Mark National Coloring Book Day & Others With A Local Celebration
Written by Kathy Witt
Did you know there is a national day earmarked solely to Sneak Some Zucchini into Your Neighbor’s Porch? (Should you need to rid yourself of excess produce, it’s coming up on August 8.)
There’s a national day designated for honoring your unmentionables: National Underwear Day, August 5, salutes tighty-whities and mothers who warned us to always wear clean underwear.
There’s even a World Rock Paper Scissors Day. August 27 is set aside to not only revel in the joys of this iconic hand game, but to use it to settle a dispute. But, like so many national days, it’s all in the name of fun.
Here are four of our favorite national day celebrations in August—and ways to celebrate them in Georgetown.
· August 2—National Coloring Book Day: Everyone’s favorite childhood hobby—coloring—gets its due with a celebration for kids and adults alike. And more and more adults are relaxing and de-stressing over a good coloring book. Dover Publications, founded in 1941, released its first coloring book for adults, Antique Automobiles Coloring Book, in 1970. Forty-five years later, in 2015, they created National Coloring Book Day.
Ways to mark the day? Gift yourself a coloring book. Give a coloring book to a friend. If you have houseguests coming, leave a coloring book or two in the guestroom for downtime. em+me boutique, a local business known for its love of Georgetown and everything Kentucky, has a coloring book featuring some of the most historic and iconic buildings in downtown Georgetown, including the em+me building, Fava’s and Miss Behaven’s, among many others. With hand-drawn images, the Color My Town coloring book is $18. See (and buy) it here.
· August 4—International Beer Day: The first Friday in August is the time to raise a toast to ales, lagers and pilsners that put the international in International Beer Day. It is a day for beer lovers everywhere, to celebrate in backyards, taverns, pubs and breweries all over. In Georgetown, that means visits to Country Boy Brewing and Chinkapin Brewing are in order. At the former, it’s the perfect day to sample flagship brews Cougar Bait, Shotgun Wedding, Cliff Jumper and Halfway Home. At the latter, it’s a chance to help celebrate the release of this new brewery’s very first beer.
There are more ways to celebrate International Beer Day than you can shake some suds at:
o Enjoy a glass with friends—both Georgetown breweries have a taproom and convivial gathering spaces.
o Try a new beer. Even better, try a new beer paired with pub grub from each brewery’s onsite eatery.
o Do a tour and tasting and get a behind-the-scenes look at how that cold one goes from grain to your glass.
o Order up a flight—the bartender will help you make selections.
· August 5—National Sunflower Day: Symbol of adoration, loyalty and longevity, sunflowers are the color of happiness and this national day, annually marked on the first Saturday of August, encourages everyone to tap into their inner sunshine and, like a field of golden sunflowers, spread it around.
Georgetown makes it easy to fete this flower that has historically been around since about 1000 BC. August 5 is also the Sunflower Festival at Evans Orchard and Cider Mill—and what they have planned will make you very happy.
Special festivities begin at 4 p.m. with an evening opportunity for photos plus more than 60 vendors, live music and more. There is no gate fee to enjoy festivities, Evans’ store or café and music. Admission for sunflower field access is $10. Evans expects to have blooms for about two weeks, but Mother Nature will have the last word on that.
· August 17—National Thrift Day: Thrifting isn’t just to help the bottom line; it helps others in the community, and it helps the environment. It is recycling at its best—with every item purchased from a thrift shop one more that will benefit someone else and one less item that will go into a landfill.
In Georgetown, making a day of shopping for children and adult clothing at the Amen House Closet Thrift Store is great way to observe the day. If you have items you no longer use, consider donating them. Another option: Find out how you can volunteer. Nobody seems to know how National Thrift Day came into being, but what seems to be a universal truth among thrifters is that Monday and Tuesday are generally the best days to shop because lots of donations are made on weekends.
By the way, August 17 is also National Nonprofit Day, a day to recognize nonprofits’ primary altruistic goals (awareness, research and aid) as well as to acknowledge the added positive impacts they have on communities and the world. And with its mission to end hunger in Scott County, Amen House certainly has a positive impact on Georgetown, Scott County and beyond.
Author: Kathy 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.
BACK TO ALL BLOGS | BACK TO TRAVEL TIPS BLOGS
Mother's Day To-Do's In Georgetown, KY
Written by Michelle Wilson
Who run the world? Moms! - and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to shower them with the appreciation they deserve. Whether you are looking for a unique gift, an action-packed adventure, celebratory sweet treat, or a memorable experience together, Georgetown, KY is your one-stop-small-town for making Mother’s Day unforgettable!
The Wine Project
Sip and savor a special moment with your mom at The Wine Project, Georgetown’s craft wine shop and lounge. Pop open a bottle from their extensive selection of locally sourced and small-farm wines or create your own flight from the rotating selection of eight unique options in the self-serve WineStation. Pair your pour with takeout from one of Georgetown’s many local restaurants or bring a charcuterie board to enjoy while sipping and reminiscing.
