Georgetown Welcomes New Extended Stay Mariott Brand Hotel In Early 2023
Written by Kathy Witt
When the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Georgetown opens in the spring of 2023, not only will it be the newest hotel in the area, but it will also be Marriott’s only extended-stay hotel in Georgetown. And it will be bringing a lot of amenities with it.
Fresh, modern and comfortably sophisticated, the hotel is designed to cater to both long-term travelers in Georgetown on business or other reasons and leisure travelers here explore attractions not only in the immediate area, such as Historic Downtown Georgetown, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm and the Kentucky Horse Park, but in the surrounding area as well. With Williamstown’s Ark Encounter and a variety bourbon distilleries within a 30-minute drive, the hotel and Georgetown are an ideally situated homebase.
Each room at TownePlace Suites bring guests all the comforts of home while traveling: a fully equipped kitchenette, complete with cookware, glassware and utensils; open work area with an ergonomic chair and plenty of room to spread out; comfortable seating area, HDTV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Color palettes are soft neutrals punctuated with small art groupings.
Guests will also enjoy amenities such as a hot breakfast served daily, a state-of-the-art fitness center and heated indoor pool. Adding more convenience are a fully equipped business center and guest laundry.
“You’ll find touches of Kentucky throughout the hotel that are unique to the TownePlace Suites Georgetown,” said Allison Miller, director of sales at RainMaker Hospitality.
Headquartered in Lexington, RainMaker Hospitality is known for the enhanced service and exceptional hospitality at the 17 hotels properties in central Kentucky in its management portfolio, including such brands as Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, Choice, and Best Western in addition to Marriott. In fact, one of its sister properties located in Georgetown is the Holiday Inn Express at 140 Osborne Way.
The hotel is conveniently located directly off of I-75 and is surrounded by many restaurants and retail stores, all within walking distance. For those traveling on business, it is within a few minutes’ drive of Toyota Motor Manufacturing as well as several other manufacturing plants. Georgetown College is only two and a half miles away and the shops, restaurants, art galleries and museum of downtown are nearby as well.
The hotel will offer complimentary onsite parking and will also have a grab-and-go market with food, beverage and sundry items available for guests 24 hours a day.
“Additionally, guests will be free to bring in food or order any food options to the hotel,” said Allison. “And we hope to have an opportunity to partner with local restaurants when welcoming travelers to the Georgetown community.”
Georgetown Tourism is excited to welcome TownePlace Suites by Marriott Georgetown. Watch for the announcement of the hotel’s official opening date in this newsletter and on our G-town Unwound blog and Facebook page and for a link to the hotel for more pictures and details.
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 Is Kentucky Proud
Written by Kathy Witt
Beth Richardson and Philip Enlow know the importance of knowing where your food comes from and offering financial support to local farmers.
The owners of Georgetown-based Spotz Gelato, a certified Kentucky Proud business, have firsthand insight and experience as hobby farmers who opened a business committed to sourcing ingredients, including fruit, from local farmers. Additionally, the two made the decision to produce all their award-winning gelatos on their Scott County farm.
“We also think local items just taste better and make our gelato even more fabulous!” said Beth, noting that Spotz Gelato has been a Kentucky Proud member since the business opened nearly 10 years ago in 2013.
Eggs, beef cattle, baked goods, beverages, Christmas trees, herbs, wines, sauces, snacks, honey, sheep – anything grown, raised or processed in Kentucky qualifies to be Kentucky Proud.
According to the Kentucky Proud website: Kentucky Proud stands for foods, nursery items, crafts, agritourism sites, farmers’ markets, state parks, and many other products and destinations with roots in Kentucky soil. Kentucky Proud foods are raised, grown, or processed in Kentucky by Kentuckians. You can serve Kentucky Proud foods to your family with the confidence that they came from your friends and neighbors just down the road – not from thousands of miles away.
Across the state, there are 11,212 Kentucky Proud members. One hundred ninety-two of these members are located in Scott County, including Spotz Gelato, Lavender in Bloom and the Scott County Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is open Seasonally on Saturdays in downtown Georgetown at the City Parking Lot (behind the Courthouse and City Hall) and offers a one-stop shop to numerous Kentucky Proud items, including produce, breads, flowers, sauces, doggy treats, jewelry, soaps and other crafts and so much more – all in a fun food truck festival atmosphere.
