Focus On: Clark County
Just a few miles southeast of Lexington is the city of Winchester, in the center of Clark County, and it’s the perfect place for a family day trip this summer.
Here’s a list of our Favorite Things to Do in Clark County.
Civil War Fort at Boonesboro.
1250 Fort Road / (800) 298-9105
www.civilwarfortatboonesboro.com
The earthwork fortification was built by Union soldiers to defend the fort and ferry at Boonesboro. A scenic trail provides a view of the Kentucky River. Take self-guided or cell phone tours.
Beer Cheese Festival
Downtown Winchester
www.beercheesefestival.com
Every year about 12,000 people come to the Beer Cheese Festival in Winchester for live music, arts & crafts and a taste of Kentucky Proud products such as beer cheese from around the state. This year’s festival will be held Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Blackfish Bison Ranch
676 Quisenberry Lane / (859) 676-1285
www.kentuckytourism.com/blackfish-bison-ranch/12728
Visit a real buffalo herd and learn the history of Chief Blackfish, leader of the Shawnee Tribe at the time of Daniel Boone. You can get up close to the buffalo herd, learn to throw a tomahawk, swing a lasso, sample bison meat and participate in a Lakota Sioux “smudge” feather ceremony. Tours and field trips are by appointment only.
Bluegrass Heritage Museum
217 South Main Street / (859) 745-1358
www.bgheritage.com
Housed in the historic Guerrant Mission Clinic and Hospital in Winchester, the Bluegrass Heritage Museum examines regional history through engaging and innovative exhibits.
Leeds Center for the Arts
37 North Main Street / (859) 744-4275 www.leedscenter.org
Originally opened as one of the first movie theaters in the area in 1925, the renovated Leeds Theater plays host to live music and theatre as well as movies. Playing June 5-7 is “Anne of Green Gables.”
Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve
457 South Maple
(859) 744-4888
www.lowerhowardscreek.org
The State Preserve was established to promote an area rich in natural beauty and historical significance. Guided tours are available, and the public can hike the John Holder Trail, which is 2.8 miles and begins close to Hall’s on the River.
Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival
Downtown Winchester / (800) 298-9105 www.danielboonepioneerfestival.com
This is the 36th year of the festival celebrating the first Kentucky settlers and runs Aug. 29-31.
Start the weekend with street dancing in downtown Friday at 6:30 p.m. Get up early Saturday morning for the Daniel Boone 5K Run starting at 8 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church followed by the 9:30 a.m. Walk With Friends beginning downtown.
On Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy arts & crafts at College Park with a local talent contest at 12:30 p.m.
The Kitty Strode Concert Series at Lykins Park is Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Ale-8-One Plant
25 Carol Road / (859) 744-3484
www.ale8one.com
The soft drink unique to Kentucky has been bottled in Winchester since 1926. Tours of the factory are offered on Fridays with advanced notice.
Three Trees Canoe-Kayak Rental.
300 Athens-Boonesboro Road / (859) 749-3227 / www.threetreeskayak.com
Located on Athens-Boonesboro Road, Three Trees offers canoe and kayak rentals for beginners and more advanced paddlers alike. Visitors can paddle on the Kentucky River through the Palisades and enjoy unique views of the spectacular rock formations.