In honor of Hallmark movie season, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to shine a light on our own sweet small town neighbors in Woodford County. After all, Midway is a legitimate Hallmark movie town thanks to 2019’s “Midway to Love. ”
Whether you want a quick day trip or a mini getaway, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Find local shops, restaurants, and museums in downtown Midway. | Photo by @jimbobarnett
Midway
Things to do
Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm
, 158 W. Leestown Rd. | See the newly restored 1830s mansion + farm property, which will also debut its “grain to glass” experience in early 2024.
Thoroughbred Theatre & Wine Bar , 127 E. Main St. | Sip local wine while taking in live performances including comedy shows, music, and plays, or brave the stage yourself on open mic nights.
Grub to eat
Gibson’s
, 131 E. Main St. | The fully loaded menu with pastas, steaks, and salads has something for everyone, plus the downstairs tavern is open late with karaoke on Saturdays.
Heirloom , 125 E. Main St. | Try dine-in or take-out French-inspired dishes like mussels, meatballs, and duck fat fries.
Holly Hill Inn , 426 N. Winter St. | Upscale dining with a cozy southern twist, you’ll feel right at home in the historic house-turned-restaurant thanks to the culinary creative minds of the Holly Hill & Co. team.
Midway Bakery , 510 S. Winter St. | Satisfy your sweet tooth with a variety of freshly baked pies, cookies, brownies, and breads.
Local sips
Black Type Co. , 137 E. Main St. | Sip and stay a while with coffee, wine, and cocktails all in one spot.
Equus Run and Saddlestone Distillery , 1280 Moores Mill Rd. | There’s no shortage of spirited fun at these sister properties, where you can savor sips of wine and agave-based pours, and brandy.
We love the reuse of historical buildings in Versailles’ downtown. | Photo by LEXtoday
Versailles
Things to do
Woodford Reserve , 7785 McCracken Pike | Tour the beautiful grounds, learn about the distilling process, and toast to the good life at one of the leading bourbon brands in the Bluegrass.
Rail Explorers , 175 Beasley Rd. | Pedal your way along the Louisville Southern Railroad to see unique views of the Kentucky River gorge, area horse farms, and distilleries.
Bites of the Bluegrass , Locations vary | Explore the flavors of Woodford County with Chef Ouita Michel on the Just a Few Miles South Culinary Tour.
Ouita Michel Cooking School , 167 S. Main St. | A cooking lesson with the queen of Kentucky kitchens...need we say more? Be sure to stop by on Saturdays to shop during its retail hours.
The Kentucky Castle , 230 Pisgah Pike | From holiday tours, to goat yoga, to spa treatments + farm-to-table meals, you can spend all day in this royal setting.
Grub to eat
Wallace Station , 3854 Old Frankfort Pike | Nestled along a scenic byway, you can fuel up on southern sandwiches like hot ham + cheese, chicken salad, and catfish.
Wilson’s Pool Haul , 131 Lexington St. | If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, stop by for pool, darts, cheap burgers and beer.
J&B Food Mart , 200 Lexington St. | Don’t let its gas station location deter you, word from a local is that this place has the best fried chicken.
The Glitz , 4205 Fords Mill Rd. | A true treat for all the senses, you’ll enjoy a three-course meal among the glittering bright lights and decor. The family-owned restaurant is hidden below the unique antiques of the Irish Acres Gallery.
Vallozzi’s , 108 Court St. | Using ingredients flown in from Italy each week, sample fresh fare such as calamari, burrata, seafood, salads, and pastas.
Local sips
The Amsden , 151 S. Main St. | This dreamy cafe has coffee for the grown-ups, hot cocoa for the littles, with storytime + shopping for the whole family.
The Amsden Bourbon Bar
, 106 Court St. | Here’s where you can find the perfect nightcap with 100+ bourbons, specialty cocktails, wine, and beer.