In the heart of horse country, Georgetown, Kentucky, is where Southern charm meets rich history, world-class equine culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re here for the bourbon, the horses, or just a weekend escape, Georgetown has plenty to keep you busy.

Here are 11 can’t-miss experiences that make Georgetown a must-visit!

Meet a Kentucky Derby Legend at Old Friends Retired Thoroughbred Farm

An older man in a cap feeds a white horse from his hand at a stable. Other people, including a woman in sunglasses and a man in a cap, are present. The scene is outdoors and sunny with trees in the background.

Pull on your boots (it can get muddy!) and walk among racing royalty at Old Friends Retired Thoroughbred Farm. Home to over 200 former racehorses, this sanctuary gives champions a place to enjoy their golden years—including Silver Charm, the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner. You’ll also meet some lively characters, including Little Silver Charm, a spunky miniature horse with a big personality. Multiple tours are available, from the 90-minute Founders Tour (hosted by founder Michael Blowen) to the Old Girlfriends Tour, where you can meet the farm’s mares.

Tour the Largest Toyota Manufacturing Plant in the World

A group of people sit in a red electric cart inside a factory, wearing matching red jackets. They appear to be on a tour, with industrial equipment visible in the background. The front passengers are smiling and engaged in conversation.

Ever wondered how a car comes to life? The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Plant in Georgetown is the company’s largest facility worldwide, cranking out over 2,000 vehicles daily. On the guided tour, you’ll board a tram, throw on a headset, and watch as robotic arms and skilled engineers bring Toyotas to life right before your eyes. Be sure to check out the first-ever Camry made in the U.S. before you leave!

Discover History and More in Downtown Georgetown

Historic Downtown Georgetown is the heart and soul of the city, with Victorian-era buildings, boutique shops, and a lively arts scene. Wander into the Georgetown & Scott County Museum, where you’ll find quirky exhibits like antique mailboxes and a famous talking crow named Pete. Take a self-guided walking tour past historic homes, enjoy live music in the square, and soak up the charm of this quintessential Kentucky town. Need a break? Royal Spring Park is the perfect spot for a picnic!

Saddle Up at Whispering Woods Riding Stables

Experience Kentucky’s backwoods on horseback! At Whispering Woods Riding Stables, you can trot through lush forests, gentle creeks, and scenic hills. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys and deer! If you’re new to the saddle, opt for a horsemanship class to learn the ropes. After your ride, swing by the petting zoo, let the kids loose on the playground and grab a souvenir at the Tack House before heading out.

Conquer the Skullbuster Mountain Bike Trails

Two cyclists in muddy shirts and helmets ride on a wet, forested trail. The cyclist on the left is wearing a colorful shirt, and the one on the right is in a gray The Post jersey. Both are smiling, surrounded by greenery.

If you love an adrenaline rush, Skullbuster Trails won’t disappoint. With steep climbs, rugged switchbacks, and fast-paced descents, these trails offer the ultimate challenge—even for experienced riders. But the payoff? Stunning views of Lytles Fork Recreation Area, where wooded paths lead past hidden ponds, rolling fields, and breathtaking overlooks.

Find Serenity at Yuko-en on the Elkhorn

For a change of pace, visit Yuko-en, the Official Kentucky-Japan Friendship Garden. Walk over picturesque bridges, admire koi-filled ponds, and breathe in the calming scent of blooming flowers. The stone garden and waterfall garden offer the perfect place for quiet reflection. Open daily until dusk, this 5.5-acre oasis is one of Georgetown’s most peaceful hidden treasures.

Immerse Yourself in Equine Culture at the Kentucky Horse Park

A woman with curly hair smiles while petting a white horse. Behind them, people and horses are visible near a stable with a metal roof. The scene is bright and sunny.

Love horses? You’ll be in heaven at the Kentucky Horse Park, a 1,200-acre celebration of all things equestrian. Meet retired racehorses, explore the Hall of Champions, and take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley. Be sure to stop by the International Museum of the Horse, where you’ll uncover the deep history of how horses have shaped Kentucky—and the world.

Brave One of Kentucky’s Most Haunted Highways (If You Dare)

A black and white image of a vintage Shell gas station. An old brick building sits beside a road, with a round Shell sign on a pole. The area is overgrown with grass and trees, giving a nostalgic feel.

For thrill-seekers and ghost hunters, Dead Man’s Hollow is the ultimate test of courage. According to local lore, bodies were found in the hollow in the 1800s. Since then, passerby’s have reported strange noises, shadowy figures, and an unsettling presence along this winding section of US-25. Want to add some ghostly fun to your visit? Pick up a Kentucky After Dark passport and check this haunted hotspot off your list.

Step Back in Time at Ward Hall

A person in a top hat and formal historical attire stands in a vintage room. The room features an ornate gold-framed mirror, a white fireplace, and antique furniture, creating a 19th-century ambiance.

Prepare to be transported to the Old South at Ward Hall, one of the country’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture. Once home to the infamous Sallie Ward, a scandalous Southern belle with a flair for drama (and multiple marriages), this 12,000-square-foot mansion is packed with history, gilded chandeliers, and breathtaking columns. Join a guided tour to hear tales of Sallie’s exploits and soak up the grandeur of this historic estate.

Eat Your Way Through Georgetown’s Food Scene

Georgetown’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Love BBQ? Dave’s Blazin BBQ serves up smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket sandwiches. Want a unique experience? Grab a macaron-topped frappe and hang out with adoptable cats at Central Purrk Cat Café. Beer lovers can sample craft brews at Country Boy Brewing, while fine dining enthusiasts can savor lamb chops and roasted duck at Rodney’s on Broadway, a cozy spot inside a historic Victorian home.

Fish, Float, and Paddle Elkhorn Creek

Aerial view of a calm, narrow river surrounded by lush green trees. Colorful kayaks with people paddling are scattered along the water, creating a vibrant contrast against the serene, natural setting.

Whether you’re reeling in smallmouth bass or just floating lazily in an inner tube, Elkhorn Creek is one of the best ways to experience Georgetown’s great outdoors. Rent a kayak or canoe, drift beneath the historic Switzer Covered Bridge, and soak in the scenery on this winding waterway. Not a fan of fishing? No problem—just pack a cooler, hop on a tube, and let the gentle current take you on a relaxing ride through the heart of Kentucky’s countryside.

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Shelby Baker

Shelby Baker is a writer, focaccia aficionado, and amateur goose farmer with a penchant for travel. She’s never met a croissant she didn’t like. Find her reluctantly sharing home-grown carrots with the flock at her home base in rural Illinois, testing the limits of her adventurous palate abroad, or writing in a not-so-quiet corner of a coffee shop.

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