Last year, we featured our ultimate road trip to Columbus, OH (what’s up CBUStoday?). If you checked it out, we’d love to hear about it.
Today, we’re taking a ~40-mile trip to Harrodsburg for those of you who want a quicker getaway. From historic homes to breweries and good home cookin’, this town offers a little bit of everything — making it the perfect getaway during the cold winter months.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~45 minutes from downtown
Est. population: 9,149
Avg. high in January: 41°
The BBC named Shaker Village as one of the top five hidden travel destinations in the entire country. | Photo courtesy of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
🎟️ Things to do
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village is home to 3,000 acres of exploration including walking + hiking trails, horse-drawn wagon rides, family animals to visit, and so much more. Choose your own adventure.
Old Fort Harrod State Park
Calling all history buffs. Roam the grounds of the 1770s Fort Harrod, sit under the Orange Osage Tree + pop into the Mansion Museum — an original structure dating back to 1813.
Herrington Lake
Did you know, this is the deepest lake in Kentucky? Lake Herrington boasts 3,600 acres of water stocked with a variety of fish — bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass — and plenty of space for water activities.
Black Watch Alpacas
This family-owned farm is sheer to be a good time. Visit the Little Shop on the Farm, which carries 100% alpaca yarn goods, then meet the herd who helped provide them.
🍔 Grub to eat
Kountry Kupboard
If you’re traveling via the Bluegrass Parkway, you can’t miss the fresh flower-covered Kountry Kupboard along Hwy. 127. The local favorite, which is also a bulk food store, serves up piled-high deli sandwiches, homemade baked goods, and fresh produce.
La Fonda
If you’re looking to shake things up from American fare, Main Street is home to this Mexican eatery serving up jaw-dropping dishes like its foot-long burrito with your choice of filling.
Olde Bus Station
Located in an old bus station on Greenville St., this family-friendly restaurant serves up country comfort food classics like burgers, barbecue, homemade coleslaw, and town-favorite banana ice cream.
Downtown Pizza Pub
First things first, wait until you see the patio space. Downtown Pizza Pub is located on Main Street offering brick oven-style pizza, Italian subs, and wings with a side of live music and adult beverages.
Burgin Dairy Barn
While this isn’t exactly in Harrodsburg, this American classic joint is just five miles east and worth the drive. Burgin Dairy Barn dishes out delicious handmade malts + shakes with hand-patted burgers and fresh-cut fries cut daily. Is anyone else’s tummy growling?
🏨 Overnight accommodations
If you get a wild hair and decide to turn this quick day trip into an overnighter, here are some spots to stay.
The Blue Cottage, Chestnut Street
Situated in the heart of downtown, this ranch-stye home gives you walking access to downtown + some of Harrodsburg’s most beloved sites, such as historic Old Graham Springs.
The Beaumont Inn, 638 Beaumont Inn Dr., Harrodsburg
This quintessential southern property boasts the perfect blend of antique furnishings + modern amenities to surprise and delight visitors of all ages. Learn about its history dating back to the 1840s.
Peace & Quiet Farmhouse, 1545 Mundy’s Landing Rd., Harrodsburg
Looking for a quiet country getaway? This three-bedroom, three-bathroom modern farmhouse offers the perfect sunset spot — complete with rocking chairs + surrounded by 125 acres of green farmland.
