Jessamine County

Overview:

Just south of Lexington, in the middle of manicured horse farm country, is Jessamine County anchored by two National Register communities – Nicholasville and Wilmore – and the Kentucky River with majestic 500 foot cliffs on either side. Marvel at the natural beauty of the Kentucky River with its abundant wildlife by pontoon, tube or canoe.  See the River, Palisades and High Bridge (a national engineering landmark) from Historic High Bridge Park where you can also learn about the river’s history in the museum. Visit the site of the nation’s first commercial vineyard and taste the award winning wines. Stand in the midst of the Nation’s military heritage at Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park, the nation’s only site of its type available for interpretation – a Union Army Supply Depot, Training and Enlistment Center, African American Refugee Camp and Hospital Facility.  Next to the Park is Camp Nelson National Cemetery with grave sites from the Civil War to present day. Visit the county's unique museums and cherished landmarks such as the Hickman Creek Nature and Conference Center, Softball Hall of Fame, Kentucky NFL Hall of Fame, Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge, Wilmore Railroad Museum, Keene Springs, Lockmaster Institute and the historic downtowns of Wilmore and Nicholasville.

Places To Visit:

Alpha Farm-Equestrian programs, summer camp, ceramic classes, hay rides.
Lexington Quarry-Underground facility, geological formations.  Tours available by appointment.
Camp Nelson National Cemetery-Designated a national cemetery in 1868.  Over 2,200 Civil War soldiers buried at site including 1,600 from Camp Nelson and others from Kentucky Civil War battles including Perryville, Richmond and Covington.
High Bridge Park-View first cantilever bridge in North America which was also highest bridge over a navigable stream until early 20th century. Bridge was designated engineering landmark exhibited as a model in the Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institute.
Wilmore Railroad Museum-Caboose in downtown Wilmore features historical artifacts
Valley View Ferry-Oldest continuously operating Kentucky business. Crosses Kentucky River into Madison County. No charge.
Jim Beam Nature Preserve-1 mile nature trail above KY River
Taylor Made Farm-Thoroughbred breeding farm.  Tours by appointment
Ramsey Farm-Thoroughbred breeding farm.  Tours by appointment
Asbury College Equine Center-Riding trails and programs. By appointment.
Shadow Run Farm-Riding lessons by appointment for ages 6 and up.  Outdoor or indoor arena.
Tara Farm Equestrian Center-Riding and boarding facility for future riders.  Day camps and riding lessons.
Springhouse Gardens-Gardens, walking trail, nursery stock, flowers, gift shop, special programs


Places To Stay:

Cedar Haven Farm Bed & Breakfast-(859) 858-3849
Sandusky House & O’Neal Log Cabin-(859) 223-4730    
Corner House Bed & Breakfast-(859) 881-5229
Scott Station Inn Bed & Breakfast-(859) 858-0121
Duncan House at Mt. Pleasant Bed & Breakfast-(859) 881-8478
Potter’s Inn-(859) 858-0120
Sugar Creek Resort-(859) 885-9359
Asbury Inn-800.2.ASBURY (ext. 2156)
Turfmor Motel-(859) 858-4839
Super 8 Motel-(859) 885-9889
Holiday Inn Express-(859) 885-8080
Econolodge-(859) 887-8712


Places To Eat:

Chrisman Mill Vineyard-2385 Chrisman Mill Road (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
J. D. Legends-315 North Second St. (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Los’ Dos Amigos-107 Edgewood Plaza (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Iron Skillet-502 N. Main St. (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Nicholasville Cafe-111 N. Main St. (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Cottage Cafe-409 N. Main St. (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Solomon's Porch-111 Main St., E. (Wilmore, KY 40390)
Three Suns–An American Bistro-Brannon Crossing Centre (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Wahmei Chinese Restaurant-103 Edgewood Plaza (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
La Casa de Jose-334 E. Main St. (Wilmore, KY 40390)
Best Chinese Buffet-1035 N. Main St. (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Fiesta Mexico-801 S. Main St. (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Great Wall Chinese-104 E. Main (Wilmore, KY 40390)
Keene Springs Shoppe & Restaurant-Keene South Elkhorn (Keene, KY 40339)
El Potrillo-1073 N. Main St. (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Frisch’s Big Boy-891 Main Street, N. (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Golden Corral-110 Retail Road (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar-113 N. Plaza Drive (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Tastebuds-319 E. Main St. (Wilmore, KY 40390)
Victorian Rose Vintage Tea Room-313 Walters Lane (Wilmore, KY 40390)
Euro Wine Bar-Main Street (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Main & Maple Coffee House & Cafe-101 S. Main Street (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Gourmet Goodies-102 West Oak Street (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Sonny’s Barbeque-110 N. Plaza Drive (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Waffle House-1034 N. Main Street (Nicholasville, KY)
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers-101 E. Brannon Road (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Bob Evans-Brannon Crossing Centre (Nicholasville, KY 40356)
Panera Bread-Brannon Crossing Centre (Nicholasville, KY 40356)


Calendar Of Events:

  • Jessamine Jam-Main St. Playhouse, Nicholasville    (Monthly, 2nd Thurs.)
  • KY Wine & Vine Fest-Nicholasville (Mid May)
  • Memorial Day Commemoration-Camp Nelson National Cemetery (End of May)
  • 400 Mile Antique, Collectibles & Stuff Sale-Ichthus Grounds, Wilmore (1st Weekend June)
  • Blow Ye the Trumpets, Blow–historical drama-Camp Nelson Civil War Park (Early June)
  • Stonebridge Summer Concert Series-Downtown Green, Wilmore (Sat, June-August)
  • Gospel on the Green-Downtown Green, Wilmore (Fri. June-August)
  • Ichthus Christian Music Festival-US 68, Ichthus Grounds, Wilmore (Mid June)
  • 4th of July Festival-Wilmore (July 4)
  • County Fair-Fair Grounds, Nicholasville (July)
  • High Bridge Homecoming Festival-High Bridge Park, US 29    (Mid August)
  • J. D. Crowe Bluegrass Music Festival-Wilmore (Labor Day Weekend)
  • Music on Main-Clark Chapel, Wilmore (September)
  • Annual Fall Bluegrass Gospel Festival-Bethel Christian Church, Wilmore (Late September)
  • Camp Nelson Salutes the Equestrian Warrior-Camp Nelson Civil War Park (Early October)
  • Jessamine Jamboree-Nicholasville (Early October)
  • Arts & Crafts Festival-Downtown Wilmore (Early October)
  • Hoof N Nanny-Fair Grounds, Nicholasville (Mid October)
  • Veterans Day Parade & Festival-Wilmore (Nov. 8)
  • Christmas at Hall-Camp Nelson  (Early December)
  • County Holiday Kick-Off-Nicholasville (Early December)
  • Old Fashioned Christmas-Wilmore Downtown (Early December)
  • Holiday Follies Variety Show-Main St. Playhouse, Nicholasville (December)
  • New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance-Main St. Playhouse, Nicholasville (December)


Website:

www.destinationjessamine.com