Go further behind the scenes at Toyota’s new Experience Center
Written by Kathy Witt
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) – the world’s largest Toyota manufacturing plant and home of the Toyota Camry, RAV4 Hybrid and Lexus ES350 – just fully renovated and reopened the Toyota Kentucky Experience Center.
Take a tour for the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at Toyota’s oldest and largest facility in North America.
“Guests can see one of the most fully integrated manufacturing plants anywhere in the world – complete with onsite plastics, powertrain and die manufacturing facilities,” said Justin Posey, senior analyst, Toyota Corporate Communications. “In addition, visitors will watch as a 20-foot interactive, 3D projected map comes to life and provides an unforgettable look into Toyota’s advanced production processes.”
Here are eight exhibits – some interactive – to catch when you go behind the scenes at the TMMK Toyota Kentucky Experience Center in Georgetown:
1. Toyota Kentucky and Toyota global history
2. Product kiosk that explains the research and engineering that goes into each of the vehicles Toyota builds at TMMK
3. Two team member training demos that teach guests the same fundamental skills Toyota team members practice and master
4. 20-foot projection mapping table that gives guests an immersive look at all the amazing work that takes place every day across Toyota’s 1,300-acre Georgetown campus (It is hands-down one of the Experience Center’s most popular exhibits.)
5. Environmental display to showcase Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality
6. Community display highlighting Toyota’s commitment to the local community, including Toyota’s more than $150 million invested in central Kentucky since 1986
7. Manufacturing wall that gives guests a sneak peek at some of the more unique processes in the manufacturing system at TMMK
8. Powertrain display that highlights the various engine types that are built at TMMK, including internal combustion engines and hybrid powertrains
Additionally, guests can take a free tram tour of the facility – a 9 million-square-foot plant where over 10,000 team members assemble some 550,000 vehicles and build 600,000-plus engines . . . a year. The tours are available at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and reservations are strongly recommended.
But wait! There’s more:
According to Justin, Toyota is currently in the process of expanding the exhibits to include an interactive Toyota timeline and an exhibit to highlight the Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center (PEMC). PEMC is Toyota’s North American engineering headquarters and is also located on the campus in Georgetown.
What are you waiting for? Click here – www.tourtoyota.com/kentucky – to schedule your visit the newly renovated Toyota Kentucky Experience Center.
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
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Georgetown Packing List
Written by Kathy Witt
You’ve picked the perfect overnight or weekender bag for your Georgetown getaway. Now . . . what to pack to be ready for everything Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters and Birthplace of Bourbon has to offer?
Here are nine travel essentials to bring along to live your best vacation life in Georgetown.
Boots for outdoor adventures because, no matter the season, Kentucky weather can be wily. And nothing beats a good pair of boots for touring the fields and paddocks at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm or saddling up at Whispering Woods Riding Stables and bringing your cowpoke dreams to life.
Small crossbody bag to hold essentials like phone, wallet, cash and keys so you can be hands-free as you stroll through Yuko-en on the Elkhorn, the four-season, five-acre Kentucky Japan Friendship Garden; wander in and out of the four museums and other attractions at the Kentucky Horse Park; or peek into the rooms of Ward Hall while listening to stories about one saucy belle who perpetrated many a juicy scandal on her hometown.
A cute packable, reusable shopping tote with shoulder strap. When someone asks you, “Did you find something you couldn’t live without?” Chances are, they’ve been to Georgetown and get it. There are more than four dozen independently owned shops, boutiques and galleries in Georgetown’s historic downtown district alone. You’ll find many items you can’t live without, making a sturdy tote imperative.
Swimsuit for water recreation including kayaking, canoeing and floating on scenic Elkhorn Creek; lazing by the outdoor Suffoletta Pool and Lazy River or indoor Pavilion pool with whirlpool; or doing laps in the swimming pool at one of Georgetown’s many brand name hotels.
Walking shoes or sneakers for fresh-air fun. From picking lavender at Lavender in Bloom and fresh-cut flowers at Gray Arbor Farm to racing to the Apple Cider Slider at Evans Orchard and playing paintball at Bi-Water Farm to scavenging for trinkets on two geocaching trails and dropping a line for catfish at Bill’s Pay Lake, Georgetown has lots of ways for families to play outdoors.
Water bottle. Crafting and creating works of art is thirsty work. When you sign up for one of Georgetown’s outstanding and oh-so-fun workshops – quilting, throwing clay, stained glass making, jewelry making, book binding and more – staying hydrated will see you through the completion of your masterpiece.