Whispering Woods Riding Stables
Looking to create new memories with your tween & teen buckaroos? Saddle up and experience a Mother’s Day adventure at Whispering Woods Riding Stables! Enjoy the scenic backwoods of Scott County while riding horseback through heavily wooded trails and beside babbling creeks. With the guidance of experienced instructors, you and your child will learn how to ride and communicate with your gentle giants. Be on the lookout for wildlife roaming about. I spied three deer relaxing by the water on my ride. Pack a picnic for lunch and refuel under the shaded pavilion. There is a petting zoo on premises, so bring along a few extra carrots to share with the goats, pigs, and donkeys, oh my!
Mother’s Day Shopping in Georgetown, KY
Shop small for BIG smiles this Mother’s Day! You’ll be sure to find the perfect gift at one of Georgetown’s stylish boutiques and local gift stores. Shop the latest trends in dresses, tops, jewelry, and accessories for your fashionista mama at em+me boutique. Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for your one-on-a-kind mom? Miss Behaven offers an exclusive selection of custom designed, upcycled denim jackets created by KY artist, Yolantha Harrison-Pace. Add to cart fan favorites like Swig Life drinkware and KY Proud bath and body products. Take a short stroll down Court Street to The Hidden Trove where you’ll find an assortment of cute and quirky moms day décor, specialty teas paired with local honey, and handmade pieces by Backwoods Jewelry.
Gray Arbor Farm
Brighten your mom’s day with a gift that never goes out of style, a timeless bouquet of fresh flowers from Gray Arbor Farm. A family-run, seasonal cut flower farm, Gray Arbor Farm is committed to offering homegrown and locally sourced floral products. Shop their beautiful floral bouquets and kokedamas at the Scott County Farmers Market on Saturday, May 13th, just in time for Mother’s Day! Pair your petals with local jams, small bath soaps, herbal seasoning blends, and delicious baked items for a “Best-of-the-Bluegrass” themed gift basket.
Desserts by Rebecca
Finding the perfect sweet treat for your mom is a piece of cake in Georgetown! From delectable cupcakes, yummy banana pudding, colorful macarons, scrumptious cookies, and heavenly brownies, a made-from-scratch confection from Desserts by Rebecca is sure to satisfy every mom’s sweet tooth! Shop in-store and create a personalized box of goodies with all your mom’s favorites or pre-order a variety tray of assorted treats. Be sure to reserve a “mom” themed celebratory cookie bouquet, it doubles as dessert and as a creative brunch centerpiece.
Rodney’s on Broadway
A Mother’s Day celebration would not be complete without treating your mom to a fabulous culinary experience at Rodney’s on Broadway, where fine dining meets southern charm. Chef Rodney Jones expertly prepares main entrees like prime beef, seafood, duck, and lamb, as well as elevated classics like macaroni & cheese and grits du jour. The Woodford Reserve Shrimp and Diver Scallops paired with corn pudding is my personal favorite! Reserve your table for Mother’s Day weekend inside the beautiful, historic home or under the stars on their newly renovated patio. Order the Show Stopper Sangria, raise your glass, and toast to your most amazing mom!
Author: Michelle Wilson
Michelle Wilson is the creator of She’s So Single, a brand encouraging women to live their best life with or without a +1. Employing an “I’ll go first” approach, Michelle shares her strategy for solo living and offers tips for attending local events, checking off bucket-list adventures, and dining at restaurants as a confident party-of-one.
BACK TO ALL BLOGS | BACK TO TRAVEL TIPS BLOGS
Fairfield Inn And Suites Remodels And Repurposes With Purpose
Written by Kathy Witt
Ever wonder what happens to all the old décor when a hotel renovates and remodels and brings in new? The pictures on the walls, the furniture in the rooms? the sheets on the beds?
In the case of one hotel—Georgetown’s Fairfield Inn and Suites—all these items and more have been repurposed as donations in support of area organizations.
“We have donated artwork to the Scott County Humane Society for fundraising through silent auctions,” said General Manager Anthony Pompa. “We have donated pillows and blankets to both the AMEN House here in Georgetown as well as the Boys and Girls Haven in Louisville where one of our regular guests is a trustee.
“We also donated artwork to the AMEN House to sell at their thrift store in downtown Georgetown so the funds can go into feeding the community.”
Fairfield Inn and Suites began remodeling on November 7, 2022. The expected completion date for all aspects of the redesign is April 1. In the meantime, the hotel plans to continue finding ways to repurpose items the property can no longer use, such as the linens from the double beds which are being phased out.
“Additional furniture or art pieces that we can’t utilize in our other hotel properties will also be offered for donation to local charities,” said Anthony.
For Fairfield Inn and Suites, the inspiration for and commitment to serving its community lies in Marriott International’s Serve 360 initiative, which is guided by the company’s 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“As a hotel that represents Marriott, we are committed to the Serve 360 initiative, which sets outs to do good in every direction,” says Anthony. “‘Serve Our World’ is one of our core values and guides how we do business.
