Consider Georgetown, Kentucky, your next holiday destination if you like interesting horses, quaint farms and barns, outstanding parks, and bourbon.
You can find this charming city in the middle of Cincinnati, Louisville, and Lexington.
However, it’s nowhere as busy as those three.
Nevertheless, you will discover that this small city has a big personality and a lot to offer when it comes to attractions.
Discover what makes this Scott County city so alluring, and try out some of the best things to do in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Enjoy Some Downtime at Yuko-en on the Elkhorn
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You can find in Georgetown the only official Friendship Garden between Japan and Kentucky.
Here, the city pays homage to its sister city in Japan, Tahara, with a garden spanning five acres.
Created in 1990, the garden puts focus on the four seasons.
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It also serves as a place where you can find some peace and quiet while in Georgetown.
At the park, you will find the impressive Tokugawa gate.
The gardens feature beautiful local flora planted while keeping Japanese gardening practices in mind.
Come to this park with your companions, visit the sculptures, and hang out near the pond for a relaxing afternoon in Georgetown.
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Visit Retired Horses at Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm
Given the significance of horse racing in the area, you may wonder where retired thoroughbred horses go.
Georgetown serves as the home of Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm.
Many of the retired horses from the region end up here, where they can live peacefully.
A Boston Globe film critic named Michael Blowen opened Old Friends in 2003.
Today, this location cares for over 200 horses, and you can visit them by going here.
At Old Friends, you can meet and interact with one of the horses.
You can get to know their backgrounds and find out that many of them have had their fair share of the racing spotlight during their heyday.
If you want, you can also book a tour of the place to learn more about this fantastic facility.
Try Out Exciting Activities at Evans Orchard & Cider Mill
At Evans Orchard & Cider Mill, your family can have a lot of fun.
This family-owned farm features a 175-acre area filled with many opportunities for exciting activities that kids and adults will like.
If you and your younger companions love animals, you can all visit this place’s petting zoo.
More active kids can choose to play on the tire climbs and swings.
There is also the Rat Racers Big Wheel Track that the children can enjoy.
Apart from being home to many fun amenities, this farm is the sole cider mill in this region of Kentucky.
Here, you can try out some of the best-fried apple pies around, as well as their delicious apple cider.
You can also participate in fruit and flower picking activities at certain times of the month at the farm’s seasonally open orchard.
Stroll Through the Streets of Downtown Georgetown
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Georgetown has a charm that can allure visitors to keep on coming back.
When you visit the city, don’t forget to stroll through the city’s historic downtown district.
It serves as the home to streets dotted with historic Victorian-era buildings.
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Some of these places currently house many art galleries, shops, cafes, and more.
Apart from sightseeing, you can also learn more about this area’s past by going on a self-guided tour.
By doing so, you can appreciate how Georgetown developed through time.
Pay Bi-Water Farm a Visit
Another large farm where the entire family can spend time and enjoy is Bi-Water Farm.
This family-run farm property spans 185 acres and features farm markets based on the season.
It also has a greenhouse and a myriad of amenities that anyone in the family can use.
During your visit, don’t forget to try solving their intriguing corn maze.
Also, spend some time with your kids and visit the farm’s “big monster pirate ship,” the petting zoo, and the Spooky Farmhouse.
You can also try out a bunch of thrilling activities here, including mini-golf, ziplining, and hayrides.
If you want something to take home with you, don’t hesitate to browse the artisanal products the in-house store offers.
Some of the products that you should try include their delicious fruit jams and tasty fudge.
Find Amazing Masterpieces at Robert Clark Artist Gallery
Situated along Georgetown’s Main Street, you can find Robert Clark’s Artist Gallery.
As its name suggests, this place features the works of Robert Clark, a Thoroughbred Racehorse artist.
Here, you can find Clarks many outstanding artworks depicting racing and equestrian topics.
Other than viewing his impressive works, you can also attend workshops in this fantastic studio.
Now a part of the city’s fantastic art community, this gallery aims to help the city enrich its cultural identity and the experiences it provides its visitors.
Don’t forget to add this to your Georgetown to-do list.
Explore the Campus of Georgetown College
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While in the city, make sure to visit Georgetown College.
Founded in 1829, this small, private, liberal arts institution became the first Baptist college found westward from the Appalachian Mountains.
Like many educational institutions, this college deviates itself to promote academic excellence among its students and prepare them for their future.
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As a visitor, you can explore the many cultural attractions that you can find on campus.
Here, you can catch one of their performing arts productions, along with other open-campus events.
Additionally, you can also browse the impressive Ann Wilson Art Gallery that you may find within the campus.
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Check Out the Historic Ward Hall
A lot of people consider Ward Hall as one of the best places to visit while in Georgetown.
