Travel Tips

Written by Kathy Witt

Tis the season to travel, both locally and farther afield to see friends and relatives and share the beauty, bounty and blessings of the season. Several Georgetown celebs share their best travel tips for hitting the hotspots in Georgetown and beyond.

 

Daniel Harrison, Co-Owner – Country Boy Brewing

When I travel I like to look for a local watering hole that feels like a community gathering space. It’s an atmosphere that makes visitors feel genuinely welcome, and it’s what we’ve created at Country Boy Brewing.

 

Jen Tackett – Georgetown Musician 

When traveling for the holidays, I am a firm believer in comfort being key. I love hoodies and love to pick them up from our local watering holes – Slainte Public House, Tipsy Cow Bar, My Old Kentucky Foam or Country Boy Brewing.  (Might as well have a drink before you head out to see family.)

What is a trip without some good music to listen to on the way? I love music, especially Kentucky musicians. We have so many amazing artists right here in Kentucky. Check out this spotify playlist by Capture Kentucky of the best unsigned Kentucky bands: SPOTIFY

 

Go For Gin – Champion Horse, Kentucky Horse Park

Go for Gin, a resident of the Hall of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park and the world’s oldest Kentucky Derby winner, has one key piece of advice: Pack your lucky shoes.

Gin depended on the right shoes to help him traverse a sloppy track and win the 1994 Kentucky Derby. These days, as a retired equine athlete, Gin enjoys going barefoot but he suggests that visitors to the Georgetown area wear their favorite pair of walking shoes as they travel through acres of bluegrass, barns and attractions.

 

Lori Saunders, Executive Director – Georgetown/Scott County Tourism

My favorite way to travel local? Wander around, talk to locals and stop by the local tourism office.

I always start out by ordering a guidebook and checking out the local social media to get me started on my planning, and encourage visitors to Georgetown to stop by our Tourism office. We’re a free resource of information that will help in customizing a visit and exploring the area.
The best experiences, however, are usually those not planned or scheduled. I always find a little hidden-away gem that makes my trip extra special and always try and tap into a local event – that adds so much to the experience.

 

Jeff, Bourbon, Master Crafter – Bourbon 30

Speaking of, travel really is all about the experience that you can only get at a certain place. Travelers to Georgetown find that at Bourbon 30, because they can come and blend their own bourbon and taste it straight from the barrel. That’s the kind of unique experience I want when I travel.

 

Ron Bryant, Preservation Foundation Board Chair – Ward Hall

I look for a place that has a captivating and compelling story, like the one we tell at Ward Hall, Kentucky’s grandest Greek Revival-style house and one of the great architectural masterpieces of America.

Here’s a hint . . . the Ward Hall story involves a Southern Belle who loved to stir up scandal, Queen Victoria of Great Britain and possible paranormal activity.

 

 

Michael Blowen, Founder – Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm

If you must travel, the Internet is your friend, but my best travel tip is this: Stay home in Georgetown!

 

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Things To Do In Georgetown This Fall

9/16/19 Written by Natalie Partin

Fall brings more than just colorful trees and cozy sweaters to town, it also invites festivals, concerts, shopping sprees, Halloween nights, horsey fun and more! Check out the events Georgetown, KY has waiting for you and your family this season.

 

AutumnFest: Sept. 7-Oct. 31, 2019

Bi-Water Farm & Greenhouse at 877 Cincinnati Rd.

Bi-Water Farm entertains seasonal fun on the farm for the entire family during their AutumnFest, now through Oct. 31. Jump full-force into fall with hayrides, a corn maze, zip lines, bounce house, slides and so much more! This year’s AutumnFest features themed nights every weekend with live music, storytelling and yummy smores around a community bonfire. Find the full list of special events and details of each night at biwaterfarm.com/autumnfestadventures/. MORE INFO

 

Apples at Evans Orchard

Harvest Festival: Sept. 14-Oct. 31, 2019

Evans Orchard & Cider Mill at 198 Stone Rd.

Festival season would not be complete without a visit to Evans Orchard & Cider Mill for their Harvest Festival. Join this 5th generation agritourism farm every weekend until Oct. 31 for 175 acres of adventure. Harvest Festival exhibits a fully equipped play area, pony and hay rides, petting zoo, pumpkins, mums, fodder shocks, and everything else in between. Named Best Place to Go Apple Picking in Kentucky by Reader’s Digest, U-pick apples at Evan’s Orchard during Harvest Festival is also a must-do. MORE INFO

Live music at Cardome Renaissance Centre

Picnic on the Bluegrass: Sept. 27, 2019

Cardome Renaissance Centre at 800 Cincinnati Rd.