Rain gear/umbrella. Kentucky ranks #15 in terms of annual precipitation, with about 45 inches falling on Georgetown each year. Chances are the time you visit without your umbrella is when the skies will open up.
Sense of adventure. It takes up virtually no room in the suitcase and is essential for visiting a town where you can blend, bottle, label and name your own bourbon at Bourbon 30, which is located mere steps from where Elijah Craig first distilled bourbon at Royal Spring in 1789; whip up a shrimp remoulade and other delicacies with Chef Rodney during a Sunday cooking class at Bleubird Studio (one’s scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 5); mountain bike the twisty backwoods Skullbuster Trails; and unleash your inner foodie on multiple sweet shops plus diners with down-home Kentucky cooking and farm-to-table restaurants with gourmet goodies.
Miscellaneous items including sunglasses (with an average of 193 sunshine-y days and a community that welcomes visitors with high wattage smiles, you’ll need your shades); charger (you do not want to risk your phone dying and miss a selfie op – there are many all over Georgetown); and a notebook/pen set to journal about your adventures and make a list about sights to see on your next visit to Georgetown.
P.S. If you forget something – don’t worry. You can find everything you need at Georgetown shops.
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
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Guests won’t find ‘hotel experience’ at Georgetown’s Chardonneigh House and Dark Horse Inn – and that’s a good thing
Written by Kathy Witt
The Chardonneigh House may inspire visions of sipping a lovely dry white wine, but this beautiful two-bedroom home rental in Stamping Ground unabashedly celebrates the horse.
The first clue is the “neigh” in its Chardonneigh moniker. The second? The home’s interior. From horse sculptures, paintings and pillows to furniture, original signage and horse tack, this Airbnb’s enthusiastic equestrian theme has left its hoofprint in every room.
“Chardonneigh House is designed to showcase the majesty of the horse and be an authentic representation of central Kentucky,” said owner and Airbnb superhost Kayla Jones.
Among its many charming features are barn doors removed from local Kentucky thoroughbred farms, name plates from a local horse farm, kitchen cabinet pulls crafted from old horse halters and a halter that belonged to “Afleet Alex,” the thoroughbred racehorse that won the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes in 2005. A chair from Keeneland Race Course and a feed bucket from Lexington’s Spendthrift Farm grace the home’s living space.
Jones also owns sister property Dark Horse Inn, a gracious three-bedroom home in Georgetown’s Villages at Elkhorn Green neighborhood that is located just minutes from Kentucky Horse Park. Like Chardonneigh House, the Dark Horse Inn pays homage to the horse.
“It is decorated with a saddle, riding boots, tack boxes from Lane’s End Farm and signage from Keeneland,” said Kayla.
Both homes opened as rentals in 2021. The Chardonneigh House, featuring a full-size bedroom and queen bedroom, plus comfortable daybed on the other side of the house, is ideal for up to five guests. With three queen bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, the Dark Horse Inn offers plenty of space for a family or group of six people.
The kitchen in each lodging is well-equipped and provides the essentials for guests who wish to cook and eat “at home.” Guests find coffee pods for the Keurig coffee machine, seasonal fresh flower arrangements, holiday decor and basic toiletries. A grill sits ready for use in the backyard at Dark Horse and, at Chardonneigh, a fire pit invites guests to gather round its cozy warmth.
“We don’t offer the ‘hotel experience,’” said Kayla. “Our goal is for each and every guest to feel like they live here in this area and, after they depart, that they have a feeling of leaving their second home and will be anxious to return.”
Located eight miles outside of downtown Georgetown, Chardonneigh House in Stamping Ground caters to guests who long to leave the hustle and bustle of town behind. For more information or to make reservations, visit this lodging’s Airbnb listing.
The Dark Horse Inn sits in a pretty neighborhood near the interstate, putting guests within 10 minutes of the Kentucky Horse Park. For more information or to make reservations, visit this lodging’s Airbnb listing.
Besides her equestrian-themed lodgings, Kayla also owns the bourbon-themed Buffalo Springs Distillery home rental in Stamping Ground.
