Headley-Whitney Museum


The museum houses a 1940s Hollywood jewelry designer's remarkable collection of stones, trinkets and dollhouses. Don't miss the Shell Grotto, an old garage transformed by thousands of shells glued throughout its interior into a fanciful space fit for a mermaid.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. WinStar Farm

3.02 MILES

Family-owned since the 1700s, this 1864-acre ranch has born, broken and trained numerous champions. Hour-long tours take place on various Monday and…

2. Barrel House Distilling Co

5.68 MILES

A micro-distiller set in the barrel house of the now-defunct Pepper Distillery. It bottles bourbon, two moonshines (one aged in bourbon barrels), vodka…

3. Kentucky Horse Park

6.14 MILES

This educational theme park and equestrian sports center sits on 1200 acres just north of Lexington. Horses representing 50 different breeds live in the…

5. Mary Todd-Lincoln House

6.63 MILES

This modest 1806 house has articles from the first lady's childhood and her years as Abe's wife, including original White House pieces. Tours are held…

6. Bluegrass Distillers

6.92 MILES

Arguably the best of Lexington’s micro-distillers, it uses blue corn instead of standard corn to make its bourbon, which you’ll learn about from the super…

7. Lexington Art League at Loudoun House

7.85 MILES

Art and architecture buffs won't want to miss this edgy, contemporary visual arts gallery housed in a freestanding American Gothic Revival mansion in the…

8. Ashland

8.48 MILES

Part historic home and part public park with storybook gardens, Ashland was the Italianate estate of famed statesman and great compromiser Henry Clay …