Harrodsburg, Kentucky, & Old Fort HarrodBluegrass Region | Helen's Day Trips | Harrodsburg & Old Fort Harrod | Centre College |
Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill | Bourbon Tour | Keeneland | Horse Farms | 400-Mile Sale |
Kentucky Horse Park | US 127 Corridor Sale | Perryville Battlefield | Outdoors | Lexington |
Frankfort | Events | 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games | Brass Band Festival |
Kentucky Agriculture Heritage Center
Located in the center of Kentucky in the famed Bluegrass region, Harrodsburg was established in 1774 and ranks as Kentucky's oldest town, as well as the first permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Downtown Harrodsburg
From Beaumont Inn bed and breakfast, it's a 10 minute walk through the historic district to reach downtown with its shops and restaurants. In the heart of downtown lies a National Register Historic District with a streetscape reminiscent of an earlier time. Although plagued by a number of fires that occurred during the 19th century, the restored Main Street is a national model. Buildings that date back to the 1880s and 1890s house restaurants, gift, antique and specialty shops. While downtown, stop to admire Olde Towne Park, which boasts a 14x32 foot cascading fountain. This unique creation of public art was inspired by the scenic palisades found along the Kentucky River on the eastern border of Mercer County.On your walk to downtown Harrodsburg from Beaumont Inn, you will pass by these beautiful homes. A self-guiding walking/driving tour highlights many of the architectural treasures that reflect the town's heritage. Spanning more than two centuries, you'll pass by stately pre-Civil War homes, churches and businesses -- all prime examples of the various styles of architecture used in Kentucky. One site, Morgan Row, is believed to be the first and oldest rowhouse standing in the state. The structure houses the Harrodsburg Historical Society's museum and research library. Ask for a map and guide at the inn office or Download the Walking Tour Map PDF. While you are downtown, stop at the restored Dedman's Drugstore (Chuck's great grandfather), now home to Kentucky Fudge, for ice cream or a sandwich.The on Main Street dates to 1860 and retains all of the original cherry cabinetry, the pharmacist's station enclosed by cherry paneling and stained glass windows, and a soda fountain. Shaker Village
Also, located seven miles east of downtown on U. S. 68, is the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Founded in 1805, America's largest restored Shaker community and National Historic Landmark is the only site of its kind where all visitor services are provided in original buildings. Today, 33 restored buildings are surrounded by 2700 acres of preserved farmlands. Shaker Village operates the 115-passenger riverboat Dixie Belle. The authentic sternwheeler leaves nearby Shaker Landing; the site where Shakers loaded flatboats with goods headed for Southern markets. Read more about Shaker Village.
Old Fort Harrod State Park
The town's early history is showcased at Old Fort Harrod State Park, where a full-scale replica of the original fort stands. Here, you can experience "living history" as you learn about the hardships of fort life.As you stroll through the cabins, you'll see many original artifacts that were actually used by the settlers in the late 1700s. Craftspeople in period costumes portray Kentucky's early pioneers who lived within the stockade walls. Observe some of the daily tasks performed such as basketry, woodworking, weaving, tinsmithing, dollmaking, blacksmithing and broommaking. Children will especially be drawn to the cattle, sheep and turkey corralled in the center of the fort. Also on the grounds of the state park are the Lincoln Marriage Temple, the George Rogers Clark Memorial, a pioneer cemetery and the Mansion Museum. This Greek Revival home, built in 1930, displays an outstanding collection of paintings, Indian artifacts, Civil War relics, firearms and Lincoln memorabilia.Preserving Kentucky's pioneer history, the fort has been reconstructed near the site of the original. Heavy timbers form stockade walls and enclose the cabins and blockhouses. Interpreters in period-correct clothing perform pioneer tasks such as woodworking, weaving, broommaking, and blacksmithing and tend the farm animals and gardens. A full-scale replica of the fort, built by James Harrod in 1775, is the centerpiece of this park. The cabins and blockhouses are furnished with handmade utensils, furniture, crude tools and agricultural implements used by the pioneers. Costumed interpreters demonstrate pioneer crafts, and a live animal corral adds to the “living history” experience. (Living history craftspeople demonstrate mid-April through October.) The park complex also features the Mansion Museum, a Greek Revival home built in 1830. The museum houses an outstanding collection of Civil War history, Native American artifacts, gun collection and more. Other highlights within the park are a pioneer cemetery, the Lincoln Marriage Temple housing the cabin where Abraham Lincoln’s parents were married and a George Rogers Clark Federal Monument.
Farm Tours
Take a drive through picturesque rural countryside to stop at one of the many locally owned and operated family farms nestled in the rolling hills of Mercer County . Stroll through orchards, ride horse back, cast a fishing line, buy fresh-picked produce or pick your own, visit a beef cattle, sheep or goat farm, learn about 19th century historic farming methods, wander through greenhouses and nurseries to choose plants for your own garden. Enjoy the bounty available and help support over twenty businesses included in the Agritourism Guide to Harrodsburg/Mercer County Adventures (download PDF)..Mercer County Fairgrounds
The Mercer County Fair and Horse Show is billed as the oldest continuous fair and horse show in the nation (since 1828) and is considered one of the country’s top outdoor Saddlebred horse shows. See their busy year-round calendar of events on their website.Bluegrass Animal Land
All ages will enjoy a unique encounter with a variety of large and small breeds of exotic and stock animals from various regions of the world. Open May – October. Read more on their website.History
Harrodsburg and Mercer County has a unique heritage. It has been home to several Kentucky Derby winners, Pleasant Hill (the now restored Shaker colony), numerous Kentucky Governors, and famous inns and spas. The rolling bluegrass fields are often fenced by dry mortar stone walls and many of the small hillocks are the sites of prehistoric Woodland Native American burials or settlements. Every architectural style is evident from the 15th and 16th century European post and beam with wattle and daub to the hewn log cabin; from the 18th century hand made brick home to the antebellum mansions with their slave quarters; from the ornate Victorian gingerbread sketchbook mansions and the Queen Anne revival houses to wonderful examples of the Arts and Crafts bungalow. It is the first permanent English Settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains and the birthplace of Western Expansion beyond the original colonies. Read the history of Harrodsburg.For more information:
Harrodsburg / Mercer County Visitor Information Website
2009 Harrodsburg Visitors Guide PDF
Lexington Area Map of Bluegrass Region Attractions PDF
James Harrod Trust
Beaumont Inn
Historic Bed & Breakfast in the Kentucky Horse & Bluegrass Region
638 Beaumont Inn Drive / PO Box 158
Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330
Near Lexington & Frankfort
Call for reservations, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST: 1-800-352-3992 or 859-734-3381
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