Horses, bourbon, boutiques
— in one Kentucky county
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 U.S. 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 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.
Many of Woodford County’s farms are available for touring through visithorsecountry.com.
TASTE OF BOURBON
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 bour