn in Lexington South isn't a bad choice. They are pet friendly if you have a travelling companion. I've stayed there a couple times during my travels to Lexington and never felt unsafe. The Days Inn, Microtel, Econolodge and Super 8 are some other budget choices that won't break the bank.
Don't want to feel like I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron though: The Glo and La Quinta are highly recommended if you don't mind paying a bit more for comfort rather than just a place to lay your head.
The best of the best besides the Clarion and Embassy (which are almost always sold out): If you plan to come for the entire week versus the weekend and want more of an apartment type deal with some luxuries from home (like a stovetop which most hotels don't have) then the Woodspring, Country Inn and Suites, Staybridge and Intowne Suites would be your best choices. One of my favorite kind of costly but often overlooked places to stay in Lexington is the Kentucky Castle. Yes, it is literally a castle, and that's what makes it a one of a kind place to stay that you won't forget.
Places to stay outside of Lexington: What many people don't know is that the KHP isn't in Lexington but is on the outskirts of Lexington. It is actually wedged between downtown Lexington and a little gem of a town called Georgetown that most people overlook because they never heard of it. The people that do stay in Georgetown choose it because it not only keeps them away from the big city traffic, but also gives you a nice little ride through some of the best countryside in the Lexington area, complete with sprawling horse farm views. All hotels named above are close to the KHP but not close enough to walk there so you can't really stay next to the KHP. The only place to stay within walking distance of the KHP is the KHP campground. However, unless you're either willing to bring your RV or stay in scorching 90-100 degree weather in a tent, you may want to consider other options, though they do have a nice pool :)
On a budget: If you're budget conscious and want to spend more money on models versus hotels (mostly because there is so much to do you will mostly just be using the hotel for sleeping anyways) the Red Roof Inn in Lexington South isn't a bad choice. They are pet friendly if you have a travelling companion. I've stayed there a couple times during my travels to Lexington and never felt unsafe. The Days Inn, Microtel, Econolodge and Super 8 are some other budget choices that won't break the bank.
Don't want to feel like I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron though: The Glo and La Quinta are highly recommended if you don't mind paying a bit more for comfort rather than just a place to lay your head.
The best of the best besides the Clarion and Embassy (which are almost always sold out): If you plan to come for the entire week versus the weekend and want more of an apartment type deal with some luxuries from home (like a stovetop which most hotels don't have) then the Woodspring, Country Inn and Suites, Staybridge and Intowne Suites would be your best choices. One of my favorite kind of costly but often overlooked places to stay in Lexington is the Kentucky Castle. Yes, it is literally a castle, and that's what makes it a one of a kind place to stay that you won't forget.
Places to stay outside of Lexington: What many people don't know is that the KHP isn't in Lexington but is on the outskirts of Lexington. It is actually wedged between downtown Lexington and a little gem of a town called Georgetown that most people overlook because they never heard of it. The people that do stay in Georgetown choose it because it not only keeps them away from the big city traffic, but also gives you a nice little ride through some of the best countryside in the Lexington area, complete with sprawling horse farm views. All hotels named above are close to the KHP but not close enough to walk there so you can't really stay next to the KHP. The only place to stay within walking distance of the KHP is the KHP campground. However, unless you're either willing to bring your RV or stay in scorching 90-100 degree weather in a tent, you may want to consider other options, though they do have a nice pool :)
Where to Eat?
Lexington, Kentucky is home to some of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at. There are far too many to name so I'll just redirect you to my favorite website on the subject that can list everything from seafood to traditional American to foreign cuisines to satisfy just about every taste bud: www.visitlex.com/restaurants/
As a side note my personal favorite restaurant is Ted's Montana Grill. They serve the best bison burgers you can get anywhere in Kentucky!
As a side note my personal favorite restaurant is Ted's Montana Grill. They serve the best bison burgers you can get anywhere in Kentucky!
Where to Shop?
