More than 50 horse farms give Bourbon County a strong connection to horse breeding. At the same time, the county’s history reaches back to its ties to bourbon whiskey. Those looking to explore the area’s character will find notable architecture, local shops and opportunities to spend time by the water alongside these rural themes.
Horse Breeding and Time Outdoors
Horse breeding is a defining part of Bourbon County’s history. For a different perspective on the landscape, visit Bourbon County Park, which has a paved loop trail for walking and a playground. The park combines outdoor activity with a specific destination for families, without requiring a set itinerary.
Stoner Creek also offers a glimpse of the county’s waterscape. Garrard Park provides access to the creek’s banks. Stoner Creek also offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. If you plan to take part in either activity, check water conditions and access before setting out.
Discover Architecture and History
The former Paris post office is home to the Hopewell Museum, a notable example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The art and history museum features rotating exhibits and a children’s learning center. This brings architectural history and current exhibitions together in one place: you can appreciate the building as an example of architecture while also exploring art and history in the museum.
Another historic home is the Nannine Clay Wallis Home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nannine Clay Wallis developed an elaborate garden on the home’s four-and-a-half-acre grounds. The building, garden and historic designation offer different perspectives on the property, with none replacing the others.
Paintings on the dome of the Bourbon County Courthouse depict the four seasons and the county’s agricultural products in 1905. The scenes bring nature and agriculture together and give the dome a clear connection to the region’s history. Two churches also represent different aspects of the area’s architectural heritage: St. Paul’s Methodist Church is the oldest African American church in Bourbon County. Annunciation Church is considered the county’s finest example of a Gothic Revival church. A self-guided Downtown Architectural Walking Tour offers another way to explore this architectural history.
Local Life in Paris
The Paris-Bourbon County Farmers’ Market has an outdoor market from March through December and an indoor market that operates year-round, Monday through Saturday. If visiting the market is part of your plans, it’s a good idea to check the schedule. In downtown Paris, boutiques, antique shops, gift shops, and home goods and decor stores are within walking distance of one another. There are also art galleries featuring works by local artisans.
Made in Paris® is a network of small businesses and artisan enterprises in downtown Paris. Participating businesses span the arts, crafts, food and drink; participants may change. The network complements the galleries and shops with a glimpse of the local creative and culinary culture, without requiring all members to offer the same products.
Getting There from Lexington
The most direct route from Lexington to Paris follows scenic Paris Pike. It is signed as US 68 East and US 27 North. If Paris is your starting point for exploring the area, this route information offers practical guidance for getting there.
Discover more destinations: Paris, Trigg County, Barren County, Bell County, Franklin, Hopkins County, Logan, Lawrence County.
For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.
