Paris - Bourbon County, Kentucky

Bourbon County is quintessential Kentucky. Its very name evokes visions of thoroughbreds grazing in lush green pastures bordered by age-old stone fences and beautiful countryside. Characterized by rich farmland, pristine horse farms and gently rolling terrain, it won’t take long to see why we’re known for “Horses, History and Hospitality.” From delicious dining and charming downtown shops to bourbon history, we have a lot to show and tell.

Get away from the big city rush and slow down amidst the subtle charm of small-town Kentucky in Paris—a tight-knit community of 10,000 residents located just 20 minutes from Lexington. Start your visit in the center of town to snap a photo with a 20-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower. Next, head over to the Welcome Center and year-round farmer’s market, where you can chat with the locals and shop for pumpkin butter, bars of old-fashioned soap and a full range of locally made artisanal crafts and goods. Then, stop for a bite inside the historic Paris Train Depot, stretch your legs and shop for vintage clothing, rare antiques, and handmade goods on Main Street, then head over to the world’s tallest three-story building at 8th and Main St. (featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not!). 

For a tour and a tasting at Bourbon County’s first distillery since Prohibition, don’t miss Hartfield & Company Distillery, just a block off Main Street. The storied Duncan Tavern, built in the 1700s and frequented by pioneers like Daniel Boone, is another must-visit downtown attraction. Before you leave Main Street, be sure to snap a selfie with Jaime Corum’s three-story mural of Secretariat. Up for a detour from downtown life? Venture out into the country for a visit to world-famous Claiborne Farm, where the legendary racehorse stood at stud for many years and was laid to rest.