The said site is an antebellum plantation mansion that features architecture made in the Greek Revival style.
The primary plantation building measures 12,000 square feet, featuring Corinthian columns as architectural decor.
Many people from the state know Ward Hall as one of the most beautiful Greek Revival houses in Kentucky.
The building was completed in 1857, and throughout history, it served as a venue for swanky balls.
When you go here, you can tour the three-story interior of the house and see what it looked like during its peak.
Take a step back in time by visiting the gorgeous Ward Hall.
Follow the Buffalo Gals Quilt Trail
It seems the art of quilting holds a significant part of the region’s heritage.
You can discover this for yourself when you follow the Buffalo Gals Quilt Trail.
The trail goes through country roads, farms and barns, and fields.
One specific thing that you will notice when you pass through this trail is the numerous buildings with colorful and intricately designed quilts displayed outside.
Created with wood and painted with the utmost care, these quilts are a form of roadside art that has taken root in the region’s history.
Discover this unique piece of Scott County heritage, and make room for this activity on your to-do list.
Find Out More About the City’s Past at Georgetown Scott County Museum
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Learn about this city even further by visiting Georgetown Scott County Museum.
Here, you can find information about the city and the region’s past, prominent cultures, and heritage.
The museum features a collection of artifacts that can tell you more about Georgetown.
It has exhibits that display books, documents, specimens, and historical items related to the background of Georgetown and Scott County as a whole.
The city’s old Post Office Building currently houses this museum.
It started its operations in 1992, and today, it aims to share 200-years’ worth of modern Scott County history and 12,000 years’ worth of the area’s prehistory.
Consider adding this to your Georgetown holiday itinerary.
Appreciate the Arts at Scott County Arts & Cultural Center
Aiming to provide a center where Georgetown and Scott County’s arts can flourish, don’t miss out on visiting Scott County Arts & Cultural Center.
They want to educate as many people as possible in arts and culture through studio classes, outreach events, and activities.
Apart from taking part in their workshops, try checking out the center’s exhibits as well.
The center features an art gallery where you can appreciate fantastic visual arts masterpieces.
For a respite from a fast-paced day, you can also visit the center’s amazing garden to rest and relax.
Try Out the Delicious Treats at Sweet Matriarch Bakery
Sometimes, you don’t expect long lines swarming a charming bakery.
However, Sweet Matriarch Bakery experiences this all the time.
Many locals know the shop as the birthplace of the famous Cattywampus milkshake.
Other than this, it offers other flavors of milkshakes, along with many other confectionery creations.
Patrons line along the street to try its cookies, cupcakes, and many other sweets that it offers.
If you’re in Georgetown, head on over to this quaint bakery and see what the fuss is all about.
Find Out How Cars are Made at Toyota Georgetown Assembly Plant
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Have you ever wondered how cars are assembled?
You can answer this question while on a trip to Georgetown.
While in the city, check out the Toyota Georgetown Assembly Plant, where the said famous car manufacturer makes many of their cars.
Here, you can ride the tram and go around the plant while learning how they manufacture cars.
You and your companions can witness how workers, with the help of robotic equipment, put together the cars many people worldwide use.
Apart from the factory tour, you can also check out a NASCAR simulator.
By going here, you and your entire family will be sure to have a great time.
Play a Few Rounds of Golf at Cherry Blossom Golf Club
Try playing some golf at the fantastic Cherry Blossom Golf Club.
Despite its known proximity to many bustling cities, the surrounding area of this golf course makes you feel like you’re still in the countryside.
Considered by some publications as the best public golf course in the state, this 178-acre property features an 18-hole course that is fit enough for championship games.
Spend a day learning the sport here, and have some fun with your friends around.
Catch Smallmouth Bass at Elkhorn Creek
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Do you want to go fishing? You can do this in Georgetown.
For some angling fun, head over to Elkhorn Creek, Kentucky’s longest creek.
Apart from being the longest in the state, many local anglers know it as one of the best streams to catch smallmouth bass in Kentucky.
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Not only that, but it also offers scenic views that you can enjoy while casting your line.
Apart from fishing, you can head to Great Crossing park and have a picnic with your companions.
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There are also several walking nature trails nearby.
Have some fun and enjoy fishing at Elkhorn Creek.
Go Geocaching
Looking for something unique to do in Georgetown?
Try out Geocaching.
To put it simply, Geocaching is some sort of a treasure hunt that utilizes the features of a GPS.
Using your GPS and the geocache app, you can find several physical geocache containers with trinkets from others who have previously done this treasure hunt.
Georgetown happens to be the home of two geocache map trails – the Scott Country GeoTrot and the Historic Buffalo Trail.