There are many benefits of being a Kentucky Proud member and buying from a Kentucky Proud member.
“The Kentucky Proud logo symbolizes an agricultural product that was grown, raised or produced in Kentucky; and/or a product incorporating an agricultural product that is processed or manufactured in Kentucky,” said Kentucky Proud Marketing Director Chad Smith. “That in turn benefits the local economy as we support our neighbors, farmers and value added producers.
“These Kentucky Proud members offer items that are less traveled, fresher and locally produced,” he added.
“We love being able to provide a Kentucky Proud product that is 100 percent grown, distilled and bottled here in Georgetown,” said Tessa Habash, owner of Lavender in Bloom. “Buying local and supporting your hometown community wherever you call home is more important now than ever!
“We have gotten to know so many like-minded people in our community because of our farm and can truly say it has enriched our lives to know these people.”
A whole chain of positivity is unleashed when you buy a product with the Kentucky Proud label:
- You are buying the freshest, most nutritious food possible.
- You are keeping your dollars close to home.
- You are helping a Kentucky farm family earn a living.
- You are reducing the miles that the food has to travel from the farm to your plate.
- Look for the Kentucky Proud logo at your favorite grocery, restaurant or farmers market.
Learn more about Kentucky Proud at its website. Find members in Scott County and across the state here.
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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Small, Mighty & Beneath the Friendliest Skies
Written by Kathy Witt
You know the drill: Arrive two hours before your flight at the airport’s security checkpoint. Get funneled into a long, crowded line. Unburden yourself of shoes, belt, jacket, laptop and anything else TSA tells you to remove. Step into the glass body scanning box for your close-up – and we do mean close-up! Put all your clothes back on. Repack your bag. Arrive at your gate harried and irritable, only to discover the gate has been changed or your flight has been delayed (or worse!) cancelled.
Now, close your eyes and imagine this: Breeze into the airport a few minutes before take-off time. Hand your bag off to the pilot. Step aboard your private jet. Sink into a clean and cushy seat. (Go ahead: Stretch out your legs.) No hassles. No headaches.
The Georgetown-Scott County Regional Airport, also known as Marshall Field, is located five miles east of Georgetown. Operations began nearly 30 years ago in 1993 with a 4,000-foot runway and one 80 by 100 hanger – and no income.
Today, the airport is valued at over $20 million and generates over $1.3 million. It has a 5,500-foot runway with a parallel taxiway, plus three instrument approaches and a high intensity lighting system. Four T-hanger buildings each store eleven aircraft. Two air charter operations are located on the field. And maintenance equipment is capable of maintaining the runway and premises in all kinds of weather.
Private jet service is offered to a variety of major cities, each less than an hour and a half flight away: Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Memphis, St. Louis. Pilots are experienced; aircraft is up to date, meeting all FAA and factory standards; prices are competitive; and, perhaps best of all, departure and arrival times are scheduled around you.
“Flying out of this airport is a lot easier and quicker, and our prices are very good,” said Martin Thomas, chairman of the airport’s Board of Directors.
In fact, Georgetown’s airport is small but mighty and brings in lots of travelers.
As Thomas noted, “Corporate America doesn’t come to town on a Greyhound bus. Any businesses that operate in the region utilize the airport.”
But it’s for leisure travelers, too.
Regardless of the reason, travelers flying out of the Georgetown-Scott County Regional Airport can expect a level of excellence and personal service typically not found at commercial airports.
According to Thomas, this airport is so good at its job that it has become an example for other regional airports of what a good general aviation airport can be.
It is a safe, reliable alternative to the long lines and delayed flights many travelers experience when flying commercial. It allows flyers to get to their destination at a time convenient to them and with ease – and in maximum comfort. (Hey, there’s even room for your golf clubs.)
The Georgetown-Scott County Regional Airport is open seven days a week. Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Closed Christmas Day. Learn more about private jet options by visiting www.flygeorgetown.com/travel-information or calling 502-863-6320.
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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Destination Wedding Guide
Written by Kathy Witt
Beautiful historic churches, vintage barns, a full-on traditional Irish pub, rolling farmland and color-splashed gardens – for couples exchanging “I Do’s,” Georgetown, KY has so many distinctive and scenic settings, along with all the services the bride and groom need to make their day their very own, from flowers to rings to lodging.
