This Historic Estate In Kentucky Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

With a fantastic array of parks, museums, and historical sites, Kentucky has a bevy of potential day trip destinations. Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate in Lexington, Kentucky, is certainly an exceptional place to visit. The estate housed Henry Clay, the politician known as "The Great Compromiser," for more than 40 years; today, visitors can tour the historic mansion and lush gardens. Beautiful and historic -- I think this sounds like the perfect day trip destination in Kentucky!

Henry Clay named the estate "Ashland" for the magnificent ash trees on the property.

Henry Clay lived at Ashland from 1809 until he died in 1852 of tuberculosis. His son, James Clay, later rebuilt the property using the initial floor plan.

Visitors can choose from several tours of the estate, including the “Women’s Voices Tour,” “Signature Henry Clay Tour,” and “Traces: Slavery at Ashland.” The "Traces: Slavery at Ashland" tour tells the stories of the people enslaved at Ashland.

On the signature tour, visitors see the entire 18-room mansion and learn about Henry Clay’s personal and professional life.

The expansive outdoor property is also open to guests.

A self-guided tour takes visitors through the outdoor buildings. There are also lush, peaceful gardens and an arboretum with more than 400 trees. Some of the oak trees on the property are more than 300 years old! Wouldn’t you like to put eyes on trees that were alive while Henry Clay lived at Ashland, Kentucky?

Visitors can view the original ice houses, dairy cellar, keeper’s cottage, and wash house.

There is also a Civil War Monument recognizing the events that took place on the estate. A store on the property sells books, gifts, and collectibles.

The Ginko Tree Café at Ashland and serves sandwiches, salads, sweet treats, and coffee.

The café uses fresh, local ingredients and offers a kid’s menu. This would make a delicious and convenient lunch spot before or after a tour of the estate.

Ashland is a short drive away from downtown Lexington.

It is about 1.5 miles southeast of the city. There is on-site parking for visitors and an entrance ramp for guests with limited mobility. There is not, however, analogous access to the second story of the mansion.

Curious about this unique day trip in Kentucky? The Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate website and Facebook page include lots of helpful details for those planning a visit. Of course, Lexington, Kentucky is a beautiful city to visit; other awesome attractions in the area include Keeneland and horse farm tours.

While you're there, why not turn your day trip into an overnight? This three-bedroom Airbnb sleeps up to eight people and offers a fantastic outdoor space.