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Agritourism in the Bluegrass
When early pioneers trudged west across the great Appalachian ranges, they found before them a land so rich in natural resources they referred to it as a Garden of Eden. As word spread back east of fertile soil, bubbling springs, abundant wildlife, salt licks, vast pastures and virgin timber, central Kentucky's reputation as the land of milk and honey grew to legendary proportions.
Attracted by the Bluegrass region's plentiful natural resources, white settlers quickly laid claim to the land, and with their first fields of corn, hemp and tobacco, the region’s profitable agrarian economy was up and running.
Today, the legendary limestone nourished soil supports a wide variety of agricultural endeavors. You'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature's bounty in and around Lexington and discover our agricultural heritage along the way.
Vineyards Return to the Bluegrass
Over 200 years ago, Jean Jacques Dufour chose a fertile slope in a bend of the Kentucky River and established the first commercial wine grape operation in the United States. The mild climate and mineral-rich soil that attracted Dufour to the Bluegrass are inspiring a new generation of growers to try their hand at viticulture.
Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery. Denise and Chris Nelson planted their first vines in 1997 with the goal of making all their wines from Kentucky-grown fruit. With 1,000 vines producing nine varieties of grapes and fruit from 13 additional growers, Chrisman Mill has won over 24 international wine competition awards. Lunch is served Thursdays through Saturdays. 2385 Chrisman Mill Road, Nicholasville, KY 40356 (859)881-5007. No time for a drive in the country? They also have a shop at Hamburg Pavilion off I-75. (859)264-9463.
Equus Run Vineyards and Winery. The fields of this vineyard roll right down to Elkhorn Creek, making it a popular spot for picnicking and fishing. Special wine dinners and musical events are held throughout the year. There is a tasting room, a great deck for sipping and a gift shop. Construction of an amphitheatre is underway. Owners Cynthia Bohn and Cindy Hall planted their first vines in 1998 and have already won gold medals in international competitions on the East and West Coasts. 1280 Moores Mill Road, Midway, KY 40347 (859) 846-9463.
Chateau du Vieux Corbeau Winery. This winery is on the same property as the Old Crow Inn Bed & Breakfast. The Brousseau family vineyard produces white and red French-Hybrid grapes for wine as well as American Table Grapes for eating out of hand. Wines are available for tasting and purchase in the tasting room and gift shop. 471 Stanford Road, Danville, KY 40422 (859) 236-1808.
Talon Winery & Vineyard. This picturesque winery is nestled among Thoroughbred farms. Visitors can stroll the vineyards and sip wine in the 18th century farmhouse, just 15 minutes from downtown Lexington. A summer concert series features live music from Motown to Bluegrass. 7086 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40515 (859)971-3214.
Jean Farris Winery & Bistro. Ben and Jeanie O'Daniel, both from second-generation Kentucky wine families, have now opened their doors under their own label, Jean Farris. A scenic drive down a country lane delivers you to the vineyards and a charming Bistro that serves fantastic Country French Cuisine for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and brunch on Saturday. 6825 Old Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40515 (859) 263-9463.
Acres of Land Winery. Come follow the wine making process all the way through from vine to bottle. Enjoy spectacular views, dine in the restaurant or savor a taste of one of their eleven wines. 2285 Barnes Mill Road. Richmond, KY 40475 (859)328-3000 or (866)714-9463.
Wildside Vines. One of the region’s newest wineries, located on a small farm outside of Versailles, had its grand opening on March 25, 2006. Now open and ready for complimentary tastings, you can visit Tuesdays through Saturdays. Call for hours. 5500 Troy Pike, Versailles, KY 40383. (859)321-5046
| Blue Note: Kentuckians have long understood the value of combining pure water with corn, barley and rye under just the right conditions. Bourbon whiskey, named for Bourbon county right here in the Bluegrass and prized the world over, is America’s only native spirit. Kentucky produces at least 99% of the world’s bourbon. Treat yourself to the sights and smells of a working distillery by touring one of three historic area attractions: Buffalo Trace in Frankfort (502-223-7641), Woodford Reserve in Versailles (800-542-1812), Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg (502-839-4544) or Four Roses, also near Lawrenceburg (502-839-3436). |
To Market, to Market....
You don’t have to live in the country to enjoy fresh, locally grown products straight from the farm. Farmers’ markets are enjoying a resurgence in popularity across the United States. Lexington’s Farmers’ Market now runs year round. Every Saturday from mid-April to late fall, Vine Street is lined with colorful stalls selling fruits and vegetables, herbs, flowers, jams and jellies, honey, Kentucky specialties and more. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you’ll find the farmers set up at Maxwell and South Broadway and on Sundays, on Suothland Drive near the Slone's Signature Market. As the weather turns chilly, the market moves indoors to Victorian Square at the corner of Main and Broadway.