Going to the chapel, and we’re gonna get married. – The Dixie Cups
The Venue
• Cardome: From the stained-glass and soaring ceilings of Chapel Hall to the charming and rustic Black Barn to grounds shaded by stands of trees, there is space and a place for creating your perfect gathering.
• Churches: Georgetown has 100 churches representing numerous denominations.
• Evans Orchard: A former tobacco barn transformed into the Event Barn, perfect for an elegant southern wedding.
• Kentucky Horse Park: More than 1,200 acres of beautiful Bluegrass offer countless picturesque settings for weddings; equally special indoor facilities available for receptions.
• Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm: A thoroughly Kentucky setting with its elegant stable, rolling pasturelands and horses nickering in the fields.
• Polo Barn at Saxony Farm: Rural views combine with manicured grounds and the historic charm of a farm setting to create a memorable wedding backdrop.
• Queenslake: A fairytale setting for indoor, outdoor, tented, lakeside and forest weddings.
• Slainte Public House: A traditional Irish pub with an intimate community atmosphere.
• Yuko-en: A Japanese-style strolling garden with ponds and sculptures and abloom with color and fragrance – an inspired setting.
• Ward Hall: A grand white columned home with a breathtaking double elliptical staircase and surrounded by gardens.
Where flowers bloom so does hope. – Lady Bird Johnson
Floralist
• Blooms ‘n Blossoms: Wedding floral design and artistry by Jessica Jones.
• Carriage House Gift & Flowers: Premium fresh flowers and upscale design artistry in bouquets and on-site floral décor that reflect individual style.
• Georgetown Flowers & Gifts: Custom floral designs and a greenhouse filled with green and blooming plants.
• Gray Arbor Farm: This seasonal specialty-cut flower farm has a huge variety of organically grown flowers whose colors can be coordinated to those of the wedding, plus seed packet wedding favors and flower confetti for sending off the happy couple.
With this ring. . .
The Rings
• Craven & Lewis Jewelers: The place to find your perfect diamond, engagement ring, wedding band and other wedding jewelry.
Happiness is . . . extra dessert. – Linus
Cakes/Desserts
• Desserts by Rebecca: Intricate custom cakes; world-class desserts – from French macarons to Mexican wedding cookies; traditional Kentucky faves like bourbon balls; and signature specialties including the Lucifer brownie and made-from-scratch cream horns.
• Evan’s Orchard Pies: Fruit and cream pies, homemade apple cider donuts and those famous fried apple pies – a Georgetown tradition.
• More than Cake: Whatever your dream wedding cake looks like, More than Cake can make it – and lots of other sweets, too.
• SG Bake Shoppe: Featuring the combined custom baking talents of two Stamping Ground sisters, including a Bourbon Ball cheesecake laced with Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
• Something Sweet Cake Co.: Scratch-made single-layer Tray Cakes; four-layer Custom Cakes; multi-tiered and customized Premier Cakes; and Treats – everything from cakesicles to heart truffles to cake cups.
• Spotz Gelato: Award-winning handcrafted, small batch gelato and sorbet made from local Kentucky Proud ingredients and served in vintage food trucks like “Little Libby.”
• Sweet Matriarch: Beautiful customized cakes and dessert bars.
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. – Virginia Woolf
Tremble: your whole life is a rehearsal for the moment you are in now. – Judith Malina
The Food and The Rehearsal Dinner
• Country Boy Brewing: Fun only-in-Georgetown facility with chews by The Kitchen, brews by the Country Boys and views courtesy of the Kentucky countryside.
• Local Feed: Atmospheric setting in a historic 1890s icehouse serving farm to table and bourbon and craft cocktails.
• More than Cake: Showstopper wedding cakes and catering menu.
• Rodney’s on Broadway: This early 1800s home crafts hand-cut prime beef steaks and fresh-caught seafood and other dishes that Southern Living magazine has swooned over.
• Wilshire’s: Serving traditional Kentucky fare from a historic 11-room colonial-style manse.
