Where can you taste the world’s best bourbon, make the acquaintance of the world’s most famous Thoroughbred, tour the home of the “Paul Revere of the South,” shop for high-end antiques in a converted schoolhouse, and spend the night in a castle — all in the same small county?
If you said Woodford County, Kentucky, go to the head of the class.
Located in the state’s scenic Bluegrass Region, Woodford County offers enough to keep a visitor occupied for an entire vacation.
Start with the Thoroughbreds. Drive along US 60, and you will quickly discover that you are in an upscale neighborhood where the sprawling farms belong to folks such as the Sheikh of Dubai (Gainsborough at Darley) and Barbara Jackson, widow of California wine magnate Jess Jackson (Stonestreet).
Most visitors make a beeline for Coolmore at Ashford Stud where Triple Crown and Breeder’s Cup winner American Pharoah stands at stud.
The superstar stallion, along with his stablemate, fellow Triple Crown winner Justified, will happily pose for pictures with adoring fans.
If you want a Thoroughbred farm with history, opt for Airdrie Stud, which occupies part of fabled Woodburn Farm, considered by many to be the birthplace of the American Thoroughbred breeding industry.
Prior to the Civil War, it was Belle Mead Plantation outside of Nashville, Tennessee, that was considered de rigueur for quality blooded horses. During the war, however, these valuable Thoroughbreds were routinely confiscated by both Union and Confederate forces.
Belle Meade’s owner sent his best stallions and mares to Woodburn for safekeeping, thus sowing the seeds of the Kentucky Thoroughbred industry. Many of Woodford County’s farms are available for touring through visithorsecountry.com
By now, you’re ready for some Kentucky elixir, right? Take a drive through some of America’s most scenic countryside (Old Frankfort Pike in the county has been designated a National Scenic Byway) to arrive at Woodford Reserve Distillery.
Situated on picturesque Glenn’s Creek, Woodford Reserve is the oldest distillery in the state, with a tradition dating back to early 1800’s distiller Elijah Pepper. On a tour, get a close-up look at the triple distillation process – from the copper pot still to the only surviving stone aging warehouses in America. Afterward, enjoy a tasting of the official Kentucky Derby bourbon.
If you’re still in a bourbon frame of mind, head four miles down McCracken Pike where Glenn’s Creek narrows to a trickle, and you will see a turreted castle rising above the trees.
Welcome to Castle & Key Distillery where the legendary E.H. Taylor Jr. began making bourbon in1887. During his tenure, Taylor spared no expense in making what was then the Old Taylor Distillery a showplace.
Following Prohibition, the distillery fell into ruin for a half century. That changed in 2018 when a multimillion-dollar renovation brought Castle & Key back to its original elegance. The castle, peristyle and springhouse with its chandelier and elegant columns were restored. The original sunken gardens were recreated and are at their best in summer when the hydrangeas are in bloom.
It’s time for more exploring. Browse the boutiques and galleries of Midway before heading to the hamlet of Nonesuch (yes, really) and Irish Acres Antiques.
Imagine a place where staid New England drawing room meets 1930s over-the-top Hollywood glamor. You’ll find it at this rehabbed former elementary schoolhouse turned upscale antiques emporium where you can pick up a beautifully crafted Christmas ornament for $20 or walk out with a 200-year-old mahogany cupboard for $38,500.
If you’re a history buff, tour the Jack Jouett House, an unassuming Federal-style home built in 1797 for its namesake. Jack Jouett isn’t exactly a household name outside of the commonwealth of Kentucky, but here he is known as the Paul Revere of the South, in 1781 having ridden 40 miles to Monticello and Charlottesville to warn Virginia Gov. Thomas Jefferson and the General Assembly that the British were coming.
After a full day of touring and eating, anyone would be thrilled to head to a well-appointed luxury hotel for the night. Especially if that hotel is The Kentucky Castle, Woodford County’s version of Downton Abbey.
Originally built by a Kentuckian with deep pockets as a home for his bride, the Castle now offers a truly regal experience on a property spread across 110 acres of rolling Bluegrass countryside.
Tribune News Service