The Clarion is the biggest model horse shopping event of the year. It's location is at 1950 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511. Almost everyone that stays at the Clarion is staying there to set up shop in their room to sell model horses directly out of their rooms. Think of it as a flea market but with hotel rooms full of models rather than booths. It is model horse Heaven. Not only could you stumble across that ultimate grail you've been waiting on, you can meet some amazing people in the hobby that share your passion and - possibly - make some new friends for life. The Clarion room sales takes place on Thursday, the night before the start of Breyerfest.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites is another popular shop-til-you-drop location. They are right across the street from the Clarion at 2100 Hackney Pl, Lexington, KY 40511 and is where Stone horses (aka Peter Stone) usually takes up shop in the lobby with their own little annual event called Equilocity. You can find special models made exclusively for the event, as well as older models at reduced prices. While room sales aren't as big here, there are still some going on, and usually people advertise their room numbers in the lobby which they will be selling from.
If you're looking for current regular runs, not only will they be available in the Breyer store at Breyerfest, but you can also find them for sale in the Kentucky Horse Park gift shop. The profit made from purchases of regular runs in the gift shop goes directly back into caring for the horses at the KHP and the lines are a lot shorter than the Breyer store.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites is another popular shop-til-you-drop location. They are right across the street from the Clarion at 2100 Hackney Pl, Lexington, KY 40511 and is where Stone horses (aka Peter Stone) usually takes up shop in the lobby with their own little annual event called Equilocity. You can find special models made exclusively for the event, as well as older models at reduced prices. While room sales aren't as big here, there are still some going on, and usually people advertise their room numbers in the lobby which they will be selling from.
If you're looking for current regular runs, not only will they be available in the Breyer store at Breyerfest, but you can also find them for sale in the Kentucky Horse Park gift shop. The profit made from purchases of regular runs in the gift shop goes directly back into caring for the horses at the KHP and the lines are a lot shorter than the Breyer store.
What else is there to do besides Breyerfest?
The biggest question is if you want to do all horse-y things (because we're all Breyer model lovers here) or if you have family members with you that get bored at just the sight of a wooden plank fence.
For local highlights, I highly recommend:
Thoroughbred park. A little gem in downtown Lexington that many people don't even know about is Thoroughbred park. It is a park with life sized statues of racehorses running down the stretch. As an artist, I've seen nothing else like it on the planet. It is located at 100 Midland Ave, Lexington, KY 40507.
Horse Country tours. You can choose which horse farm - mostly Thoroughbred breeding farms although there are some veterinary practices too - that you'd like to visit and book a tour online to see that particular farm on that particular day, but they do fill up fast so make sure you get in early! Here is their website: https://visithorsecountry.com/book-your-tour/
For local highlights, I highly recommend:
Thoroughbred park. A little gem in downtown Lexington that many people don't even know about is Thoroughbred park. It is a park with life sized statues of racehorses running down the stretch. As an artist, I've seen nothing else like it on the planet. It is located at 100 Midland Ave, Lexington, KY 40507.
Horse Country tours. You can choose which horse farm - mostly Thoroughbred breeding farms although there are some veterinary practices too - that you'd like to visit and book a tour online to see that particular farm on that particular day, but they do fill up fast so make sure you get in early! Here is their website: https://visithorsecountry.com/book-your-tour/
Keeneland racetrack. If you love to see the Thoroughbreds in action, you'll get no other experience that the one at Keeneland. This timeless track has been around for a long time and has seen many champions pass through it's gates. They have a restaurant as well as a grandstand where you can watch the action. 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510
Old Friends Farm. A personally highly recommended place to visit in the bluegrass, they are a retirement home for OTTBs, some of them famous like Silver Charm and will let you feed carrots to some of their well known retirees. All money made from tours goes directly back into the horses, and they sometimes have Breyers in their gift shop. Check them out here: https://www.oldfriendsequine.org/tours.html
Old Friends Farm. A personally highly recommended place to visit in the bluegrass, they are a retirement home for OTTBs, some of them famous like Silver Charm and will let you feed carrots to some of their well known retirees. All money made from tours goes directly back into the horses, and they sometimes have Breyers in their gift shop. Check them out here: https://www.oldfriendsequine.org/tours.html
If you're travelling in from Louisville, the Louisville Zoo is a popular attraction to stop at either before going to Lexington or before leaving. Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum are must-sees for horse lovers. There is far too much tradition and history to pass up. The Muhammad Ali Center is an option if you have any men travelling with you that would like to learn about this boxing legend. Kentucky Kingdom is Kentucky's version of Six Flags. It's an amusement park full of family fun for everyone.