You’ll find Bluegrass Farmers’ Market in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs at 3450 Richmond Road. Call (859)624-1020 for days and times.
Many towns surrounding Lexington have their own farmers’ markets. In addition to farm-fresh produce, you may find homemade cakes, handicrafts, bedding plants, soaps and candles. Call the Visitor Information number beside each city to check on days and hours of operation.
Danville (859) 236-7794. Martin Luther King Boulevard or Main and 4th, May through September.
Georgetown (502) 863-2547. Courthouse Square, mid-June through September.
Winchester (859)744-0556. Kentucky Bank parking lot, July through October.
Frankfort (502) 875-8687. River View Park, May to October.
Versailles (859) 873-5122. North Main Street parking lot/ Courthouse, May through October.
Paris (859) 987-3205. 8th and High, April to September; indoors the rest of the year.
Wilmore (859) 858-4411. City Hall parking lot, May to October.
Richmond (859) 626-8474 Lowe’s parking lot, July through September.
Berea (859)986-2540. Berea Community School stadium and Kentucky Artisan Center, June through September.
Talk to the Animals
If you arrive via Blue Grass Airport, you might find yourself doing a double take as you pass by the Bluegrass Exotic Animal Farm at the corner of Man O’ War and Versailles Road. The farm isn’t open to visitors, but take a good look as you pass by; you never know what you might see!
Several Bluegrass farms can offer visitors close encounters of the barnyard kind. Be sure to call ahead.
Doraisamy . No, it’s not the North Pole and those aren’t reindeer: they’re elk. And if you need a place to board your elk--you’ve found it! 6139 Russell Cave Road, Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 293-8377.
Beaver Creek Suffolks. Who can resist the sight of a newborn lamb? This farm specializes in registered Suffolk sheep. Walking trails are being developed. 3431 HWY 3003, Cynthiana. (859) 873-1729.
Alpha Farm . Popular with local school children for years, Alpha Farm offers hayrides, picnicking--even riding lessons. Or just go out to meet the chicks, rabbits, goats, pigs and horses. 2447 Vince Road, Nicholasville, KY (859) 885-5283.
Watts Farm. Take your kids out to see the “kids” on this historic family farm. that specializes in Boer goats for show, breeding stock and consumption. As one of the largest breeders of Boer goats in the Southeast, you’ll see as many as 1500 goats at any given time. 322 Hopewell Road, Harrodsburg, KY (859) 734-0622.
| Blue Note: Horses produce more revenue for the state than any other agricultural product. (Chickens and tobacco follow in second and third places.) Visitors can explore the area’s horse industry at a variety of attractions. The Kentucky Horse Park is a 1,200-acre state park dedicated to all breeds of horse. The Thoroughbred Center, a training facility for young race horses, offers regular tours. Attend seasonal live racing at Keeneland Race Course or Red Mile Harness Track, or hit the trails at one of the area riding stables. For the ultimate experience, visit one of the area’s visitor friendly private horse farms. Call the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information.(800) 845-3959 |
Fresh from the Fields
Farm markets, produce stands and orchards abound in the Bluegrass. Take a drive through our scenic countryside and stop off for some edible
souvenirs. Here’s a list of u-pick operations where you can roll up your sleeves and choose your own produce at the peak of perfection. Call ahead to see what’s ripe, and ask if you should bring your own containers.
Amerson Orchard. 130 McClelland Circle, Georgetown. (502) 863-3799. Green peppers, green beans, okra, eggplant, tomatoes and pumpkins.
Boyd Orchard. 1500 Pinckard Pike, Versailles. Strawberries, apples, pumpkins. (859) 873-3097.
Charles Neal’s Blackberries. 1040 Hopewell Road, Harrodsburg. Thornless blackberries. (859)734-7666.
Evan’s Orchard. 180 Stone Road, Georgetown. (502) 867-3044. Apples and pears.
Klisz Blueberry Farm 13185 Forkland Road, Parksville. (859) 332-7994. Blueberries.
Marshalls’ Strawberries . 325 Austerlitz Road, Paris. (859) 987-6502.
Reed Valley. 239 Lail Lane, Paris. (859) 987-6480. Blueberries, blackberries, nectarines, raspberries, peaches, pears, and apples.
| Blue Note: Bibb lettuce was created by War of 1812 veteran John Bibb in his Frankfort greenhouse. Another Kentucky creation is the Kentucky Wonder pole bean, known around the world as one of the best green bean varieties of all time. |
A Peek at the Past
The first homesteaders across the Cumberland Gap saw a fertile region that promised rich rewards for those willing to work hard. One of the region's top attractions provides a glimpse of early Kentucky farm life.
