Mr. C and I just spent a really fun week vacationing in Lexington, Kentucky, in celebration of our 24th wedding anniversary. Bourbon (whiskey with an ‘e’) is what took us to the area. Lexington – if you are not aware – is known as the horse capital of the world, and Kentucky is where bourbon began.
Over the week, we took in-depth tours of three of the most famous distilleries in the country (Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve). We ate some delicious meals, drank (and purchased) a little a lot of phenomenal bourbon, and put a WHOLE lot of miles on the convertible driving down some of the prettiest country roads in America.
I knew Kentucky was going to be pretty, but I think what took me most by surprise was the way that central Kentucky reminded me so much of Scotland! The beautiful, rolling green hills called to mind scenic drives we took through East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.
Long stretches of 19th century dry stone walls still frame many of the roads. The dry-stone technique was brought here by Irish and Scottish stonemasons.
Many of the oldest buildings we saw (though several centuries newer here in the U.S.) are reminiscent of architecture I have seen in Scotland from earlier centuries.
I particularly loved some of the oldest churches that we saw.
Lexington Cemetery was an incredible find. I could have spent hours strolling through the 170 acres of history. I’m not sure Mr. C would be quite so thrilled at that prospect.
Okay, so I’m not nuts, right? Scotland! My plaid heart was pretty happy.
Guys, thanks so much for letting me share a little of our trip with you. Lexington is a fun city with lots to offer, and many of the surrounding small towns are lovely examples of Americana. I’m pretty sure Mr. C and I will venture back there someday. I think you would love it too.
By the way, next week, I have a very special guest blogger lined up, so stay tuned!
Have a lovely weekend, everyone.
Cheers,
Looks so pretty there. That graveyard is something else and one I would have enjoyed exploring!!
I think you would have too. It was so interesting!
Oh yes, many similarities! Nice post!
Thank you! 🙂
Looks really like in Scotland (almost)
XOXO Reni
Yes. Almost. 🙂
Happy Anniversary … We loved Marker’s Mark – but have not yet visited the eastern cluster as Woodford and Buffalo Trace.
Thanks so much! Wasn’t Maker’s a beautiful campus? We did the Immersion Tour which lasted 2.5 hrs. It was so much fun! Each of the distilleries was so different from each other but every one was fabulous.
Well stated!
Scotland for us 🙂
Well, at least this is closer than Scotland, so you can come back for visits without flying across the Atlantic. Granted, the accents are WAY different. 😉
I know that many Scots emigrated to the Carolinas, but perhaps also into the hills north and west? Perhaps that accounts for similar buildings.
Yes, I think you are correct. I believe the area became home to many English, German, and Ulster Scots (the Scottish-Irish). It would be interesting to dig into that info sometime and blog about it. I might do that! And yes, it is definitely closer when I need my Scotland fix. Although truth be told, I’d rather just go to Scotland haha!
🙂 Can’t say I blame you.
Happy wedding anniversary! What a beautiful place. I had no idea Kentucky was so like Scotland. You could certainly have fooled me with some of those shots of the countryside.
Thank you! We had such a blast in Lexington. I had no idea it was such a cool city. Lots of trendy restaurants, distilleries, and breweries and the country drives outside the city are gorgeous. Million dollar horse farms galore and some of the prettiest scenery around.
No, not nuts at all – I can see the parallels for sure. Celtic Cross too – influence of the Ulster-Scots who settled there. Really interesting. Enjoyed your photos, thanks!
Thank you so much for commenting. There really were some striking similarities. I have been thinking it would make an interesting blog topic to look into the history of those who emigrated from Scotland and Ireland to the U.S. Their influence is still seen and heard all over the South. Have a wonderful week! 🙂
Lovely shots! Great post.
Why thank you! Central Kentucky is really pretty. 🙂
Lovely photos!
Thank you very much! 😊
You are welcome! Have a wonderful day. 😊