Celebrate fall with local live music, food and drinks with the first annual Picnic on the Bluegrass on Friday, Sept. 27. Head out to Cardome Renaissance Centre from 6 to 10pm for live music featuring Rowan County Boys and My Brother's Keeper, food trucks and cash bar. $20 per carload, bring your lawn chairs and/or picnic blankets! MORE INFO

 

Seed to Feed at Old Friends Farm

Seed to Feed at Old Friends: Oct. 4, 2019

Old Friends Farm at 1841 Paynes Depot Rd.

Interested in the finer things for fall? Get your ticket to the highly-anticipated Seed to Feed dinner event at Old Friends Thoroughbred Farm. Host chef Justin Thompson of Local Feed will cap the 2019 series with a dinner to remember on Friday, October 4. This is an all inclusive event including cocktail hour, passed hors d’oeuvres, coursed dinner and open bar. Donations will be made to Old Friends. MORE INFO

Country Boy Fall Bazaar: Oct. 13, 2019

Country Boy Brewing at 101 Innovation Way

Take your fall fun to Country Boy Brewing's Georgetown Taproom on Sunday, October 13th for their annual Fall Bazaar. Enjoy an impressive collection of local artists, Country Boy beer, food by The Kitchen, and children's activities from 1 to 6pm. MORE INFO

 

The Crawl: Tales of the Kentucky Horse Park: Oct. 18-19, 2019

Kentucky Horse Park at 4089 Iron Works Pike.

Discover both equine and human death, disease, and mystery on a walking tour of Kentucky Horse Park's historical grounds! Guests will have the opportunity to participate in fun and “ghostly” activities, build your own s’mores, and enjoy a hot (adult!) beverage or two. Reservations are required for The Crawl, and space is limited each night for the approximately 1.5-hour tour. Reservations can be made by calling (859) 259-4213. MORE INFO

Haunted Trails of Whispering Woods: Oct. 18-19 & 25-26, & Nov. 1-2, 2019

Whispering Woods Riding Stables at 265 Wright Ln.

Halloween in Horse Country starts and ends at the Haunted Trails of Whispering Woods. For only $10 per victim/person, you can take a spooky wagon ride pulled by ghostly horses deep into Whispering Woods Riding Stables’ 250-acre wooded terrain. Join in on frightful fun Oct. 18-19 & 25-26, & Nov. 1-2 from 7:30pm to 10pm. For more info, call 502-570-9663. MORE INFO

Vintage Base Ball Day at Ward Hall: Oct 19, 2019

Ward Hall at 1782 Frankfort Rd.

An old-fashioned baseball game set on the grounds of a mansion built circa 1857 is a home run for anyone. Mark your calendars for Sunday, Oct. 19 as Georgetown’s Ward Hall hosts their 10th Annual Vintage Base Ball Game. This spirited event gives a glimpse into the historic origins of America's greatest pastime and one of the grandest Greek Revival residences in Kentucky. The first pitch is at 1pm between the Black Bottom 9 from Ohio and the Rising Sun Belle Rivers from Indiana. Admission into the game is $5 (14 & up), $3 (7-13) and free to those 6 and under. MORE INFO

 

Shopping in Downtown Georgetown

G’Town After Hours: Oct. 25, 2019

Downtown Georgetown

Prepare for the winter months ahead on Friday, Oct. 25 during Downtown Georgetown's Gtown After Hours. Shop at our many antique, gift, and boutique shops as participating businesses extend their hours to 7pm and offer exclusive deals and “can’t miss” promotions. MORE INFO

Vintage Market Days: Oct. 25-27, 2019

The Kentucky Horse Park at 4089 Iron Works Pkwy.

The Kentucky Horse Park hosts another Vintage Market Days® in the Covered Arena, Oct. 25-27. This annual shopping event brings an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, home décor, outdoor furnishings, seasonal plantings and more to the folks of Central Kentucky. MORE INFO

 

National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park

National Horse Show: Oct. 25-Nov. 3, 2019

The Kentucky Horse Park at 4089 Iron Works Pkwy.