Hotel to Home Hack: “We strive to focus on creative endeavors and whimsical touches that have no other purpose than to brighten someone’s day and perhaps bring a smile to their face. When selecting a few seasonal sprigs for the kitchen table, we like to use whimsical notes. Many of our Dark Horse Inn blossoms are displayed in wine bottles from Dark Horse Winery and our Chardonneigh House arrangements are usually displayed in Chardonnay wine bottles.” Kayla Jones, Chardonneigh House, Dark Horse Inn, Buffalo Springs Distillery
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
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Georgetown adventures are the Rx for your good health
Written by Kathy Witt
Travel can lower stress, uplift spirits, inspire creativity, decrease boredom, cultivate sophistication, encourage new experiences and help you lose 15 pounds. Okay, we’re kidding about that last one, but travel truly is one of the best things you can do for your overall mental and physical health—and science backs it up.
We studied the benefits of travel as documented by Good Rx and WebMD and found there are at least nine reasons to make 2023 the year to invest in your health by traveling. Then we went one step further and paired travel’s many perks with a healthy dose of Georgetown-specific experiences.
Travel is good for your soul—and your heart
1. Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm
Watch former Kentucky Derby winners and other champions of the turf live their best life among the paddocks of this award-winning thoroughbred aftercare facility. Tour the grounds, pet the equine athletes and feed them carrots. It will tug at your heart, in a good way.
2. Yuko-en on the Elkhorn
What could be better than a spa for the soul and the senses? The four-season, five-acre Official Kentucky-Japan Friendship strolling garden is just that. Enter through the Tokugawa Gates for a self-guided, self-care tour and feel the weight of the world melt away. Visit each season for maximum benefits.
Travel boosts your immune system . . . thru exposure to different ecosystems
3. Lavender in Bloom
Calming, colorful sprigs, buzzing bees, sunny skies and U-pick bouquets. What a magical way to spend a summer day in this fragrant floral community.
4. Veterans Wildlife Management Area
Hunt and fish in this habitat made wild with hardwood forests, shrublands, grasslands and pond, home to game species and migratory birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Travel lowers stress
5. Unique Stays, Hotels, Campgrounds
Georgetown is blessed with nearly 40 different individual and in many cases locally owned lodgings: vacation home stays, farm stays, cottages, art studio, golf club apartments, bed and breakfast inns and more. Prefer a brand name stay? Georgetown offers 18 hotels, including Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Want something less fussy? Head to one of Georgetown’s two campgrounds—Kentucky Horse Park Campground and Whispering Hills RV Park, where you can lower stress and increase physical activity.
Travel increases happiness
6. Retail Therapy
Find your shopping bliss at more than 20 independently owned stores—boutiques, antique shops, art galleries—many of them concentrated in Georgetown’s Historic Downtown District. And the local shopping scene just keeps getting better, with the recent opening of Braylee’s Boutique with trendy togs for women, babies and boys and girls. Adorbs!
Travel promotes physical activity
Ride. Swing. Cycle. Paddle. Walk (and Squawk).
7. Whispering Woods Riding Stables
8. Golf
9. Skullbuster Trails
10. Kayaking on the Elkhorn Creek
11. Downtown Historic Walking Tour, with a stop at the Georgetown and Scott County Museum to see exhibits like Pete the Talking Crow
Travel boosts and inspires creativity
12. Hands-on Classes
So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. Georgetown has so many classes for all levels of experience. Try your hand at paper piecing, block quilts, pottery, painting, stained glass making, jewelry making, book binding. . .
13. Art Galleries
Among Georgetown’s five galleries are Hockensmith Fine Art Editions and Gallery & Press with equine photography, paintings, printmaking and sculptures and the Galleries at Georgetown College plus outdoor sculpture exhibition.
14. Ward Hall
Tour Kentucky’s grandest Greek Revival residence and one of the country’s finest examples of a mid-nineteenth century classical building and get inspired by the sassy, brassy Sallie Ward, who showed off her creative . . . shall we say assets . . . on numerous occasions.
Travel (regular travel that is) improves the benefits you already get from traveling
15. Kentucky Horse Park
There’s always a reason to return to this equine theme park for another visit: Parade of Breeds Show, Mounted Police Barn, Hall of Champions, the Big Barn, four uniquely themed museums with state-of-the-art exhibits and interactives, horseback riding, pony rides, events like the summer equestrian shows and so. much. more.
16. Farm Fun
So many farms . . . so many opportunities for fresh-air farm fun and equine experiences: Sip freshly made apple cider, take a hayride, pet and feed the animals, go ziplining, play miniature golf, buy fresh produce and homemade bread, learn about the journey food takes to reach your plate, build your horseman(or woman)ship skills, tour a working thoroughbred farm and meet the residents.
Travel improves your mental acuity
17. Country Boy Brewing
Grab a pint and a table and match wits with others during team trivia. Mondays, 7 p.m. A Country Boy prize could be yours!
