October 2006 .............

Lexington: The northernmost city in the South, located in the Bluegrass Region and home to 450 horse farms. It is considered the "Horse Capitol of the World". If you are an RV'er be sure to stay at Kentucky Horse Park, a 1,200 acre working farm and state park. It has more than 28 miles of white plank fencing and it's estimated the cost of paint for the fence is $40,000. a year. The park is dedicated to man's relationship with the horse, features two museums, twin theaters and a gift ship. It is home to nearly fifty different breeds of horses, some retired race horses. There are several exhibits and tours dealing with the history of horses and horse racing. There is a bronze statue of Man O' War and one of Secretariat, and there is a wonderful barn for horse shows, and courses out doors for hunter-jumpers. If you're going to be there over a weekend reservations are probably a good idea. You can make them through Reserve America.

Lexington: We spent some time downtown, there is a walking tour that would have been fun to take, however it was raining so we just drove around. Lunch was at Joe Bologna's, a Lexington institution set in a former Jewish temple. It's known for it's pizza, pasta and bread sticks. All the locals will tell you it's one of the best places to eat in the city, and we certainly agree. Pictured below, along with Joe Bologna's are the Henry Clay Estate, home of the famous (in KY anyway) statesman Henry Clay. It's located on a 17 acre wooded estate near downtown. The Mary Todd Lincoln House, childhood home of the wife of Abraham Lincoln is the nations first shrine to a First Lady. Both houses can be toured, for a fee, and they are guided and last 45 minutes or so, we didn't take the time for a tour. Last, but not least (to Dean) we went to Rupp Arena, home of KY basketball. We have been through the facility before, so just got a quick photo and went on.

Midway: The town was named Midway in 1865, because it is midway between Lexington and Frankfort. It was Kentucky's first railroad town and train tracks still divide the main street, appropriately known as Railroad Street. The entire town is a history buff's dream. We were there on Sunday, so didn't get a chance to eat at The Depot, that everyone says has some of the best food around. We did get to purchase some Ale-8-one, a mild ginger ale with a fruity taste that's only distributed locally. Dean drank a bottle, not knowing it has more caffeine then Mountain Dew, he was very wide awake the rest of the day and most of the night. Outside of Midway is the Weisenberger Mill, the  oldest continuously operating mill in the state. It is open for tours, but not on Sunday. Around the bend from the mill is a unique rock fence made with stone blocks and millstone. Jessie and Frank James mother was born in a tavern in the area.

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