Some scenarios can really double down on the fact that you’re in a small town. After a long day exploring Georgetown, Kentucky, recently, I wandered into Slainte Public House, one of the few buildings on Main Street with lights on after dinnertime. I peered through a garden gate to find the back courtyard was packed – there were girlfriends gossiping over wine, families sharing loaded nachos, a bearded man on the karaoke stage belting out “Sweet Caroline.”
At the bar inside, I ordered a Country Boy craft beer (a local favorite) and had a lovely conversation with a Chamber member who handed me her business card in case I needed anything.
Back outside, the karaoke host had no takers and was calling out crowd members by name: “Mary, get up here!” “Mark, you’re next!” Finally, a group of women took the stage, launching into “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” charmingly off-key.
“Yeah! That’s my realtor!” someone shouted from the back.
That’s Georgetown, Kentucky, for ya… a fitting tagline for a town where the stranger at the bar treats you like a friend, the local brewery becomes an instant favorite, and the karaoke star will sell you a house should you decide to stay.
Ready to experience it yourself? Here’s your guide to the best of Georgetown.
Where to Eat
You’re in for a treat with the dining options in Georgetown, ranging from steakhouses in historic homes to modern breweries that smoke their own meats.
Local Feed
A clear local favorite filled to the brim on a Thursday night, Local Feed is a farm-to-table concept inside a renovated ice house originally built in 1890. Enjoy Southern staples like meatloaf, cornbread, deviled eggs, fried chicken, and all the appropriate fixins’ from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Country Boy Brewing
This may default as a “where to drink” option, but do not skip your chance for a meal at Country Boy, Georgetown’s resident brewery, born from local students’ adventure in the town’s Sister City, Tahara, Japan. Beloved brews like “Cougar Bait” and “Shotgun Wedding” have grown in popularity around the region, and pair well with smashburgers, wings, and smoked meats.
Rodney’s On Broadway
Get gussied up for an evening of fine dining inside a renovated 1840s home near Downtown Georgetown. Rodney’s on Broadway has a full bar, a charming outdoor patio, and a robust menu packed with hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and steakhouse sides created by chef Rodney Jones.
Fava’s of Georgetown
Any restaurant that’s been around for a century is probably a good one, and that’s certainly the case for Fava’s. This no-frills downtown diner is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving up comfort food classics like burgers and pancakes, and offers a whole shelf of pies for dining in or taking home.
Slainte Public House
The site where the aforementioned small town charm took place, this local haunt is a must-visit during your Georgetown adventure. The back patio at Slainte is a worthy destination for a cold beer and people watching, and the menu includes traditional Irish fare mixed with bar grub like wings and nachos.
Where to Stay
From national brands like Marriott and Hilton to charming home rentals, there are plenty of places to tuck in after a day of eating and exploring around Georgetown.
National Brands
Whether your allegiance lies with a particular brand or you have points to use up, options in Georgetown include a lovely Home2Suites by Hilton with in-room kitchens, a Country Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus, and more.
Vacation Rentals
To fully immerse yourself in that small-town charm, consider a vacation rental like Bleubird Studio, which offers a room inside a three-story grand home that doubles as retail space with an art and yoga studio. Whole-home options include this downtown historic home, this renovated apartment, or this chic studio. If you’re traveling with a group, this historic home, built in 1872, can accommodate up to 16. For a uniquely Kentucky experience, book a stay inside the former Buffalo Springs Distilling Company office building, erected in 1868.
What to Do
Georgetown is filled with so much unexpected charm – horses, history, excellent agritourism, you name it. Here’s what should be on your list.
Old Friends Farm
One of the most special experiences I’ve had in a long time, Old Friends is a retirement farm for Thoroughbred racehorses to live out their days in the lap of luxury (read: rolling acres, buckets of carrots, and lots of deserved attention from visitors). More than 100 horses call the farm home, including Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners. Here, visitors can learn about the horses’ storied careers, feed them carrots and treats, and interact with these living legends.
Evans Orchard & Cider Mill
This expansive working farm is a must-visit in the fall for apple picking and pumpkin patches, but don’t discount its charm in other seasons, too. There are play areas for children, seasonal fruits ripe for the picking from spring through fall, and a charming market with local goods and food to order.
Downtown Georgetown
You could make an afternoon of wandering downtown, passing storybook homes, small businesses, a city museum, and historic sites like the Birthplace of Bourbon. A historic marker tells the story of preacher-turned-distiller Elijah Craig and his contributions to the bourbon industry as we know it today.
Whispering Woods Riding Stables
You’re in the heart of horse country, so it’s time to saddle up! Whispering Woods offers guided horseback rides through lush wooded hillsides, offering a different perspective to Kentucky’s outdoor beauty. The farm also hosts fun events like a haunted trail around Halloween and horsemanship classes for beginners.
Ward Hall
What’s considered one of the nation’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture, Ward Hall is a spectacular mansion now preserved and available to tour. Walk through stunning outdoor gardens and period-appropriate interior rooms, hear stories about the Ward family (and their niece, Sallie, the original influencer), and take in the reality of life in the 1850s.
Bi-Water Farm & Greenhouse
Agriculture is an essential part of the Kentucky ecosystem, and Bi-Water Farm is a massive flower farm, greenhouse, marketplace, and seasonal destination for lovers of the outdoors. In fall, the farm transforms into an autumnal paradise complete with rolling pumpkin patches, acres of activities, rentable bonfires, haunted houses, and hayrides.
Toyota
Toyota’s largest vehicle manufacturing plant in the world (9 million square feet) can be found right there in Georgetown, producing 550,000 vehicles annually. For engineering aficionados and car lovers, this massive facility is open for tours Tuesday through Friday at select times. While advanced reservations are required, tours are free.
This article is presented in partnership with Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission, a Modern South Founding Partner.
