Focus On Scott County

Known for the Toyota manufacturing plant, Scott County is also home to orchards, parks, museums and a Japanese Friendship Garden. Below is our list of top things to do in Scott County.

Bi-Water Farm and Greenhouse
Offers fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers plus mini golf, a petting zoo and paintball. Bi-Water is best known for AutumnFest, held in September and October, featuring a Spooky Farmhouse, Enchanted Barnyard, Pirates Cove, Trike Track, Barnyard Babies and Lost Pumpkin Mine. Open seven days. 877 Cincinnati Road. Info: (502) 863-3676.

Festival of the Horse
Celebrate the role of the horse to the history of Scott County with exhibits, concessions, arts and crafts and a carnival. This year the festival is Oct. 2-4, preceded by the Fireman’s Chili Cook-Off on Oct. 1. Friday features the Colt and Filly Review Parade, the Fun-time Carnival, live entertainment, displays, arts, crafts and food vendors. Saturday features the Grand Horse Parade, petting zoo, pony rides and Kid Zone. The weekend concludes Sunday with a Pet Parade, Blessing of The Animals, Horse Show and musical shows on the Main Stage. All events are free. Downtown Georgetown. www. festivalofthehorse.org

Toyota Motor Manufacturing
Toyota’s largest plant in North America offers a chance for visitors to look inside the process of creating a new car. Located at I-75, exit 126, 1001 Cherry Blossom Way. Guided plant tours available Monday-Friday. Reservations encouraged. Info: (502) 868-3027 or (800) 866-4485.

Elkhorn Creek
As one of Kentucky’s longest creeks, the Elkhorn is ideal for mild white water canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Rent canoes at Canoe Kentucky or take a guided tour. Along the creek is the Elkhorn Corridor Trail System, which includes several segments of varying lengths, some that are handicap accessible. Info: (800) 522-6631.

Georgetown and Scott County Museum
The museum combines modern, natural and prehistoric history through a series of exhibits of local artifacts. Located in the old Post Office, 229 East Main St. Open Mon.-Sat . Info: (502) 863-6201.

Royal Springs Park
The site of a large spring in Georgetown that since the earliest settlements has provided water for the area. The park also includes McClellan’s Fort, built in 1776, and a log cabin built by a former slave, Milton Leach in 1874. Corner of Water and West Main St. Info: (502) 863-6201.

Ward Hall
This 12,000 square-foot Greek Revival-style mansion, completed in 1857, is considered one of the finest examples of a mid-nineteenth century classical building in the U.S. It is open for tours the first weekend of each month, April-November. Special tours are also available by appointment. 1782 Frankfort Road. Info: (502) 396-4257.

Old Friends Farm for Retired Thoroughbreds
Housing more than 100 retired race horses makes this “Horse Racing’s Living History Museum.” During daily walking tours, you can meet Belmont Stakes winner Sarava, Sunshine Forever, Gulch and Popcorn Deelites, who played Seabiscuit in the movie. 1841 Paynes Depot Rd. Info: (502) 863-1775.

Evans Orchard and Cider Mill
This family farm offers fresh fruits, home-grown apples and vegetables from May to December. Kids will enjoy the Apple Dumpling Play Land, a giant slide, Kate’s Barnyard and a hay castle. The Apple Orchard Café serves sandwiches, snacks, pies, fudge and apple cider made on site. 180 Stone Road. Info: (502) 863-2255.

Theatres of Georgetown
Along with free kids movies during the summer, Theatres of Georgetown offers free popcorn Tuesdays with the purchase of any size drink all year long. The Theatres also offers a party package with a non-3D movie for children under age 12 that includes: tickets and a kids pack for each child, use of the party room for one hour before the movie and reserved seating (with a minimum of five children). 401 Outlet Center Dr. Georgetown. (502) 863-0055.

Yuko-En On The Elkhorn
Located on the grounds of the Cardome Center, this is the official Kentucky-Japanese Friendship Garden. Enjoy paths, waterfalls, Koi ponds, arched bridges, Elkhorn Creek, a Japanese style raked Stone Garden and Tea House. Open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. 700 US-25. Info: (502) 316-4554.