The address for Churchill Downs is: 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
*The Kentucky Derby Museum is in the front of Churchill Downs
Louisville Zoo: 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213
Muhammad Ali Center: 144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202
Kentucky Kingdom amusement park: 937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209
If you're travelling in from Cincinnati, there is the Cincinnati Zoo and Newport Aquarium for animal lovers. Coney Island Park is a fun lower budget, more family oriented amusement park with a water park to cool down from the July heat. If you're looking for top thrill, the bigger amusement park of Kings Island is a must, as it's run by Cedar Fair, the same owners of the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point. On the drive down I-75 South is the Ark Encounter which has a biblical themed museum and adventure park complete with zip lining and a zoo.
Cincinnati Zoo: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Newport Aquarium: 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071
Coney Island: 6201 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230
Kings Island: 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040
Ark Encounter: 1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, KY 41097
About 2 hours southwest of Lexington is Mammoth Cave where you can take an underground boat ride inside the cave. There is also ziplining, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking at the Kentucky Action Park nearby. Another highly recommended go-to in this area is Kentucky Down Under where they have gem mining for the littles, you can feed/pet kangaroos, lorikeets, animal shows and a petting zoo. Dinosaur World is also on the road with these attractions, on the way to Mammoth Cave. You can literally spend a whole weekend here. While it may be too far away to drive to this gem of an area from Lexington, you may pass by it on your way from Lexington if you drive down I-65 south to Tennessee or Alabama.
Mammoth Cave: 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Kentucky Down Under: Exit 58, 3700 L and North Turnpike Road, I-65, Horse Cave, KY 42749
Kentucky Action Park: 3057 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127
The address for Churchill Downs is: 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
*The Kentucky Derby Museum is in the front of Churchill Downs
Louisville Zoo: 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213
Muhammad Ali Center: 144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202
Kentucky Kingdom amusement park: 937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209
If you're travelling in from Cincinnati, there is the Cincinnati Zoo and Newport Aquarium for animal lovers. Coney Island Park is a fun lower budget, more family oriented amusement park with a water park to cool down from the July heat. If you're looking for top thrill, the bigger amusement park of Kings Island is a must, as it's run by Cedar Fair, the same owners of the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point. On the drive down I-75 South is the Ark Encounter which has a biblical themed museum and adventure park complete with zip lining and a zoo.
Cincinnati Zoo: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Newport Aquarium: 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071
Coney Island: 6201 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230
Kings Island: 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040
Ark Encounter: 1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, KY 41097
About 2 hours southwest of Lexington is Mammoth Cave where you can take an underground boat ride inside the cave. There is also ziplining, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking at the Kentucky Action Park nearby. Another highly recommended go-to in this area is Kentucky Down Under where they have gem mining for the littles, you can feed/pet kangaroos, lorikeets, animal shows and a petting zoo. Dinosaur World is also on the road with these attractions, on the way to Mammoth Cave. You can literally spend a whole weekend here. While it may be too far away to drive to this gem of an area from Lexington, you may pass by it on your way from Lexington if you drive down I-65 south to Tennessee or Alabama.
Mammoth Cave: 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Kentucky Down Under: Exit 58, 3700 L and North Turnpike Road, I-65, Horse Cave, KY 42749
Kentucky Action Park: 3057 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127
Other places of interest:
About an hour away from Lexington is a quaint little town that I highly recommend visiting called Bardstown. It reminds me a lot of Gettysburg, PA with its historical buildings, taverns, parks including My Old Kentucky Home and shopping. There are even carriage rides available that tour the town, as well as train rides, including a unique dinner train. If you're into distillery tours (provided you're 21 plus) you would enjoy visiting Jim Beam for taste testing and tours of how their bourbon is made.