This is a unique way to explore Georgetown and its surrounding areas with your family and friends.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try this activity out while in the city.
Go Horseback Riding at Whispering Woods Riding Stable
Many consider horseback riding an excellent outdoor activity.
Here in Georgetown, you can easily find a place where you can try this out.
If you want to spend time riding horses with your friends and loved ones, head over to Whispering Woods Riding Stables.
Here, you can ride a horse through many different trails within its 250-acre facility.
Apart from the experience of riding a horse, you also get to witness breathtaking nature by following the trails here.
The trails provide panoramic views of hills and creeks.
You can also find impressive flora and fauna all around.
Both beginners and expert riders can enjoy the trails that you can find at this attraction.
At Whispering Woods Riding Stable, you can enjoy your horseback riding session among the beauty of the great outdoors.
Hang Out at Royal Spring Park
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In Georgetown, you can find what many consider the birthplace of bourbon.
Specifically, you can find that location at Royal Spring Park.
Besides being the place where bourbon was created, this place also serves as the home of the first paper mill that existed to the west of the Appalachian mountains.
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Today, at the park, you can find two historic cabins.
For tourists who just want to hang out, there is a large picnic shelter where you can eat and docks that go over the nearby spring.
If you want to have some downtime while traveling around Georgetown, Royal Park is an excellent place to go.
Appreciate the Structure of Georgetown Antique Mall
The Georgetown Antique Mall is dedicated to neighborhood engagement and antique treasures.
After caring for five children, Joann Duncan Sharpe set out to realize a goal in 1971 by establishing a location where people could stop to buy and converse while trading antiques.
A large, old structure from 1895 houses the mall, with three stories filled with vintage products, furniture, and collectibles.
Mid-century modern items, furniture, discounted books, vintage clothing, dolls, and unique presents are all available in the mall.
Since it reopened, the Georgetown Antique Mall’s hours have changed from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Taste Hand-Crafted Whiskies at Bourbon 30 Spirits Distillery
The Bourbon 30 Spirits Distillery is a boutique and artisan distiller of bourbon that also hosts tastings and is a place for regional arts and crafts in the picturesque town of Georgetown.
It is a popular tourist favorite where anybody over twenty-one can satisfy their bourbon need in the state famous for the spirit.
Handcrafted whiskeys and bourbons are produced by Bourbon 30 Spirits Distillery.
Every barrel is 100% distinctive due to the oaking, maturing, and finishing processes.
At the distillery, guests can partake in a bottle sampling, a barrel sampling, or even bottle their cask strength.
The Bourbon 30 Spirits Distillery, located in the city’s center, is a special place to find spirits steeped in local history.
Join Yoga Courses at the Studio
The Studio was founded by Shannon, who also serves as its visionary.
In Georgetown, Kentucky, she left her 25-year job in the telecom sector to start a yoga studio and train as a yoga instructor.
The Studio, situated in Georgetown’s historic center, provides a range of services: yoga, wellness teacher training, massage, and dance.
The Studio is where individuals can build wholesome, powerful, energetic bodies and grow imaginative, peaceful minds.
In addition to other yoga courses, they offer Mixed Level Yoga, Heated Yoga Flow, Slow Flow, and Gentle Yoga.
Slide Down at Suffoletta Family Aquatic Center
At the Suffoletta Family Aquatic Center, a well-liked and engaging family entertainment facility, beat the summer heat and enjoy leisure time with family and friends.
The Suffoletta Family Aquatic Center, which offers the perfect summer pool experience, has a total area of 18,000 square feet and is devoted to many water-based activities that visitors of all ages are likely to enjoy.
Older children and adults may swim and relax in the 730 square meters recreational pool next to the 111 square meter splash pad for younger children.
The facility offers a 0.13-mile Lazy River that visitors may float down, with every round trip lasting around five minutes.
Guests may roll down the 200-foot water slide at the facility if they’re seeking a burst of energy.
Dine at Rodney’s on Broadway
It is known for its easygoing ambiance and expertise in the hospitality sector; Rodney’s on Broadway is ready to welcome visitors for a superb dining experience within one of Georgetown’s historic mansions.
On January 31, 2011, Rodney’s on Broadway in Georgetown downtown was launched by chef Rodney Jones.
Gourmet Rodney Jones and Elizabeth Johnson-Jones, a married couple, own and run the restaurant.
The restaurant is well-known for its exceptional prime beef steak and a delicious selection of lamb, shellfish, and duck entrees.
The New York Strip, shrimp and scallops, and Australian lamb are a few exquisite options to consider.
Final Thoughts
Despite its small size, Georgetown has a big personality.
It has many small-city charms that many visitors enjoy while not falling short of opportunities to have fun.
Make great memories with your family while exploring this fantastic city in Kentucky.