NICHOLASVILLE was incorporated in 1812 and is swiftly growing, ranked the 9th largest town in Kentucky by population. Here you can enjoy charcuterie, salads and specialty drinks at Luna’s Coffee, Wine and Butterfly Cafe or let your spirits soar with Jake’s Cigar Bar’s cigar and bourbon experiences, or eat and shop at Brannon Crossing, one of the hottest developments in the region. For good, wholesome family fun, catch a performance of KCAL Old Time Radio Troupe, which since 2014 has reproduced Old Time Radio episodes with a twist, and has shows year-round in downtown Nicholasville.

About 10 minutes south of town, you’ll find Camp Nelson National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service that preserves and interprets the site of the US Army supply depot and training center during the Civil War. The base played an integral role in ending slavery in Kentucky, as 10,000 formerly enslaved African American men self-emancipated by enlisting in the United States Colored Troops. They were joined by their families and other freedom seekers who sought refuge here. In addition to the visitor center, museum, and constructed barracks, there are over five miles of walking trails. Directly south of the national park site is Camp Nelson National Cemetery.

WILMORE was founded by the Cincinnati Southern Railroad as a flag stop after the building of the High Bridge trestle and has grown in size to 6,000 residents. Wilmore is home to Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary with its on-campus walking trail. It is known for its small town charm, delightful shopping and dining, and its historic Main Street District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

For a must see stop, head toward KEENE, which originated as a mill town founded in the late 1700s. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat at Dixie Cafe, and nearby is the 1922 House and Vineyards, where you can spend a great afternoon wine tasting and relaxing. Expand your adventure and visit First Vineyard, the first commercial winery in the United States or Ghost Fox Winery, a micro-winery both located in Nicholasville.