All are invited to attend the biggest show jumping event of the year at The Kentucky Horse Park, the National Horse Show. This action-packed 6-day hunter/jumper event begins Oct. 25 and lasts until Nov. 3. Known as one of the top shows in the United States, the week welcomes Olympians and World Champions from across the globe, as well as the nation’s top junior riders. In addition to the top-level equestrian competitions, attendees can find family-fun, shopping and more. MORE INFO 

Thrilled to Give: Oct. 26, 2019 (rain date Oct. 27)

Main Street in Downtown Georgetown

Georgetown's highly-anticipated thriller event grooves its way to Downtown Georgetown on Saturday, October 26. Picture this - A community thriller parade and costume contest, all to benefit the Amen House. Dance groups and families head to Main Street to see this epic dance, right in time for Halloween the following week. The parade kicks-off at 6:30pm and costume contest at 7:15pm. You can register to dance at www.gscparks.com or come and enjoy the show! Spectators are encouraged to bring canned goods for the Amen House. See you there! MORE INFO 

 

Halloween Downtown

Georgetown College Trick-or-Treat: Oct. 30, 2019

First floors of Allen and Collier Halls at Georgetown College

Bring the kiddos out to Georgetown College on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 7-8:30pm for safe and fun Halloween festivities. In this community-wide event, children and families will essentially have the “Trick-or-Treat” experience on campus. The event will take place inside the lobbies and first floors of Allen and Collier Halls. There will be activities such as Pin Spider on the Web, Ball Toss, Hook Toss and Giant Games. The children will also be able to Trick-or-Treat from door to door in the first floors of each hall. In addition to candy, refreshments will also be provided.

 

Spook-Tacular in Downtown Georgetown

Spook-Tacular Trick or Treating: Oct. 31, 2019

Downtown Georgetown at 100 Court St.

Celebrate "All Hallows' Eve" in Historic Downtown Georgetown during Spook-Tacular, Oct. 31 from 11am to 2pm. Downtown businesses welcome trick-or-treaters as they prepare activities and pass out candy to kids dressed in costume! Community-wide trick or treating begins at 6pm and goes until 8pm at participating neighborhoods. 

 

Old Friends Farm by Hannah Sither

Outside of events, experience Georgetown's many attractions highlighting Kentucky's fall foilage. Entertainment continues year-round with live music and family activities at local businesses in and outside of our historic downtown district. Looking to do something that'll keep you coming back for years to come? Fall Meet at Central Kentucky's Keeneland Racecourse is another popular October endeavor visitors and locals make a top-priority when in the area. It's no secret, fall is a favorite in Georgetown!

Additional Georgetown, KY events for the season and beyond can be found at georgetownky.com/events.

 

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Tourism at Work in Georgetown

2/28/20 Written by Kathy Witt

 

Thousands and thousands of visitors, $150 million, five tourism staff members and one dynamic community – tourism at work in Georgetown

We all know that traveling can enrich and enhance our lives. But did you know that other travelers traveling to our community can also enrich and enhance our lives? Read on!

 

 

What Georgetown is All About!
Our community is known for its friendly people; maintaining a beautiful, picturesque and active downtown and surrounding countryside; creating special lodging, shopping, dining, recreational and cultural experiences; caring for our animals; having outstanding places to work; welcoming visitors (and each other) with smiles to make them feel at home, signage to help them easily find their way around and that little extra something-something that brings them back for more.

Why 10,250 people found their way to the Georgetown-Scott County Tourism Commission Visitor Center and Georgetown Rest Area in 2018
See above.

 

 

Why Visitors are Important to our Community
They spend money – lots and lots of it! Nearly $150 million in 2018.

 

What Their Dollars do for Us and Our Community

• Employ people (1,265 in 2018)
• Create jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurs
• Enhance quality of life
• Encourage investment in and improvement of infrastructure
• Add to businesses’ bottom lines
• Lower that household tax bill
• Keep those smiles in place
• Entice new business (10 new businesses opened Downtown in 2018 alone!)
• Support new development
• Contribute to public services
• Help maintain community traditions and culture so that we remain “Georgetown” and can showcase it to our visitors
• Bring positive attention through stories published in a variety of magazines, newspapers, blogs, ezines and other outlets (editorial coverage in 2018 resulted in an earned media value of hundreds of thousands of dollars – that’s money we got the benefit of, but never had to spend)
  
  

 

Why It Matters
Thousands and thousands of visitors chose to come and spend their hard-earned money in 2018 at Georgetown lodgings, shops, restaurants, attractions and businesses. And they weren’t quiet about what they found. Our visitors shared their Georgetown experiences with friends and families through millions of social media posts – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TicToc, HipHop (just kidding on that last one) – you name it. All that money and love, directly and indirectly, is injected right into our community like a shot of B-12.

 

 

What Georgetown Tourism Does to Keep ’em Coming 
Our job (we like to say it’s our mission, purpose, calling) is to tell the world what a desirable destination Georgetown is.

We do this through organizing and developing irresistible events; hosting meetings; sitting down with motor coach operators; hosting travel writers, bloggers and influencers, who in turn write about what a desirable destination Georgetown is; creating and distributing brochures (45,000 made their way in 2018 from Georgetown to U.S. states across the map, from California to New York to Florida, as well as to Canada and various countries in Europe).

