Bourbon County

Bourbon County combines its long-standing horse-breeding tradition with historic buildings, regional arts and crafts, and landscape experiences along Stoner Creek. More than 50 horse farms shape the character of the county. Travelers planning a trip that combines culture, nature, and special insights into the region will find a variety of ways to spend their vacation days together here. As a starting point for exploration, Paris is a good choice, with its architecture, shops, and cultural attractions.

Horse Farms, Gardens, and Roads through the Countryside

Horse breeding is part of Bourbon County’s history, as is its connection to bourbon whiskey. Guided tours are offered at Claiborne Farm seven days a week. They include visits to the stallion barns and the cemetery where racehorses such as Secretariat are buried. Runnymede Farm is mentioned as a destination for a horse farm tour, while Moss Landing is mentioned as a destination for trail rides or horseback riding. These offerings and destinations appeal to travelers who want to experience the county’s rural character from different perspectives.

For walks, Bourbon County Park offers a paved loop trail and a playground. If you are traveling with children, a visit there can be combined with a relaxing part of the day. In North Middletown, US Highway 21 is recommended for a bike ride through the countryside. Alongside the horse farms, this provides opportunities for quieter forms of exploring the landscape, without limiting the trip to a single vacation theme.

Stoner Creek and Outings on the Water

Garrard Park provides shoreline access to Stoner Creek. The creek offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking in Bourbon County. This allows you to alternate between visits focused on cultural history, walks, and active hours on the water when planning your trip. The paved loop trail at Bourbon County Park and the water activities on Stoner Creek offer different focal points: here, walking takes center stage; there, paddling does.

Architecture and History in and around Paris

The Hopewell Museum is located in the former post office in Paris, an outstanding example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Today, it is an art and history museum with a learning center for children and changing exhibitions. This makes it an interesting destination for travelers seeking a cultural activity that combines art, local history, and offerings for younger visitors.

The Bourbon County Courthouse and its dome murals offer further insights into the area’s history. They depict the four seasons and Bourbon County’s agricultural products in 1905. St. Paul’s Methodist Church is the oldest African American church in Bourbon County. Annunciation Church is considered the county’s best example of a Gothic Revival church. The Nannine Clay Wallis Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the property includes an elaborately landscaped garden that Nannine Clay Wallis developed on four and a half acres.

Downtown, Crafts, and Regional Products

A self-guided Downtown Architectural Walking Tour leads to architectural highlights in the city center. Boutiques, antique shops, souvenir stores, housewares and home décor shops, and art galleries featuring works by local artisans are all within walking distance of one another. The Made in Paris® network connects small businesses and arts and crafts establishments based in Downtown Paris in the fields of art, crafts, food, and beverages.

The Paris-Bourbon County Farmers’ Market is also part of the region’s appeal. The outdoor market takes place from March through December, while the indoor market is open year-round from Monday through Saturday. Hartfield & Co. provides a specific detail about the local food and drink culture: The distillery sources its grain from within a 50-mile radius of the distillery. Travelers who value regional products and craft-oriented offerings when planning their trip can take these details into account when making their selections.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home in Bourbon County, it is worth deciding on your preferred daily rhythm first. Culture enthusiasts can make Paris, the Hopewell Museum, the architectural tour, and the historic buildings the focus of their trip. For active days, options include the loop trail at Bourbon County Park, the bike ride through the countryside, or canoeing and kayaking on Stoner Creek. Travelers with a particular interest in horse breeding and rural history can consider the farm tours and other horse-related destinations mentioned above.

When traveling from Lexington to Paris, the most direct route follows the scenic Paris Pike, designated as US 68 East and US 27 North. More destinations: Bell County, Estill County, Lyon County, Laurel, Livingston, Carter County, Ohio County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kentucky.