There is a launch fee of $4 for canoes/kayaks and a $5 fee for boats.Boat ramp available year round, 24 hours. Paved surface, single launch lane, ramp type: any light trailerable recreational boat.

Kentucky River - Lock 7 Road, Wilmore

When built in 1877, High Bridge was the highest railroad trestle in the world. As part of the busiest north-south route in the nation, it is still used heavily today. The restored High Bridge Park, known as the jewel of the Kentucky River Parks, is open to the public, and features a huge Victorian Pavilion on the top of the famed River Palisades, a heart stopping overlook of the Kentucky River Gorge, a playground, museum and facilities for picnicking.  Each August, High Bridge Park is home to the High Bridge Homecoming Festival.

KY 29 / Old Park Road, Wilmore • 859.885.4500

A 155 acre Jessamine County nature preserve in the palisades region of the Kentucky River. Very good wildflower spotting spring through fall, and palisade views in winter. Overstreet Creek views are nice. A wooded dirt trail leads down to Overstreet Creek, then back up to top of the gorge where there is an overlook of Jessamine Creek when the leaves aren’t out. Does not go down to Jessamine Creek or the Kentucky River level, so only a moderate elevation change.

1232-1406 Corman Lane, Nicholasville • 859.885.2310 Ext. 1014

The Jim Beam Nature Preserve is a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy and the Jim Beam Company. Positioned in Jessamine and Garrard counties, its trails wind through the Kentucky River Palisades, making its proximity ideal for birders and nature lovers. This natural-occurring gorge cuts down into the oldest rock formations exposed in the state. This natural sanctuary, built in 1995, provides a way for Jim Beam to give back to the land of the company’s roots and protect its valuable land resources. Since that time, the Jim Beam Company has planted 2,000 trees and continues to donate funds for its general care. The cliff tops surrounding the Kentucky River are considered the largest concentration of forest within the Inner Bluegrass region. The preserve not only protects two endangered species of bats but also provides refuge to rare plant and tree species growing among the rocky riverbanks and clifftops. A one-mile loop features these natural treasures as well as significant stretches of dry-laid stone fences, providing a glimpse into Kentucky’s past. A particular feature of this trail is the overlook of the vast Kentucky River when the leaves are off the trees. Find your way in and around this beautiful nature preserve for which Jim Beam lovingly maintains.

Payne Lane, Nicholasville • 859.259.9655

A public ramp in Jessamine County that allows access to the lower part of Pool 8 on the Kentucky River.

Kentucky River - 7800 Sulphur Well Pike, Nicholasville

Hop a ride on the Valley View Ferry, the oldest year-round ferry service in the United States, and the last one remaining on the Kentucky River. The ferry was founded in 1785, seven years before Kentucky officially became a state in 1792. With its old-timey paddlewheel and friendly staff, the ferry travels across the water with the use of cables attached to nearby towers to safely navigate and transport passengers to the other side. Be a part of Kentucky history as you board—three vehicles at a time—and charter the same waters traveled by such legendary figures as Daniel Boone, Henry Clay, and General Ulysses S. Grant.

Kentucky River at Tates Creek Road (KY169), Nicholasville • 859.469.3871

Hang loose Pawpaw Patch is located in beautiful Jessamine County just outside downtown Wilmore. Situated on 5 acres we are the premier pawpaw fruit supplier of central Kentucky. We have over 150 pawpaw trees of named grafted cultivars so you can guarantee higher quality of fruit comes from us!! We are pleased to offer tours and tastings during pawpaw season which runs from late August into early October. Please visit our website for updates or email gotto@kentuckypawpaw.com if you have any questions.

In 1923, Henry Clay Morrison began Asbury Theological Seminary with a class of three students. He fashioned a seal for the seminary, which reads “The Whole Bible for the Whole World.” When Morrison founded Asbury Theological Seminary, his mission was “to prepare and send forth a well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministry” to spread scriptural holiness around the world. Asbury Seminary continues to hold to this mission, providing holistic ministerial preparation as an interdenominational institution. Nearly 100 years later, those three students grew into tens of thousands of graduates, who flourish in every state, on every continent, in every time zone. The seminary's goal is to reach the world through evangelism and missions, preaching, teaching, and counseling. The University offers traditional 4-year degrees and several Master’s degree options in business administration, media communication, and education. With satellite campuses in Florida, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, Asbury Seminary makes its mark in miraculous ways.

