Horse Country, History & More: 4 Can't-Miss Experiences in Georgetown, Kentucky
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 packed 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 and get up close and personal with past racing champions like 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, including guided walking tours, private tours, and even a three-hour tour where you’ll meet every horse on the farm. Book your tour now!
Numerous riding trails and farms await throughout the region, allowing visitors to experience Kentucky’s natural beauty by horseback! Explore over 250 acres at Whispering Woods Riding Stables, where riders 8 and up can trek through miles of trails while the little ones enjoy hand-led pony rides.
Or, venture to the famed Kentucky Horse Park for horse-drawn trolley tours, equine demonstrations, and more horseback riding adventures.
2. Tackle the Great Outdoors
Georgetown is a haven for adventure seekers. Hit the Skullbuster Trails for a wild mountain bike ride along nearly 12 miles of moderate loops. Water enthusiasts will love Elkhorn Creek, a 17-mile stretch perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing smallmouth bass. For wildlife lovers, the Veterans Wildlife Management Area is a must. This 2,500-acre nature escape is ideal for fishing and hunting. And if treasure hunting excites you, embark on Scott County’s three geocaching trails. Download the trail passports to start your search.
3. Discover a Charming Downtown
For a more laid-back outing, stroll through Georgetown’s picture-perfect Victorian streetscape, dotted with locally owned shops and galleries. Explore nearly two dozen shops offering jewelry, art, clothes, décor, and other local goods. Don't miss Royal Spring Park, just off Main Street, to see the birthplace of bourbon.
Birdsong Quilting and Crafts is your go-to for all your fabric and crafting needs. Be sure to check out their schedule of classes and events. For antiques, jewelry, collectibles, and custom-made stained glass, visit Heirlooms & Gretchen’s. Art lovers should head to John Stephen Hockensmith’s Fine Arts Editions Gallery & Press. Here, you can admire Kentucky scenery and equine photography and works from local artists.
Feeling hungry? Downtown Georgetown is home to some delicious grub, from sizzlin’ steaks to po’boys and all kinds of sweet treats. Fava’s of Georgetown offers hearty meals, from big country breakfasts to mouthwatering burgers and catfish dinners. Don’t forget a hand-dipped sundae for dessert.
The Brown Barrel & Blind Harry's offers guests a unique dining experience with a menu of traditional and creative dishes. Indulge in fresh seafood and a juicy steak. Or, treat your palate to bacon-wrapped shrimp and grits, chicken basil pesto alfredo and a classic Kentucky Hot Brown. If you love bourbon, Blind Harry's serves almost every brand of Kentucky bourbon available!
For a pint and bar-food favorites, head to Slainte Public House and enjoy Irish-inspired dishes like fish and chips with live music. Local Feed offers farm-to-table fare, including fried catfish po boys, chicken n’ waffles, and wagyu chop steak. Reservations are recommended for this popular spot.
Galvin’s on Main is a local favorite for pub grub, with over 100 menu options and 40 beers on tap. Expect bar staples, like wings, cheese fries and burgers, as well as a selection of pizzas and specialty sandwiches.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Georgetown’s historic downtown is the place to find gelato, ice cream, doughnuts, and other treats.
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 on the town, county, and surrounding regions.
For more area history, visit nearby Sadieville to see a preserved Rosenwald School developed by Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald to provide education for Black students in the segregated South. Restored in 2012, the school now serves as a museum and cultural center, available for tours by appointment.
Nearby, check out the 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!
For a more laid-back outing, stroll through Georgetown’s picture-perfect Victorian streetscape, dotted with locally owned shops and galleries. Explore nearly two dozen shops offering jewelry, art, clothes, décor, and other local goods. Don't miss Royal Spring Park, just off Main Street, to see the birthplace of bourbon.