An hour away is also Perryville Battlefield for the adventurous and the men in your group. The battlefield is set up like a park that you can tour, either by walking or driving, a museum and even paranormal tours.
The Red River Gorge state park and Daniel Boone state park are two other options, especially if you have men with you that like the outdoors. There are some abandoned mining ghost towns throughout the park that you can visit if you're a history bluff.
Take a ghost tour of Lexington. My personal favorite company is Ghost Walk of Lexington but there are a few others as well. A must do if you're interested in the paranormal. Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville is definitely a must-see if you're coming through that way via Indiana, as they do tours of the very haunted building both in the daytime and at night.
About an hour away from Lexington is a quaint little town that I highly recommend visiting called Bardstown. It reminds me a lot of Gettysburg, PA with its historical buildings, taverns, parks including My Old Kentucky Home and shopping. There are even carriage rides available that tour the town, as well as train rides, including a unique dinner train. If you're into distillery tours (provided you're 21 plus) you would enjoy visiting Jim Beam for taste testing and tours of how their bourbon is made.
An hour away is also Perryville Battlefield for the adventurous and the men in your group. The battlefield is set up like a park that you can tour, either by walking or driving, a museum and even paranormal tours.
The Red River Gorge state park and Daniel Boone state park are two other options, especially if you have men with you that like the outdoors. There are some abandoned mining ghost towns throughout the park that you can visit if you're a history bluff.
Take a ghost tour of Lexington. My personal favorite company is Ghost Walk of Lexington but there are a few others as well. A must do if you're interested in the paranormal. Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville is definitely a must-see if you're coming through that way via Indiana, as they do tours of the very haunted building both in the daytime and at night.
FAQ About the Kentucky Horse Park
What else is there to do at the Kentucky Horse Park?
Your ticket to Breyerfest not only includes the Breyerfest event, but it includes the ability to tour the entire KHP, if you wish. Most people don't, or don't know that, and primarily stay around the event location which takes up only a section of the KHP. You can access the Big Horse Barn, the Mounted Police Barn, the Hall of Champions and the Alltech Arena. As a tip the museums that you're allowed access to while at Breyerfest are air conditioned. There are numerous statues around the park including the Man o'War memorial that is the resting place of not only Man o'War but his son, War Admiral. If you have children with you, they offer pony rides for free at the play area during Breyerfest, and they also have horse back riding for anyone age 7 and up that you can buy tickets for inside the visitor's center (which will be in a building to the left of the entrance where you go for Breyerfest) which, if you're planning on doing, I highly recommend registering for this as early in the day as possible since they do fill up fast. Below are some pictures of a ride I took at the KHP:
What is there to do during Breyerfest itself?
Things are going to change a little since we were last there in 2019 but the majority is staying the same, like model signings by the owners/trainers/riders of Breyer's portrait models. You can also meet all the horses there. When they're not doing a meetup, they are usually in their stalls in the barn area. You're allowed to go up and see them at any time, but please ask before you pet them. The covered arena almost always has displays going on of horses and riders doing many different types of riding disciplines. The Alltech Arena hosts a really cool horse show (you get tickets for it with any All Access or VIP ticket) with trick riding that I highly recommend seeing, as these trainers that work with these horses are amazingly skilled and the horses are incredibly smart. It is a bit out of the way at the park - not close to the area where Breyerfest is - but there is also a shuttle that can take you over if you have limitations. Breyer offers plenty of workshops and seminars to keep you busy. Check the Event Program on Breyer's website for a complete list of everything there is to do, as this was just a short summary in a nut shell.
Is the KHP handicap accessible?
