Environments for Aging is bringing its 2025 Environments for Aging Conference + Expo to the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Ky., April 26-29.
In the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, Lexington is known as the “Horse Capital of the World” and “Bourbonland.” It’s also a city rich with historical sites, including the childhood home of former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
For attendees, we’ve compiled a list of things to do, see, and eat during their free time in Lexington at the conference. For more on the 2025 EFA Conference + Expo, including the full conference schedule and to register, visit environmentsforaging.com.
Lexington, Kentucky attractions
According to the website for convention and visitors bureau VisitLEX, when you’re in Lexington, “you’re never more than 10 minutes away from breathtaking bluegrass hills, fence-lined pastures, and more than 450 horse farms.” The Central Bank Center is only six miles from the historic Keeneland Race Course, which in addition to hosting horse races during the months of April and October, is the world’s leading Thoroughbred auction house and is open for tours.
Ten miles from the convention center, the Kentucky Horse Park features famous retired racehorses in its Hall of Champions and hosts a Parade of Breeds to highlight the history and characteristics of horses from all over the world.
Culture and history
History buffs can take a guide tour of the Mary Todd Lincoln House, just a three-minute walk from the convention center. The childhood home of President Abraham Lincoln’s wife was the first historic site to be restored in honor of a First Lady of the United States.
Gratz Park houses 16 historic buildings including the idyllic former homes of some of Lexington’s first leaders. While exploring downtown Lexington, visitors can also check out more than 50 commissioned street murals.
Food and drink
Around Downtown Lexington, visitors will find eight different local distilleries and several world-class bourbon and cocktail bars, including Bluegrass Tavern, featuring the largest bourbon selection in Kentucky. Prefer suds to spirits? Nineteen independent, local craft breweries can be found on the “Brewgrass Trail,” including Ethereal Brewing in the Distillery District, which includes a cidery, craft ice cream store, coffeeshop, and multiple restaurant hotspots.
Other dining areas within two miles of downtown include the East End, home to destination steakhouse Carson’s Food and Drink among others, and the North Limestone neighborhood, which houses Pearl’s wood-fired specialty pizzeria.
Find updates and additional information on the 2025 EFA Conference + Expo here.
