Lancaster & Paint Lick, Kentucky

Take a drive out to Lancaster & Garrard County and experience all the things that make the Bluegrass Region, the Bluegrass Region. A rich blend of history and modern appeal, you’ll find the quintessential sights, sounds, tastes and communities you might expect from a trip to Central Kentucky—stately homes, picturesque streets and rolling country—and so much more.

Lancaster and Garrard County stand as a haven for history enthusiasts, serving as the birthplace of four Kentucky governors and with intimate ties to the classic novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. The Thomas Kennedy plantation, a sprawling operation with a history shaped by more than one hundred enslaved people, played a pivotal role in inspiring Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery narrative, a genesis often linked to the onset of the Civil War. For a taste of the Bluegrass’s Prohibition past, visitors can also explore the legacy of Carry A. Nation, a central figure in the country’s anti-liquor movement, at All Nations Distillery, the birthplace of Prohibition.

Next, grab a hot plate (and if so inclined, another beverage or two) at Solidago restaurant in Paint Lick, known for its contemporary culinary delights. Then as the day draws to its end, head back to your quiet room at the Denny House Bed and Breakfast, an impressive, antebellum Greek Revival getaway perfect for escaping the modern-day hustle and bustle.

Those seeking a cozy retreat will also find themselves at home at the 1924 Guest House Inn in Lancaster, which boasts five bedrooms and three baths. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the unique ambiance of the area, combining modern comfort with a touch of historical allure.

Beyond its storied past, Garrard County offers countless opportunities for outdoor fun with the scenic Dix River, Herrington Lake, and the Palisades of the Kentucky River. Adventurers can partake in fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and various water sports, with Paint Lick Creek providing walking trails and disc golf for additional recreational activity.