Last month, we kicked off our summer road trip series, Hit the Road, with an outdoor adventure to Asheville, NC. If you checked it out, we’d love to hear about it.
This month, we’re continuing the series with a ~40-mile trip to Harrodsburg for a quick getaway. From historic homes to breweries and good home cookin’, this town offers a little bit of everything — making it the perfect end-of-summer vacay.
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: 8,418
Avg. high in July: 87°
🎟️ 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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, here.
Coleman House Bed & Breakfast, 362 College St., Harrodsburg
This property can’t be missed on your way into downtown Harrodsburg. Lounge on the large front porch or socialize with other guests on the third floor’s Old West Saloon.
Get some R&R, or bring along 13 of your friends at this 3,200-sqft waterfront property on Lake Herrington. The large back deck + patio lead directly down to the dock for the ultimate lake-living experience.
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.
