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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Generate your own Hallmark* moments in Georgetown
Written by Kathy Witt
The setting: A picturesque, historically preserved small town in Kentucky
The cast: Visiting couples; local shopkeepers, restauranteurs, chefs, artists and inkeepers; extras
The plot: Couples seeking romance and adventure discover it in Georgetown, KY.
There is a fun Hallmark movie generator online where one can plug in options to create that perfect Hallmark movie.
A (sassy) (executive) is unhappy because (her cold businessman boyfriend doesn't share her love of Valentine's Day). Everything changes when she meets a (nerdy) (friend she hasn't seen since childhood,) while they're (both fighting over the same item at the bookstore). Through crazy circumstances and with a little help from (a mysterious stranger), she soon discovers (love/happiness/the magic of a small-town holiday).
Although this generator is specific to Christmas movies, it can be used to generate some perfect Hallmark moments in Georgetown for Valentine’s Day or any romantic outing:
A (romance-seeking) (couple) is unhappy because (they took a wrong turn). Everything changes when they find themselves in a (gorgeous Victorian downtown lined with shops, restaurants and art galleries) while (driving down Main Street). Through crazy circumstances and with a little help from (mysterious strangers - Think shop owners, chefs and innkeepers), they soon discover (love/happiness/the magic of a small-town Valentine's Day).
Plug in your choices and generate and create your own picture-perfect Hallmark moment and get swept off your feet in one of Kentucky’s prettiest small towns.
1. Enter the dreamy Fabled Forest, a cozy book nook and gift shop, and pick up a Magnetic Poetry Kit to express your love for each other.
2. Create together at a hands-on art class at one of Georgetown's shop/studios: a piece of pottery at Elkhorn Pottery, stained glass artwork at Heirlooms & Gretchen's or other craft.
3. Attend a gourmet cooking class with Chef Rodney of Rodney's on Broadway at Bleubird Studio, then share the delectable three-course meal in the studio's lovely and airy demonstration kitchen.
4. Enter a world of designer diamonds and jewelry at Cravens & Lewis to drool over the possibilities, then hide away at one of Georgetown's more than five dozen unique lodgings for the weekend.
5. Stare into one another's eyes over a French 75, Boulevardier or other fancy craft cocktail at Local Feed Seasonal Kitchen + Craft Bar or warm your hands (and hearts) with an Irish coffee laced with Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey at authentic Irish pub, Slainte Public House.
6. Amble arm-in-arm through historic, lamppost-lined Downtown, then pop into The Wine Project, Georgetown's craft wine shop, and curate your own tasting flight from the shop's self-serve WineStations.
7. Wander Georgetown's art galleries art galleries then choose a piece of artwork created by a local artist that catches each of your eye. 
8. Linger over dinner at a linen-draped table for two at Rodeny's on Broadway, either on the paved courtyard or inside one of the gallery-like dining rooms and savor prime beef steaks and an intimate ambience.
*Hallmark channel is an American cable telvision network owned by Hallmark Media, a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards. The channel broadcasts family-oriented general entertainment programming, including television series and made-for-TV movies, among them the highly successful Countdown to Crhistmas, a beloved holiday tradition for millions of viewers. For more information, visit www.hallmarkchannel.com.
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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Father's Day Gift Guide in Georgetown
Written by Dylan Marson
It’s almost Father’s Day and you might be wondering what the heck you’re going to do this year. If you’re anything like me, you’ve gifted your dad everything from socks to smokers, and finding the perfect Father’s Day gift has only gotten harder every year. Luckily for you, Georgetown makes your celebrations a breeze with this simple guide to the ultimate Father’s Day gifts & experiences.
Downtown Thrifts & Gifts
If there is one thing Georgetown isn’t running short on, it's fantastic places to shop for any occasion. Swing by the historic streets of downtown Gtown and you’ll be greeted by store fronts jam-packed with quality gifts, antiques and artistry! From personalized Gtown gear to gag gifts, All That And More (Now a licensed dealer of Buffalo Trace Distillery products) has...well, all that and more. Find that bottle of bourbon he’s always been wanting at Maime’s Fine Wine and Gifts or treat him to a blast from the past with the perfect piece from the award winning Georgetown Antique Mall. Just a short walk from there, you’ll find one of the only authentic stained glass shops in Kentucky, Heirloom’s and Gretchens, where unique KY artistry is sure to catch the eye as much as it catches the sun.
Visit www.georgetownky.com/shopping for a complete guide of Georgetown’s downtown
Bourbon 30:
There are so many unique gifts to find in our local shops downtown, but sometimes the best celebrations are all about the experiences you have along the way. One visit to Bourbon 30 will have you walking out the door with the perfect bourbon gift and a pack full of memories to boot.