If your handicap involves limitations in walking, I highly recommend to rent a scooter for Breyerfest. The walkways are plenty wide enough for a scooter and can give you access to just about all of the outdoor areas of the park except the covered arena. Not only is the seating too narrow to get a scooter (or even a baby stroller if you're bringing kids) through to watch the live equestrian events going on in the covered arena, it is so packed at all times that it would be nearly impossible maneuvering around the crowd. The covered arena contains the shops of the vendors that sell retired Breyers and many other horse related merchandise plus the Breyer store is in it, so it draws most of the Breyerfest goers. Bringing someone who can do the shopping for you would make it very possible to enjoy Breyerfest.
How bad is the heat?
If you're from the south, I don't think you'll find the Kentucky heat much different from your own hometown. However, northerners and westerners might be a bit shocked at how humid it can get here. It's the kind of heat that even if it only gets to the mid 80s you'll still sweat because of the high humidity. Bring lots of water with you (in 2019 Breyer began supplying a water truck to refill water bottles but it hasn't yet at the time of this writing been mentioned whether or not they'll have it again) and wear cool clothing. I cannot stress this enough. Drink, drink, drink! A hat or sun visor is advisable as are sunglasses. People that got a VIP kit definitely make use of it! All the stuff in that kit will be needed if you go to in person Breyerfest. Sun screen is a must. A personal fan or wet towel isn't a bad idea either. Do what you can to stay cool and hydrated. My favorite personal piece of equipment is this wearable fan from Amazon. Breyer did say that they'll have misting fans set up around the park and they truly do help. Keep in the shade as much as possible. Don't let this put you off having a good time but just be prepared to beat the heat, as I'm currently finding out Kentucky summers are hot and the last thing I want to see is someone ambulanced off from heat exhaustion.
What about COVID?
As you all know, we are still in a pandemic, and this was the reason for the cancellation of an in person Breyerfest the past couple years. While I don't want to get too political here, it is still a very real issue, having just recovered from it myself at the beginning of the year. Precautions are highly recommended, although sadly many of my fellow Kentuckians do not feel the same way. The choice is ultimately yours, and Breyer has stated that they will put up signs around the KHP where masks will be required, most likely the indoor areas like the covered arena, Breyerfest store and museums.
Can I bring my pet?
While dogs are the most common animals seen at the Kentucky Horse Park, people have brought other animals with them, and I strongly recommend leaving your furry friend at your hotel room/RV/rental or wherever you're staying while you're here. There are also local pet sitters you can hire if you don't feel comfortable leaving them alone for hours (I know how destructive animals can be when bored) or even doggie daycares that can watch Fido for the day. The heat is often too uncomfortable for your indoor pets, as it is even miserable for equines, and the asphalt is just cruel for paws to walk on, so just remember that if you plan on bringing your pet with you.
What about kids?
Breyerfest is actually geared towards not just collectors, but kids as well. However, there is a reason why kids under 7 years of age are free... they won't enjoy it as much as older children. If you can, keep children under the age of 3 with a friend or relative that you trust because younger children tend to get fussy from the heat and crowds. If you aren't able to keep them with anyone (completely understandable as I had to bring my little one with me in 2019 due to lack of sitters) there are lots of things for them to do, as Breyer dedicates a whole playground area for kids called Celebration Park with pony rides, a petting zoo with a baby camel, circus performers and stablemate painting. Just be sure to apply lots of sunscreen, keep in the shade as much as possible and keep them hydrated. Be willing to take breaks more often and be prepared for your day to be cut short if they aren't coping well with the heat. The park itself has very wide pathways so bringing a stroller won't be a problem on the main paths, but you probably don't want to take it through the covered arena since the seating is so narrow.
Can I bring food?
Outside food is allowed, and encouraged since park prices are hefty and there isn't much choice by the way of food. However, please note that large coolers or totes larger than a traditional sized Breyer model won't be allowed in the park. A lunch box and small diaper bag is allowed, if you are bringing children with you. Fill it with just enough snacks for the day. There will be a water station for you to refill your water bottles so you don't have to pay $4 for a bottle of water at the park.