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10 Easy Road Trips Near Georgetown, Kentucky (All Outside Scott County)
If you’re based in Georgetown, KY and itching to get out of town for a bit, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find bourbon distilleries, horse farms, historic downtowns, and some of the prettiest countryside in central Kentucky. The best part? Every stop on this list is outside Scott County, in nearby counties like Bourbon, Fayette, Franklin, Grant, Harrison, Owen, and Woodford. So you get that mini “out-of-town” feel without a long drive. Let’s jump into 10 short road trips from Georgetown you can do in a day.1. Sip Small-Town Charm in Paris, KY (Bourbon County)
Paris is only about a 25–30 minute drive from Georgetown, but it feels like stepping into a postcard. The downtown area is full of old brick buildings, murals, and local shops that are fun to wander through. Things to do in Paris:- Walk through the historic downtown and snap photos of the famous “Thoroughbred” mural.
- Check out Hopewell Museum, set in a beautiful old home, to learn about local history.
- Drive some of the scenic backroads lined with stone fences and horse farms.
2. Explore Horse Country and Bourbon in Lexington (Fayette County)
Lexington is the “Horse Capital of the World,” and it’s an easy 20–25 minute drive from Georgetown. This is where you go when you want more options: food, shopping, craft beer, and of course, horses. Ideas for a Lexington day trip:- Visit a working horse farm for a tour and up-close time with the horses.
- Stroll around downtown and the Distillery District for restaurants and local bars.
- Catch a game or event at the University of Kentucky campus area.
3. Tour Historic Frankfort, the Capital City (Franklin County)
Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital, sits on the Kentucky River and makes for a great day trip, about 30–35 minutes from Georgetown. It’s small, walkable, and packed with history. Frankfort highlights:- Walk around the Old State Capitol and nearby historic buildings downtown.
- Visit the Kentucky History Center & Museums to dig into state history.
- Enjoy a riverside stroll or grab a bite at a local café near the water.
4. Follow the Bourbon Trail: Buffalo Trace & More (Franklin County)
If bourbon is on your list, Franklin County is a must. It’s home to Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the most iconic bourbon stops in the country. What you can do on a bourbon-focused road trip:- Take a distillery tour at Buffalo Trace (book ahead; they often fill up).
- Browse the gift shop for limited releases and Kentucky-made souvenirs.
- Drive some of the scenic roads around Frankfort for those classic bluegrass views.
5. Play and Paddle at Elkhorn Creek & Surroundings (Franklin & Owen Counties)
Love being on the water? A short drive from Georgetown takes you to popular access points along Elkhorn Creek, especially in Franklin and Owen Counties. Outdoor fun near Elkhorn Creek:- Go kayaking, canoeing, or tubing in the warmer months.
- Fish for smallmouth bass in calm, scenic stretches of the creek.
- Pack a picnic and relax by the water after a morning paddle.
6. Step Back in Time in Cynthiana, KY (Harrison County)
Cynthiana, about 30–40 minutes north of Georgetown, is one of those small Kentucky towns that quietly surprises you. The downtown area has character, and the town leans into its quirky side. Reasons to visit Cynthiana:- Walk through the historic downtown and check out the local shops.
- Look for murals and unique public art scattered around town.
- Learn about the town’s role in Civil War history at local sites and markers.
7. Visit the Ark Encounter in Williamstown (Grant County)
About 45–50 minutes north of Georgetown, you’ll find the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, a full-size Noah’s Ark attraction that draws visitors from all over the country. What to expect at the Ark Encounter:- A life-sized wooden ark you can walk through, with multiple levels of exhibits.
- Animal encounters, a playground, and other family-friendly activities.
- Food options and plenty of space to spend a full day if you choose.
8. Take a Scenic Drive Through Owen County’s Backroads
Owen County doesn’t always make the big travel lists, and that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s quiet, rural, and perfect for a slow, scenic drive. Ideas for an Owen County day trip:- Hit the backroads and enjoy rolling hills, farms, and long fence lines.
- Stop in small communities for a local diner meal or a quick coffee.
- Bring your camera—sunrise and sunset over the fields can be beautiful.
9. Horse Farm Tours & Scenic Views in Woodford County
Woodford County may be one of the most picturesque spots near Georgetown. It’s about 30–40 minutes away and famous for its rolling horse farms and pretty backroads. Woodford County highlights:- Drive along Old Frankfort Pike and other scenic routes through horse country.
- Book a tour at a local horse farm to see the barns and fields up close.
- Enjoy photo stops at those classic white fences and tree-lined lanes.
10. Discover Versailles, KY – Small Town, Big Character (Woodford County)
Versailles (pronounced “Ver-SALES” in Kentucky) is a charming small town in Woodford County, about a 30–35 minute drive from Georgetown. It’s an easygoing mix of history, food, and that relaxed small-town feel. Things to do in Versailles:- Explore the downtown area with its local shops and restaurants.
- Check out nearby horse farms and scenic roads just outside town.
- Plan your visit around a local event or festival if your timing lines up.
Tips for Short Road Trips from Georgetown, Kentucky
To make your out-of-county adventures smoother:- Keep drives simple: Most of these spots are within 20–50 minutes of Georgetown.
- Check hours: Especially for distilleries, museums, and tours—many require reservations.
- Plan around meals: A great local lunch or dinner can turn a quick drive into a full, memorable day trip.
- Mix and match: Pair a scenic drive with a stop in a small town, or a bourbon tour with a walk by the river.
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