Winchester-Clark County, On The River

MORNING

Take a morning hike at the Civil War Fort at Boonesboro on an original road built by Union Soldiers during the Civil War.  The road, now a wooded nature trail, overlooks the Kentucky River and gives visitors a glimpse of what the soldiers would have viewed during that time.  At the top of the hill, visitors can explore an earthen works fortification built and manned by African-American soldiers to defend the ford and ferry at Boonesboro.  Enjoy a moderate hike on a self-guided tour by exploring the interpretive signage along the trail or follow the trail with one of our knowledgeable tour guides.

– OR –

Enjoy a scenic stroll through Kentucky’s 40th State Nature Preserve at Lower Howard’s Creek on the Kentucky River.  An area rich in natural beauty and historical significance, Lower Howard’s Creek offers visitors a unique look at one of Kentucky’s first industrialized settlements as you explore remnants of homes, mills and buildings built in the late 1700’s.  With a trained and professional tour guide, learn about the prosperous families and pioneers that thrived along the Kentucky River.  Moderate hike may be required.

Next, visit the Olde Rock Barn and Gift Shoppe, located off scenic Highway 627 near the Kentucky River, which offers visitors a fine example of mid 1780’s year stone masonry as one of the oldest standing structures in Clark County. The Barn is situated next to the gift shop that is the former home of Captain Billy Bush, companion of Daniel Boone, an early pioneer of Clark County. The gift shop offers a variety of home décor and hand made jewelry, along with home grown herbs and garden accessories.

AFTERNOON

Enjoy dining and shopping at its finest on a Walking Tour in Historic Downtown Winchester, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Quaint shopping boutiques and one-of-a-kind restaurants provide visitors with a unique experience complete with friendly faces and small town hospitality.  Enjoy lunch at one of our specialty cafes and then browse in some our charming shops with crafts, antiques, and other memorabilia.

Next, discover the unique history of Winchester and the Bluegrass Region through engaging exhibits at the Bluegrass Heritage Museum in Historic Downtown Winchester.  Originally a home built in the late 1800’s that was soon converted into the historic Guerrant Mission Clinic and Hospital, the Bluegrass Heritage Museum examines regional history through historic and innovative exhibits.  Enjoy nostalgic items unique to Winchester as you browse through historic galleries or enjoy shopping in the museum’s gift shop filled with items unique to the area.

EVENING

One of our local restaurants will provide a home-cooked meal just the way you like it!  From catfish and froglegs to fried chicken and cornbread, our restaurants have it all!

 

Winchester-Clark County, A Day of History

MORNING

Begin your day by exploring one of Winchester’s most prominent historic homes, Holly Rood.  Holly Rood, built in 1814 by James Clark, 12th governor of Kentucky, was once considered the home of true Kentucky hospitality.  Complete with antique furniture, towering ceilings, and stained glass windows, Holly Rood still offers the elegance and grace it was once so famously noted for.

Nothing says Winchester like an ice cold Ale-8!  Ale-8-One, a soft drink unique to Kentucky, has been bottled in Winchester since 1926.  Still a closely guarded family secret, get an insider’s look of how Ale-8-One is produced with a guided tour through the Ale-8-One Bottling Facility.  On your way out, don’t forget to visit Ale-8-One’s one-of-a-kind gift shop!

AFTERNOON

Whether your appetite suggests a soup and salad or home-made cuisine, our local eateries offer a variety of menu items to choose from.  Don’t forget to purchase a homemade dessert or enjoy delicious ice cream as you top off your dining experience. (see attached page for dining options)

Next, discover one of Kentucky’s oldest settlements at Fort Boonesborough State Park.  A replica of the original fort that was constructed by Daniel Boone in 1775, Fort Boonesborough allows visitors to get an insider’s view of pioneer life in the 1700’s.  The Fort features historical cabins, blockhouses, and furnishings and gives visitors a unique opportunity to interact with local artisans and historical re-enactors.  Visit the unique gift shop and trading post and browse through fascinating hand-made gifts.

EVENING

One of our local restaurants will provide a home-cooked meal just the way you like it!  From catfish and froglegs to fried chicken and cornbread, our restaurants have it all! (please see attached page for dining options)

Enjoy an evening at a play, concert, musical, or other cultural event at Leeds Center for the Arts.  Located in historic downtown, Leed’s Theatre was built in 1925 and refurbished in the mid 1980’s.  Take pleasure in quality entertainment in Winchester’s oldest and most beautiful Art Deco Theatre.

 

• The above are suggested itineraries based on time and convenience.  However, all itineraries may be custom made to fit the needs and interests of your group.

 

Winchester-Clark County Tourism Commission

2 South Maple Street Winchester, KY 40391

(800)-298-9105

www.tourwinchester.com

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Winchester-Clark County...and the Bluegrass

MORNING

Begin your day by visiting the Kentucky Horse Park and discover what made Lexington, Kentucky the Horse Capital of the World!  One of the most visited attractions in the state, the Kentucky Horse Park brings visitors face-to-face with some of the world’s most beautiful horses through horse drawn tours, the Hall of Champions, the Parade of Breeds, and many other interactive exhibits.  Next door, enjoy the American Saddlebred Museum.

– OR –

Visit Ashland, home of the notable 19th century statesmen Henry Clay.  Situated on 20 acres of land, tour the mansion and gardens of this historic estate and find out what made Clay so famous.

AFTERNOON

Travel just south of Lexington to White Hall State Historic Site located just across the Kentucky River in Madison County.  The home of Cassius Clay, cousin of Henry Clay, this restored 44-room Italianate mansion was built in 1799 and remodeled in the 1860s. In addition to the heirloom and period furnishings, White Hall has many unique features for its day, including indoor running water and central heating.  Tour this magnificent estate with a tour guide that will lead you through one of the most prominent homes in the Bluegrass.

Next, visit Bybee Pottery, the oldest existing pottery west of the Alleghenies.  Mined just three miles from Bybee, the clay found in Kentucky’s rich topography is stored, mixed, heated, and shaped by craftsmen who use the same methods that were used over a century ago.   In operation since 1845, browse through the original historic log building that sparked a pottery empire.

– OR –

Visit the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky in historic Berea.  Visit the Kentucky Artisan Center complete with exhibits, authentic Kentucky souvenirs, homemade Kentucky food products, crafts, and other items unique to the region.  Tour Berea College and visit the Berea College Log House and Craft Gallery.  Also enjoy Old Town Artisans Village, an area rich in tradition, culture, and handcrafted items.

EVENING

Top off your Berea experience with fine dining at Boone Tavern, operated by Berea College students. In operation since 1909, enjoy healthy servings of traditional Kentucky favorites in this historic restaurant and hotel, named after famed pioneer Daniel Boone.

Click here for PDF