History, rolling hills, and renowned racehorses in Bourbon County, Kentucky

When you close your eyes and envision quintessential Kentucky, what comes to mind? You may imagine horses grazing next to split-rail fences, old wooden barns, or charming historic downtowns. Each of these idyllic scenes come to life in Bourbon County, the embodiment of the Bluegrass Region.  

Hopewell was the original county seat, but it was renamed to Paris in 1790 as an homage to France for their alliance during the American Revolutionary War (the 20-foot-tall Eiffel Tower replica on Main Street serves as a nod to the town’s origins). Paris’s historic downtown district is filled with ornate architecture and buildings that date back to the 1700s.

Fuel up with some coffee from one of several local spots (try Caffe Marco, Happy People Coffee Company, Hopewell Bake Exchange, or Lil’s Coffee House) while you peruse the Main Street shops, such as Bourbon Boot Supply, Loch Lea Antiques, Quillin Leather & Tack, Southern Lux Style, and more. If you work up an appetite, grab some Asian fusion from Paradise Café (located in the tallest three-story building in the world, according to Ripley’s Believe It or Not) or enjoy a classic Kentucky hot brown in a restored 1882 train station at Trackside at the Depot. For dessert, grab a banana split or a hand-dipped shake from The Rock Café. 

Stop in for a tour of the town’s oldest standing building, Duncan Tavern, which was built in 1788. Constructed of local limestone, this landmark often served as a gathering spot for early pioneers, including Daniel Boone. The opulent details of the Bourbon County Courthouse (completed in 1905) are a must-see for anyone interested in historical architecture. Bourbon County is also home to one of the oldest churches in Kentucky, Cane Ridge Meeting House, and one of the last remaining covered bridges in Kentucky, the Colville Covered Bridge. The bridge, which has undergone extensive restoration, is one of 11 covered bridges remaining in the state and one of the few that can still be driven through. At one time, there were dozens of covered bridges spanning Bourbon County streams. This is the last one left in the county.

Outside the city, Bourbon County’s rolling hills serve as the gorgeous backdrop for the Thoroughbred Capital of the World. Guests can tour many of the prestigious farms known for training renowned racehorses. Visit the final resting place of horse racing legend Secretariat at Claiborne Farm, learn all about breeding champions at the oldest continuously operated thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Runnymede Farm, or see filming locations from the movie Seabiscuit at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa.        

Speaking of the big screen, Bourbon County is home to a rare slice of yesteryear, the Bourbon Drive-In. This family-owned theater has been in operation since 1956, and double features still fill the screens from spring to fall each year. If you decide to catch a flick, keep in mind that the box office is cash only.

While you are in the area, be sure to visit one of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets. Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Hatmaker Homestead, stock up on farm-raised meat and fresh produce at Pope Family Farms, or pick some apples and unleash your inner kid on the jumbo jumpers at Stepping Stone Farm.

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For your convenience, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has multiple offices located in Bourbon County. Click here for more information.

The 120 is a blog produced by Kentucky Farm Bureau highlighting each of Kentucky's 120 counties—because we're well-known for knowing Kentucky well.