By: Nick Joseph
As the seasons change and temperatures begin to drop in Lexington, opportunities to get outside in the downtown area are still plentiful. With the activities on this list, venturing out doesn’t have to mean leaving your furry friends at home.
City Parks:
Lexington is home to over 100 parks and many of them are located just minutes from the center of town. Here are a few of the ones my dog and I frequent:
Triangle Park: What this park lacks in size it makes up for in location. Nestled in the heart of downtown, it is a bustling place and an easy walk from many downtown-area homes.
Ashland Estate: Back in the day, Ashland was the home of famous politician Henry Clay. Today, the home is open for scheduled tours and the expansive grounds are open to the public. With plenty of walking trails, dogs are sure to enjoy this piece of property located in Chevy Chase.
Gratz Park: Just steps from Transylvania’s campus. Gratz Park is a popular wedding venue but is often overlooked as a walking destination. Filled with mature trees and lined with historic buildings, this park is a scenic walk for humans and pups alike.
Festivals and Events:
There are always outdoor festivals going on in Lexington and dogs are welcome at most. A complete list is available on our calendar but here are a few highlights.
Farmers Market: Take your dog to the Farmers Market for a relaxing Saturday morning. Here, not only can you pick up your groceries for the week, you can also treat your dog to something special. Paw Prints Bakery, LLC uses local ingredients to create dog-friendly biscuits, birthday cakes, and cookies.
Walking and Running Trails:
If you and your dog are looking for a little bit of physical activity, look no further than these trails.
Arboretum: The University of Kentucky’s Arboretum is a great spot for a long walk or run with your dog. Sitting on 100 acres, this public green space offers paved and unpaved trails. My dog loves the two-mile paved loop.
Legacy Trail: This is a 12 mile paved trail that runs from downtown into various neighborhoods and parks, eventually ending at the Kentucky Horse Park. The views you get once you’re out of the suburbs are breathtaking. If you’re looking for an even longer route, check out the trailhead at Coldstream Park.
Bonus:
Uptown Hounds Pool: Located at 466 Angliana Avenue, Uptown Hounds offers veterinary services, grooming, boarding, and daycare. Perhaps their most unique feature, however, is their dog-exclusive pool. Designed with the anatomy of dogs in mind, this pool has a wrap-around step and is four feet deep. Spend a day at this pool and watch your dog enjoy himself while you meet fellow dog-lovers, but hurry over because the pool closes for the season on November 1.