Bourbon distiller Jeff Mattingly appreciates being mere steps from where bourbon whiskey was (allegedly) first made way back in 1789 – that is, on the banks of Royal Spring, located right across the street from Bourbon 30 in what is now known as Royal Spring Park. A visit to Bourbon 30 is as unique as an individual’s palate. The distillery offers an experience not found at other such venues and visitors don’t have to be a part of a group or a retailer to do a barrel pick or blend. Mattingly’s vision was to give Bourbon 30 guests the opportunity to spend time with the crafter in blending their own custom bottle, to try uncut, unfiltered bourbons and whiskey straight from the barrel.
Visit www.itsbourbon30.com to get started, or just walk right through their doors!
Whispering Woods Riding Stable:
Every little boy has dreamt of being a cowboy at least once, and that pure cowboy spirit doesn’t go away with age! For even the most inexperienced riders, Whispering Woods Riding Stable has a horseback experience you’ll never forget.
Experience the beauty of the Bluegrass in the most natural way possible...On Horseback! This Riding experience boasting 250 acres of untouched riding trails is the perfect place for even beginner riders to live out their Wild West fantasies. Rent one of their 24 steeds or bring your own. Offering both 45 minute and 90 minute trail rides, schedules subject to weather.
Visit http://whisperingwoodstrails.com to make your reservations today.
Country Boy Brewing:
For the biggest beer lovers in your family, there’s no place like Country Boy Brewing to make a great night out. Not only is it one of Scott County’s favorite watering holes, it also boasts some top-notch grub at it’s Georgetown taproom. This makes it the perfect place to celebrate while you feed the whole family! Treat Dad to some award-winning local brews, and he can walk away with a growler of his favorite beer of the night.
Country Boy Brewing was founded by four country boys with a big dream: Daniel “DH” Harrison, Nathan Coppage, Jeff Beagle and Evan Coppage. The brewery and the boys have a solid reputation for crafting authentic, fresh-flavored beer – and not just in hometown Georgetown, but across the state of Kentucky and well beyond its borders.
Visit www.countryboybrewing.com for more information
Explore our complete Gtown dining guide at www.georgetownky.com/dining
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10 Best Bets in Georgetown
Spring has sprung, WINter has ended, the foals are frolicking, bees are buzzing, horse racing will begin soon and we want you to PLACE your 10 Best Bets in Georgetown. Just take our advice and we will SHOW you the absolute best way to experience Georgetown, Kentucky!
1. Old Friends
Old Friends is the perfect place to meet a few new friends and should we mention, many are quite famous? Silver Charm, fan favorite, is a Kentucky Derby-Preakness winner; Popcorn Deelites has Hollywood status for his role as Seabiscuit; Game on Dude is a 2021 Hall of Famer finalist; And Little Silver Charm is Georgetown’s beloved spokeshorse.
Trolly rides, two museums all about the horse, the ultimate horse Hall of Champions, trail rides, and those gorgeous rolling pastures… Need we say more?
3. Farm Tours
Who doesn’t love a little fun on the farm? We sure do here in Gtown and there is no shortage of locations to visit. Looking for a few fan favs? Bi-water Farm & Greenhouse, Elmwood Stock Farm, Evans Orchard & Cider Mill, Gray Arbor Farm, and Lavender in Bloom are all on the list.
Georgetown is the Birthplace of Bourbon. In fact, it is said that water from Royal Spring, located across the street from Bourbon 30 Spirits, was used in the first batch of Bourbon made by Rev. Elijah Craig himself. Bourbon 30 offers a one-of-a-kind bourbon experience where you are able to make your own blended bourbon and name it too! Super cool, right?
5. Ward Hall
Ward Hall is grandest 12,000 square foot villa in ALL of Kentucky. There was no expense spared to complete this home which was paid for entirely in gold, circa 1857. This beauty is furnished with period pieces, paintings, original Ward Family silver, and grand stories of Georgetown’s past.
You will take a step back in time as you walk the streets of our Victorian-era downtown with its' dozens of colorful, locally-owned storefronts filled with unique boutique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and antiques. Downtown Georgetown is also home to Georgetown College. GO TIGERS!
7. Local Dining
Georgetown’s foodscape is full of local flair and flavor. Kentucky staples? We’ve got it. Southern Delta delicacies? Got it. Farm Fresh? Got it. Mom and Pop diners? Got it. One-of-a-kind Vegan specials? Got it. Whatever you are craving, Georgetown has a place to satisfy your tastebuds.