204 N. Lexington Avenue, Wilmore • 859.858.3581

Asbury's beautiful campus and facilities offer an ideal venue for camps, conferences and events. The university hosts the annual Highbridge Film Festival which is dedicated to expressing and exploring the human condition through the power of the visual story. The film festival showcases high school and college student short films.

1 Macklem Drive, Wilmore • 859.858.3511

In 1866, the United States government designated approximately eight acres here to establish a cemetery. Camp Nelson played a vital role in supplying the U.S. army with wagons, ambulances, artillery and supplies, had a 700-bed hospital on site to care for the sick and wounded, and most importantly, served the 3rd largest enlistment station for African-American soldiers and a refugee camp for their families. After the end of the Civil War, the federal government initiated a program to locate and re-inter Union dead in national cemeteries. As a result, in June and July 1868, a total of 2,023 remains were removed from areas in Kentucky and reinterred at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. The historic section is enclosed by a stone wall and features a fully restored superintendent’s lodge, built in 1870. Camp Nelson National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Open daily from dawn to dusk, visit loved ones or the historic graves that tell the story of the site.

6980 Danville Road, Wilmore • 859.885.5727

As the 3rd largest African-American enlistment center, Camp Nelson played a pivotal role in the lives of enslaved Americans in this region, and ultimately helped turn the tide to end slavery once and for all in the United States. Of the 180,000 African-American men who joined the fight, more black men enlisted in the Union army in Kentucky—and, nearly 10,000—gained their freedom and prepared for battle here at Camp Nelson. Begin your journey at Camp Nelson with a tour of the reconstructed army barracks, built on the original site. Following an inspirational film, travel back in time by touring the inner sanctum of the museum for history come to life. Explore the museum, built on the site of the barracks, to see the artifacts archaeologists unearthed on this site—shards of dishes and bottles, pipes and buttons, guns—that tell the story of the day to day camp life. Relive camp life through interpretive medical office with Civil War-era medical equipment, reconstructed refugee housing and a model of a post office and commissary store. Walk the surrounding fields in the footsteps of the refugees and soldiers who fought a hard-won fight for freedom.

6614 Old Danville Road, Loop 2, Nicholasville • 859.881.5716

Tour a Southern Railway bayside caboose number X365! Inside the 1950s-era exhibit is an extensive collection of local artifacts, photos, and more. Learn about the early settlers who made their homes in the Wilmore-High Bridge area in the late 1700s, and about the development of the railroad, which made more extensive travel and commerce possible for everyone. Listen in on the dispatch scanner as the train crews communicate with each other and watch the trains up-close as they cruise by at 50mph to experience the role locomotives have in our lives today.

334 2 East Main Street , Wilmore • 859.858.4411

1922 House is the newest winery to join the ranks of the fine tradition of Kentucky vineyards. Brian and Karla Young continue their family’s history of agriculture and distilling by turning Kentucky-grown grapes into specialty wines and crafting their own small-batch bourbon. Make an appointment for a tour and tasting.

3155 Keene Road, Nicholasville • 859.321.3533

In 1994, Tom Beall and his business partner, Bobbye Carpenter, found the perfect spot in Jessamine County for a weekend getaway retreat. Eight years later, they not only discovered the history behind the property but original vineyard terraces and the foundation of a building. This discovery inspired the duo to reconstruct First Vineyard—the first winery legally established in the United States—as it would have looked during the early 1800s. With extensive research, Beall and Carpenter tracked down some of the original historic grape varieties used on site and officially reopened First Vineyard in 2012, dedicating themselves to the reconstruction of period buildings and growing a crop of original grape varieties to release to the public. Visit the tasting room to sample a “true taste of history,” and stroll the historic grounds of First Vineyard. Make yourself welcome and stay at Sugar Creek Resort Inn on these historic grounds of First Vineyard.

5800 Sugar Creek Pike, Nicholasville • 859.885.9359

A micro-winery that focuses on small-batch wine with a sense of spirit, curiosity and adventure with their innovative infusions.

