From Treehouses to Thoroughbreds: The Ultimate Bluegrass Family Getaway
Motherhood and lifestyle content Creator Aseky Bonnaire and her family of six flew to Kentucky for a family-friendly adventure. Follow along their four-day itinerary from Augusta to Lexington to help plan your trip to the Bluegrass State.
Day 1
Begin your Bluegrass adventure with lunch at Barleycorn's in Lakeside Park. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy a selection of burgers, wings, handhelds and entrées, including barbecue-rib baskets, chicken and waffles, and street tacos.
After lunch, explore Augusta. Browse local wares and artisan goods from shops like Lavender Hills of Kentucky, Augusta General Store Gift Shop and Riverboat Treasures & Antiques. Then, stroll along the O’Neill Riverwalk to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Ohio River.
Along the walk, you’ll find the Rosemary Clooney House Museum. Stop into the actress’s former home to see the world’s largest collection of “White Christmas” memorabilia and more exhibits on her life and career.
For dinner, fill up on steaks, pork chops, salmon or local specialty Kentucky Hot Brown at Augusta’s Beehive Tavern.
Settle down for the night in a treehouse cabin at EarthJoy Village in Brooksville. Choose from three luxury treehouses equipped with kitchenettes, hammocks, fire pits, swings and more for the perfect escape into nature.
Day 2
Begin your day with a 90-minute tree-climbing lesson. EarthJoy’s instructors will guide you on all the basics of tree climbing and even teach you a few tricks, like balancing on branches and hanging upside down. More advanced climbers can try the Level I and Level II courses that include knot tying, rope throwing and tree-to-tree transferring.
Next, make the drive to Olive Hill for pizza and pasta at Tre Fratelli, the perfect spot to fuel up for some outdoor fun. After lunch, set up camp or check into the Lewis Caveland Lodge at Carter Caves State Resort Park. Drop your bags and hit the trails. Raven Bridge and Natural Bridge trails will lead you to the top of two of the park’s natural bridges. Have your camera ready — these trails offer plenty of photo ops.
For dinner, stop into the park’s Tierney's Cavern. The menu includes fried chicken, fish tacos, burgers and wraps, as well as all-you-can-eat fried fish. Seasonal hours apply, so be sure to call ahead.
Day 3
You’re in the heart of Kentucky cave country, so a cave tour is a must. Carter Caves State Resort Park is home to a collection of caves open for tours. Learn the basics of caving on the Cascade Cave Intro to Caving Tour. As you explore the depths of this cave, you’ll find large chambers, an underground waterfall and a reflecting pool.
After your cave adventure, hit the road to Mt. Sterling. Make a pitstop for lunch at Morehead’s Fat Patty's, where you can fill up on southwest egg rolls, nachos and mouthwatering burgers.
For dessert, sample the candy at Ruth Hunt Candy Co. Tour the factory to see how this famous confectionery has crafted its handmade chocolates for over 90 years. The mint julep balls, Ale-8 suckers and Woodford Reserve bourbon balls make for excellent Kentucky souvenirs.
Next, make a quick trip over to Paris. Explore the shops and restaurants of “Kentucky’s longest and most beautiful Main Street.” One of Main Street’s biggest draws is Secretariat Park. Take a selfie with the life-size bronze sculpture and the world’s largest mural of the famed racehorse. Just a quick walk away, you’ll find another Main Street photo-op must: a 20-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower.
When you’re ready to call it for the night, check into the Double Tree Lexington. Grab dinner at Carson's Food & Drink. Dig into steakhouse burgers, steaks and signature entrées, like rosé linguini, Creole shrimp and grits, and Carson’s fried chicken.
Day 4
There’s a bevy of excellent breakfast options in Lexington. A few favorites: Try Doodles, Lockbox or weekend brunch at Zim’s Café.
Reserve a tour at Paris’ Claiborne Farm. This historical horse farm is where six Triple Crown winners were bred. Tour the Thoroughbred stables, visit with the horses and walk the cemetery, which includes the graves of Secretariat and other former champions.
After your tour, stop into the 1882 Paris Train Depot for lunch at Trackside Restaurant & Bourbon Bar. Grab an order of fried green tomatoes before digging into Hot Brown or fried chicken. Add Kentucky succotash on the side. Pair it all with a glass of Kentucky bourbon from the Trackside Bourbon Bar.