Lexington-Fayette Outdoor Activities

More than 100 plant-populated acres unfold behind the stone-fence entrance to The Arboretum, showing off ever-changing seasonal landscapes to visitors 365 days a year. Passing breezes dance over grassy fields and stir up aromas of 1,500 rosebush varieties as visitors meander past the gazebo and fishpond en route to the 1.85-acre Kentucky Children’s Garden, a hands-on, educational environment for 2- to 10-year-old horticulturists. After exploring the wetlands and fountains or checking out art exhibitions, gardening seminars, and other special events, visitors can set out on the two-mile Walk Across Kentucky, a paved botanical excursion through the seven native regions of the state, including the Appalachian Plateau and wild fried-chicken habitats.

When the Legends first stepped onto the field at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in 2001, they broke a nearly half-century dry spell of pro baseball in the city of Lexington. That first season, they made their presence known by winning the South Atlantic League championship and trying to rename City Hall after themselves. Since their inauguration in '01, the Legends have sent more than three-dozen players to the majors, fulfilling the promise of their name and creating their own legacy.

Diamond View Farm owner Kristen Bagdasarian and assistant trainer Shane Mullens share their wealth of riding knowledge during lessons for beginner through advanced. Their facility features both an indoor and outdoor arena, and hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including ladies nights and an educational Saddle Club for youth riders under the age of 18. During the holiday season, Kristen and Shane adorn Diamond View with festive decor and dish out hot cocoa after lessons.

Head instructor Sandra Middleton cares for neglected and unwanted horses at Paddle Stone Equestrian Center and trains young riders to ride and respect the animals. Since the ranch’s inception in 2000, instructors have introduced beginners as young as 4 years old to horseback riding and helped intermediate riders along the path to mastery through private and group lessons. As hooves beat staccato time, riders learn hunter/jumper techniques, a classic style pioneered by English fox hunters. Western lessons introduce methods developed by cowboys, who needed to stay near steers during long rides or the scary parts of Jurassic Park. The center is home to more than one dozen equines, allowing each pupil to ride a well-rested mount before learning the subtleties of proper handling and care when not in the saddle. Once a student has demonstrated the ability to trot, the center encourages him or her to travel to shows for further improvement.