| Versailles is one of Kentucky's oldest towns and is known for
it's prominent early settlers, from whom many current residents have descended.
Antique shops, fine restaurants and historic homes contribute to the charm of this
unique community.
Be sure
to visit the The
Woodford Reserve Distillery. The Brown-Forman Corporation has
restored it to its original condition and is producing bourbon using the original Scottish
"pot still" method. The 78-acres which make up the distillery are nestled
amid some of Kentucky's most famous horse farms.
Irish Acres Gallery
of Antiques is one of the areas most popular tourists attractions. It
displays 32,000 square feet of American and European furniture, glassware, china, crystal,
silver, linens, dolls, jewelry, decorative accessories and International giftware.
The scenic drive through rural Woodford County takes you to Nonesuch, Kentucky where a
former school building has been converted into an antique collector's dream.
The Glitz, a four star restaurant serving lunch in the lower level,
completes the experience for visitors.
Nostalgia Station Toy and Train Museum
provides
exhibits of vintage toys and toy trains from as early as 1900. The exhibits are
housed in a restored 1911 L&N Railroad Passenger Station. The gift shop includes
Lionel electric trains, literature and repair information. (US-60 Bypass to Douglas
to Depot Street, 859-873-2497) |
| The Pisgah District with its rich agricultural lands,
historic homes, ancient tree stands and scenic roads is truly one of the outstanding
treasures of Woodford County and the State of Kentucky. The best way to enjoy the area's
special beauty is on a driving or biking tour. Don't miss Pisgah Pike, one of
Kentucky's
Scenic Byways. This 4.5 mile stretch of KY-1967 between US-60 and Old
Frankfort Pike features horse farms, stone fences, churches, cemeteries, historic
dwellings, canopies of trees, creeks and wildflowers. Established in 1784,
Pisgah Church
was the first Presbyterian Church west of the Allegheny
Mountains. It features the burial site of five Revolutionary
War soldiers and A.B. "Happy" Chandler. The church
is located off US-60 near the castle. (859-873-5122)
The
Bluegrass Railroad Museum
provides an 11-mile tour through an authentic passenger train and exhibits of railroad
equipment and memorabilia. Hop aboard the Bluegrass Scenic
Railroad for a trip through a scenic
gorge, a Kentucky River overlook and past the rolling hills of the
bluegrass. Highlights include weekend special events such as
Hobo Days, Reno Brothers Train Robbery, Halloween
Ghost Trains and The Santa Claus Special. (Woodford
County Park, Versailles, 1-800-755-2476)
The
Woodford
County Historical Society Museum was founded in November of
1966 by
William Foley and other concerned citizens of Woodford County. It met for a
few years in various locations until September of 1969 when it bought the 1819 Big Spring
Church / Meeting House as a permanent home for the society. After many years of
restoration, the old church building was restored to its original Tidewater Style,
inside and out. At this time, the museum started collecting artifacts as well as
compiling historical data. The purpose of the Society is to bring together
persons interested in the history of Woodford County and its communities. The main
function is to collect materials that best illustrate the history of the people that chose
this part of The Bluegrass to call home. An additional goal is to disburse
information on the county's history through the Society's Newsletter, exhibits and other
publications. Meetings are held the 4th Thursday of each month at
7:30pm ( 121 Rose Hill, Versailles 859-873-6786 )
The Captain
John "Jack" Jouett House was built in 1797 by Jouett,
a Revolutionary War hero who rode all night to save Governor Thomas Jefferson, Patrick
Henry and other Virginia Legislators from capture by the British. Captain
Jouett was known as the "Paul Revere of the South". His son was
portrait artist Matthew Jouett. The house still stands on it's original site with much of
its original charm preserved. (5 miles west on
McCowan's Ferry Road to Craig's Creek Pike, 859-873-7902)
Fill your senses with the sights and
sounds of some of Kentucky's natural wonders at the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Small ponds and fields dot this 374-acre National Audubon Facility. Nestled
among the gentle rolling hills along the Kentucky River near Millville in the Northwestern
corner of Woodford County, this area provides hiking trails, bird blind and a nature
center to thousands of visitors annually. Groups can call ahead to schedule
workshops, interpretive trail walks, slide presentations and environmental education
activities. There are picnic tables and a Gift Shop. (1305 Germany Road - 6
miles off US-60 West, 859-873-5711)
Home of Major John Crittenden whose
son John Jordon Crittenden served as Governor of Kentucky from 1848 - 1850, the
Crittenden Cabin
is located on the grounds of The
Kentucky United Methodist Homes for Children and Youths. ( Cabin
viewed by appointment only )
Another of
Kentucky's Scenic Byways is Old Frankfort Pike
(KY-1681). The 15-mile route begins northeast of Lexington and passes
through the heart of horse farm country, including the section known as
"shady lane," with a beautiful canopy of trees overhead.
Equus Run
Vineyards
is nestled on 35 acres in the heart of Central Kentucky known for
its thoroughbred estates and rolling fields of Bluegrass. Amidst
picturesque stone fences, thoroughbreds and the quaint charm of
Midway, KY, the vineyard is gently wrapped by the banks of the
Elkhorn Creek. Our boutique vineyard is within 15 minutes
of Lexington, Versailles, Frankfort and Georgetown. Acres of grape
varieties are planted in Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Riesling, Norton, Cabernet Franc, Chardonel, and Vidal Blanc.g.
W
Old Friends is a non-profit
organization providing a dignified retirement home for
Thoroughbreds. It is a unique destination for tourists looking for
an authentic up close encounter with racing’s elite. Located at
Hurstland Farm in historic Midway, Old Friends offers daily tours by
appointment. 859 846-9094.e invit
Wildside Vines Winery and
Vineyard : Quality grapes and wine.
We believe that quality wine is made
in the vineyard. We limit production to ensure that each grape has
maximum flavor. This flavor is evident in the wines we produce. uOur
berry wines are pure berries. We don't add any water - this is rare
to completely unheard of in making berry wines. Why? - It's just
too expensive! We could sell the fresh berries for more than the
wine. Why do we do it then? We want to impress our customers! We
want to be known for the best wines at reasonable prices.
The Boyd's of
Boyd Orchards, 5th
generation fruit growers hailing from Southern Illinois, bring their
many years of experience in agri-entertainment to Versailles. Come
on out and experience family fun at its finest on our neatly kept
farm. Enjoy great food and desserts at the Apple Blossom Cafe; as
well as shopping our large, unique gift shop.
back to top |
