Skip to contentRemember when the term “Joy Ride” had a negative connotation? When it was thought that taking a Joy Ride meant you were frivolously enjoying yourself rather than getting to the task at hand? Kentucky Tourism is all about forgetting the task at hand and enjoying yourself with their new Joy Ride campaign.
On outings across the 16-county Bluegrass Region, weekend road warriors are encouraged to become less warrior-like and slow down to enjoy all the region has to offer: Horses, bourbon, historic homes, nature preserves, wineries and world-class views down every winding byway. “The Joy Ride campaign encourages people to travel like they did in the ’50s and ’60s,” says VisitLEX president Mary Quinn Ramer. “When they took time to stop at scenic sites along the way and really enjoy the experience of getting to their destination.” How to get to Kentucky distilleries: Three Joy Rides from Lexington November, and even parts of December, has plenty of brisk, sunny days left to experience the beauty of the Bluegrass adorned in its wardrobe of gold, orange and scarlet. And what better way to enjoy a road trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with brisk, sunny days and fall colors than the commonwealth’s signature spirit? So, when you ask for directions, don’t ask for the fastest way to get to the distillery. Instead enjoy the journey, just as much as you’re going to enjoy the bourbon at the end of the road trip. Here are three Joy Rides to take from Lexington around Central Kentucky, each with a bourbon-themed destination in mind. These road trips will navigate you on the back roads to three iconic Kentucky bourbon distilleries.
Lexington to Woodford Reserve distillery, Woodford County Sure, we all know that Woodford County offers some of the best scenery in the state, but when was the last time you really took time to stop and take a long look? Crossing the county line, the Kentucky Castle looms on a hill beckoning you to a 21st century Camelot. You may not be planning to overnight at this luxury hotel, but you can detour for a peek at the lovely gardens at the back of the Castle. From the Castle, eschew US 60 in favor of Old Frankfort Pike, which in 2021 was designated a National Scenic Byway. It’s easy to see why. The scenery on both sides of the road is eye-popping — a lush tapestry of Thoroughbred horse farms framed by the region’s iconic rock fences (a horse farm tour always makes for a good stop.)
A stop at the red brick Romanesque Mt. Vernon Baptist Church will introduce you to an architectural style not usually found in the Bluegrass, and a plaque in the churchyard will tell you that it dates back to 1822 and is still welcoming congregations.
How many times might you have come to the intersection of the Pike and US 62 and wondered what the story was behind the white Colonial-style Offutt-Cole Tavern? Well, the story is a good one as it dates back nearly 250 years, and at various times has been a tavern, a stagecoach stop, and the home of Zerelda Cole, mother of outlaws Frank and Jesse James. From here, you can either stop in Midway for a leisurely lunch, or perhaps take an even more winding road to Nonesuch for lunch at The Glitz at Irish Acres Antiques, but be sure you have a reservation. History buffs will want to stop at Huntertown Community Interpretive Park, the former site of an African-American “freetown” settled after the Civil War. No structures remain, but the setting honors Huntertown’s history.
By now, you’re ready for a tour and tasting at Woodford Reserve Distillery on picturesque Glenn’s Creek (if you booked in advance, that is.) Should you want to extend your stay, book a room at the Woodford Hotel, a new property in downtown Versailles. The hotel’s eight suites are named for some aspect of the bourbon industry — from the Wild Turkey Suite to the EH Taylor Suite.
Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/bourbon/article281240183.html#newshunter