Shaker Village Historic Farm Program. The superb agrarian tradition of the Shakers comes alive at the nation’s largest and most completely restored Shaker community. Four acres of corn, tobacco, sorghum and heirloom vegetables are farmed using 19th century horse-drawn machinery. Purebred livestock of the same breeds the Shakers used are raised and worked throughout the village. From April through October, enactors from the Historic Farm Program allow visitors to witness farm work done as it was in the 1800s. 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg. (859) 734-5411.
| Blue Note: Fall is also harvest time for Kentucky freshwater shrimp. A fat-free, iodine-free alternative to marine shrimp, these prawns have a taste and texture similar to lobster. You can often buy fresh shrimp pond-side if you’re in the region during September or October. Call ahead to one of these producers: Bubba Sue’s Shrimp (859-299-2254) or Avalon Farm (859-744-4860). |
Harvest Celebrations
Fall is a wonderful time to experience the bounty of the Bluegrass. These popular festivals usually start in late September and run every weekend through October.
Bi-Water Farm & Greenhouse. At AutumnFest, tackle a five-acre corn maze, hop on a hayride, walk through the haunted farm house, visit the Enchanted Barnyard or take a train ride around the farm. You’re bound to find the perfect pumpkin in their 25-acre patch. Fall mums and pansies are available along with fresh fruits and veggies. 877 Cincinnati Pike, Georgetown. 40324 (502) 863-3676.
Boyd Orchards. Pick the event that most suits your taste during The Six Festivals of Fall. From September 22 through October 28, there is a unique festival each weekend. New this year: the Scarecrow Festival, September 29 and 30. 1500 Pinckard Pike, Versailles. (859) 873-3097.
King’s Gardens. This landscape and nature center focuses on family fun during King’s Autumn Fest. Pony rides, face painting, a petting zoo and funnel cakes will keep the kids happy. You’ll find fresh apples as well as apple butter, apple cider, apple fritters and fried apple pies! 3090 Brannon Road, Nicholasville, 40356 (859) 272-7077.
| Blue Note: Industrial hemp was once the number one cash crop in Kentucky and created more than one 19th century millionaire. It was the source of a vast array of products from textiles to food products and paper to oils. Unlike its close relative, this versatile plant does not have any psychoactive properties. At this time, hemp cannot be commercially grown in the United States. |
Stay Down on the Farm
Though you probably won’t be asked to pitch in with the morning chores, a farm stay is a great way to get a close-up look at some of the area’s most unique agricultural operations. A number of area farms operate B&Bs.
Swann’s Nest at Cygnet Farm , 3463 Rosalie Lane, Lexington, 40510 (859) 226-0095. Situated on a prominent Thoroughbred horse farm just minutes from Keeneland, you can stay in the farm’s guest quarters overlooking the broodmare paddocks or in one of three suites located in the Southern Colonial main home.
Cedar Rock Farm , 3569 Mink Run Road, Frankfort, 40601 (502)747-8754. If you need to count sheep to fall asleep, this is the place for you. Some of the 110 wooded acres have been cleared to grow hay and provide pasture for sheep and horses. Trails crisscross the farm that is also home to oppossums, deer, wild turkey, racoons, squirrels, rabbits and a wide variety of songbirds.
Jordan Farm , 4091 Newtown Pike, Georgetown, 40324 (502) 863-1944. Three spacious suites and a carriage house are available for guests at this 100-acre horse farm. Some guests have been lucky enough to see mares foaling. There is a five-acre fishing lake stocked with catfish, croppie and bass.
| Blue Note: Tobacco has been integral to Kentucky’s economy for centuries. Burley tobacco is grown in 99 of 120 counties. The Burley Tobacco Growers Association can arrange tours in the Bluegrass. (859) 252-3561 |
Cedar Haven Farm , 2380 Bethel Road, Nicholasville, 40356 (859)858-3849 . You’ll enjoy great sunsets from the front porch of the main home on this Angus cattle farm. Breakfasts include farm fresh fruits and homemade breads, jams and jellies.
Country Charm Historic Farmhouse. 505 Hutchison Road, Paris, 40361 (859)988-1006. Peace and tranquility are the order of the day on this working cattle farm. The elegant two-story, three-gabeled brick farmhouse sits on 65 acres. Wake up to the sound of the birds outside your window or the distant hum of a tractor.
Old Crow Organic Farm , 471 Stanford Road, Danville, 40422 (859) 236-1808. This 27-acre farm produces certified organic vegetables and berries for use in the Bed & Breakfast as well as for sale to the general public. The Old Crow Inn, built from stone quarried on the property, is the oldest stone house west of the Allegheny Mountains. Guests can enjoy demonstrations in the pottery and craft studio, stroll the formal rose garden, or check on the progress of the new winery.
For more information contact the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-845-3959.
Written by Lu Ann Pelle, September 2003
Updated July 2007
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