25 Mar Take a Day Trip to Paris (Kentucky, that is)
Paris is located just a short drive from cities like Lexington (35 minutes), Louisville (1 hour and 30 minutes) and Cincinnati (1 hour and 30 minutes), making it a great day trip spot for locals and travelers alike. One of the first nine counties that made up the Commonwealth of Kentucky when it became a state in 1792, Bourbon County is rich in history, from horses to bourbon and everything in between.
Famed horses like Secretariat, Sunday Silence, Danzig (and more recently, Mage, Animal Kingdom and Serena’s Song) and others have called the rolling hills of Bourbon County home at some point in their lives. Come immerse yourself in the spirit of Paris, Kentucky with this day trip itinerary!
TOUR
Meet some of the drafts and donkeys at BraveHearts Equine Center, Kentucky’s largest draft horse rescue, and hear about how BraveHearts rescues, rehabilitates and provides sanctuary for their residents. On a tour of BraveHearts you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with gentle giants like Belgians, Clydesdales and Percherons while learning more about their stories. BraveHearts Equine Center offers tours at 9am and 12pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
EXPLORE
Take a stroll through Downtown Paris and enjoy all of the charms of small town Kentucky, from boutiques and shops to locally-owned restaurants and more. The Bourbon County Horse Walk of Fame can be found throughout downtown Paris, featuring horse shoes and nameplates of some of Bourbon County’s most famous equine residents from the past and present, including Hall of Famer Serena’s Song (Denali Stud), Breeders’ Cup winner Midshipman (Jonabell Farm) and of course, Triple Crown winner Secretariat. While walking down Main Street, be sure to stop at the Mini Eiffel Tower (for a bit of Parisian flair, just on a smaller scale) and Secretariat Park, and check out stores like All About Kentucky, Loch Lea Antiques and the Paris/Bourbon County Farmers Market.
EAT
Head down a few blocks to Trackside at the Depot, a local favorite known for its great menu and wide selection of bourbon. Trackside is located in the historic Paris Train Depot, which as originally constructed in 1882. Renovations have taken place throughout the years, while still maintaining the charm and history of this Bourbon County landmark.
TOUR
Take a tour of Denali Stud from 2pm-3pm to get a behind the scenes look at one of Kentucky’s leading Thoroughbred nurseries. You’ll walk between the barns and paddocks to meet mares & foals while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Bourbon County, all while learning more about the art of raising top racehorses. Denali Stud offers tours at 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with 10am tours available on select dates.
EAT
Take a short drive down the road to Windy Corner Market for a bite to eat after your tours. This locally-owned and sourced restaurant is owned by local legend Ouita Michel, who also owns Wallace Station, Midway Bakery and more. Enjoy the comfort of home cooking (think burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood and more) and pick up some souvenirs in the market to take the taste of Kentucky home with you. During the spring & summer months, we recommend enjoying your food outside at one of the picnic tables to truly soak in the magic of the Bluegrass!
Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in spring and summer of 2025. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.
About Horse Country, Inc.
Based in Lexington, Ky, Horse Country is a not-for-profit membership organization that offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the equine industry through tours of member farms, veterinary clinics and other equine attractions in Kentucky. Check out Horse Country on social media: Instagram @visithorsecountry Facebook @visithorsecountry and Twitter @kyhorsecountry. For more information: www.visithorsecountry.com.