Six Free Things to See & Do in Georgetown
Written by Kathy Witt
Free? As in no charge?
Yep, you read that right. Here are six fun Georgetown attractions you can’t put a price tag on because they’re all on the house. Yours for the taking – and enjoying.
1. Explore Local Artistry
Kentucky artistry can be found throughout Georgetown's Historic streets, from its characteristic murals to the regional crafts found in its downtown shopping distric but there's so much more to be discovered just beneath the surface. Our local galleries and collections present art from the cutting edge to the historic masterpiece, painting a beautiful canvas of the creative minds in the heart of the Bluegrass. Check out how you can explore it all HERE
2. Yuko-en on the Elkhorn
Here is the place to get your Zen on: Yuko-en on the Elkhorn Creek – the only official Kentucky-Japan Friendship Garden. An homage to Georgetown’s sister city since 1990, Tahara, Japan, this 4-season, 5-acre garden is a place of peace.
Enter through the Tokugawa gate, stroll the grounds planted with an abundance of native plants blended with Japanese garden principles, see the statuary and relax near the pond for quiet reflection. Namaste.
3. Georgetown and Scott County Museum
Equine portraits, rotating collections and special exhibits – the Georgetown and Scott County Museum is all about celebrating the history and heritage of the local community and in a really cool setting: the historic 1905 Post Office building. Check out the museum’s video here. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday or by appointment.
4. Geocaching Trails
The hunt is on! And depending on which of the two adventures you take – the Scott County GeoTrot or the Historic Buffalo Trail, you’ll be all over Georgetown, Sadieville and Stamping Ground, including at the Birthplace of Bourbon, cemeteries, a site connected to outlaw Jesse James – even a craft brewery! Passports are available here and here.
First time? Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting activity that uses GPS coordinates to locate hidden geocache containers that house customized trinkets for Geocachers to collect or replace, and a rubber stamp to mark the geocache location. They are designed hunts featuring specific locations or attractions oftentimes unfamiliar to participants.
Geocaching trails are typically recorded on the geocaching.com app or with a designated GeoTrail passport. Also visit www.geocaching.com to learn more about the world’s largest treasure hunt.
5. Historic Walking Tour of Downtown
Georgetown has a picture-postcard downtown lined with Victorian-era buildings that are filled with art galleries, boutiques, bakeries and restaurants and trimmed with American flags and colorful hanging flower baskets.
Experience a “Walk Through Time” on a self-guided tour of this architecturally beautiful and significant downtown that includes a stop of the Birthplace of Bourbon, Royal Spring Park. This is where it is believed Reverend Elijah Craig first distilled spirits. Grab a copy of the tour at the Georgetown/Scott County Tourist Information Center and Chamber of Commerce.
6. Elkhorn Creek
Drop a line in Kentucky’s longest creek. Elkhorn Creek is considered one of the best smallmouth bass streams in the state, and one of the most scenic. Pack a picnic and enjoy the view at Great Crossing Park, a true piece of Georgetown history.
This tiny greenspace with shade, picnic shelters, walking and nature trails and boat ramp is on an ancient migratory path the Native Americans called Alant-I-wamiowee, or buffalo path, for the great buffalo herds traversing the land in search of a salt lick. The buffalo and salt licks have vanished, but the park is still a great place to kick back and while away a few lazy hours.
