Kentucky’s first settlement has come a long way since its frontier founding in 1774. The first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains and the coolest place in history, Harrodsburg, a Preserve America Community, has been named one of the “10 Most Beautiful Towns in Kentucky” by TheCultureTrip.com, one of the “50 Best Small Town Downtowns in America” by Best Choice Reviews, one of “5 Hidden US Travel Destinations” by BBC NEWS magazine and one of the “20 Best Small Towns to Visit” by Smithsonian Magazine.
Harrodsburg celebrates its pioneering past in its attractions, history, architecture – even shopping. With a picturesque setting amidst four National Register Historic Districts in the heart of Kentucky’s famed Bluegrass region, Harrodsburg offers plenty to see and do, including many new reasons to visit.
So pack your bag, cruise the Bluegrass Parkway through the beautiful horse country and explore where Kentucky was born.
Friday
4pm: Step into the world of the Shakers when you check in at the Inn at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill surrounded by 3,000 acres of rock walls, rolling pastures and historic spaces. A 72 guest room inn located in 13 restored Shaker buildings, are comfortably appointed with Shaker reproduction furniture, original hardwood floors, memory foam mattresses and spectacular countryside views.
Take a guided or self-guided tour of The Historic Centre to learn all about the Shakers, their daily lives, their work, their values and their worship. Gain insights into their fascinating world by strolling through the many original 19th century structures.
Head over to The Farm to learn about sustainable agricultural practices and how we ensure that the resourceful, imaginative spirit of the Shakers remains. Shop for a variety of handmade items, Shaker reproductions and many other fine Kentucky-made crafts.
Or take a fossil hike, learn about beekeeping, go trundling into the fields on a hayride or enjoy a variety of hands-on workshops.
7pm: After a day of exploring, stroll over to The Trustees’ Table – just steps from the garden gate. For dinner, dine on hearty Kentucky foods and Shaker recipes. Sample Shaker Lemon Pie, cakes, tarts or special desserts made daily in the bakery. Dining at The Trustees’ Table is a celebration of Shaker Village’s roots with seasonally-inspired dishes prepared with straight-from-the-garden ingredients.
10pm: Finish off your night at Lemons Mill Brewery & Taproom – the first tavern in the area since before the 1920s. Quench your thirst with a flight of craft brews made on site.
Saturday
9am: Start your morning checking out downtown Harrodsburg, a National Register Historic District with a streetscape reminiscent of an earlier time. Most of the preserved buildings within this area date back to the 1880s and 1890s. Sit a spell in the café at the Kentucky Fudge Company, a fun stop with an original soda fountain, and browse the early drugstore memorabilia on display. Find local and regional artisan-made crafts at shops, and bargains galore at area antique shops.
10am: While on Main Street, visit Olde Towne Park, which features a sculptured 14-by-32-foot cascading fountain. This unique creation of public art was inspired by the scenic palisades found along the Kentucky River located along the eastern border of Mercer County.
Stop in Dedman Drugstore, built in 1860, a unique property that retains all of the original cherry cabinetry. Admire the stained-glass windows and cherry paneling, which enclose the pharmacist’s station.
Step back in time at Vicki’s Mayo Country Store, a century-old general store brought back to life, with live entertainment most weekends.
12pm: Hungry? Visit the Olde Bus Station, a former Greyhound Bus Station and home of local foodie fave, the Big Daddy Burger.
1pm: After filling your belly, tour the Olde Towne Distillery, located at the Beaumont Inn – the first distillery in the U.S. to produce Hemp Moonshine, an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Sample a taste of their premium flavored moonshines and blended whiskeys made locally in Harrodsburg, KY.
3pm: Head back to the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill for a quick rest before taking a trip back in time on the historic Kentucky River aboard the sternwheeler Dixie Belle. You will marvel at the river’s high limestone cliffs and untouched natural surroundings as the excursion takes you under High Bridge, an engineering wonder built in 1807.
6pm: Make a reservation and savor a taste of history at the Beaumont Inn, built in 1845 as a prestigious girls’ school, the fourth and fifth generations of the same family operates the inn, which enjoys an international reputation for its excellent service and Southern hospitality – landing them a James Beard America’s Classic award. Three onsite restaurants – the Main Dining Room, Old Owl Tavern and Owl’s Nest Lounge – each have a different menu and vibe, and over 100 bourbons. Feast on traditional Kentucky fare like “yellow-legged” fried chicken, corn pudding and two-year-old country ham.
8pm: Attend a performance of an exciting outdoor drama under the stars about Kentucky’s first settlers, or enjoy toe-tapping music on Saturday evenings at the McAfee Jamboree featuring a genre of music and talented performers.
Sunday
10am: Grab breakfast featuring dishes made of seasonal ingredients from the garden and local farmers at The Trustees’ Table before absorbing the history of Kentucky’s oldest settlement, Old Fort Harrod State Park. Learn about fort life by exploring a live animal corral or by visiting with costumed craftspeople as they carry out the chores of the state’s early pioneers. Observe blacksmithing, broom making, weaving, woodworking, tin smithing and doll making demonstrations. Browse through the Mansion Museum, which displays an outstanding collection of Kentucky and Indian artifacts, Civil War relics, music boxes and a Lincoln collection.
If genealogy is more your thing, the Harrodsburg Historical Society is a worthwhile stop. The society’s headquarters is located in Morgan Row, believed to be the oldest row house standing west of the Alleghenies. The genealogical and research library contains rare books and documents, maps, family and subject files, census records and material dealing with the early history of the area.
For more information, contact the Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission, HarrodsburgKy.com.
