Historic Georgetown, 10 miles north of Lexington off I-75, is where Kentucky bourbon whiskey was first produced. Royal Spring, still is visible today at Royal Spring Park on West Main Street, provided the water for Baptist minister Rev. Elijah Craig's new mixture in 1789. A wooden sculpture of Craig, carved by local chainsaw artist Sandy Schu, stands in the park. It is Kentucky's largest spring-based public water system, serving some 7,000 customers. Also at the park is an authentic 1874 log cabin built by former slave Milton Leach. It is a mini-museum for local history (free, mid May-mid September, Tue-Sun 10-4, Water Street & West Main, 502/863-6201, cabin is not handicapped accessible). A Walking Tour Of Downtown Georgetown offers a look at some of the city's outstanding residential and commercial architecture that includes over 300 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour also includes Georgetown College, founded in 1829 and the oldest Baptist college west of the Alleghenies. Georgetown is recognized for its rich traditions, high ideals, superb faculty and challenging curriculum. Scott County Native Plants Arboretum, located at the corner of Main Street and Memorial Drive on the campus of Georgetown College, is the result of a joint community effort by the city of Georgetown, the Scott County Fiscal Court, and Georgetown College. The Arboretum is an area that is approximately one-half acre displaying trees and shrubs along with herbaceous perennials native to Kentucky and in particular, common to the Bluegrass Region. Today it supports 40 native woody species and nearly 45 native herbaceous perennials. It also displays a few of the native habitats one would find in undisturbed natural areas in Kentucky such as Kentucky River Palisades area, a Bluegrass Savannah area, a mesic woods area, and various perennial gardens. For more information, 502-863-1575, ext. 108. At the college's Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Building you can see major art exhibits at one of Central Kentucky's largest galleries. The Scott County Courthouse, the fourth to be constructed, was built in 1877 in the second empire or "General Grant" style. It was designed by Pittsburgh architect Thomas Boyd and was most recently renovated in 1995. The courthouse interior is open to the public. While in the downtown area, explore the wonderful antique and specialty shops. A tour brochure and map are available, but keep in mind that all residential home interiors are closed to the public. The length of the tour is between two and three hours. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, at Exit 126,has a visitor center with displays, M - F 9:00 am-4 pm; A free motorized tram provides tours of the huge facility where more than 500,000 Camry, Solara, and Avalon are built each year (M, T, W, & F 10 am & 12 pm & 2 pm; Th 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm & 6 pm; reservations required, no children under 8, no shorts, cameras allowed in visitor center only, 800/TMM-4485 or 502/868-3027, wheelchair guests may need assistance into tram). Yuko-En on The Elkhorn, the Official Kentucky-Japan Garden, 5-acre garden adjoining Cardome Centre north of downtown Georgetown. Yuko-En garden features bamboo plantings, a small lake, and a Zen garden arranged along an easy-to-walk paved pathway. For information, 502-863-1575, ext. 108. Georgetown and Scott County Museum. Area history comes alive with a video, time line, and an eclectic collection of local artifacts and exhibits, 502/863-6201). The North Fork of Elkhorn Creek flows through Scott County, and has always been a focal point for its residents. Today, the Elkhorn is considered one of the best small-mouth bass fisheries in America. Both north and south creeks coming together at the forks of the Elkhorn in Franklin County on US 460, covers 99 miles and completes its trip at Strohmeier's Stillwaters campground, dumping into the Kentucky River in Franklin County. If canoeing is your interest, the Elkhorn is runnable from late fall to late spring, downstream from Georgetown. Several dams in the Georgetown vicinity create pools that permit the paddling of certain two to four-mile stretches year-round. These stretches have been used for several years as a training site for a group of United States Canoe Association marathon racing contenders. Because of its mild whitewater, beautiful scenery, plentiful access, and proximity to four major urban areas, the Elkhorn is fast becoming Kentucky's most popular canoeing stream. Georgetown College is the home of pro football's Cincinnati Bengals Football Training Camp. Watch practices mid-July through mid-August at the Georgetown College Athletic Complex on Lemons Mill Road. Just five miles from Georgetown is the world famous Kentucky Horse Park. The thousand and thirty acre educational theme park, hosts some of the nation's most prestigious horse shows and events. F(I-75 Exit 120 just south of Georgetown, 859/233-4303). Keeneland Race Course, Versailles Road, (US 60, 6 miles. W. of Lexington) this National Historic Landmark is one of the world's premier thoroughbred tracks, attracting the nation's leading horses & jockeys. Live racing April and October. Keeneland is close to the Bluegrass Airport and easy driving from the Pineapple Inn. For information, 800-456-3412 or www.keeneland.com The Red Mile, 122 Red Mile Road, Lexington. Historic racetrack celebrating 130 seasons of live harness racing in 2004, late July-mid October. Inaugural Quarter Horse meet July 3-4. Harness simulcasting year-round. Junior League Horse Show July. For information, 859-255-0752 or www.theredmile.com Golf Canewood Golf Course, West of Georgetown on Hwy US 460 Cherry Blossom Village Golf & Country Club. I-75 exit 126 Longview Country Club, West of Georgetown on Hwy US 460 Community Sport and Activity Pavilion Georgetown - Scott County Parks & Recreation, special purpose rooms, gymnasium, aquatic area, aerobics, & fitness area. Boating, Camping, Fishing & Nature Walks Bill's Live Fish Farm, 1588 Carrick Pike Elkhorn Creek Nature Trail, an easy-to-hike 1 1/2 mile creek-side/countryside route connecting Western Elementary School (US-460 West) and Great Crossing Park (US-227 North) Parrish Lakes, 1283 Glass Pike, Stamping Ground

BackgroundCity.com