4 Great Experiences in Georgetown
Looking for an escape off the beaten path? Georgetown offers everything you’re looking for in a Kentucky vacation. This charming small town in Central Kentucky is filled with iconic Kentucky experiences. You’ll find can’t-miss equestrian activities nestled in the heart of Horse Country, from horseback riding to visiting a retired horse farm. You can even get your Kentucky bourbon fix here. In fact, Georgetown is known as the “Birthplace of Bourbon.” Need more convincing? Here are four great experiences in Georgetown:
1. Pet a Thoroughbred Champion & Explore Horse Country
Visit the 136-acre Old Friends Retired Thoroughbred Farm. Get up close and personal with past racing champions, including Breeders’ Cup Champion Amazombie, Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm and Hall of Famer Lava Man. Tour the farm to learn about equine care practices and the storied racing careers of these remarkable Thoroughbreds. Old Friends offers a variety of tours to choose from, including guided walking tours, private tours and even a three-hour tour in which you’ll meet every horse on the farm. Book your tour now!
Experience Kentucky’s natural beauty by horseback! The area is home to numerous horse farms and riding trails. Explore over 250 acres on horseback at Whispering Woods Riding Stables. Riders 8 and up are invited to explore miles of trails around the property, and the little ones can go for hand-led pony rides.
Consider venturing to the famed Kentucky Horse Park for horse-drawn trolley tours, equine demonstrations and horseback riding.
2. Tackle the Great Outdoors
Georgetown is an excellent stop for those seeking adventure. Go for a wild mountain bike ride on the Skullbuster Trails, where you can trek along nearly 12 miles of moderate loops. Water lovers should try Elkhorn Creek. This 17-mile creek is popular for canoeing and kayaking. It’s also a prime spot for fishing smallmouth bass. Veterans Wildlife Management Area is a must if you’re a wildlife enthusiast. This 2,500-acre naturescape is one of Central Kentucky’s most popular areas for fishing and hunting. Go on the hunt for treasure on Scott County’s two geocaching trails. Download the trail passports to begin your search.
3. Discover a Charming Downtown
For a more laid-back outing, stroll a picture-perfect Victorian streetscape full of locally owned shops and galleries. Stop into nearly two dozen shops offering jewelry, art, clothes, décor and other local goods. And while you explore, be sure to pop over to Royal Spring Park just off Main Street to see the birthplace of bourbon.
Head into Birdsong Quilting and Crafts for all your fabric and crafting needs. Be sure to check the shop’s schedule for crafting classes and events as well. For antiques, jewelry, collectibles and custom-made stained glass, visit Heirlooms & Gretchen’s. Browse galleries of Kentucky scenery and equine photography from John Stephen Hockensmith and works from local artists at Hockensmith’s Fine Arts Editions Gallery & Press.
If your stomach is rumbling, you’re in luck. Downtown Georgetown is home to some delicious grub, from sizzlin’ steaks to po’boys and all kinds of sweet treats.
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, Fava’s of Georgetown is the spot if you’re looking for a hearty meal. Kickstart your day with a big country breakfast or sink your teeth into a mouthwatering burger or catfish for dinner. And you can’t leave without trying a hand-dipped sundae.
Broussard’s Delta Kitchen brings you recipes from Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta. Expect favorites like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee and boudin balls. For an elegant dining experience, reserve a table at Rodney’s on Broadway. The menu boasts prime steaks, fresh seafood and pasta. Peep the extensive wine list and cocktail menu to find the perfect pairing for your entrée.
Go for a pint and some bar-food favorites at Slainte Public House. Dig into an Irish-inspired dish like fish and chips while enjoying sets from local musicians.
For farm-to-table fare, try Local Feed. With an extensive bourbon list and a menu of hearty favorites, like the fried catfish po boy, chicken n’ waffles and wagyu chop steak, this Southern cooking spot is a must. Tables fill up quickly, so reservations are recommended.
Galvin’s on Main is another local favorite for pub grub. Galvin’s feature more than 100 menu options. Expect bar staples, like wings, cheese fries and burgers, as well as a selection of pizzas and specialty sandwiches. Plus, with 40 beers on tap, you’ll find a variety of local brews to sample.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll find gelato, ice cream, doughnuts and plenty of other treats in Georgetown’s historic downtown.
4. Have a Historic Good Time
Take a self-guided walking tour to learn more about downtown Georgetown and the historic buildings lining Main Street. This two-mile tour will guide you past historic homes and commercial buildings dating back to the late 1800s.
Step back into the mid-1800s inside the lavish Ward Hall. Discover the storied past of this 12,000-square-foot Greek Revival manor and the life of resident Sallie Ward.
Dive into local history at the Georgetown & Scott County Museum. Located in the 1915 Post Office building, the museum features rotating exhibits that detail the history of the town, county and surrounding regions.
For more area history, journey to nearby Sadieville to visit a preserved Rosenwald School. Built for African Americans in the early 1900s, Rosenwald Schools were developed by Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald to help provide places of learning for Black students in the segregated South. In 2012, the school was restored and opened as a museum and cultural center. Available for tours by appointment.
Nearby, you’ll also find a historical marker for the marriage site of Zerelda Cole and Robert James, parents of infamous outlaws Frank and Jesse James.
Plan Your Trip
Ready to plan your perfect getaway? Visit GeorgetownKY.com!