2385 Chrisman Mill Rd, Nicholasville • 502.550.2337

Family owned and operated since 1976, Taylor Made has grown from a small boarding farm into the worldwide leader in Thoroughbred sales and marketing. Located in the heart of Horse Country, Taylor Made Farm has foaled and raised some of the sports biggest stars! Explore our rich history and meet our team. Tour a leading, family run Thoroughbred operation, including their stallion barn and a caravan through the farm learning about breeding, raising and selling young Thoroughbreds.

2765 Union Mill Road, Nicholasville • 859.885.3345

The Asbury Equine Center spreads across 343 acres of land overlooking the Kentucky Palisades. Riding trails and pastures, two outdoor and one indoor arena, horse and hay barns—this facility has an essential purpose in the community and among its students. The Asbury equine students learn all about equines from the ground up. Students get practical, hands-on experience as interns with many local farms and businesses. Asbury is most well-known for being one of the only programs in the United States with hands-on, student-run mounted police horse training. Book a farm tour or enroll your child in one of the summer horse camps to inspire a new generation of horsemen and women.

744 Shanty Hill Road, Wilmore • 859.858.3511, x2262

Justin's Place, in Wilmore, Kentucky, was founded in honor of a young man, Justin King, who tragically lost his life in a car accident. Inspired by Justin's love for children, our staff and volunteers aim to carry out our mission of creating a safe and supportive environment for children ages 3 to 13 with a disability or disorder diagnosis to experience peace and joy through horses.

3705 High Bridge Road, Wilmore • 859.215.7111

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center (KyEAC) is the largest all-breed equine rescue in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Nestled on 72 acres in the rolling hills of Jessamine County, KyEAC is the home and training ground for approximately 50 equines at all stages of rehabilitation and retraining. We are not a sanctuary; part of our mission is to find the perfect home and purpose for all of our horses – from high level dressage to therapeutic equine companions, from trail horses to pasture ponies.

1713 Catnip Hill Road, Nicholasville • 859.881.5849

The KCAL Old Time Radio Troupe recreates old time radio shows the way they were originally performed back in the 40s and 50s. Anything from mysteries to comedies to dramas with period clothing, sound effects, original commercials and music.

109 S. Main Street, Nicholasville • 859.885.5363

Combining the magic of movies with the pleasure of dining out to create a unique entertainment experience, Movie Tavern offers 13 screens with digital projection and audio, 3-D capabilities, reserved seating and in-theatre dining with a full food and beverage menu.

150 Langley Drive, Nicholasville • 859.245.0460

The Connemara Golf Course was built in 1992 on the grounds of the Connemara Farm, circa 1833. Call our on-site pro shop to reserve a tee time to challenge your personal best on the 18-hole course, practice green, or driving range. Take a swing at fine-tuning your best handicap and schedule a lesson with our knowledgeable and friendly staff. Forget something? Our pro shop is fully stocked with everything you need to play a great game, and, while you’re there, sign up for leagues, tournaments, or a year-round membership. Come play a round on one of Central Kentucky’s most beautiful courses and grab some lunch at Bill’s Saloon.

2327 Lexington Road, Nicholasville • 859.885.4331

Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, slamball, ninja obstacles, kiddie court, and more!

400 E. Brannon Road, Nicholasville • 859.303.5868

Challenge yourself on this 18-hole course and driving range, and enjoy the luxury of beautifully manicured greens at Thoroughbred Golf Club. Named not only for its distinct location in gorgeous horse country but also after the highest point in Jessamine County. Soak in the view after the first swing and watch the bluegrass bend in the wind while the horses roam the fields nearby. The fully-stocked pro-shop has name brand golf supplies and everything you need for a successful game.

1215 High Point Drive, Nicholasville • 859.887.4614

Top Seed boasts a first-rate fitness facility, which includes a gym complete with cardio and strength training equipment, and ample group fitness room designed to engage a wide range of classes. Additionally, professionally certified personal trainers are accessible, to help our members meet performance or personal goals. Our on-site Licensed Massage Therapist aims to help people live a pain-free life and possesses great expertise, ranging from relaxation techniques, to therapeutic modalities, to sports massage therapy. Additionally, our daycare allows members the benefit of doing something they love, while not having to worry about who’s watching their children. For all of your pro-shop needs (and wants), make your way over to the The Top Seed Tennis Club Pro Shop; for racquet-stringing needs and a wide variety of classic and progressive tennis gear, racquets and much more. What’s more, you can enjoy our full-service bar which offers a menu of sandwiches, snacks, drinks, beer, wine, and spirits. From the lounge area, you can gather and socialize, with a view of indoor court play.