 

 

 

We do this through speaking engagements, travel trade shows, advertising and promotional campaigns – anything short of chasing visitors down the street – to get the word out about what we in the community already know: Georgetown is an exciting and tremendously appealing place to visit, live, work and play.

 

 

Basically, we at Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission live, eat, breathe, shop and sleep Georgetown. It’s a fun job, but we take it very seriously; after all, what we do helps boost Georgetown’s economy and provide opportunity for those in our community. And as we all know, Georgetown is a community well worth the investment!

 

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Storytelling with stained glass artists

Written by Kathy Witt

One of Kentucky’s only authentic stained glass shops, Heirlooms & Gretchen’s is a colorful and distinctive business mix based on the passions of its proprietors, Gretchen Soards and Kim Hooks. Custom stained glass – design, repair, supplies, workshops; lamps, lamp parts and lamp repair and restoration; dollhouse miniatures; and costume, antique and estate jewelry combine for a unique shopping experience.

Pictured left to right: Gretchen Soards, Kim Hooks

This Georgetown gem dates back to the late 1980s when it was actually two independently owned businesses sharing space in the Broadway building of the Georgetown Antique Mall. Liz Cox had a booth for her stained glass, heirloom bears and framing; Soards had one for lamp parts and miniatures.

 

“We manned the building (antiques up front, also) during the week,” said Soards. “When Liz was gone I took care of her business and vice-versa – so I had to learn to cut glass.”

 

The building was sold in 2001, prompting the two entrepreneurs to move to the current shop location at 136 West Main Street. A year later, Cox sold her business to Soards and the business officially became Heirlooms & Gretchen’s. Fast forward 11 years to 2013 and Hooks, who had taken stained glass classes through the shop for more than 20 years, entered the picture, buying half the business from Soards.

“I loved stained glass and working on pieces,” said Hooks. “When I bought half of the shop, I began doing custom work, repair and teaching classes, with help from Gretchen.”

 

Soards retired five years later, in 2018, to become a silent partner, although she continues working on custom pieces – “at home or wherever I happen to be,” she said.

 

Treasured designs

Both artists have favorite stained glass designs they’ve created. For Soards, it is the designs generally made of bevels and clear glass, which she describes as elegant pieces that can fit in any home.

“I love sitting down with bevel clusters, boxes of bevels and different clear, textured glass, moving them around on the table and occasionally adding just a subtle touch of color, until a design pops out at me,” said Soards. “I dislike making a piece of stained glass strictly from a pattern in a book, although I find it a pleasant challenge to create a ‘picture’ in stained glass from a photograph or focusing on an unusual item.”

 

Said Hooks: “When I think about the designs I’ve made they all are favorites in differing ways. I made a pair of windows for a yoga studio – vines curling around trellises with bluebirds – that I loved. I also made an abstract one that looked like the universe to me, with swirls of glass, rondels, geodes and small gemstones.

 

“Then there was one that just made me laugh – a fat squirrel mosaic steppingstone – made for a customer who thought her friend fed the squirrels too much. Never saw one that fat or with that big an acorn in his hands.”

Classes and services

Heirloom & Gretchen’s stained glass classes are held 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday. New students begin in these classes every six weeks. Their first project is a copper foil piece. Students choose from a pre-selected group of patterns to ensure they go through each of the steps in making a copper foil piece during these classes.

 

The finished product is a nice sized piece to hang in a front window. Following the first set of classes, students may continue coming to class on the same days and can then broaden their horizons by trying other techniques, designs and projects. See more class information at www.heirloomsandgretchens.com/category/our-shop.

 

Lamp repair, rewiring and restoration is also part of the business. Back when she had her booth, Soards saw a need for lamp parts because so many area antique stores sold old lamps. Making lamps out of Buddha statues, clarinets, vases, birdhouses, lanterns and other items followed.

Soards also noted how popular dollhouses and miniatures were so these were also added to the mix. Once the business was at the Main Street location, which provided more showroom space, the inventory was expanded again with antiques and collectibles. When Hooks joined the business, she brought her love of costume, antique and estate jewelry – along with stock – with her.

 

“I really enjoy having a wide variety of jewelry, from early in the last century, collectible and signed jewelry as well as jewelry that people love to wear for everyday occasions,” said Hooks.

 

“All the differing retail ‘branches’ of our shop make our business truly one of a kind,” she added.

 

**Storytelling with stained glass artists is a part of a narrative blog series written through the eyes of Georgetown, Kentucky's most decorated storytellers.

 

 

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