Tourism

Paris is located twenty minutes from Lexington, KY. The scenic US 68 (Paris Pike) is lined with rolling county side and stunning horse farms. Paris has something for everyone.

It is a shopper's dream come true. Main Street Paris is the home to many antique stores selling everything from fine period pieces to country craftsman's work. From upscale boutiques to antique malls there is something for every style and budget. Paris is also a history buff's playground. With many historic attractions and its beautiful Small Town America Main Street, Paris is a must-see on any trip to Central Kentucky.

Regional Tourism:

The Hopewell Museum opened in 1995. It is located in an impressive Beaux-Arts style building on Pleasant Street in Paris, KY. On display are exhibits highlighting local history and Kentucky fine arts.
Wednesday - Saturday from Noon to 5 p.m., Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

The Treehouse  B&B at Stoner Creek sits just inside the City of Paris corporate limits, but is tucked between two internationally renown horse farms, Claiborne Farm and Hunterton Farm at Stoner Creek (formerly known as Stoner Creek Stud Farm). This Bed and Breakfast is nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s thoroughbred racing country, only 14 miles from Lexington and Keeneland racetrack.



Wallis Home and Arboretum, also located on Pleasant Street, is the state headquarters for the Garden Clubs of Central Kentucky. The refurbished house, built in the 1850s, and the breathtaking garden are open to the public. The Wallis Home is also available for receptions and parties.



Duncan Tavern, built in 1788, was visited by frontiersmen Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton. It is now the headquarters for the Kentucky Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The building has been furnished with rare Kentucky antiques, and boasts one of the finest historical and genealogical libraries in the state. Duncan Tavern is open for tours.



The newly remodeled Bourbon County Courthouse



Cane Ridge Meeting House, on Cane Ridge Road, six miles east of Paris. Built in 1791, it is the largest one-room log structure in the country. The log building is now housed inside a large stone structure, which protects it from the elements. The Cane Ridge Meeting House is the site of the Great Revival of 1801, where an estimated 25,000 worshippers gathered. The meeting house and museum are open to the public from April to October, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.



Colville Covered Bridge, built in 1877. It is the last covered bridge remaining in Bourbon County.


Directions from Vardens to Colville Bridge:
12.7 mi - about 23 mins
1.Head northeast on Main St/US-460 E/US-68-BR E toward E 5th St Continue to follow US-68-BR E (1.1 mi)
2.Continue on Millersburg Rd/US-68 (6.8 mi)
3.Turn left at KY-1893 (3.0 mi)
4.Turn right at Colville Rd/KY-3118 (0.5 mi)
5.Turn left to stay on Colville Rd/KY-3118 (1.2 mi)


Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Enjoy the great outdoors year-round at the campground, featuring 51 campsites with utility hookups and a central service building with showers, rest rooms, and on-site laundry.



Reed Valley Orchard. Just seven miles out of the Paris city limits, Reed's is halfway between Cynthiana and Paris, KY. Pick some fresh apples or berries; or walk down the nature trail nestled between a rippling creek and swaying cedars. Visit the historic Stagecoach Trail where Jesse James and his brother camped. Grab a picnic lunch from Varden's and head out to Reed's.

Houston Oaks Golf Course. This public course is ranked #8 in the state by Golf Digest magazine and features bent-grass fairways, tees and greens as well as a driving range and putting green.
(859) 987-5600

Bourbon Drive-In Movie Theatre, Corner US 68 and Jackstown Road, Paris. Located just a few minutes outside of Downtown Paris, this is one of the last remaining drive-in movie theaters in the state. The Bourbon Drive-in offers first run movies each weekend from early spring to late fall. Call (859) 987-2935 for more information.


Mary Todd Lincoln House 578 W Main Street, Lexington. In 1977, the girlhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln opened to the public and became the first house museum in America to honor a First Lady. Standing gracefully on West Main Street, this two-story, late Georgian structure was the home of the Todds from 1832 until 1849. At that time, a detailed inventory of the contents of the house was made and this inventory has proven invaluable in the current restoration. Today, the 14 room house contains period furniture, family portraits and furnishings from the Todds as well as the Lincolns. A garden reflects the charm of the original and a pleasant respite for visitors.

Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate 120 Sycamore Road, Lexington. The magnificent 18-room mansion stands in the heart of one of Lexington's most beautiful residential districts, a reminder of the rich heritage left by Henry Clay and his descendants. This National Historic Landmark houses the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation and historic house museum, boasting a rare collection comprised almost exclusively of original Clay family items. Several historic outbuildings, a formal garden and 17 acres of wooded parkland complete Ashland's graceful setting.

Keeneland Race Course 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington. (800) 456-3412. With its tranquil setting and lovely stone fences and buildings, this national historic landmark is one of the most genteel and beautiful racetracks in the world. Live Thoroughbred racing takes place in April and October and live Thoroughbred auctions are held several times a year. This prestigious attraction is one of the many reasons Kentucky is known as The Horse Capital of the World. Located 15 miles from Paris, KY.

Kentucky Horse Park4089 Iron Works Parkway Lexington, KY 40511 (800) 678-8813 The Kentucky Horse Park is unlike any other park in the world -- a showcase of museums, galleries, theaters, and working farm exhibits. More than 50 breeds of horses graze upon its 1,200 acres of lush pastures. The Horse Park is also an internationally known competition venue located right in the Horse Capital of the World, and site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The University of Kentucky Art Museum is located at the Singletary Center for the Arts at the corner of Rose and Euclid in Lexington. An impressive permanent collection is augmented by special traveling exhibits.

US 68/80 Heritage Trail, Take a trip along the scenic US 68. Shopping, lodging, sites, and history await you.

Brochures and maps of points of interest in Bourbon County, including a drive-it-yourself horse farm tour and a historic downtown walking tour, are available at the Paris-Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce (located in the Paris Municipal Building) , 525 High Street, Paris, Kentucky. Call 859-987-3205 for more information.