777 E. Brannon Road, Nicholasville • 859.523.7474

The Bluebird Social is a fun mix of play cafe, social club, and curated children's retail. From Play Sessions in the morning to afternoon activities, there is something for every family and every budget at The Bluebird Social.

"We love this little town and the people that call it home. That's the reason for our story."

304 East Main Street, Wilmore

Custom jewelry designers and makers since 1991. Our specialty is re-purposing your old, broken down yet sentimentally valuable jewelry into new wearable works of art.

118 1/2 N. Main Street, Nicholasville • 859.885.4109

Nestled in Brannon Crossing, our small town boutique provides women with trendy, colorful clothing, shoes, and accessories that are guaranteed to uplift and empower, ensuring every woman feels her absolute best.

127 Cynthia Drive, Nicholasville • 859.354.8141

Women's fashion, home, & gift. Fresh styles. Timeless you.

118 S. Main Street, Nicholasville • 859.303.4001

This community-based emporium is part farmer's market, part cafe, and part micro-restaurant designed to foster social gathering and community building, and promoting nutritious food choices. Local vendors include farmers, producers, crafters, artisans, and “food–preneurs” who come together to provide a variety of fresh produce and related products to sell directly to the local consumer.

309-399 N. 3rd Street, Nicholasville • 859.885.0349

Jake's is an upscale Cigar Bar and Spirit Lounge that includes outdoor gathering spaces, croquet and cornhole courts, and dry-stacked stone walls.

100 Langley Drive, Nicholasville • 859.273.0351

Family owned and operated, offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt with a professional staff that is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. That is why we always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect.

206 S. Main Street, Nicholasville • 859.885.5601

Shop real deals for home decor and fashion for every style and season. Find fabulous home decor, fashion and accessories in the locally-owned shoppe.

123 Means Drive, Nicholasville • 859.724.7325

Owners Richard and Debbie Weber began to grow their nursery and garden design center in 1995 on an old, neglected tobacco farm. They discovered a natural spring bubbling out of the ground and decided to take a chance on this property. Since then, Springhouse Gardens has built a reputation for creating stunning gardens tailored to your home and personal aesthetic. The grounds, now a beautifully cultivated garden in its own right, from which owners Richard and Debbie Weber began to grow their business in 1995., from this old, neglected tobacco farm. Springhouse Gardens is a garden center with landscaping and garden design services and a wide variety of plants suited to your individual style. Our full-service design and installation team is eager to assist you. Book an appointment so we can help you envision, plan, and create the perfect garden for your home. Host your next event at The Barn at Springhill or come stroll the grounds on the next pretty day!

185 Catnip Hill, Nicholasville • 859.224.1417

From the humble beginnings of a family-run storefront to over 200 stores in 29 states, Boot Barn® epitomizes the American dream of hard work, honesty, and value. When founder Ken Meany opened that very first store, he believed in offering customers quality products and good value. We stock the warehouse shelves with quality western and work gear for you and your family with thousands of styles of boots, jeans, shirts, hats, belts, jewelry from the brands you trust like Wrangler, Ariat, Justin, Carhartt, Dan Post, Resistol, Montana Silversmith and many, many more. We’ll outfit you from head to toe and give you the kind of service you’d expect from a company that values heritage, hard work, and community. It’s what we believe in, and we know you do, too.

3090 Lexington Road, Nicholasville • 859.885.6629

A community of vintage lovers that understand what it means to hunt down that unique signature item for every look. We do the digging and unearth the best vintage pieces for our customers.

952 N. Main Street, Nicholasville • 859.887.9263

It’s time to accessorize! Tickled Pink is one-of-a-kind shopping fun with an eclectic array of women’s clothing and jewelry, shoes, and accessories. Stop by and pick out the perfect gift for your best girlfriend or why not treat yourself? We have something for whatever your whim—and everything in between.

