10 day itinerary
Lexington Kentucky
Personalized with:Road trip from NJStop in Richmond first nightVisit Shenandoah National ParkVisit other National parksStay in Lexington 4 days
Itinerary
That sounds like an exciting road trip! Let’s map out a fun and adventurous 10-day itinerary for your journey from New Jersey to Lexington, Kentucky, with some fantastic stops along the way. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
Day 1: New Jersey to Richmond, VA
- Morning: Start your road trip bright and early! Grab a hearty breakfast and hit the road. The drive to Richmond is about 4-5 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore once you arrive.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head out to explore the historic downtown area. Don’t miss the and the beautiful .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Southern cuisine at a place like The Roosevelt or Mama J's Kitchen.
Day 2: Richmond, VA to
- Morning: After breakfast, hit the road to (about 1.5 hours).
- Midday: Stop at the visitor center to get maps and tips. Take a scenic drive along , stopping at overlooks for breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Afternoon: Hike one of the park’s trails, like the , which is relatively short but offers stunning views.
- Evening: Drive to a nearby town for dinner, or pack a picnic to enjoy in the park. Spend the night at a lodge or campsite in or near the park.
Day 3: to Lexington, KY
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the park. If you’re up for it, take a short morning hike before heading out.
- Midday: Depart for Lexington (about 4 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through Virginia and into Kentucky.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Lexington and check into your hotel. Take a stroll around the historic downtown area and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local favorite, like Tony's or The Grey Goose.
Day 4: Explore Lexington
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the . Learn about the state’s equestrian heritage and see some beautiful horses.
- Afternoon: Head to the for a tour and tasting at one of the local distilleries, like .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, such as The Barn at the Summit.
Day 5: Day Trip to
- Morning: After breakfast, take a day trip to (about 1.5 hours away).
- Midday: Explore the stunning natural arches and rock formations. Hike the for some incredible views.
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch in the gorge and continue exploring. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some rock climbing or zip-lining!
- Evening: Return to Lexington for dinner and relax after a day of adventure.
Day 6: Explore More of Lexington
- Morning: Visit the or the .
- Afternoon: Head to the University of Kentucky campus and check out the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local brewery, like West Sixth Brewing, where you can enjoy some craft beer and pub food.
Day 7: Day Trip to
- Morning: Depart for (about 1.5 hours).
- Midday: Take a guided cave tour to explore the world’s longest cave system. There are various tours available, so choose one that fits your interest and fitness level.
- Afternoon: After the cave tour, enjoy a hike on one of the park’s trails, like the .
- Evening: Return to Lexington for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 8: Explore the Bourbon Trail
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Bourbon Trail. Begin at the for a tour and tasting.
- Afternoon: Continue to other distilleries like Buffalo Trace or Four Roses. Enjoy lunch at a local spot along the way.
- Evening: Return to Lexington and have dinner at a restaurant that features local bourbon in their cocktails.
Day 9: Relax and Enjoy Local Culture
- Morning: Take it easy today! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe visit a local farmer’s market if it’s the weekend.
- Afternoon: Explore the local art scene by visiting galleries or attending a workshop. You could also check out the for any performances.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps at or a cozy spot like .
Day 10: Lexington, KY to New Jersey
- Morning: After breakfast, start your journey back to New Jersey.
- Midday: Consider stopping for lunch along the way, maybe in a charming town like , VA.
- Afternoon: Continue your drive, reminiscing about the wonderful memories you made on your trip.
- Evening: Arrive back home, tired but happy, with plenty of stories to share!
And there you have it! A delightful 10-day itinerary filled with nature, culture, and delicious food. Enjoy your road trip, and safe travels! 🚗🌄🍽️