8. Whispering Woods Riding Stables
When in Georgetown, do as the Georgetonians, which means saddle up and experience Kentucky at its truest and purest state… on horseback. Whispering Woods Riding Stables has over 250 acres of trails filled with heavily wooded hills, creeks, lots of beautiful hardwood trees, and wildlife.
9. Yuko-en on the Elkhorn, the Official Kentucky-Japan Friendship Garden
A place of peace and serenity in the midst of Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. You’ll find walking paths, water falls, Japanese architecture blended with Bluegrass landscaping, and the perfect place to find zen and, maybe, do a little yoga too.
10. Scenic Driving Tours
Country Roads take you to…Georgetown, of course! So, make sure to travel through our countryside to see horses frolicking in pastures, miles of stone fences, colorful barn quilts and the true beauty that makes up the Bluegrass State.
Bonus Bet:
(Toyota's Visitor Center Is currently CLOSED to visitors due to COVID-19)
All aboard at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky to explore the process of making Toyota & Lexus vehicles from start to finish. Learn the Japanese way of Kazien, or continuous improvement, during their virtual tour experience.
**As you plan your visit, please check with each location as the Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Industry are still navigating through COVID-19.
Author: Bailey Gilkerson
Bailey Gilkerson is the Marketing Director at Georgetown/Scott County Tourism, where she develops marketing campaigns attracting visitors to the Georgetown/Scott County area. In addition to content creation, Bailey host industry professional and media, organizes and executes events, and plans area travel itineraries for visitors and groups.
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Whether coming or going, snowbirds will want to roost in Georgetown
Written by Kathy Witt
There’s a charming halfway point for snowbirds traveling north and south along the I-75 corridor for winter escapes and spring returns home.
The Birthplace of Bourbon and Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters, it is a place with more than 40 lodging choices – everything from brand name hotels to historic homes and horse farm stays to campgrounds; over two dozen locally-owned restaurants, 14 of which are located downtown; and a fun mix of shops, boutiques, galleries and antique malls tucked into historic buildings in a downtown famous for its well-preserved Victorian storefronts and walkable streetscapes.
Famous for its Southern charm and Kentucky-style hospitality, Georgetown is right off I-75 exits 126 and 127, only 20 miles north of and a world removed from the hustle-bustle of Lexington. It’s a small town with a big (and ready) smile for neighbors and newbies alike, for those putting down stakes and those just passing through. Georgetown is an appealing nest for snowbirds transitioning from the north to the south, and vice versa.
When heading south for the winter, snowbirds can rest assured there are comfortable and pleasant lodgings, excellent bakeries, coffeeshops and restaurants and plenty of cold-weather fun to be had for that needed break along the way. When warmer weather calls snowbirds home, Georgetown is there with springtime adventures outdoors, not to mention specialty ice cream, cold craft beer and seriously cool activities.
Georgetown venues have implemented all health, cleaning and safety protocols as mandated by state and federal guidelines. Georgetown restaurants offer in-person and enclosed outdoor dining as well as curbside pickup and local delivery; many shops also provide curbside pickup, local delivery and shipping. They also make shopping by appointment available and limit the number of shoppers in the store at any given time.
WINTER ACTIVITY GUIDE
• Downtown shops and restaurants – Download the guide to good taste and great tastes here.
• Bourbon 30 – Taste bourbon from the barrel or bottle – or bottle your own cask-strength bourbon with help from bourbon maestro and Master Crafter Jeff Mattingly.
• Georgetown originals: Two Horse Headquarters art galleries specialize in equestrian art: Hockensmith Fine Art Editions and Gallery & Press and the Robert Clark Artist Gallery.
• Only in Georgetown: Meet Pete the Talking Crow at the Georgetown and Scott County Museum and learn about the bird that once started horses races – not that anyone asked him to!
SPRING ACTIVITY GUIDE
• Golf on one of several beautiful 18-hole golf courses, including semi-private and championship courses.
• Keeneland – Spring meets begin in April at one of the world’s most famous thoroughbred racecourses.
• Kentucky Horse Park – Kentucky’s homage to man’s relationship with the horse happens at this world-class working horse farm, educational theme park and equine competition facility.
• Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm – Feed carrots and pet champions of the turf, including Kentucky Derby winners and a Hollywood star, all living the good life in retirement.
• Yuko-en on the Elkhorn, the Kentucky-Japan Friendship Garden – a spa for the senses, spirit and soul.
Snowbirds can learn more about Georgetown and all its lodging, restaurant, retail and attractions offerings by reading the G-town Unwound blog here: www.georgetownky.com/g-town-unwound. For trip planning resources, visit www.georgetownky.com. To see an updated list of restaurant and shop hours as well as dining/shopping options, click here and 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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