Every canvas is a journey all its own. – Helen Frankenthaler
Live Painting/Commissioned Painting of Photo
• DesignsofaDaughter: The custom art and live wedding artistry of Kaylie Polk. Visit Etsy and Instagram to see Kaylie’s work.
The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. – Barbara de Angelis
Room Blocks & Unique Lodging
• Georgetown Lodging: A selection of brand name hotels and exceptional lodging – including horse farms, bed and breakfast inns, a former distillery’s main office and gatehouse turned private retreat, an airy house with yoga studio and art gallery and so many other distinctive options.
Looking for a photographer and/or videographer? Georgetown has plenty of options to fit your specific taste and style.
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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Come on out for Georgetown’s Memorial Day Weekend festivities
As the world reopens, Georgetown is planning several in-person events (yes, you read that right: in-person*) for this year’s Memorial Day Weekend.
Movie in the Park
Date: May 28, 2021 | To begin at dusk
Place: Brooking Park
It’s game on! The movie is Racing Stripes and the place is provided: Come to Brooking Park on Friday evening, May 28, to take part in one of Georgetown’s most beloved traditions: Movies in the Park.
Put on your comfy clothes, pack a lawn chair and snacks and join fellow movie lovers for a big screen fave. The fun begins at 7 p.m.; the movie begins at dark-o-clock.
Information: www.gscparks.com.
Horsey Hundred
Date: May 28-30
Place: Brooking Park
Different location; same great event: 2021’s Horsey Hundred pulls up stakes at Georgetown College for the first time since 1983 (due to COVID – what else?) and relocates to Brooking Park.
“This location gives us plenty of space to operate outdoors with good social distancing,” said Randy Thomas, who handles the marketing and PR for the event. “It also allows us to keep our same routes – with some minor tweaks, of course.”
Participants can expect to enjoy the same amazing experience that riding through central Kentucky provides.
“With our iconic horse farms, historic stone fences, charming communities, beautiful creeks, streams and rivers, rolling bluegrass hills and friendly and welcoming Georgetown, this is definitely a ride not to miss,” said Randy. “And we have the best volunteers anywhere.”
The goal of Horsey Hundred organizers and volunteers is to provide riders with the best possible experience on and off the bike. Off the bike fun includes traveling the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visiting Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, touring the Kentucky Horse Park, kayaking/canoeing Elkhorn Creek, hiking Red River Gorge, sampling outstanding beer from local craft breweries like Georgetown’s own Country Boy Brewing and dining at a delicious variety of independently owned restaurants.
Still, the change of venue necessitated a couple alterations. Although Horsey Hundred organizers cannot provide participants with the typical post-ride meal catered by Georgetown College, they’ve arranged to have a variety of food trucks onsite for participants and will provide info on local restaurant choices.
Additionally, for the first time in the event’s history, registration will be capped at 1,500 participants plus 200 “Sunday Only” registrants.
“The cap was determined based on our anticipated ability to provide the safest possible event for both participants and volunteers following expected COVID-19 mandates and/or recommendations,” said Randy, who expects the event to sell out.
Information: www.horseyhundred.com.
Honeychild Concert
Date: May 29 | 7-10 p.m.
Place: Brooking Park
High-energy Honeychild kicks off Georgetown’s 2021 Concert Series as the city celebrates 11 years of free community concerts.
Known for a wide-ranging musical repertoire that includes everything from laidback soul to upbeat dance music, the Lexington-based ensemble band brings exactly what the community needs right now: lots of soul, excitement and fun.
Pack a lawn chair for resting between dance numbers and an appetite for sampling local yummies from multiple food trucks. Adult-beverage and dessert vendors will be onsite to sweeten the evening.
Georgetown’s Concert Series is offered free to the public thanks to a lineup of generous local sponsors.
Information: www.georgetownky.com/georgetown-concert-series.
*And now for the fine print: All Georgetown events follow COVID-19 recommendations (in effect at the time of the event), including social distancing, facemask wearing and sanitizing. NOTE: For Horsey Hundred, specific requirements for both volunteers and participants will be shared in advance of the event via the Horsey Hundred website and Facebook page and event emails to registered participants.
DID YOU KNOW . . . Memorial Day was known first as Decoration Day and originated following the Civil War as a nationwide day of remembrance “for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” It became an official federal holiday 50 years ago, in 1971.
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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