605 N. Main Street, Nicholasville • 859.885.1232

Fresh finds. New styles. Boutique on Maple. Your go-to women's boutique in Nicholasville, Kentucky for effortless style, standout pieces, and must-have new arrivals.

721 E. Maple Street, Nicholasville • 859.619.9111

The Bluebird Social is a fun mix of play cafe, social club, and curated children's retail. From Play Sessions in the morning to afternoon activities, there is something for every family and every budget at The Bluebird Social.

"We love this little town and the people that call it home. That's the reason for our story."

304 East Main Street, Wilmore

Local thrift shop that through caring hearts and helping hands to assist those in need in the community.

209 E. Main Street, Wilmore • 859.858.2819

Glow Skin Studio is a small, privately owned skincare studio in Wilmore, Kentucky. founded with one goal in mind - to make aesthetic treatments effective, safe and affordable for every woman and man. The skincare studio offers a modern and private setting for all your needs.

314 E. Main Street, Wilmore • 859.297.8991

Gold Flame Diecast is a brick and mortar store located in Wilmore, KY! We sell several brands of diecast but specialize mostly in Hot Wheels and Matchbox!

311 E. Main Street, Wilmore • 704.880.9975

Boutique in Wilmore specializing in local makers, creative workshop, and curated goods.

329 E. Main Street, Wilmore • 859.608.0499

A monthly concert series at the Performance Park in downtown Nicholasville. Hear live bands and join in on the excitement of downtown nightlife.

• Performance Park Series
• Downtown Nicholasville
• Stone Bridge Concert Series / Wilmore
• Rock Fence Park / Nicholasville
• Riney B. Park Stage / Nicholasville
• Wilmore on the Green / Wilmore

Many may recall the antics of “The Little Rascals” with their homemade coaster cars. Although these cars are not homemade, they do provide a day of nostalgia and fun as we watch the young drivers race down E. Main from the Post Office to the front of the old city hall building. Our local police will be present, monitoring the speed of these racers. Local shops will be open, and a food truck will be present. Also, an additional feature will be a mini antique/unique car show to browse between races. The event is free to attend and to participate in (must be 7 years old).

This annual fundraiser event features professional chefs and home cooks representing local restaurants, businesses and organizations. They prepare appetizers, entrees and desserts for attendees to sample, and all proceeds benefit community organizations.

Celebrate Kentucky’s thriving wine industry. Browse the booths of Kentucky wineries from across the state. Enjoy many Kentucky arts & crafts vendors, food vendors, Run for the Merlot, wine toss and inflatables for the kids. Wine-tasting tickets are available.

Held in Clint Hayden Park in downtown Nicholasville, this celebration features live music, food vendors as well as several kid-friendly activities including inflatables, face painting, and much more. Bring the entire family and commemorate the federal holiday at the action-packed event.

Come line Main Street and Lexington Ave. to watch your Hometown Parade! See the world-famous Lawnmower Brigade perform, hear the Jessamine County Community Band, get soaked by the Wilmore Aquatic Club, see the fire trucks, horses, tractors and so much more!

Annual storytelling festival featuring craft vendors, food vendors along with our tellers captivating your imagination.

Annual event held the 1st Saturday in October. High quality crafts and beautiful artistry with the small town charm of Wilmore! Pony rides, music & more!

Enjoy live music from our local bands, visit the petting zoo, ride ponies, tour the vehicles of our first responders, and much more!

Featuring Kentucky artists showcasing a variety of handmade merchandise, reasonable prices, and a well-stocked winery, so you can sip while you shop. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are also available. What better way to start Christmas shopping than by supporting local small businesses!

A time honored Christmas event that creates warmth and joy each year for all that attend. Featuring craft vendors, model trains, open houses, and tree lighting. Stroll down Main St for refreshments and the grand finale by the All Town Choir an experience the Christmas Spirit swirling around the streets of Wilmore.

Experience the spirit of the holidays with food vendors, kettle corn, a live nativity and petting zoo on the lawn of the County Courthouse. 5k run, festive parade, and even a visit from Santa himself. Come one, come all to a magical night in Nicholasville and make this great event a part of your family tradition.