Lexington, Kentucky
Season III - Chapter 6
The U.P. and Heading Down
“Chasing leaves... with a bourbon chaser “
Salvisa, Kentucky
It has been said that if God had made anything more beautiful that Kentucky’s Horse Country, He kept it for Himself! We are not so sure that we could disagree, well... there is Michigan. 😉
Our old Kentucky home for 2 weeks is Cummings Ferry Campground, a limestone canyon on the Kentucky River, strategically located between Lexington, the capitol of Frankfort, and Bardstown, the epicenter of the Bourbon Trail. After settling in and assessing our new digs, we begin the plan.
The first task, saddle up and explore the many pikes that make up Lexington’s legendary horse country. Beginning at the roundabout with Secretariat taking center stage, we are able to leisurely explore countless fence lined farms with one common denominator, perfectly manicured terrain. The bluegrass shoulder of the Old Frankfort Pike was inviting enough to serve as our lunch spot this day. Grazing on fruit and nuts amongst the thoroughbreds wasn’t bad at all, dinner and a show for next to nothing!
We continue our ride to Frankfort, one of the smallest capitol cities in America. What it lacks in size it makes up for in intrigue. A beautiful statehouse, historic Civil War buildings, and the final resting place for Daniel Boone all reside here. Oh, and Buffalo Trace... but more on that later. We head home on Duncan Road, a nod to our youngest, and the views happen to be fantastic as well.
In no time we are able to watch the last days of summer lose her grip. The leaves are changing from green to amber and red. We look forward to chasing them on the Bourbon Trail. This “destination” now number 50 strong so we must choose by reputation, location, and tour availability.
Four Roses is a welcoming bouquet to start our trip that will include Castle and Key, Heaven Hill, and Maker’s Mark., but we choose to single out Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace as the best tours of this distilling process that is distinctly American. Five hundred pound barrels still roll on the 150 year old rails at Buffalo Trace. The experience is priceless and the admission is too. (Free) Well, you will likely take some spirits home from each location. 😂
Woodford Reserve is nestled comfortably in the heart of horse racing central so it’s association with the Kentucky Derby is a natural fit. As the major sponsor of Thoroughbred Racing’s Main Event, Woodford Reserve’s presence is everywhere. Great tour, great bourbon! 🥃
Finally, the equine events: Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland Racecourse. These two stops were mandatory for every visitor with two or four legs. The horse park showcased every contribution that these amazing beasts have provided. Shows, museums, and even one celebrity: Funny Cide, the Derby and Preakness winner still lives here. We went on to enjoy a jumping competition with a $100,000.00 purse... 🤯, just another Sunday afternoon in Kentucky. Keeneland Racecourse is the home of the Breeder’s Cup. We stayed for the races and “donated” $100.00 of our money! 😅
Now, I have asked John “What dish is Kentucky famous for?” “The Hot Brown,” he says without hesitation. “Ramsey’s is the best in Lexington!” Named after the Brown Hotel in Louisville, this open faced sandwich consists of turkey, ham, bacon, and tomato... covered in a mornay sauce and cheese. Like the Derby, it is an event.
Our stay in Kentucky is about to end, tomorrow we will load up and head to Tennessee, but there is one final note: The people of Kentucky have something special, WARMTH! We think it is their connection to the land that they love, the unique spirit that they have created, and the stewardship of the animals they adore. Much like that first sip of bourbon, the people here give you that feeling of a warm Kentucky hug!
“Chasing leaves... with a bourbon chaser “
Travel safe all and we will see you out on the roads of Tennessee!
John and Caroline 🍀
Four Roses Distillery
Points of interest:
1. The Bourbon Trail starts in the area of Bardstown and covers most of the state. We had time to visit Four Roses, Buffalo Trace, and Makers Mark, Heaven Hill, and Woodford Reserve. Make a reservation and have a great time. We did!
2. Kentucky Horse Park is definitely with the visit. Check the schedule as it is closed Mondays and Tuesday.
Funny Side is now retired. He won the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, and miss the Belmont by one second!
3. Keeneland Racecourse is a beautiful facility to watch the horse racing. You do not need to wager in order to enjoy watching these amazing animals.
4. Hike: The 2 mile trail at the RV park is just enough for a brisk morning exercise. Cummings Ferry Campground also has a disc golf course that is well maintained.
Scenic Motorcycle Routes:
What a delight to take the Old Frankfort Pike from Lexington to Frankfort. The Kentucky Horse farms lined with black fences are a must see. Be sure and stop at the Secretariat round-about on the way out of Lexington.
Frankfort to Bardstown and any backroad you can find. The scenery just continues to change with each turn. This area is simply beautiful.
To note: The roads in Kentucky tend to be in decent shape but many are narrow with limited painted white lines. The maps below show some of the roads we traveled.
RV Location:
Cummings Ferry RV Park
2558 Cummins Ferry Road
Salvisa, Kentucky 40372
*Be sure and check the email from the park for directions. Only use Cummings Ferry Road to enter with your RV and follow arrival and exit times as the road is narrow and steep. Escorts to the site are available during normal business hours. There are several pull through sites available and we were pleased with our site 57.