18. Slainte Public House
It’s trivia with an Irish twist Thursdays through March with local celebrity hosts. Be in your seat at 6:30 p.m., preferably with libation in hand. Prizes for first and second place.
19. Geocaching Trails
Test your mettle on a treasure hunt to find the hidden Geocache containers and their trinkets. On your mark. Get set. Go to the Scott County GeoTrot! or the Historic Buffalo Geotrail.
Travel for new experiences improves brain function and boosts mental health
20. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky
See the 20-foot projection mapping table for an immersive look at all the amazing work that takes place every day across Toyota’s 1,300-acre Georgetown campus at the newly renovated Toyota Kentucky Experience Center. Eight other experiences await. And if you haven’t been on the tram tour, now’s the time to book one to see where over 10,000 team members assemble some 550,000 vehicles and build 600,000-plus engines. Whew!
21. Elkhorn Pottery
Get your hands dirty and throw some pottery at this new community studio offering classes, workshops and handmade ceramic ware.
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
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There's An Art To Exploring Georgetown, Kentucky
Written by Dylan Marson
Kentucky artistry can be found throughout Georgetown’s Historic streets, from its characteristic murals to the regional crafts found in its downtown shopping district but there’s so much more to be discovered just beneath the surface. Our local galleries and collections present art from the cutting edge to the historic masterpiece, painting a beautiful canvas of the creative minds in the heart of the Bluegrass. Here are 5 great art collections to visit in Georgetown, KY
John Stephen Hockensmith, known rock star of equine photography, features multiple professional artists throughout his gallery. In the heart of Historic Downtown Georgetown, visitors will discover a meticulously presented collection of inspiring photography and dynamic artistry. Just steps into the door and you will immediately notice that everything was put in place by someone who truly appreciates and understands their craft. Framed to perfection are countless scenes of the Kentucky landscape, horse racing, and imagery that seems to capture the very spirit of the Bluegrass.
Visit Hockensmith Fine Art Editions, Monday – Friday from 9am-5:30pm or Saturday 10am-4pm
Website: www.finearteditions.net | Phone: 502-863-2299
Georgetown and Scott County Museum
Once Historic Downtown Georgetown’s iconic post office, this eye-catching landmark now serves to preserve the history and art of Georgetown and Scott County. While all manner of art can be found displayed here, a small collection of works in the middle of the main showroom highlights one of the most prominent artists of Georgetown’s early history. Edward Troye is known as 19th Century North America’s 1st important portrait and landscape artist and over his career he depicted nearly all of the distinguished racehorses of his era. Horse lovers will enjoy how his pieces show off the graceful splendor of our equine friends. Troye can be found today just minutes away, laid to rest in the Georgetown Cemetery.
Visit Georgetown and Scott County Museum, Wednesday – Saturday from 10am-4pm
Website: www.georgetownscottcountymuseum.com | Phone: 502-863-6201
A quirky and standout shop on the streets of Downtown Georgetown, Fabled Forest is a cozy nook for those who like to read, relax and get in touch with their creative side. A journey upstairs places you in close quarters with an ever growing collection of books, teas, incense and local artistry. Stop by to see whats on the shelves, or check in on their social media to keep up with their latest events, art workshops and downtown Georgetown fun!
Visit Fabled Forest, Tuesday – Thursday from 12pm-6:00pm & Friday - Saturday 11:00am-7:00pm
Website: www.georgetownky.com | Phone: 859-361-9490
A serene stay in small-town America, a place of wellness and yoga and a gallery featuring regional artists of the Bluegrass. You’d be forgiven for thinking you couldn’t find all of this in one place! Bleubird Studio provides a trinity of experiences and their gallery does a wonderful job of bringing local art to the forefront. Featuring sculptors, painters, photographers and more, each visit will greet you with a pleasant variety to quench your artistic palate.
Visit Bleubird Studio, Sunday – Saturday hours vary
Website: https://www.bleubirdstudio.com | Phone: 502-642-5125
The Jacobs Gallery, Cochenour Gallery, and the Anne Wright Wilson Fine Art Gallery make up the three showcases at Georgetown College. Here visitors will find works from across the state and around the world, dedicated to sharing quality works of visual art. The College also features an outdoor sculpture exhibition across campus. Visit The Galleries for free Monday – Friday from 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Visit The Galleries for free Monday – Friday from 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Website: https://www.georgetowncollege.edu/galleries | Phone: 502-863-8399
Author: Dylan Marson
Dylan Marson is a communications director at Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
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