“Through volunteerism, fundraising, cash and in-kind donations, we are impassioned to do good in our communities and make a meaningful impact.”
Globally, goals Marriott plans to achieve include reducing its environmental footprint; contributing 15 million hours of volunteer service to support company priorities and community engagement strategy; and investing at least $35 million to increase and deepen programs and partnerships that develop hospitality skills and opportunity among youth, diverse populations, women, people with disabilities, veterans and refugees.
As for the new look of this particular Marriott property?
Author: Kathy 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.
BACK TO ALL BLOGS | BACK TO TRAVEL TIPS BLOGS
5 Unique & Unforgettable Stays In Georgetown, KY
Written by Dylan Marson
AirBnB’s have taken the world by storm, offering a whole new world of lodgings that can be tailored to every traveler’s needs. Some are a breath of fresh air, some are like a home away from home and some make it their mission to leave out of town visitors with an impression they won’t soon forget! These are Georgetown/Scott County’s most unique lodgings that can help take your travel experience to the next level.
Buffalo Springs Distilling Co.
The Bourbon Trail has introduced millions of travelers to the charred-oak inner workings of Kentucky’s bourbon culture by highlighting some of the best bourbon experiences you can find in the Bluegrass. But for true bourbon aficionados, sometimes the usual tours and tastings just aren’t enough. They need to completely immerse themselves in their travels, and Buffalo Springs Distilling Co. gives them a chance to sip, savor and sleep in the remains of a historic bourbon distillery!
This whiskey operation got its start in 1861 but ended up closing in the next century. Visitors who decide to spend the night here will actually find themselves getting comfortable in the main office of the distillery, which was one of the last remaining structures of the site. The accommodations themselves are playfully bourbon themed, with many accents of buffalos throughout; breathing life into the historic brand of whiskey which was bottled on those very grounds so many years ago. Innkeeper Kayla Jones even seeks to one day revive the long-lost Buffalo Springs Kentucky Straight Bourbon in small batches.
Bleubird Studio
Yoga studio, art gallery, AirBnB & event space, Bleubird Studio truly provides a full service of wellness, sophistication and artistry just steps away from Historic Downtown Georgetown. Many see vacations as a time to relax, and if you’re not careful, maybe even slip out of your usual healthy habits. That doesn’t have to be the case. At this unique stay, relaxation can be found in expanding your horizons. Whether you are taking a yoga class, perusing regional artistry or attending one of their many workshops and classes, self-improvement can be found within your reach at this beautiful stay.
Positioned perfectly for a small-town escape to Historic Downtown Georgetown, the house itself provides all the amenities a family will need for days of Bluegrass adventures. Complete with its welcoming aesthetics and calming decor, this stay is a commodity that relaxation seekers will want to take FULL advantage of.
Queens Lake
Kentucky horse country carries with it a certain expectation. Scenic country paired with iconic picturesque fencing and of course, we can’t leave our favorite four-hoofed friends. Elegance comes to mind, with a long drive leading to a homestead seated amongst the bluegrass. Queenslake B&B strives to capture every essence of this expectation. From its white columned manse to its resort-like views, elegance is definitely the key word here.
Located on a working sport horse farm, this stay boasts its uniqueness in its ability to recreate the home that every horse-lover hopes to live in. Catering to traveling equestrians, horse boarding is available amongst their 140 acres of rolling pasture, Indoor & outdoor arenas, covered round pen and miles of riding trails. The cherry on top is the starkly contrasting Greek Revival Federal-style home. Overlooking a fishing lake and furnished for extra charm, the full experience of horse country will be at your fingertips.
Historic Hotel Stay
Craft beer lovers need look no further than this historic stay that is always sure to be stocked with award winning local brews. A former hotel turned AirBnB, Georgetown Historic Hotel Stay is owned by Michiko and Daniel “DH” Harrison, one of the founders of Georgetown’s own Country Boy Brewing. What truly sets this stay apart, however, is its location. It’s hard to find anywhere closer to the very heart of Historic Downtown Georgetown. Steps from City Hall and surrounded by local businesses, the small-town experience is a guarantee with countless shopping and dining possibilities.
Elkhorn Creek Retreat
The Elkhorn Creek stretches roughly 18 miles across Central Kentucky, carving a pathway through Georgetown that's perfect for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and all manner of aquatic adventures! Elkhorn Creek Retreat certainly lives up to its name being located just beside this iconic waterway and providing a country retreat that perfectly encapsulates the natural beauty of Kentucky while remaining a short drive away from all of our major attractions. For those looking to get a little sun, this stay is the place for you, featuring both a screened in patio and an outdoor deck looking over the creek. Just don't forget to take to the waters yourself with Kayaking the Midway for all your Kayak rental needs!
Author: Dylan Marson
Dylan Marson is a Public Relations Assistant for Georgetown/Scott County Tourism.
BACK TO ALL BLOGS | BACK TO TRAVEL TIPS BLOGS
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.
BACK TO ALL BLOGS | BACK TO TRAVEL TIPS BLOGS